Easter weekend was wonderful!

Happy Easter Monday!

 

For some, it's a holiday, so Happy Day to you all!!

 

Our weekend was packed with fun filled times. I honestly believe we all had a good time. The weather wasn't the greatest with the wind, but it was fine.

 

We dyed eggs on Saturday afternoon and had several of the grandkids in. When they tired of eggs, they played in the yard. Everything from tag to kickball to catch and blowing bubbles.

 

 

 

Sunday afternoon we had a good ol' Texas style BBQ. THAT is what makes Easter dinner to me. I did grow up with ham dinner for Easter, but when we were down south, nearly 20 years, we took on their traditions. Our meal this year consisted of smoked chicken breast, BBQ's chicken legs and BBQ'd brats. We had buns and tortillas for them to be eaten in. There was an array of cheeses and dips and appropriate dippers for munchers before the meal. It was hard not to stop and grab. Smelling the BBQing foods really got the taste buds goin'. And of course everyone had the special goodies I'd made. And then we had sides of zucchini casserole, potato casserole, macaroni salad, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, fruit salad, etc. And dessert. Missy made a Hoppy Easter cake, Dusty made a chocolate cake with peeps on top and I made orange fluff. Yummmmm.

 

Can't post pictures of Sunday. Oh how I wish I could. For a picture of the newest Sage rock band, message

me. :-)

 

~~~~~

 

Yes it was a lot different when we were kids, wasn't it? I remember waking up on Easter morning and having my own little egg hunt in the livingroom. There weren't any other kids so it was just me. I'd find my basket on the kitchen table and next to it would be the brand new purse from my grandmother. I'd be proudly carrying that to church after I put on my brand new Easter dress and hat. yep. Hat. Tradition. When we got home from church, we'd have dinner with my grandparents. Sometimes the meal was at our house and sometimes at Gramma's. Once grampa passed away, the tradition continued, but the place was always our house since gramma lived with us.

 

After cleanup time, we'd start getting ready to go to whichever aunt and uncle's turn it was. My dad's family rotated holiday get togethers. Easter was a fun one. I knew I'd be getting a giant egg. A genuine goose egg that my Aunt Dorothy had colored and painted our name on. My cousin and I would have fun playing while the adults played cards and laughed.

 

As a mom, I have a lot of memories that make me smile. Tying strings to the baskets and weaving them all over the house for each kid to find their basket. Hiding eggs and then hiding them again because someone had such a good time hunting. Making bunny prints on the floor so the kids would believe the bunny had come. Going to church as a family. And the food. Mmmmm eating a good meal with the best companions....family.

 

As a mimi, feelings are pretty mixed. Years like this year warm my heart. Even though we are now left out of much of the fun, at least this year we have memories of our family gathering at our home. These are memories that will take us on into the years where we sit on the porch rocking, wishing time had stood still a few years ago when the kids were young and active and we were madly dashing here and there after them all.

 

~~~~~

 

Before Easter we made a trip to a place called B A Sweetie. Great place!!

 

 

 

We didn't buy a lot since I was making our candy, but we did have a great time. If you ever want to theme a candy gift, buy nostalgic candies, or just enjoy the day in the land of sugar, head on in. It's on Brookpark. Off 480, coming from Akron, get off on Ridge Rd. Don't turn towards the Lowes, etc., turn under the highway. The first major light is Brookpark. Turn right. It will be on the right between Best Buy and K-mart.

 

~~~~~

 

And I'm also going to do a shout out about...

 

Dickey's BBQ Pit, 960 N. Court St., Medina, OH

 

Closest to what we consider REAL BBQ we've found. Awesome stuff! And a TON of food for the money!

 

~~~~~

 

Yay! I've missed playing! I got lottso on disc to play anytime. And if I choose, I can still play online. But I don't need to. :-)

