January Cafe: Happy New Year!

Well, as if January wasn't long enough without us dragging into the first two days for February! See you there!

Deb

Hi Team,

Okay, I get what stockpile days mean now. Learned something new today!

I am going to update my weekly exercise post with what I have done for the week. Deb, be sure to fill in yours, too. I have a medal waiting for you!

Make it a great evening!

Hi girls! Monica, I guess I assumed your girls would have had a much longer time off school. I'm glad everyone is enjoying the thought of getting out and moving around. Monica, a stockpile day is an excuse for the schools to close...lol....No, seriously, it is a day off for students and drivers.It is a pre scheduled day and not just a last minute closing. I believe teachers sometimes have a choice to work or not, but not always. When I was an aide in the room, I had a choice to work or not...I usually chose to work because no work meant no pay for the hourly or daily paid workers. I'm sure it being the day after the Super Bowl was just a coincidence.

Who is everyone routing for in the Super Bowl? I really don't care except that I usually route for the underdog. But we will be having a Post Super Bowl Party at Joy Center. We all picked a winner and the ones who voted for the losers will cook and clean that day. I voted for the Patriots, but if it wasn't for that, I would quietly be wishing for the Rams to win. I have never been one to watch any type of sports on TV. I had rather watch middle schoolers or high school basketball or baseball. I don't really know enough about the terms and rules in football to be able to enjoy and understand. I love playing all of them, though.

We are taking the boys(not the dogs this time...lol) to the Fishing and Boat Expo. I believe some type of Home Expo is going on there, too, so there is something for everyone. Sue had to leave today before 8 am, so I am picking him up at 7:30 and watching till 5:30 to make an even trade for all that invisible Snow on Tuesday.

We are planning on enjoying this gorgeous weather today, too, after the cold. We have four days close to 70, then another cold front is coming through. I don't think this one is nearly as cold, but we will do outdoor things between the rain while we can. Com'on spring! I'm ready!

Not much else going on. Life is good.

Deb

Hi Team,

We made it through the polar vortex. Very thankful and blessed to have a warm house. We stayed in through it all. The girls went back to school Thursday with a delayed start. We had basketball practice later that evening and you could tell that everyone was happy to be out of the house with a chance to move. I know I was!

Glad you found a solution for the dogs, Deb. Sometimes it just takes a fresh look around. Did you enjoy your Friday outing? What is a stockpile day? Is that a day off from school?

Weather is so interesting. We are thawing out this weekend, too. Such a swing in temperature. Not much planned for this weekend. We have a bye weekend for basketball and I have to work both days. Then I will kick back and watch the Super Bowl.

Make it a great day!

Hi ladies! I hope you're all thawing out after the big freeze. I have a cousin in Indiana, close to Chicago, and she messaged me earlier letting me know all was well. She said businesses, post office, banks, schools,...virtually everything was closed, and they were urging people not to go outside unless absolutely necessary. She also said the temps will be in the 50s in the next couple making over an 80 degree increase. How do y'all do it? I am a wimp!! I struggle in the 30s and 40s....Hats off to you all!! The past couple days have about did me in.

At least you had some chicken noodle soup...homemade at that, to warm you up and enjoy the snow day. Seriously, though, it does make me so very thankful for a nice, warm, house...might not be as clean or tidy as I would like, but very thankful for it all!

City schools ended up closing Wednesday. A clipper system came through and left a light dry powdery dusting on the roads. It was gone by 9 am, but it was also super cold, so I don't think it took much for them to close. They then announced that we would be closed Thursday and Friday, as well, due to illnesses. We have strep, flu(all types) and the stomach bug going around right now. There was also a student diagnosed with TB in a county high school, then another in another county high school. I don't think they were taking chances with that, and all things considered, it seemed like a good choice. We also have a stockpile day on Monday(I'm sure it had absolutely nothing to do with Super Bowl Sunday the day before) I couldn't care less who wins the Super Bowl, but I will enjoy my day anyway! :) We have three or four days straight with highs in the upper 60s.

We brought our boys(dogs) inside last night. First thing hubby and I were discussing was where to put them. We usually set up a barrier in the laundry room. We have to leave the interior door adjoining the dining area open to allow it to heat down there since there are no vents to allow the central heat. It's not a big deal until winter time. However, we did not want them to have access to the rest of the house as the doorway from the dining to the kitchen is open space with no door. We piddled around trying to figure out what we could do, and finally I asked hubby about putting them in the den(spare) room where Zelda Louise's items are since it has two doors to enclose them inside. I brought in extra blankets and pillows and made them a spot between the couch and round chair. He looked at me and said, "why haven't we done this before?" We've only lived here 20 plus years!! Actually, it was Daniel's room, but that was several years ago. We both felt silly that we have barricaded and cleaned when all we had to do was close two door and move Zelda's crate into another room. Everyone slept all night, including Daniel. They didn't make a sound until about 7:30.

Life is good. Looking forward to possibly going to another town tomorrow to some different stores since I won't be rushed to get back to my bus.

Y'all be good!

Deb

Hi Deb,

Hope all the doggies and Daniel and Momma get a good night's rest. The windchill warning was moved up by 12 hours, so our university closed today, too. Will be closed for 2.5 days this week. That is so unusual and just shows how cold it is out there. The girls' school cancelled today and tomorrow. We were talking at lunch about how they will probably end up closing Thursday, as well.

