I did end up going to work this morning – although not much there. I made some copies for a project that I needed to work on, then came home and got some things done here.
Chase got up about 12:30 and we made pancakes. That was lunch for me and breakfast for him. Then we went to Walmart for his shoes and our paint. We cleaned the Snoopy board very well and pealed off the flaking paint. Chase taped off the doghouse part and we put about 4 coats of red paint on. While he did that I finally planted the chocolate mint ground cover Dottie gave me last month! Tomorrow we will do the white (Snoopy) and maybe Woodstock’s yellow, and then let it dry for a whole day before we add the black details. It’s coming along!
Chase’s new slides – they are holograms Chocolate mint ground coverDog house – 4 coats of red paint
Today my brother-in-law Paul (Aunt Cordelia AKA Kathy’s husband) turned 70 so we all went over there for dinner. It was nice to be with everyone, as we seldom get together. It was a fun evening, and even Chase survived with 2 1/2 hours of no video games! Millie was enamored by him so it made the evening a little lively. Kathy and Sarah’s hearing impaired friend Lynda Sue came, and Millie was trying to copy the sign language conversations. Lynda Sue enjoyed watching her try.
Lynda Sue entertaining Wyatt and KathyMillie and Chase – birds???Kyle – Lynda Sue sitting downLynda Sue, Jesse, Sarah, ToniaWyatt & Paul sharing a momentCARROTS??? Where’s my ice cream!Chase ‘plugged in’.Paul & Millie blowing out candles; Jesse in the doorwayA good time was had by all! – including the hats! Isaac, Chase, Sarah, Paul, Kyle, Millie, Lynda Sue, Kathy, Tonia, Jesse – I took the picture (Wyatt was sleeping)
Last night my first Hempfield prayer partner, Ashly Stillwagon, got married, and I was sent a few photos of the wedding. She looked beautiful and I heard that the evening was wonderful. Wishing happy, loving, perfect years for these two special people. God bless Patrick and Ashly!
Ashly’s parents, Faith & ScottAshly & PatrickBeautiful Ashly McMillenSee the rings in the center of the purple flower?Ashly and PatrickA ‘glowing’ receptionMy niece Sarah and Kyle – she was a bridesmaid.
July 11 – Did you go fishing in your childhood? “We did fish in the small run back of our house. We didn’t have regular fishing poles or fish hook. We bent a straight pin and tied a string to the hook and then on a stick. We did catch tiny fish.”
I love cows! I will celebrate for sure! You MUST go find a cow tomorrow and tell it how much you appreciate it! I think Chase and I will do that. Happy day! God bless….
I made it fine through Sunday school with no coughing and did have a voice. The lesson was about Zacchaeus and the kids enjoyed the story. I knew they heard it before, but they are old enough to take it to the next level. I could see them processing the new insights. I really love this little class, and teaching it with Mary!
I was able to get the few things I needed to button up most of the week with Chase here. However, this afternoon I decided to fix the drawer on the phone stand, and Chase popped out and asked to help. We took everything out, turned it upside down, and tried to put wood glue on the runners. The bottle was clogged and typical for me, when we took the lid off I squeezed the bottle and wood glue went everywhere. I think it sort of surprised Chase – he’s not used to my issues…
So we did a thorough examination and had a plan of action. Chase applied the glue, then slid the drawer in then put the clamp in place. We moved the stand out of the way so we wouldn’t trip on it in the middle of the night.
Then I mentioned I had a Snoopy sign I wanted to paint, so we went out and did a thorough examination on that project next. He feels confident, so tomorrow when he gets up we’ll go to Walmart and get paint. Here’s the before picture, and we’ll see what happens when it’s finished later in the week.
BEFORE – we’ll see what happensAnother project- maybe to paint
I discovered I had scraped lilac paint on the storm door when I moved the Bistro table, so he took the cloth and the cleaner and the little scraper and got it all cleaned off. So all these little projects are our ‘secrets’ so he doesn’t have to get roped into projects when he gets back home. Shhhh!
Chase helping
We plan to have pizza (for Chase) and zucchini casserole (me) for supper in about 40 minutes. I am keeping the posts short this week since we’ll have things to do. He picked a few things to do that are on his list already so we’ll have a good time.
July 10 – Tell any favorite summertime memory. “Planting potatoes in the truck patch in my bare feet. I can still remember how the warm soil felt when I walked along, dropping the cut potatoes in the row that dad had made with the ‘shovel plow’ pulled by the horse. Molly was the name of the horse.” Great memories. Happy families. Great food!