 

~~~~~

 

Well folks, this mama is exhausted. I need to try and get some zz's. Later...

 

~~Mama Sage

Here I am! Did you miss me? lol

Once again I find myself wanting to apologize for not blogging.  I guess I don't have to any more though.  You that read my blog...regularly (???)...know that I'm here when I can be.  I still miss my daily blogging and am hoping that somehow my life and my body will cooperate one day in the future to be back to it. 

 

Unfortunately this isn't the only adventure in my life that's at a standstill.  And some aren't real convenient!  Take my basement.  Oh PLEASE take my basement!!  lol  I had all good intentions and have actually made a lot of progress, just not all I'd wanted to.  We started out really great!  I unloaded all the non-food things into the livingroom area of the basement.  The unwrecked rec is now the wrecked rec.  Then we put up the new shelving units next to the one we had, metal shelving that is capable of holding great weight.  I took all the canned, boxed and bagged pantry stuff and organized it and loaded it on the shelving.  We even made space for the microwave we keep down there on one of the shelves.

 

The next supposed task was to take all the kitchenware and partyware and condense it to fit into the old pantry shelving.  It's doored and I thought that would be a perfect way to keep it all handy.  Well it didn't work.  Just the items I'd shoved into the living area were too many.  I did put all my cake, cookie and candy making supplies in there.  I've got the punch bowls securely up on the tippy top shelf.  The cupcake stands are safe now.  And all the tablecloths, napkins, etc. are in where they'll stay cleaner.  I bagged or jarred the plastic cutlery.  Big jars of knives, forks and spoons.  Excess went into zippy bags and is stored in a "drawer" under the metal shelving.  But now I'm at a standstill.  I think we need one more of the new shelves and I'll dispose of another not real handy cupboard unit.  It's going to be hard to get rid of some of that Tupperware, but I think it may be time.  I'm going to keep all the party servers, cake and pie takers and all my modular mates.  Most everything else will likely go.  So sad.  I'm still a Tupperware lady at heart.  You don't sell it for as long as I did and not have it become a part of you.  I took it to heart when I told people that there are just a few things they needed to know about Tupperware.  And one of those was you should put it in your will.  lol

 

I still do have the plan going, it's just moving quite slow.  Once I get through all that stuff and crush the relationship between me and my crisp-its, I'll be well on my way to the next phase of the rooms down there.  The plastic shelving all the Tupperware was on will go away.  We'll put something as a riser of sorts to keep things off the actual cement floor and I'll be stacking Christmas totes where those shelves will have once stood.  Not before going through them, of course. 

 

Now breaking up with my Tupperware family will be hard enough!  I don't even want to think too much about going through all my Christmas stuff.  It's not a love / hate thing with me.  It's a love thing period.  Every thing I have has meaning.  To get rid of any of it will be like tearing off an arm.  But it's a must.  This is a big house but it's not big enough for all we have in it.  Time to thin down.

 

After I see the areas all clean and clear, I'm hoping that someone will have the heart to put down my red carpet.  We bought it over a year ago and I'm really, really wanting it in.  The stair carpet MUST be replaced.  The room just needs to be.  Badly!  And the red will look so cool in my Coca Cola room!!

 

The kitchen is looking better every day.  I'm gaining counter space by making decisions.  Got rid of the knife holder.  It was a dirt grabber.  And my little grabby-kins was getting too close to wanting to grab those nice silver "toys!"  No catastrophes please.  Won't be long before the drawers will need drawer locks.  The cabinet locks have done great. 

 

I still haven't filed things.  ~~sigh~~  I hate it with a passion!  I do have it sorted and ready.  It's just the physical part needing done.  I've even got the shredding gathered.  I'll do that mindless task one day when I have nothing to do.  hahahahaha  Now when would THAT be??  Not to worry.  I have until either Tuesday or Wednesday to get it all done.  Tax man day.  I've got things in there needing to go see him and they must be gathered.

 

Food food food.  Eh.  Nothing real thrilling.  Tonight we had reubens.  I had leftover corned beef that I shredded and heated in a skillet.  When I went to the R Store today they didn't have any rye bread but they had dark wheat bread.  Good dark bread!  Pepperidge Farm.  We took two slices and laid them out.  Shredded corned beef on one; sauerkraut on the other.  Slathered them with some fat free thousand islands dressing and put a slice of swiss cheese on each.  Put them together and cooked them in the toaster oven until the brown bread was "browned."  Tasted pretty darn good!

 

I'm still doing some of the little tricky things I've made habits.  Like today we went to Lake Varsity Diner to meet Missy and her friend Shelly.  Shelly had her granddaughter and we had Melanie and Emmi with us.  I got the cheddar topped burger they serve with apple butter.  I took the burger without the bun.  I also had them do the applebutter on the side.  I only used half the amount I would have had if I'd gotten it on the burger.  I didn't miss the bun at all.  I did eat the fries but didn't get seconds.  Yes seconds.  They have bottomless couch potatoes.  lol 

 

I kind of do the same thing with salad dressing.  I get it on the side and eat it weird.  I dip my fork into the dressing and THEN I grab a bite.  That little bit that sticks to the fork gives it plenty of flavor.  Again, I generally use half of what I'm given.  Way less than if they blop some on the salad.

 

I'm extremely sore and tired tonight but I have to add the funny thing I saw the other day.  My granddaughter Kennedy and I were headed to the bank and store.  Across the street we see one of THE ....  Well it was a butt.  And plasted across that butt were the letters P E A C E.  Now I'm sorry, but if my child E VER tried to walk out advertising peace OR piece, I'd have to lasso them back in and make them change!! 

 

Well enough for tonight.  I'm heading into the bedroom to get my aching body in a reclining position.  I hurt so bad I can't stand it.  Until next time..

 

~~Mama Sage

Wednesday....the 21st.

Today was a weird day for meals but tomorrow will be worse. Today I had to fast for bloodwork. Tomorrow I have my CT for the hernia and breakfast will be a no go again and after drinking that....stuff....I won't be much in the mood for food for a while.

 

Lunch:

After the bloodwork, on the way to the kids', we stopped at McD's for fish. Fast, easy and available. I ate two of the fish patties w/ the minute square of cheese and only the bread that stuck to the cheese. I did eat the fries while waiting for them to correct the order and give us the fish. I was doggone hungry!

 

Dinner:

I called it dinner when I grabbed some brisket, a cheese stick and a little apple. I called it dessert when I ate the 20 peanuts.

 

I also drank two cups of milk, a bottle of gatorade and lots of water.

 

Still hungry and tummy talking, I grabbed a banana before bed.

 

I always have juice or G2 with my miralax. Tonight it was G2.

 

My protien today was actually too high. My goal is no more than 65. (Changed by the dietician yesterday.)Calories were fine. Low. 1095. I need to have plenty of veggies daily and know I fell way short. I'll have to make up for it after this CT tomorrow. Why the CT?  They are pretty sure I have another hernia.

 

And then you take the next step

 

When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long. 

Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. 

Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. 

The past cannot be changed. 

The future is yet in your power.

~~Hugh White

 

~~~~~

 

It's getting exciting finding more and more people for reunion every day.  Just yesterday I got in touch with two more of the "kids" by phone after a lengthy online search.  It's amazing what's on the internet about each of us.  With a little bit of thinking about what I find and adding the 2's to get 4, I'm coming up with connections.  I really wish I could get fellow classmates to brainstorm with me.  Sometimes it takes just a clue to get me in contact.  I may not remember who someone's close friends were or what they did for a living, but you might.  It could be the answer to getting more notified of this reunion and get us all back in touch again.

 

~~~~~

 

Did you know ...

 

~~ COUPONS ~~ 

 

AND the store in Stow and the one in Kent have separate specials too!  If you buy X amount you get product #1, X amount also #2 and sometimes X amount adds one more freebie.

 

~~~~~

 

Cliff and I are having such fun playing lottery tag.  We started out with $20 in winners I'd been hanging on to for a while.  We took them and got more scratch offs with them.  We played for two days and ended up with a hand full of entries so hopefully you Ohio friends and family will see our names as upcoming contestants on Cash Explosion.  Cross your fingers!  ...and your toes, your legs, your arms and anything else crossable!

 

~~~~~

  

I'm really loving American Idol this season.  So many awesome singers!  It's hard to decide who's my favorite.  I really don't think I'll chose one this year.  I'm going to just watch and enjoy each of the episodes. 

 

~~~~~

 

It's been so good to have windows open this last couple weeks.  I did break down and close the windows today.  Mostly because Cliff has to sleep in the evening and it doesn't mesh well with the parties next door.  We also blacked out our bedroom windows today.  It's necessary.  At night we have the street light shining in and in the day we have the sunlight blazing through.  I'm hoping on a not so noisy evening he'll be able to sleep easier.  No one else in the area lives our schedule and that does make it hard.