I made chicken noodle soup for lunch. It was a quart that I had frozen over Christmas break to keep on hand. What a treat for a cold day. I am doing as much work as I can from home today so I do not fall too behind. Nice to serve a hot lunch with little effort.

Make it a great (warm/snuggly) day!

Well, a big ol' BAH HUM BUG!! No snow, no snow day, no snow delay. Just cold and colder. We had 4 out of 10 children ride today. The county schools are closed due to illness for the rest of the week, and regardless how many times you tell the parents that we are two separate school systems, they will still say they saw Wilson County closed and keep their kids out. I can understand for the ones that have moved here from out of town or out of state, but some we have had for almost ten years. Oh well. None of my business. Some, I think, keep their younger children out because the older kids are out if they go to the high school, which is county schools. Like I said, none of my business. lol

I have on a big pot of vegetable beef soup. It is smelling good in here, despite all three dogs coming in several times to warm up. I have been cleaning here and there, and I'm trying to make an area in the laundry room for the 'boys' to stay tonight and maybe tomorrow night. I think they actually both do well and enjoy the cooler weather. Biscuit didn't want to come in earlier, he looked pretty content laying in the sun. Usually when they do come in on really cold nights, they whine to go back out. They usually sleep in the garage(attached) in their wooden bed/box with straw and a heat lamp. We have worried, though, because Biscuit sometimes will get out and go to the little attached shed in his little corner on some blankets. I don't know if Duke is not letting him in the bed or what. Of course, Daniel doesn't sleep well when the dogs are in...I don't know why, but he becomes obsessed with 'dogs out' ?? I think he will need a little assistance with his sleep tonight.

Not much else happening. I plan to vacuum the living room, finish mopping and put up a few more clothes. Everything else will have to wait.

We have a chance of a dusting tonight, but the meteorologists have already pissed us all off pretty good. lol

Y'all be good.

Deb

Hi girls! I hope you're all well and staying warm and cozy on these bitter cold days. I have seen other areas with wind chills of -30s, 40s, and even some -50s....I am thankful for my single digit lows.

Well, once again, they have built up the snow chances all last week...6 inches, 5 inches, maybe 2, up to an inch, .10 inch, and now 0-dusting. Wow! That's all I can say. Teachers, aides, drivers, and kids have all been anticipating this snowpocalypse, and now we might get a dusting. I've got to say that I am a little disappointed. I had already asked Sue about trading my Tuesday for Saturday this week because we have the Fishing and Boat Expo that we usually take Daniel and Caleb to. She was thrilled because no one was really anticipating working tomorrow with the prior forecast, and she had a few last minute obligations come up in Nashville and could not seem to work it out for Saturday. Now it is all set for me to have Caleb on a day that I normally would have had him anyway....usually the fair and the Boat Expo are two Saturdays that I volunteer to work. Now if our schools close, I will have a true snow day with no bus and no caregiving except for Daniel. County schools have shut down already, but they closed due to illness. Nashville schools are delayed 2 hours so far, but that could change.

I don't have any plans...I am hoping to be able to sleep in, drink coffee and wear my fuzzy socks or slippers. I also plan on doing a Lazy Gal's housekeeping routine tomorrow in between commercials on the Price is Right, and hopefully find Matlock on a channel. It will feel like old times...lol

I hope you enjoy your time off, Monica. It's good to know you have the days in advance, rather than having to wait last minute. My husband aggravates me in that he will get up, take a shower, get dressed, then take a vacation day. Really? If I've gotten up and done all that, I might as well go in...That's the hardest part of my day. lol

Not much else happening today. Sue and I walked tonight. It was drizzling, so instead of walking across the street to the parking lot where we walk, we all hopped in my car, drove across the street to the lot in case it starting raining heavy. It turned really cold and the wind picked up with a fine mist of rain. It didn't get heavier until after we had driven back to the Taekwondo place to pick up her other son. You can already feel a huge difference in the temps.

Guess I will see y'all later. I have an exhausted pup lying beside me, ready for bed. She plays so hard, it is cute to see her curled up being still and quiet.

You girls be good. Daniel is in bed, so I think I will call it an early night, as well, and keep my fingers crossed for in the morning.

Deb

Hi Team,

Deb, all the videos are online at jessicasmithtv.com . I enjoy not having to think about what to do or even which video to choose.

Nice update about Heather and her two grand babies. I bet she is in her glory!

Our university has cancelled classes from 5 pm Tuesday - 12 pm on Thursday. My class meets on Wednesday so I officially get a snow day of my own this winter. It is going to be brutal. I would rather have classes as usual than have this kind of cold weather.

Stay warm and make it a great week!

Oh, so neat to have your daughter joining you. Is the Jessica Smith series something that comes on television like an On Demand type viewing? I like the idea of popping in a video with no decision making on which one. lol....Sometimes I'm too tired to work out because I take too long to decide...haha!