Tomorrow is also Uncle Paul’s birthday! We will have more on that tomorrow. Chase and I have a few things on the agenda first. Have a great week! God bless…
I know I am getting a little drive and energy and ambition back, because I wake up with an agenda rather than a tolerant attitude! I did sleep pretty well last night, and actually in my own bed. Waking up at 5:45 is NOT typical for me, but I only woke up twice in the night so I’ll take it and work back to my normal patterns a little at a time.
Before I even got a shower, I stripped my bed sheets and remade the bed (Ahhh. Fresh pillow cases tonight!). Then I cleaned out the linen closet, my underwear dresser in my bedroom, sewed the hem on an extra sheet, checked my email, downloaded a book on my Kindle app, made a shopping list for Chase’s food, and wrote a note to pick up Kelly’s fundraiser items. Then I showered and ate breakfast; then I worked a little bit on the Publication Party table centerpieces,
Just a thread of an idea…
Next – made my little errand trip. Got Kelly’s order, Chase’s requested food, and checked out a new panel for the kitchen door (my idea won’t work; back to square one…). After lunch (the last of the potato soup) I changed into very yucky clothes.
Kelly’s order
I spray painted the bistro set that I moved from the deck to the front porch. I think it looks really nice now, and should stay fresh for several years.
Bistro chairChair and tableBistro set.
It took me about 4 hours, but I weed whacked, cut the grass, watered the ‘mom’ lilac (it’s not entirely happy where it is since the shade tree is gone.), swept the walk, then got another shower. I did check out my flowers, and the suspect bloom IS a black-eyed Susan and that makes me happy. Also have a lot of cone flowers, and they are from Mom’s farm, as well.
Black-eyed SusanCone flowers
I’m sitting here now with the humidifier throwing cool air into the space around me. It helped last night so if it’s not broke don’t fix it! It’s getting last so I will eat something light, probably pretzels and cheese or something. So that’s it for today!
See the mist?
July 9 – Tell about going to a circus or Chautaugua. “Never went.” Well, that was easy!
Calendar inspiration is to use your imagination to go to your peacefully perfect place and relax, even for a few minutes. I guess mine would be to fall into a good book!
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Sorting through Mom’s journals and putting them in order. 2020.
It felt like three days instead of one. I went slow and took my time and got almost everything on my list accomplished. They were all easy things. I decided not to be outside in the heat so I didn’t pull any weeds. I did take a picture of the first blooming gladiola. They are such a unique color. I should have several more stalks as summer progresses.
One of the things on my list – although far from easy – was to removed the chipped paint from my toenails, trim & file and repaint them. It’s always tough for me because I don’t have a steady hand, and the inhaler I am using makes me even shakier. By the time I was done I had blue paint on my SHIRT!!!! But my toes at least look decent. The shirt is currently soaking…
Blue tonails
I had just finished ironing and balancing my checkbook (to the penny – yea!) when Kath stopped over with a container of chicken noodle soup from Eat n Park. I will have it for my supper. I ate a late lunch because I took my time this morning. I did some sewing and some rearranging of my dresser drawers, got a hot shower, then made French toast. By then it was 10am, so lunch was about 2:30pm. I’ll be hungry when I finish this.
I slept considerably better last night, but still slept on the recliner. I may try it in my bed tonight with an extra pillow. After the hot shower I felt good for most of the day, until I did the inhaler. I have to weigh the pros and cons. I get very shaky and cough for about 45 minutes straight when I do that, but it does help me open up airways. I think I am on the right road. Tomorrow I have 2 things I have to do for Kelly so I will be out for a bit.
Mine looks like this
July 8 – Tell about any State Fair or County Fair experiences. “We always went to the Dayton Fair every year & sometimes we went to the Indiana County Fair. I liked to watch the stage shows from the grandstand. The one I will always remember was a young dancer, Liz-Tiz. I tried to do her dance for months after.” Mom has made other references to Liz-Tiz in her journal.
Hello boys and girls! Welcome to story time with Marge! Today I will take you through a little journey, and let you decide the ending. Thanks for turning in.
This morning, at 10 minutes past 8am, I dialed my doctor’s office after a wonderful 2 1/2 hours sleep. More than usual. I described my last four days to the receptionist, then the nurse. Dr. Cole is on vacation this week, but he was reviewing calls and emails, and she would get back to me.