 

~~~~~

 

We sold the camper.  Yep.  Camp no more.  It's okay.  We didn't get what we wanted for it by any means, but at least we no longer have the responsibility of it. I'll miss it.  I know I will.  But we can still go out to visit Kris and Darlene and keep in touch with the people we met out there.  Countryside is still an awesome place especially if you're camping with family.

 

Once we gather some vacation time, we'll enjoy the time share more I think.  And it is something we can take the kids with us on too.  It's all good.

 

~~~~~ 

A fun website I found...

 

~~ CROCKIN GIRLS ~~

 

~~~~~

 

Emmi's mommy has been on vacation now for a week and I've been tackling some of the projects that can't be done when I'm babysitting daily.  I still have two major ones.  I've not even got a good start on the basement and in the next four days I want it done.  Plus I have the ... ugh ... filing to do.  It'll happen.  Somehow. 

 

I'm missing my girlie.  When you get used to having a little one in the house all the time you really miss it when they're gone.

 

~~~~~

 

We're getting ready for summer weddings.  Corry and Angel are tying the knot on May 26th and Dusty and Leon are strolling into wedded bliss on June 30th.  I'm not sure what I'm going to be needed for if anything but they know I'm available.  Actually I'm working on a couple projects for Angel.  Dusty hasn't enlisted my help yet.  And...Mimi says if she wants it, she'd better let me know!  >>big smile<< 

 

~~~~~

 

Our little CJ, Corry, Jr., is getting so big.  We've watched him a little while a couple days recently and he's pulling up on me and rocking on hands and knees when he's on the floor.  When he's rockin' away and flops down, the one leg bends and he scoots.  Pretty close to a crawl.  And his smile is beautiful!  His whole face smiles.  I love it!

 

~~~~~

 

I have done a lot in the kitchen and have it about to my liking for now.  I haven't done the deep clean, but I've done some purging and organizing.  I want to do a few other things but they're things I can do a bit at a time as time allows. 

 

~~~~~

 

While I've been going through my kitchen stuff, memories have invaded.  I started thinking about how we did school day breakfasts.  On the weekends, I'd cook up a mess of pancakes, waffles or muffins or whatever.  Then I'd bag them in portions in the freezer.  Each kid could choose their fancy and nuke them in the morning before heading out the door. 

 

I also make lots and lots of puddings and jellos.  When I could, I'd toss in sugar free.  No one cared.  It's was all good to them.  Those were mostly for school lunches.  When we got pizza, we'd get the deal of the day.  Then I'd freeze leftovers in portions and it was ready for a snack. 

 

When you can, cut corners I always say.  I liked the make it yourself stuff.  I felt it was part of my job description. 

 

~~~~~

 

I also started thinking about how much I genuinely used my Tupperware steamer.  Probably every meal!  I was the kind of mom who tried to make sure the kids got plenty of veggies and fruits.  Veggies in the steamer were fast, easy and better than drowning them in a pan on the stove.  "Baked" potatoes in the microwave were super and fast.  Lots of things to use it for.  I still use it, but with just the two of us most of the time, not as much.

 

~~~~~

 

Pretty ingenious.  We were driving down the road and passed a guy wheeling a port-a-crib down the sidewalk.  I thought, okay.  He's watching the little one and had something to do.  Not so.  When we got closer, the crib was filled with his laundry. 

 

~~~~~

 

Never noticed that before.  Hmm.  We pulled up to the post office and there was a sign in the lawn.  "Evacuation assembly area" for customers.  Hmm.

 

~~~~~

 

Really got a lot done on the basement today.  All the canned goods are moved onto the metal shelving.  The boxed and bagged, etc. is ready for the shelves I'm hoping Cliff gets together tomorrow.  All the non-food has been moved into the sitting area.  And...you can't sit!  lol  Soon.  Very soon. 

 

I found a few more things to get rid of too.  Put away all the games we brought home from camp.  Most.  Poop!  I forgot about the ones in the closet!  POOP!  Tomorrow.  I want all the games in the cabinets when you first come down the stairs.  Except card games.  Those are in the big drawer on the fireplace unit.  And the poker chips, card shuffler, holders, divided canasta dealie, etc.  Sifted through all the party stuff.  I haven't saved a whole lot.  So much had gotten fully used up and was tossed.  I do have the luau stuff and some flowery center piece thingies.  And a box of tableclothes and a box of napkins.  All kinds! 

 

While I was down there, I got the laundry done.  We did steak, loaded mashed potatoes and corn and peppers for dinner.  Also have corned beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery in the crock pots (yes with an s) that I'll turn on in about an hour.  I'm cooking it on low all night.  Mmmm.  The smell will be so good!  I know.  Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day.  But I didn't shop until yesterday and didn't get it ready to cook early enough for it today.  So.  Tomorrow we'll pretend it's the 17th while I do the bills and hope to find a pot of gold.

 

Hugs...

 

~~Mama Sage

catsup? ketchup? or Catch Up?

I think Catch Up.  It's time again.  I really wish I could find it in myself to blog nightly again.  It just isn't happening for me and I can't quite figure out why I can't get back in that habit.  Back on thatspace when I had a huge following, I was so excited every night to sit down and write my blog.  And the people I met through that blog were super.  I'm still in contact with many of them today.  We've become more than just blog friends, we've learned much about each other and genuinely care.  I feel like I've gotten to know some even better than people I can physically interact with.  We've shared so much!

 

My goal will forever be to blog regularly again.  And I will.  I'm not sure when, or how, but I will. 

 

~~~~~

 

I have notes day to day to day to day, but I'm thinking that's way too long and boring to blog.  Y'all who do follow me know pretty much what my days are all about.  Let me, instead, hit the highlights.

 

~~~~~

 

The diagnosis is in.  I do have Sjogrens.  I don't know a whole lot about it yet.  I know it's an autoimmune disease, as is the fibromyalgia, and many times the two go hand in hand.  I know some don't think they exist.  Let me tell you something.  They do.  And I hope that you don't have them invade your body.  Things come back to you.  And many end up humbled. 

 

The aches and pains, fatigue, all are also a part of this new thing too.  What's new is all the drying.  My mouth dries so bad at night that it actually glues itself shut.  That's tough!  It was really bad when I had the lip biopsy, part of the diagnosis.  From it, we know my salivary glands are lacking.  My ears flake and I have no wax at all.  My eyes dry and itch.  My skin is dryer than it has ever been in my life.  I never had trouble with my skin.  And my feet.  Ugh they're awful!  I guess the tingly and numbness can also be attributed to Sjogrens. 

 

So I'm learning lots about me and how my life will be.  There are a lot of OTC temporary helps and I'm going to be on two new meds.  I also have to see an opthamologist because it can cause black spots.  ???  I still have lots to learn there.  I was told the eye doc will likely put me on drops or cream too.  And my teeth falling apart is also part of it.

 