Ah, yes, the good ole days of waking up early in the morning (or the night before) to find our county all blacked out with snow falling through it to indicate the closure. Some of the kids may not have been able to find Tennessee on a map (since it only showed our viewing area of Middle Tennessee), but they sure could find our county on the map. We also had a number...yes, I still remember it, of a bank, Commerce Union, which gave a cute automated saying, then would finish by, "Commerce Union bank time- , then the temperature. We wore that number out when the snow was supposed to come, but the temp was wavering right at the freezing point. I can't tell you how many times we got a busy signal. My brother also had a really good friend that lived at the end of the street. His mother passed away when he was a Freshman in high school, and he would hang with us quite a bit. He would constantly ask my dad, "Mr. Rhodes, they can't have school tomorrow, can they? You don't think they'd have school tomorrow, do you?" Daddy would get so tickled at him. Our roads would be clear, and he'd say, "Mr. Rhodes I bet Chestnut Mound is bad, don't you?" (The other end of our county bordered the Cumberland Plateau, so we would be closed quite a bit because of those back roads, even when it was not evident where we lived.) It was like if he got confirmation from my dad that yes, other back roads MAY still be bad, and it was POSSIBLE that schools would close, he could take that as the Gospel Truth and be content. I sure miss those days. I don't remember the AM stations for school closures, but that may be because I grew up early years in North Alabama where we got even less snow those years. I know you're thankful for the kind soul who told you kids about the delay.

Heather's daughter, Kailee, does teach dance. She just had a little baby girl. Adorable! Now she has a boy and a girl. I do wonder what happened to some of our other former teammates. Heather is the only one I still keep up with outside of Spark.

I enjoyed a wonderful 30 minute walk today. The weather is super nice today, highs in the 50s, and we can actually see the SUN!!

Not much else happening here. I may or may not get another walk in this evening. I will have to do it soon. On a happy note, I am seeing a little bit longer days now...not much, but gradually better each day.

Deb

Hi Team,

Deb, I saw you joined the weekly exercise thread. Awesome! Glad to have company there.

I just did an exercise video. I have really enjoyed the Jessica Smith TV series. The dog still often appears in the videos. Youngest DD loves that and she will join me in doing the video just to see the dog come and ago. It's great to have a little workout buddy along with me! One of the videos had a ballet theme. That made me think of our teammate Heather -- I think her daughter teaches dance, right? The other thing I discovered recently is that the Jessica Smith TV site often has challenge months. It's great because you just have to do the prescribed video for that day -- no thinking whatsoever about what type of exercise you want to do -- just start the video and go. And if you miss the start of the challenge, the entire month is there so you can "start" whenever you like.

I bet that was big news to have enough snow to build an igloo. When we first moved to Iowa, that is the first thing that DH wanted to do here in the winter -- build an igloo. Snow days are fun when you approach them with the right mindset.

It has started to snow here. At some point, they are predicting that we will get sleet and then after that, the temperatures are really going to drop for a few days. It is going to be an interesting week and I bet we will be kept wondering on a daily basis if school, basketball, and dance are going to be held.

I saw something cute yesterday. It said that kids today are missing out. They get push notifications and text alerts when school is closed -- they are missing out on the anticipation of watching the morning news and waiting to see if their school name scrolls by on the list of closings and delays. I definitely remember that. I can even take it back further to when morning news shows were not covering school closing for the rural areas. We would need to keep the AM radio on and turned way up so we would not miss the reading of the closings for that day. One time, we missed hearing that there would be a two-hour delay. Someone driving by was kind enough to stop and tell us that there was a delay and that we should go back to the house to wait.

Make it a great week!

Hi everyone! Hope you're all well and motivated and enjoying the frigid weather. Wow! Highs in the negatives! Our schools have closed when we get extremely cold like that. I'm pretty sure they will announce on Monday that we will be closed on Tuesday due to the expected snow coming in early that morning. I don't know that they will cancel for the 7 for the low day because it seems that we will be warming up to almost 30(Yippee )

Oh my! I am just seeing the 'igloo' post....How did I miss that? I saw the highs, I saw about the 5 day weekend, but I'm just now seeing about the igloo. Hubby and his friends were in the paper when they were kids because they built an igloo/fort. It is pretty rare to get enough snow for that here, but I'm telling ya, these kids can scrape off enough snow for snowmen when has only snowed a couple inches. I see them scraping off snow from cars, dog houses, mailboxes, and and anything that is easy to get to. I enjoy seeing the kids so excited about snow days.

Yes, my Zelda Louise....Oh my...not sure how long our sitter will last. lol...If she wasn't outside most of the day, I would really worry about them. It never fails that she runs in so quickly that she slides on the linoleum from the dining to kitchen, and slides into the bar every single time. She runs and leaps on the couch, runs from one end to the other, then back down. Her tail is constantly wagging so when she runs or walks, she has this funny gait that is just hilarious.

There's not much else happening here. It's supposed to be pretty today, so I may get out in the building later after an outdoor walk. I'm starting to scope out lots of smaller items for our Christmas in July Party. I may even have an old wooden sled. (It is broken, so that is even better) I don't have to worry about it getting torn up....lol I am so funny about borrowing from anyone because as much as we try to take care of everyone's things, we are talking about 25+ special needs adults with caregivers and some family and volunteers, so I can't make any promises. :)

Hope y'all have a wonderfully blessed work week.

Y'all be good.