~~~~~

 

And there was the bread adventure.  I bought two carts full of bread for a very good price.  After passing it around the family in boxes and bunches, I came home and made huge jugs of croutons and bags and bags and a jug of crumbs.  15 bags if I remember right.  All varieties.  It will be interesting using them.  I know my mother-in-law made a bunch too.  Don't know what the others did with it all.

 

~~~~~

 

I found out just recently I have a niece with Cystic Fibrosis.  I had no idea!  She's just a wee one, not yet 2.  If you would all please put little Reese on your prayer lists it would be very much appreciated.  She's also raising money to fight the cause.  If anyone is interested, you can donate at

 

Help Reese raise money for Cystic Fibrosis

 

Thanks.

 

~~~~~

 

Another cool deal thing I did was the chicken legs.  I got a 10 pound bag of chicken legs for 5.90.  I put them in two crock pots and cooked them overnight.  I turned them into two big bags and one small bag of chicken, several bowls of stock and a meal.  Good deal!  The two bags were too full and I have to use only 1/2 at a time per dish.  Tonight I did a penne chicken broccoli alfredo with some.  Mmm.  Also have done chicken salad and chicken tortilla soup.  I used some of the broth in the soup and some to make Haluski.  Be proud of me!  I found out the "cabbage noodles" have a real name!  lol  Haluski.

 

~~~~~

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

 

     2-3 c chopped chicken
     1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies
     15 oz tomato sauce
     2 cans or equivalent homemade chicken broth
     1 can cheese soup
     2 carrots, chopped
     1 can whole kernel corn

     1 can cream corn
     1 Vidallia onion, chopped
     1/2 t. garlic garlic
     1/2 t  cumin
     1/2 t. chili powder
      a little salt and pepper
      a few sprigs of cilantro, chopped
Put all ingredients in your crock pot and crock it!  When the veggies are tender, it's done.

 

~~~~~

 

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

 

     Boil or steam broccoli until it starts to soften just a bit.

     Boil penne pasta to al dente

     Add about a dozen thick sliced mushrooms and one slice onion along with the broccoli to a wok size skillet and cook until onion and mushroom have softened.  Add in about 3/4 c. cooked, chopped chicken.  Add one jar alfredo sauce (I had one or I'd have made my own.) and a good helping of fresh grated parmesan cheese.   When all are mixed and sauce is hot, it's done.

 

~~~~~

 

Keep in mind with the recipes that I do use fat free or low fat when I can, sodium free or low sodium as I can.  I'm not to count calories now, but I still want to pay attention to those things.  What they have me counting now (the bariatric team) is protein.  I'm to eat 50 - 60 grams of protein a day and consume at least 64 oz. of liquid.  Calories shouldn't go off the map, but I don't need to count them.  I also do watch sugar.  I need to after surgery anyhow. 

 

~~~~~

 

I've been having a ball working on the reunion stuff.  I took on the job of verifying addresses and finding people.  It's awesome. It's been exciting getting back in touch with people.  It wasn't good to find an obituary for one classmate.  That was kind of a shock.  But I know we have lost many, many classmates.  It's still so shocking when I hear of another.  And we have a couple in nursing homes too.  Why is it that I feel so young...until reality hits me upside the head!

 

~~~~~

 

Oh boy did I have a GOOD time with Kennedy her last weekend here!  She and I went to the thrift store and we came home with two huge bags!  Little of this, little of that.  Little dresses for Emmi while we potty train.  A few fun toys.  Ya.  Good stuff.  She got a pair of shoes that looked like new plus a skirt and shirt for dress up. 

 

~~~~~

 

Whoa boy!  We have a few wedding coming up.  I dug out my wedding dress.  Whoa boy I do NOT want to get quite THAT thin!  Good thing it's out of realistic expectations!  Was I really that ridiculously skinny??  And small as mine was, my sister's was smaller.  My one granddaughter is a skinny minnie.  And I don't know that it would fit her!  She's just 13!!  But I did find the little flower girl dress that 3 year old Kennedy wore in Kris and Darlene's wedding.  Awe.  If any of our little girls needs it for a wedding, it's in good shape.  :-)

 

~~~~~Death ends a life, not a relationship.

I now have three favorite apps on my phone.  Mine is an android but I'm sure if you have an iPhone, you can get the same ones or similar ones. 

 

OUT OF MILK

     This one is awesome.  I can make my grocery list on my phone.  I can set up more than one.  If I want to make one for each store and their specials I can.  I can make a pantry list.  Cool beans. 

 

MY FITNESS PAL    

     This one is helping me a lot now.  On it, I track what I eat and it puts in the nutrition info.  It keeps track of all the things I need to know to fill in my book for the bariatric team.  I can also track my weight and measurements if I choose, my water intake and my exercises.  I gotta work on that exercise part.  I'm not good at being consistent.

 

KEY RING    

     This one is new to me.  Rusty told me about it and Darlene has it.  You scan in all your key tags and your loyalty tags, your box store and grocery store cards and you've got it.  Always.  As long as you have your phone.

 

Oh I have four.

 

STATE FARM

     I've signed up and downloaded the mobile app and now all my insurance cards are there on my phone whenever I need them.

 

~~~~~

 

And so now I'm pissed! I was NOT untruthful on my psych test. I was totally truthful. However, it DID ask questions that had no bearing on me. I do not HAVE co-workers. And yes. My family IS a great family that DOES get along quite tremendously I might say. And some of your questions were not properly worded. Grammar, folks, grammar. (That didn't affect the outcome but it is a pet peeve.  Professionals should come off professional.)  I had to it again on Friday. And guess what!! The answers will be the same!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  Although now...I am angry. VERY angry. Some answers actually might have changed. And I kept note of some the idiocies that were on it. If you are preparing a test that is to measure whatever of anyone, you need to make it APPLY TO ANYONE!  And it didn't.  And some questions could be accurately answered with true OR false! 

 

But now it's over.  I've done it the second time.  I did call the kid administering it to task over some questions.  Only five.  He couldn't answer my question on one in particular.  He was actually agreeing with me via his body language but because he was "the professional" couldn't.  I imagine they will either give me the same test a third time or have me go back to talk to the doc.  I know I shocked the kid (he was younger than my own kids) when I told him that if it stopped me from having the surgery I'd tell them screw you and go on and find my own way to get thin and healthy.  I am, after all, losing weight.  Just way slower than I need it to happen.

 

Yes.  A psychological evaluation is a part of the regime you go through to have bariatric surgery.

 

~~~~~

 

Insanity:  doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

~~Albert Einstein

 

And can I rephrase that to say...

 

Insanity:  having someone doing the same thing over and over again and expecting to get different results.

 

~~~~~

 

My next big food do was 16 pounds of strawberries.  We'd gone to the R Store and to Hartville Flea Market with Missy and picked up two flats of berries.  I had already gotten a few inside before we checked the outside vendors.  After Missy took a bunch, I had 16# total to handle.  I cut them up and got them ready to "sugar" for shortcake.  I didn't want to do all sugar so I used mostly splenda with just a little real sugar to quicken the juicing.  I let them sit overnight and they still weren't juicy enough so I gave it one more day.  They are wonderful.  I thinnk they might have taken the extra time because of my substitution.  But, eventually it did work.

 

Putting up your own food, whether you can it, freeze it, dehydrate it or whatever gives you the ability to control what's in it.  You don't have preservatives and things you can't pronounce.  You decide if and how much salt or sugar it has.  It's up to you.  And...you're sure you've cleaned it properly.

 

~~~~~

 

An extended family member lost their mother and it brought me back once again to feeling the sadness of losing my own parents.  Looking for a quote for this blog, I came across this one which just hit home...

 

~~Jack Lemmon

 

Very simple.  Very to the point.

 

~~~~~

 

What cool kids we have!  I don't like my house cluttered, but you know what?  If it's to pass this to this one and that to that one, I'm good with it.  Right now I have things in the dining room waiting to be passed on.  I'll be glad when my own things are in better order so I can have an area for this sort of thing that isn't in my main living area.  It's just so GOOD to know that they all think of each other and pass things on. 

 

~~~~~

 

It's been great watching how all the family members are planning their weddings.  Dusty and Leon's is coming together.  I love watching as my kids play the parent role in that one.  And the others in the works are coming together too.  This next year will be something!  I'll be putting the camera to task a lot!!!  lol

 

~~~~~

 

Now we've come to the end of the blog.  I don't know that it's really time to end it, but I'm done for now.  I promise to be back, I just don't know when.  It'll happen though.  Just you wait and see. 

 

Love and hugs...

 

~~Mama Sage

Yes. I do owe you one.

I'm in the doctor's office a lot these days and I've made some observations. 

 

When dealing with aging parents or others in our life we should learn to

 

    Laugh with them while you have them. Not because you think its funny...because they do.
    Realize you are gettin up there too.

    Teach your young families that old folks are a blessing not an inconvenience.
    Show love in any way you can.

    Don't lose patience. Not too many years ago they had lots of patience with you.
    Don't speak muffled and always face them. Ears don't always work well as we age.

 

And with the younger set we need to remember

 

    To give them some room to learn.  They don't learn when you do it for them all the time.

    Let them explore safely.  We learn from trial and error.  If we don't try we won't err and then we won't learn.

    Let them make reasonable noise.  People in the room are generally way more tolerant than you think

    Let them socialize.  

    Letting them speak or smile will not mean they will think they can always talk to strangers. 

    Children need to learn when it's fine and when it's not. 

    Don't compare your child to others in the room.  All children learn and grow at their own pace.

 

~~~~~

 

Wednesday...

 

My fun food of the day was deer jerky.  I didn't eat any, but I made two trays full in my dehydrater.  I still have the old, old one.  Big and roomy.  I can do lots!  Now for some more deer meat.  Any hunters out there wanting to pass some on?

 

CJ came to see me with Mommy and Daddy.  He is just getting so big!  And he has the most adorable smile.  Little Corry, Jr. will brighten up any day!

 

I spent some time filling up the what not cabinet the kids gave me.  We needed to get some brackets for it and replace a missing shelf.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.  The brackets were in the garage already and the shelf was cheap.  Cliff went down the the nearby glass shop and they cut it and ground the edges while he waited for $5.  I love it.  I put some of my clear and color glass serving pieces in it.  Some were mine, some gramma's and some my mom's. 

 

I worked on a scarf for Kennedy. We had picked up the pretty yarn when we went to the craft store for a birthday gift.  Pretty teal and pretty purple both with a silvery stip in them.  Yes.  If you give me the yarn, I'll be happy to make one for you too.  Or...I still have tons in my totes for sale.  This winter might not have been great for selling them, but there's always next year.

 

Meals today were a little off.  Since I got my lip worked on and it still has stitches, eating just isn't real fun.  I knew I'd need to get in my protein, so instead of a regulation breakfast when I got up, I had baked rigatoni.  It was homemade so I knew how much fat and salt was NOT in it.

 

For my lunch, I thought I'd try a soft pretzel  It really wasn't all that soft, so I gave it to Nelly.  Still hungry, I opted for strawberry applesauce.

 

Dinner was a salad and to boost the protein, I made 1/2 a peanut butter sandwich on heavy bread.  Since I couldn't bite into it without tearing up the lip, I tore the sandwich in itty bits and at it that way.

 

I felt a little puny in the evening so I chose some grape tomatoes and a big glass of skim milk with Ovaltine for a snack.

 

~~~~~

 

Rusty introduced me to a cool app for my phone.  I have a Samsung smart phone.  It's called Key Ring.  You scan in all your store loyalty cards and it keeps them on the phone.  If I have it right, we can then just have them scan our phone instead of digging around for the cards.  I also put in my AAA and AARP and zoo card....all sorts of things.

 

~~~~~

 

Thursday...

 

We are definitely filling our pantry again.  I had been trying to do a use-it-up on all the foods in the house.  Once I get to a certain level, it's time to fill 'er up!!

 

At the R store, our local grocery outlet, I was able to stock on beans, chips for Kennedy, fruit juices, fruit-cicles, oats, white whole wheat flour, sour cream, cheese packs with ready chosen cheeses to go with wines, free candy, free baby food, yogurt, breads, cottage cheese, Tatar sauce packets. 

 

We then went to their flea market store and found baking chocolate bars for .25 each! and picked up a couple other little things.  While there, we stopped at the produce counter and got onions, potatoes, scallions, tomatoes, and peppers.

 

Our next stop was BJ's.  We got two small serving trays of sweet potatoes marked down, toilet paper, sparkling water, and I don't remember what else.  Used coupons and picked up on clearance. 

 

Today was not good for eating though.  I started the day with Papa bringing me breakfast of steak egg and cheese bagel and oj.  I loved it and was very appreciative.  I wanted it.  But...it did me in with calories.  The good part is I'm not supposed to worry about calories, only protein.  The other good part is I still stayed within my own limits of 1930 calories a day. 

 

Lunch was homemade ham, veggie and cheese quiche and so was dinner.  It was easy to eat. 

 

But I had mini donuts and oj for a snack.  I know!  But it didn't bust me off the calorie or fat or sugar chart and it was easy to eat.     