Deb

Hi Team,

We did have another snow day. So meant a "5-day weekend" for our girls. I went to work on Wednesday. The snow stopped early that day and the girls were able to get outside and make big piles of snow with what DH shoveled off the driveway. I came home to find an igloo in our front yard. It's been business as usual the rest of the week. Extremely cold and that's just what we expect in January. There is definitely something happening on Tuesday. Our forecast shows a high of -3 deg F (Tuesday) and -8 deg F (Wednesday). Yikes!

Very encouraged to think that the spring events (Deb's walk and trip) happen in 6 weeks. Will be interesting to find out how Zelda does while you are gone. She will give the sitter a run for their money.

Make it a great day!

Way to go on the strength training, Monica! Being sore is never fun, but at least you know you got a good workout.

Did y'all get another snow day? Delay? We haven't had any snow yet(with the exception of the previous picture), but all the channels agree that we have a POSSIBLE situation on Tuesday. We are going to have frigid temps...even what most of y'all would consider 'frigid', too. Single digits. Better than minus, but still cold. I'm so ready for spring.

Not a lot going on here. Zelda Louise is curled up on the couch by me. Duke and Biscuit are in the garage in their box with cedar shavings and a heat lamp. Hubby and I feel sorry for them and let them in for a while when it is really cold, but within minutes, they're wanting back out. Hubby informed me today that the only reason they want in is because we give them treats when they go back out. He may have a point. lol He even bought a doggie door and fixed an enclosed area under the house with straw and blankets so they could stay warm(or cool, depending on the season) and do you think they've went under there even once on their own? Nope, not once. We will bring them in, though, during single digits.

Sue and I did walk the other night. I don't like the cold at all, but the cooler air does seem to energize me more than the extreme heat and humidity. Our walk is in about 6 weeks, then our trip!! Excited, motivated, and a little nervous about leaving my girl here with a house sitter. Not sure if I'm more worried about her or the sitter. lol

Y'all be good!

Deb

Hi Team,

We had a snow day today. The local schools all canceled for the day. Today was not a teaching day for me at the university (it rarely closes) so I was able to stay home and enjoy a day at home. I did quite a few things for work. DH enjoys it when I am home on days like this that are not planned. Funny thing is that the snow did not start until 3:00 pm today. That's right -- the kids had a snow day, without any snow. This particular storm system had everyone guessing. As a superintendent of schools, you just cannot win in these situations. Better safe than sorry. The snow is coming down fast. The warning for the storm expires at 6:00 am tomorrow. Will be interesting to see what happens in the morning. Two-hour delay? No school? Business as usual. For me, it will be. So we are getting lunches and bags packed as if it will be a normal day. Winter time fun!

I just looked at the website for Planet Fitness. It does look like a great option. There are not that many of them in Iowa and none in our town. Were you able to get in your walk this evening? I did a 30 minute strength training video. It focused on shoulders and back. I expect I will be sore tomorrow.

Make it a great evening!

Hi all! Hope you're all well and continually motivated on our journey! It is fairly nice here today, but the wind is brutal. Winds were forecast up to 45 mph today, so when the wind hit, it was quite chilly.

Caleb and I made our usual rounds today, then when I got home, he sat on the porch while I spray painted a couple cheap tins I had here to give them that galvanized look. I also got a couple items at Burkes for 75% off today. I was surprised they still had any left, but glad I waited for a better deal. I'm wondering if I do fresh pine, cedar and spruce clippings, will I need to spray them with anything or need to worry about bugs? I'm planning on getting them just a couple days before, but I just thought that cedar trees usually have seed ticks....I guess I think too much sometimes.

I have an inservice tomorrow, so no Joy Center for me and Caleb. Not sure what to expect as only the past few years that the aides have had to attend. I don't remember one this time of the year before, only those shortly before school begins in the summer.

Well, my little girl is all over the place. She is so excited that she is no longer a cone head. She's just the perfect size for an indoor/outdoor dog. She's small enough to stay indoors and have plenty of running room, but large enough and feisty enough to hang with the big dogs outside. Ginger was only 5 pounds, so we always had to watch her closely.

Not much else happening here. I think Sue and I are walking tonight. We also have a Planet Fitness that is set to open in April. If I were to ever join a gym, that would be the one. The price is in my range...lol....that is if there aren't lots of hidden fees. Sue and I have been looking for places to walk when it is cold and/or rainy outside. We really enjoy our walks on Monday and Thursday nights, but have to cancel if it rains.

Guess I'll go for now. Hope y'all have a great week!

Deb

Hi Team!

Cute survival post, Deb. Hurray for Alicia's husband being home. Happy for all of you!

We are enjoying our extra day off. I just have to prep lunch items for the week and then we are set. I have been good about doing either a walk on our treadmill or one of the Jessica Smith TV videos. It sure is cold and windy outside. Grateful to have a place indoors to be active during the winter months.

Make it a great week!

Oh, and just like the FB and Twitter posts, I would like to mark myself "SAFE" during the Tennessee Blizzard 2019.



Thanks for the concern. This was a doozie!!

Deb

Hi girls! Monica, We've been keeping up with the winter storm here. Everything was so 'iffy' as to when, where, how much snow, etc. We got a very splotchy dusting in our area, only in the grassy areas. Of course, snow during my days off anyway is just wasted snow...lol...