~~~~~

 

Friday...

 

Emmi wanted a banana for breakfast and I thought it sounded pretty good, so we shared.  I also had rigatoni just because and Em talked me into mini donuts.  They need to go away!  I am MUCH too tempted by them!

 

I made a potato corn, carrot and bacon chowder for lunch and we had that and peanut butter crackers,

and for dinner we went out with Papa's work crowd to a place we'd never been to.  We'd heard a lot about Dontino's but never tried it out until now.  We love it.  I got a salad with sweet and sour dressing, perch and some really good veggies.  I ate part of a piece of Italian bread but it hurt my lip.

 

When we got home and I was adding proteins, I realized I hadn't had enough so I ate a few slices of 97% fat free honey shaved ham.  Not bad at all.  I was still lacking so before bed I ate some peanut butter.

 

~~~~~

 

Saturday...

 

We had Emmi today and went shopping at her request.  lol  She was so funny.  She kept telling us more shopping until she'd had her fill and wanted to go to Mimi's to play with her toys.  Silly girl.  She wasn't real happy when our first stop was for gas, but ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.  We were lucky to find gas at Sam's for 3.10 when all the surrounding stations were shooting up, up, up to a high of 3.49.  Man what a rip!

 

After gassing up, we headed to the bread store.  Emmi wanted donuts.  lol  We shouldn't have...but we did.  We also wanted buns for sloppy joes, some oyster crackers for tomato soup, and some bread crumbs and croutons.  Well boy howdy I did NOT buy the croutons and crumbs!  Would've broke the bank!  I did pick up a bargain on bread and brought it home to make my own.  And I got enough for all the kids.  We delivered bread to Kris and Darlene, Missy, her friend Leah, Corry and Angel, one loaf to Rusty and Cait, and I have some for my mother-in-law.  Also filled our littlest freezer with the better wheat bread and a couple good buns.  Oh and I got a couple soup mixes for a quick fix supper.  Dehydrated ingredients.  They'll last a while.

 

We met Kris and Darlene at GFS.  He had called to tell me they had chorizo.  Cool.  Good stuff too.  I had a $5 off $50 coupon so I picked up things like perogies, some ground meat that was a bargain and red and white sprinkles marked way down. 

 

After we delivered bread to everyone, we came on home because little Emmi was ready to play, play, play. CJ came a while too and we played.  He's getting so big!

 

I was pretty whipped after the big day.  Didn't do much else at all!!  lol

 

Meals.  I did oj and donuts for breakfast.  Not what I should be having, but we had doooooonutttttts.  They gotta G O !!

 

Lunch was some of a filet of fish (only at a little bit of the bun and I scraped off about 90% of the tartar sauce), plus I ate the meat, cheese and vegs off a double burger.  No bun. I was craving the meat and veggies.  I ate about 1/2 of a small order of fries too.

 

Dinner was a homemade sloppy joe on a heavy bun, broccoli salad and strawberries.  And for dessert?  Yes, more donuts.  And believe it or not, I was still within limits.  Just not eating what I should.  This will change.  ( as soon as the donuts are gone )

 

~~~~~

 

Sunday...

 

I only babysat a little bit on Sunday.  They kids' schedules overlapped by just a bit.  We didn't have time to do much together, but I did get my daily hugs and kisses.  :-)

In the afternoon, we went to see the play Bingo that one of our friends was in.  It was so much fun.  If you are in this area and have the chance, try to see it next weekend, it's last weekend.  Hudson Players.  Great show!! 

When we got home, I was dog tired.  I cleaned up kitchen and cut up the bell peppers and bagged them for freezing.  I think the next ones I get I'll dehydrate so I have some in multiple types of storage. 

 

Breakfast was two slices of cinnamon swirl bread and a banana today. 

 

Lunch started with an appetizer at Zeppe's.  We stopped in after the play with Kris and Darlene.  I ate one mozzarella triangle, three mushrooms, one piece of boneless wings, and 2 jo jo's.  Next course was a salad.  I got sweet and sour dressing.  The main course ended up being my lunch and my supper.  I got linguini with a mix of alfredo and marinara.  It had grilled chicken breast and steamed broccoli too.

 

Along with that leftover pasta dish, I drank milk with ovaltine and ate...a couple donuts.  SMACK!

 

~~~~~

 

Nearly every night ends with an oj to take meds with.  After the one problem I had after a surgery, they put me on Miralax every night. 

 

~~~~~

 

Monday...

 

I started my day today with cinnamon burst cheerios with skim milk.  Eating cereal or eggs seems to make me feel best. 

 

My first task of the day ended up being the main task.  I started making croutons and crumbs.  After perusing all my spices and tossing a few too old to use, I decided to do some croutons with ranch and some with Molly McButter Cheddar and pepper mixing them with olive oil.   

 

I didn't end up doing the crumbs but I now have a plan for them.  All the buns will go into crumbs.  I will make some rye, some wheat and some white crumbs.  I'm using the dehydrator and oven because I have so much to do!!  lol

 

We went out to camp again today for naught.  I wish one of the lookers would become a buyer.  I really, really want it sold. 

 

My evening ended up being a sit down night.  I spent hours moving pictures from an old phone into files, texting them to the new phone, etc.  Done now.  ...  she sighs.

 

My meals today were okay I guess. 

 

I had a sloppy joe and one of those Iala fudge bars for lunch, and a ham sandwich on sandwich thin bread and an apple for supper.  For a snack, feeling pretty weak, I ate the leftover cabbage and potatoes and drank ovaltine again.  Love that stuff and it's got no caffeine.

 

So now my legs are acting up and I'm needing to get up to bed.  Signing off folks....

 

Hugs to all...

~~Mama Sage

I hate restless legs!

One change at a time and each change becomes mine.

 

Monday...

This was a very achey day. I haven't a clue if it was the fibromyalgia acting up or if there was something else going on. I just know I hurt.

 

I got our tickets to Hudson Player's BINGO. I know it's going to be good. And the cool thing is I called a friend who is in it and she sort of helped me get prime seats. To us at least. I guess where we're sitting we will be hassled a lot. Cool! That should be fun!

 

Breakfast was oatmeal with blueberries and milk. And half an apple.

 

Lunch was rigatoni, broccoli salad and some blueberries. Just a couple.

 

Dinner was leftover goulash over noodles. And just to pack the protein I finished up the rest of the smoked brisket Rusty did.

 

I've also been drinking a big glass of Ovaltine milk each night when I think about it. Ovaltine has no caffeine and does have just a bit of protein.

 

~~~~~

 

Tuesday...

 

I do enjoy being spoiled, and I definitely appreciate my gifts but I don't care a lot for all the hoopla of Hallmark holidays. I know Valentine's Day does have a legitimate history, but I still consider it a Hallmark holiday. I love my plant and card though. Very nice! But mostly I look at this day as a good day to reflect on all the loves in my life.

 

Long day today. We had a split shift with Emmi today unexpectedly. When someone calls off work as happened at Rusty's job today, someone has to pinch hit. It doesn't just put the boss in a pickle, it jerks around the schedules of people who have to fill in and then dominoes down through others many times. One call off changed the schedules of many, People should really think twice or three times before calling off work.

 

For breakfast this morning, I had an egg scramble. It had several veggies and some bacon in it. Not a lot of bacon but enough to lend to the flavor. Also had a little bit of cheese in it.

 

Our Valentine's dinner was at Red Robin with Rusty and Emmi. My sister had given us a gift certificate for Christmas and we put it to use today. We both got the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken wrap. I only ate a few of my fries. I'm not counting calories, but I do try to do the best I can to at least cut down on carbs.

After we ate, I had the first part of the psych evaluation required before the bariatric surgery. I felt like the doc thought I would be intimidated having to see a psychologist. Nope. No way. If things had been different, I'd have been sitting in his seat. THAT is what I'd have gone to school for. I feel quite at home talking to most anyone,

 

Today's appointment was pretty much a fact gathering mission. I was to fill him in on medical history, family status through the years, we talked of possible triggers to eating and just some general things about weight loss. 99% of what was said was things I already know and have implemented. I think everyone expects that since I'm this big lunky fatso I should also be stupid about nutrition, proper eating, etc. Not so. Hear ye, hear ye. All fat people are not stupid and uninformed!

 

Since we'd had so much already for the day, I made a salad for supper. I had that and some strawberries. Miss Emmi had lots of fruits. She grabbed a banana and some blueberries too. And...an eggie. :-)

I wish my eye wasn't feeling like it is. It just feels like it's on the edge of getting pink eye. MAN I hope it doesn't! We have a lot going this week.

 

~~~~~

 

And YES I hate restless legs.  Makes me not want to do anything but SCREAM!

 

~~Mama Sage

Bloggin' a-long...singin' a song...

Great each day with a sunshiny smile and a song in your heart. I try. Really I do. There are days I'm putting on a big fake, but I try. You know if you fake a good mood long enough, you eventually fall into believing it's true and you ARE in a good mood!

 

~~~~~

A smile is like tight underwear -

 it makes your cheeks go up.

~~Author Unknown

~~~~~

 

Tuesday ...

Emmi was so tired on Tuesday. Cliff said, "What are you doing?" as she emptied a box full of blankets. "Making a mess." was her very honest reply. And she cried and cried until I got down on the floor with her. I spend most of every day on the floor with her. It's fun to be down on her level playing. Tiring, but fun.

 

~~~~~

 

Meals Tuesday were fairly simple. I had Raisin bran for breakfast. For lunch I made a sandwich and supper was leftovers. Easy peasy.

 

Then the general cleanup and dishes. Not a real eventful day.

 

~~~~~

Anticipation. Not nerves. Just anticipation. I tried to just plain not think about it, but all day long my mind get floating to the fact that my first appointment with my weightloss surgeon is tomorrow. I'm excited about it. I'm not even considering bugging out. Nope. No way. I have a mission to accomplish if I'm going to see my grandchildren grow up. I want to dance at all their weddings. I want to hug their firstborn. I want to live to be an old, old woman.

 

~~~~~

 

Wednesday...

 

Even though I wasn't upset about the appointment, I spent the whole night last night up and down. I tried to stay cool, calm and collected so after I took my morning meds, I checked my email. Then it was time to shower and get ready to go.

 

The appointment went very well. We talked about diet. I'm to eat high protein. They aren't interested in me keeping a calorie count right now. Just keep up the protein. 60 grams a day. I'm still trying to be careful on the other things too. Salt, fat and sugar are still things I need to watch. I'm to try and stick to three meals a day with no snacks.

 

The model for meals is to be a 9" plate. 1/2 should be veggies and fruits. 1/4 should be 3 oz. of lean protein. 1/4 should be good carbs, starchy veggies and beans and legumes. That's going to take me a while. I'm working on it. And I am still losing weight. I have lost a total of 31 pounds since May 15th.

 

I am working on changing to more and more fresh items. I'm to trade my raisin bran for oatmeal often. But combining what I'm learning here and what Dr. Oz says, I think I'm going to be working on starting more mornings with protein.

 

My next appointment will be with the psychologist. All patients are screened to be sure they are ready for this massive life change. I think I am. I hope the good doctor agrees.

 

The appointment after that will be with the dietician for what I think is a group meeting. Then finally, the appointment after that I should meet Dr, Chlysta. I'm sure I'll like him. He was the surgeon for at least two of my friends. They both have done well and each chose a different surgical route.

 

Speaking of that, the only surgery that my insurance will allow is the Roux en y. Thankfully that's the one I was wanting anyhow. That's what our son Rusty had. The band isn't something I'd even consider and the sleeve just wouldn't be for me.

 

~~~~~

 

Since tomorrow will start the real diet, we decided on Applebee's for dinner. It's not really that bad a place. Except...we do an appetizer. We do the spinach dip. I generally do most of the salsa and a good lot of the dip. But that's my "blow the diet" part. I usually do double veggies. Today I opted to do the potato anyhow. I wanted one. I don't very often. And I got the steak. I was feeling kind of lousy because the appointments were throwing me off my regular eating schedule. Finally eating a good meal for the day did make me feel better.