Oh, my! My refrigerator!! I have told hubby for over a week that I just want to dump everything and start fresh again. I've had it on my to do list for a while now, and now it is so bad, that I really have to motivate myself to begin because it will be time consuming. It rained all day yesterday, so my Christmas in July bins that I have in the living room with intentions of putting back in the building are still in the living room. I am getting overwhelmed, so I have got to take it slow, make my lists of do to things and celebrate each small step that I accomplish. I am at the point where I would probably run the other direction if someone knocked at my door. Humiliation at its finest. lol

We have all had colds here. I began it, then hubby, now Daniel, and I have gotten it again. I'm so thankful it's not the flu. It is going around again, and one of our Joy Center parents have it, so I was beginning to freak out a bit when I began with my symptoms. I didn't feel bad, just drained. When I woke up the following morning not feeling any worse, I realized it was just a cold and went on about my way.

My son in law is now home!! We are so excited, and we will be having a holiday meal in a few weeks since he missed out on our Halloween Bash, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Alicia sent a picture last night of him holding Dexter. They were all so excited!

My Zelda Louise!! Wow! It's a wonder she's still alive. She was supposed to keep the cone around her neck until tomorrow. It didn't last. She has run into furniture and doors. She was off her leash for a few minutes to stretch and eat, then took off like a chicken with her head cut off, leaping on furniture and grabbing everything along her path. I'm hoping since she had it on for 5 days, with her being young and healthy, that she has healed completely. She is still crated more than usual, but the little bit she is out, she is everywhere. Her incision looks great, but she still worries me. It's like trying to train a squirrel.

Not much going on here. It is cold and windy. We do have Joy Center tomorrow, but not school due to MLK Day.

You ladies take care and enjoy your day!

Deb

Edited by: STHRNLDY1969 at: 1/20/2019 (10:18)

Hi Team,

We have three-day weekend (Monday off) and it is so welcome. Last week became kind of crazy. We were expecting a big snowstorm and that led to kids being sent home early from school and all weekend activities cancelled. Fortunately, the storm did not hit our area as bad as the forecast indicated. So we have an excuse to stay home and regroup.

Deb, that was a busy day you had. What a great team all of you make. Covering for each other all throughout the day.

June, great to see a quick message from you.

I am still on my mission to catch up on neglected housework. I have been selecting one big cleaning task for the weekend to add to the routine chores. Yesterday, I cleaned the inside of the refrigerator. Pulled every shelf and drawer out to give them a sudsy wash. Nice to have it sparkly clean on the inside.

Make it a great day!

Hi girls! June, I'm so glad you stopped by for a quick visit. Hope we can catch up soon.

Well, ladies, this has been a day...not a bad day, just a stressful, how am I gonna work this out all in one day, day.

I had to have Zelda Louise at the vet by 8:15. Of course, we had every single child to ride this morning. Alicia picked up Daniel and met me there, Melissa picked up Caleb, I relieved Melissa. She went to a dentist appt., She then relieved me when I went to my dentist. They're always on time, except for today. My appt. was at 11:20, and I didn't get in till almost 12. I'm not complaining...Normally I wouldn't care. I know things happen, but it was supposed to be an hour and 45 minutes...That would be pushing it close after check out and all to get back to the house, check in with Melissa, then get to my bus. I ended up getting a temporary crown and got out after a little over an hour. I go back in three weeks. The vet clinic agreed to let me get my wild child at 4, usually dog pick up at 3:30, cats at 4. They said 4 was fine. I got on the bus, and once again, EVERY SINGLE CHILD RODE, traffic was backed up, and we didn't head back to the bus shop till almost a 3:45. Hubby, Melissa, and I were all hustling to get there by 4 in case the other couldn't...lol...Hubby had just gotten there when I arrived, then about 2 or three minutes later, Melissa came with the boys. We got there about 5 minutes before 4. They had to give a post op tutorial. Hubby also reminded me that he had to have me run him to pick up his truck at a shop before 5pm. I can't believe we did it all...on time....without me having a nervous break down.

I am leaving y'all with my baby girl. She said this 'Cone Thing' is not all it's cracked up to be. lol



Deb

Hi Team

Happy New Year !!

Thanks for stopping by my page Deb, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, but I shall return.

Hi Team,

We had our first snowstorm of the season yesterday. Fun to see the kids out enjoying the snow. The basketball game yesterday was fun. I think it is good for us all to get out for these games. Either playing the game or cheering on your favorite young team.

Deb, you have lots of time to make decisions on venue and dates. Nice to have options at this point.

As usual, I have a long list of items I want to complete before the end of the day. Better get after it.

Make it a great day!

Hi girls! Hope everyone is getting a great start to their weekend. Daniel spent the night with 'gurl' both Wednesday and Thursday. She said she wanted to get him prepared for when we go on our trip in March. Do you know that boy did not poop at all those two days? I know that's TMI, but then he comes home, wakes up twice during the night and does his business. LOL...I sure wish this boy would get back on a regular schedule.