 

~~~~~

 

The evening was spent with a little bit of bill paying. And then I just had a sort of physical melt down. Got the chills and didn't feel good.

 

~~~~~

 

Thursday...

 

I'm supposed to work in some kind of physical activity and exercise. I think spending time with the kids definitely is just that! Plus I'm adding more stretching, wall push ups and stretchy bands. Just wish I knew the right way to use them. I've got a bunch downstairs and a bunch upstairs for whenever the mood strikes. Yes, eventually I will be on a scheduled regime of sorts. Just not now. One change at a time will make each change more successful for me.

 

~~~~~

 

I've started journaling food in the book the program provided. I need to document how many grams of protein I'm getting, how much liquid I'm taking in, what times I'm eating and what. It might be hard for some, but paperwork isn't a problem. lol I like paper!

 

I'm also tracking things on MyFitnessPal.com. I can access it both on my phone and on my computer. I like it because most of what I eat is easily found there and they will give me the correct number of protein grams. Plus it will keep me aware of how many calories I am eating (my benefit...they don't care) and how I'm doing on sodium, sugar and fat and carbs. Again for me. Another thing I've realized with tracking here and in the journal is that I honestly don't eat much.

 

I've been doing great with my sugar. My 30 day average is 105. Really good.

 

My meals for the day were pretty simple. Breakfast was oatmeal with blueberries and milk, lunch was very lean pork chop, sauerkraut and potatoes, and supper was leftover goulash. I had no snacks and just had juice at night with my meds.

 

~~~~~

My main blog will be here, but I'm going to attempt to also blog on MyFitnessPal as I begin the journey to bariatric weight loss surgery.


~~~~~

Friday...

 

Oh what deals we got at Acme today!! Awesome awesome AWESOME!

 

Canned goods were on sale. We came home with cases and cases. We picked up on some other things too, but our main focus was canned goods. Mama Sage likes to have a full pantry and it was weedling down. Time for a fill 'er up shopping trip.

 

After we loaded up everything into the van, we headed to eat. Papa mentioned Panera and I was all for it! I love that place! I got a Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and had water to drink. It was fabulous. And the

bonus was it actually had quite a few grams of protein.

 

We headed on home to unload and then were on our way up to pick up Kennedy.

 

Supper was home made pizza once we were settle in at home. Multi grain vegan crust, spinach leaves, carlelized onions and Mexican cheese shreds went on mine. The great thing about pizza at home is everyone can do their own thing.

 

~~~~~

 

When all was said and done for the day, my protein intake was a bit low. They gave me the hint to just grab a spoon full of peanut butter for a protein fixit. I'm still eating the not as good stuff until it's gone, but once I open a new jar it will be the natural kind. Peanut butter is better for you if it separates and you have to mix the oil back into it.

 

~~~~~

 

Saturday...

 

First thing first. We had to go get the van. But holy moly that snow was crazy!! We could hardly see in front of ourselves the whole way there and back. And this wasn't our only stop this outing. We had to pick up a birthday girt and head to BJ's too. Oh boy. It's a good thing I learned to drive in the snow!!

It was a long, slow drive home in blinding snow. Once we unloaded and wrapped the gift, we headed back out to Corry and Angel's for Madison's birthday party.

 

It was such a nice party. I really enjoyed meeting some more of Angel's family. Very, very nice. And the cutest kids! The food was great too. Mmm good! And I still stayed within my limits.

 

We had Emmi overnight on Saturday. She's not quite into this all night thing. She loves being here, but she just has a very time settling into sleep. Papa got her asleep finally and then moved her into her little bed in Kennedy's room. Poor baby. She started out being so excited to have a sleep over with Kennedy.

 

~~~~~

 

Sunday...

 

We started the day with sausage and eggs for breakfast. I think it really does make me feel a little better to start with the big protein boost. I think I'll start trying to really keep track of how different breakfast meals make me feel.

 

Meals weren't going to be anything normal today and I new it. I didn't feel a bit bad having a snack. Kennedy brought me one of the fudge pops we'd gotten at BJ's. Good good good. Iala is the brand. They have probiotics so they aren't all bad.

 

My lunch was Five Guys. Burger and fries. It was fine. I still stayed way under on calories and it boosted my protein.

 

In the evening I had my other "meal". I ate a little bit of brisket, some strawberries, and skim milk with ovaltine.

 

I'm finding myself not eating nearly the calories I thought I was. So far all I've tracked have been way under the 1930 allowance MyFitnessPal allows me. Generally doing fine with the protein count but found that I don't mind that pleasant way for a making up the count...a good blop of peanut butter.

 

~~~~~

 

Missy and Melanie came over! Oh how I've missed those girls!! They'd gone on vacation one week and then we didn't see them the next. I was going through withdrawal!! I love my family.

 

It was actually pretty busy at our house. After Cait picked up Emmi, she ended up coming back. Missy had brought back Emmi's trains from Christmas. Emmi had stuck them into one of their bags and since then, everyone kept forgetting to get them back. lol

 

Kris came by too for a little bit. He and Papa both got some tools and it was pick up day.

 

Then on to BJ's with Missy and Melanie. I got to do a little more of the shopping I'd intended to do the day before. I just couldn't even think about staying there shopping yesterday while the snow was piling up. It was BAD out Saturday!

 

After we did BJ's, we took Kennedy on home and then stopped by Mom Sage's to drop off her meds.

Once home, it was dishes, coupons and other minor tasks. Exercising was mainly wall push up and stretching.

 

~~~~~

 

Monday...

 

Today we played and played and played. I'm telling you what, on days we play hard, that is plenty of exercise!!

 

Breakfast was oatmeal with blueberries. I got most of it I guess but Emmi did get her share of bites. We also shared rigatoni for lunch. I had the last of the goulash for dinner.

 

We got a heckuva a deal on some stuff to go with Emmi's wood train set she got for Christmas. About 70 pieces of things for $15. Not bad at all. We met the lady at a very public place. Anything we do on craigslist from here to forever will be in very public places.

 

After Papa went up to bed and Emmi was picked up, I cleaned up kitchen, went through the fridge, packed lunch for Papa and picked up the livingroom. I cleared email and looked for some files I need to send to a friend and did my daily do's on the computer.

 

And yes I did make my Valentine a Valentine. Did you?

 

~~~~~

 

So it's a wrap. My week has now been presented and tied up with a pretty bow. How was yours?

 

~~Mama Sage