Monica, I am unsure of the where or even the when of our party right now. I usually have our party the first Thursday in July since hubby is off work and he does the majority of the food(smoked meat). This time, though, that falls on the 4th of July. A lot of our kids go away for the 4th on vacation, so I am seriously debating on whether to have a Christmas in July, except in June....or maybe I can schedule it later?? I don't know. Too much later will fall into my in-services. I know the kids wouldn't care either way. Hubby really enjoys helping and the kids all love him, so I want him to be able to enjoy, whether he is on vacation or possibly have to take a vacation day? We will see.

As far as the venue. I am so torn. I guess it will all depend on how much money we raise. Both have pros and cons. I need guidance...lol

Option number one is at a state park about 8 miles north of me. It is an assembly hall within the park, so it is pretty private and has the rustic appeal with a fireplace. It is the smaller of the two venues, but has plenty of room for our activities. I believe the price is $300, and we cannot get in to decorate until 8am the morning of the party. Since it is 8 miles north of my town, and most of our parents live the other direction, it is about ten miles farther for most of our parents.

Option 2 has more open space(which also means more space to fill and decorate), but also can mean more open space for our wheelchair and walker students. It is only about 2 and 1/2 blocks from me and closer for most of our students. The price is only $50 because we get it through one of the church members whose child is a VIP. It doesn't have a fireplace, but both places have a stage. Decisions, decisions, decisions.???

I would really like to use the venue at Cedar Forest Park because the fireplace and overall look feels more like our Old Fashioned theme. I guess I will see how much we raise, then get feedback from other staff and parents and go from there. I began my gofundme page Jan. 2, and we have $275 so far. We are almost one-tenth to goal, which I think is amazing. I will also be having yard sales, but some of my yard sale profits this year may be split between Christmas in July and my nephew's final expenses.

I hope you enjoy basketball today. It will be a good way to burn off the winter blues and seeing the improvements in the girls' performances.

Talk about overcast...oh my....it's supposed to rain all day today, mixed with sleet and freezing rain. I was hoping to get to the building,(I still may) but it has rained so much lately, that it's pretty messy in the garden spot. Maybe I can get out there before the heavier rain sets in. Oh for the beautiful turquoise sky we had Thursday. Last week, we broke a record with a high of 71, then it dropped down to 30s the following day. Miserable.

Not much else going on. Zelda Louise is getting spayed this coming Tuesday. Melissa will get Caleb since I have to be there shortly after my route. I will get Daniel from her while she has a dental cleaning, then she will take Caleb while I have my dental work done. Glad we work together and do what needs to be done for the day. Finally getting an old filling removed and the tooth crowned. I am getting self conscious of it since it shows when I smile and looks gray from the silver filling. Hope it doesn't break the bank.

Y'all have a great weekend!

Deb

Hi Team,

Deb, you are well on your way with planning this party. The farmhouse Christmas decor and theme will look so nice. Do you know where you are hosting the party this year? Great story about the Starbucks run. That's the best.

The sky is clearer in winter and that's a positive way to think about things. I really like how sunny it is here during the winter, too. I have lived in other areas where it stays overcast most of the winter.

We have youth basketball today and then the usual weekend errands and down time. Looking forward to having classes begin on Monday at the university. Life is good!

Make it a great day!

Hi girls! I hope everyone is well and motivated. Monica, I hope you're back in the routine now without the energy slumps.

I've been planning my Christmas in July Party already. I've enjoyed using Pinterest and Google to search for vintage, old fashioned, and farmhouse Christmas. To me, the farmhouse Christmas is an old fashioned Christmas...I have always liked the rustic look anyway, so that is right up my alley. I've noticed that the deer and antlers are in this year, but I think I will pass on that one. lol....Seems like everything I've seen from pictures to throw pillows are deer themed. It may be different in your areas, but here the popular themes are the deer, farmhouse, and the buffalo plaid/Northwest theme.

Caleb, his brother, and I enjoyed a great day today. Melissa's daughter in law is his caregiver, and she is still on maternity leave, so I asked Sue if she would mind if he went with us(privately of course, in case she had other plans for him) He was a huge help...He loves the outside dogs and offered to give them more water. He washed a couple skillets I had used to make some vegetarian chili, and he also gave me some of his input on what we needed to buy for our party. :) We went to Burkes, and he met Caleb's buddy, the assistant manager who always greets us, then to Walmart, we ate at the Subway inside there, then met Ellie and another aide for Starbucks. The icing on the cake, though, was that the barista had made someone a drink that was not what the customer wanted, so she came and asked us if we would like it. Of course, we said yes, and when I took the boys home, one of the other brother's eyes got really big....He said kinda disappointed, "Oooh...starbucks...wish I could have went with y'all and gotten a starbucks" Then he read the label, "Ooh, and it's white chocolate mocha." Before he could say anymore, Sue told him the story that it was extra and he could have it. Made my day that he was so excited over a drink. It was a venti, too!

Looking forward to pulling out some of my decorations tomorrow and playing around to see what I come up with. I want to get a definite plan so I don't buy a bunch of stuff I don't need.

Not much else going on...It is cold...frigid to me...(Ellie laughs at me) Not a fan, but I did mention to my husband last night as we were going on our usual outing when Melissa has Daniel, that the sky has a different, very pretty look in the winter, and you can see more of it with all the leaves gone. I'm trying really hard to find the positive in winter. No wasps, snakes, etc, I guess?? That's about all. I'm ready for summer.

Y'all have a great weekend!

Deb

Hi Team,

So far, so good, after two days into our regular routine. I feel tired this evening and I think it is from sitting at my desk all day. I was on the go the entire break and always working at something. I guess energy begets energy!

Make it a great week!

Hi all! Thanks, Monica, for your input. I have lots of pine cones, the buffalo and red/green plaid small fabric goody bags. and between my neighbor, Melissa and myself, we have lots of fake pine/spruce stems to decorate the table. We also have an evergreen bush that I can take snippets from closer to time, and I also found bags of evergreen potpourri that we on clearance that I can use in decorating ideas.

I have been checking ebay for an old wooden sled, little red wagon, roller or ice skates, and things of that nature that I can use in decorating props. I think my best bet will be to check yard sales this summer. Also, since we usually don't get much snow here, occasionally if they do call for a few inches, TSC, Lowes, and places like that will get sleds in, then as soon as spring starts, people are listing them on trading and sale sites online.

Glad you feel accomplished and enjoyed your break. It is always a little easier for me to go back when I feel like I got things done around the house. Hope the first day back runs smoothly for all.

Not much else happening here. Life is good. It's supposed to be nice here again today with highs in the upper 50s. Sounds like another great walk day! This weekend has been the first in a while that it hasn't rained. We have had an overabundance of it lately.

Hope y'all have a blessed work week!

Deb

Hi Team,

Deb, old fashioned Christmas for me is definitely rustic. Would have lots of snow, horse drawn sled, a real tree, and plates piled high with cookies. That's how I picture it. It would be fun to visit different areas or tables from different time periods, too. So if you went with letting each person take a spot to decorate, it might be a fun walk down memory lane. I always enjoy following along with what you do for the July bash.

Today is our last day of holiday break. We sure have enjoyed it. Made lots of progress around the home and we have had some fun games nights, too.

Make it a great day!

Hi girls. Hope you're all well. Just checking in quickly before going to bed. Daniel woke up at 4 this morning with upset stomach and he actually got sick. He did start taking some juice plus chewables that we were given. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it or not...They weren't bad, just something different for him. Needless to say, I didn't go back to sleep. Here lately, I have not been able to go back to sleep or even nap in the evenings after hubby gets home.

I have been thinking a lot about the Christmas in July Party this year(Good Old Fashioned Christmas) I realize that maybe I should have been a little more specific because we have huge age ranges in staff and volunteer/caregivers at Joy Center....so to me, I think of late 70s, early 80s, Melissa is ten years younger, so I'm sure her idea is 80s/90 and some of the younger ones in their twenties think the early 2000s is 'old fashioned'....

Maybe I will ask each one to decorate an area or table how they envision it? I don't know. My thoughts right now are scattered...just one big massive brainstorm...scattered thoughts. I am thinking of a quilt rack in a corner with some old quilts draped over....pine cones, fresh shrubbery pieces, decorations in old mason jars,old milk jugs, tin/metal buckets.. Seems like old fashioned to me falls along with the rustic look, too, but I am thinking even farther back to Little House on the Prairie days...lol .I also want a table set up for a miniature Christmas tree farm. I have the vintage looking wooden sign on an easel and I bought a red metal truck today from Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon. If I can find some little trees like you would put in a Christmas village...maybe even set up a village on a table.

I've also thought...again, a random scattered brainstorm of having certain areas set up like different rooms of a house. The dining room table, the fireplace/living area, quilts on a rack, maybe a bench? HELP!! lol

One of my favorite Christmas memories is that my granny would have the front room set up with just a table of goodies, pies, cakes, cobblers, cookies, and it always smelled like clove and cinnamon. Thinking of a makeshift fireplace with stockings and two rocking chairs in front and to the side. ???

Any ideas? What's your favorite memories? How do y'all see an old fashioned Christmas? All I can say right now is Thank God for pinterest. I would be totally lost without it.

Y'all be good.

Deb

Edited by: STHRNLDY1969 at: 1/4/2019 (21:35)

Hi Team,

Oh my, Deb. I sure am glad that coffee was not three weeks old. I can see how that could happen to anyone.

Make it a great day!

Oh my...my first day back. It sure was hard rolling out of bed this morning! It began with me getting on the bus and loading my first wheelchair. I take my travel coffee mug that I so enjoy drinking while on my route. There are satchels attached inside the bus right beside the wheelchair spots. I take my coffee and put it in one of the satchels so it doesn't roll around on the bus to secure it. I get the young man strapped in and grab my coffee to sit and enjoy since we don't have another wheelchair for several stops. I take one big sip and spit it out! It's beyond horrible!! I had a cup before I left, so I knew this should have been okay, but it was barely lukewarm. I couldn't figure out what I had done because if I left it on the bus for the almost three weeks during break, then it would have been cold and probably starting to mold. YUCK!! I looked all over the bus, then finally figured I must have made a mug a few days ago, then forgotten about it and grabbed the wrong mug from the fireplace. Sure enough, when I got home, there was my silver(not blue) coffee mug, still warm, sitting on the fireplace. I may need to stop procrastinating and get my eyes checked. I'm just glad it was only a few days old and not three weeks old.

Ok, hoping everyone enjoys every second of the last days of break. Life is good here. My eating was good yesterday, drank all my water, then had planned on a walk. Instead of a walk, I decided to try to take a nap since Melissa had Daniel for the night. I never dozed off and just ended up feeling tired most of the night, I"m sure from Daniel's sleep pattern over the past couple months and my sleep being disrupted. I did go to bed early(about 9:30) and went on to sleep.

Not much else happening here.

Deb

Hi Team,

We are savoring the last few days of our winter break. It's been a great mix of family time, organizing/cleaning time, and some outings. Hope all goes well with your first day back, Deb.

Make it a great day!

LOL....so, it is official. We are a work in progress. I am reminded of the Hollie Hobbie binders that were popular when I was a kid...(I think it was Hollie Hobbie) "Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet."

Monica, I also find myself grocery shopping for myself a lot of the time and seem to forget about the other two humans that live with me...lol..It is quite a bit of difference, though, that they can eat pretty much whatever, and I am on a more specific healthy plan.....Mine are just going to have to be on their own!! haha Except when I have Caleb on Monday and Tuesdays, I feel like I am cooking these big meals for two people. Daniel doesn't even eat a lot of what I cook for meals some days because he has eaten junk on and off all day long, so at times, I feel I am cooking a meal for one person.

Back to work on Thursday! It is going to hurt. lol...Daniel's IBS is continuing despite beginning probiotics about a week ago. It has gotten better and occasionally, we will have a night or two where we sleep all night.

We are having our black eyed peas this evening with hog jowl and cornbread. I will also open up a can of greens and we will add them with our meal. I think I will marinate some chicken breasts so it will be a pretty healthy meal. (I have a small pot of plain black eyed peas not seasoned with hog jowl for me)

Caleb and I may even go for a walk with me pushing him in granny's old wheelchair. If not, I will throw in a DVD and enjoy a workout inside.

Your untouched water bottle is no worse than my collection of exercise dvds that never get used.

Deb

Hi Team,

Deb, you have a sensible approach. Glad to be on the journey with you.

Here comes my book...

I have been doing some thinking and reflecting about my weight and physical condition for the past few months. Like you, Deb, I do not want a quick fix. I have been upping the variety of my exercise to include resistance training (Jessica Smith TV videos -- the one with the cute dog who comes in and lays on them mat!). It has not helped my weight problem but I am noticing benefits in my physical condition. Less stiffness and I can work at something new (like a cleaning project - ha!) without hurting my back. Celebrating that.

Now for the weight problem. Ughh. I am going to heed Marion's advice and drink my water. I have a water bottle that I take to work and I leave it untouched most days. Isn't that silly? That is one area that I can improve without much trouble. The other area is being okay with feeling hungry. I honestly cannot remember the last time that I felt hungry. I read in the book by Dr. Judith Beck (Beck Diet Solution) that it is normal to feel hungry and then eat in response to that. I eat based on the clock. I do a lot of planning about what we will eat and when we will eat and how I can fit in the time to make the food. Lots of thinking about food. Some days, I dream about not having the responsibility to feed and nourish three others. This is so selfish -- there really are starving children and adults in the world and I need to remember to be grateful for our situation. We are truly blessed. Now where to go with this? I want to work on a way to feel hunger. One solution would be to delay lunch until I feel hungry. This is doable on weekdays since I am on my own for lunch. I am definitely in need of work!

DH made up a scavenger hunt for the girls. They have been working on it since 10 AM. Lots of codes, riddles, hidden clues. Sometimes I get the next clue before they do -- I am not in on it so I just go off in a corner and chuckle. Fun times!

Make it a great day!

Hi girls! Hope you're all well and motivated to begin a New Year! I've got to say that we are blessed, regardless of sad events that seemed to hit us the last couple weeks of the year. We are looking forward to the coming year...hopefully, getting down to a healthy weight and just being healthier overall.

I am going to begin up close and personal....I have struggled this year with my weight, more than ever before. My weight was up to 161 this morning...of course, this is after the past few days of making excuses that it was so close to the new year, that I would just wait, therefore, eating junk and more junk while planning to seriously start on the first of January. I have got to figure out what works for me and stick to it. I am great at beginning a plan or exercise program and not following through long term. I refuse to even try a healthy eating plan unless it is something I feel I can make a lifestyle change, not just a quick fix. Low carb is doable for me, almost NO carb is not. My plans are to begin once AGAIN from the beginning, watch calories and try to stay within the recommended chart according to Spark. If that does not work, I will cut carbs more and add more protein, but I will not do an Adkins or Keto diet that limits them to what I feel is too low.

Ok, exercise is going well. I have actually enjoyed walking more and have felt motivated by the upcoming Spring 10 K. Exercise is something I have always enjoyed, but as I am getting older, the types of exercise have changed...lol....No more high intensity bouncing up and down for me...at least not now. I am going to try to focus more on consistency than on high impact that I do not continue.

I have come to the conclusion that I need lots of work. lol

No better time to start than the present.

Y'all be good. Excited to be on this journey with y'all.

Deb

Hi Team,

Happy 2019! Hope everyone is well and ready for the new year. Glad we are on this journey together.

Let's make it a great month!