Knowing medical facilities only slightly (?), I calculated that I had enough time for a shower and to get dressed. And to make the bed. And have breakfast. And email both bosses. I was just pouring my tea when they called back.
Apparently Dr. Cole deferred my questions to his associate, Dr. Kielbasa (that’s not his name but I can’t pronounce it). Dr. K directed that I should go to the emergency room, describe my symptoms and distresses, and they would take it from there. Despite the dollar signs floating in my mind, I agreed reluctantly. Seems like those doctors and nurses had better things to do than deal with someone who wasn’t sleeping all night. I went to work in Jeannette and finished up there, not knowing what would transpire in the next 24 hours.
The nurse had suggested Frick Hospital, as Westmoreland was overly crowded and Latrobe was very busy. So I headed over there and hesitantly told my story (they were very nice) and began my wait for diagnosis and treatment. Bear in mind that Emergency Rooms are NOT there to give you a complete treatment plan. They get you through the next two or three days and refer you BACK to your primary care physician.
The view that started my story.
The nurse, the doctor, and the assistants were all very nice. My blood pressure was slightly elevated but that’s not surprising. That happens to me when I’m stressed. Why should I be stressed??? They took down all the information, and set a plan in action. First, I had a COVID test, the rapid one. It was negative (I figured it was). Then I had chest X-rays. After a considerable wait, I was told my lungs were clean, so no pneumonia or bronchitis. Good news! They did, however, think it would be a good idea to give me a breathing treatment. It wouldn’t help my cough, but would help clear my airways and possibly relax me. Hmmmm.
It was very warm in there, and after over two hours with nothing to drink and several tests (they administered the SLOW Covid test, apparently determined to prove COVID!) – not to mention the breathing treatment that made me shaky – I started to cough. I coughed like I usually do in the night, without stopping and making horrid sounds, and choking. There was a nurse with a patient in the bed to the right of me, but he never even asked if it was ok. I grabbed my purse and staggered out to the main station. The nurse there was very distressed and had me go back to my bed. Thankfully the doctor walked past with a patient and said to get me a drink.
Me sipping my water.
For the next fifteen minutes I sipped water, coughed, and waited to be released. I had now listened to the stories of the uncomfortable patients on each side of me about four times each, and felt sorry for their pain and distress. I scribbled – literally – my discharge papers, got dressed, and again staggered out through the hallways. Two people pointed me in the right direction (never been to Frick before!), and was finally outside in the parking lot. Breathing deeply did not help, but I had learned that I had a viral infection which could not be cured but could be ‘tamed’ until it went away on its own in 7-10 days.
Still coughing, but at least able to breath in between, I made my way through the street of Mt. Pleasant. The view over the mountains cheered me, and I took a quick picture as I made my way the few miles to Walmart. I needed a few things including cough medicine and it did seem silly to go home and go back out.
I lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? Psalm 121:1
Realizing that it was now well after 2pm and I hadn’t eaten since before 9am I grabbed a baby sandwich (slider?) from Arby’s and nibbled that in the parking lot. I was able to get the several things on my list (a miracle in itself since it WAS Walmart!), and headed home. Well, not home. I went directly to Walgreens to get the steroids prescribed. I hadn’t received a txt message that it was ready but chanced it anyway. Success! Came home, changed clothes, took a small nap. THEN I got a message that my prescription was ready….
So all in all, I still don’t have anything for my cough except over the counter meds and have little hope of a good night’s sleep, at least for tonight. But I know that I don’t have COVID or pneumonia or bronchitis and my airways are clear! That is somewhat of a comfort. I will reheat some potato soup shortly and actually not do anything the rest of the evening. It’s not like me to be stagnant, but I think under the circumstances I should just mull over the day. On Monday I will reach out to my PCP and see where we go from there.
My yummy soup
And the icing on the cake (oh, if only it HAD been cake!) was that Rege told me before I headed to Frick that I just needed over the counter cough meds, a prescription for steroids, lots of water and rest. I txt him that was exactly the prognosis, and he said he should have been a doctor. I agree! What was he thinking???
Dr. Rege
Thanks to all who have been following this crazy journey. Hoping for good things over the next few days. And thanks for tuning in to story time with Marge. Stay tuned for more episodes! God bless!
July 7 – What kinds of rides and games were there? How much did they cost? “We would ride the Ferris Wheel & the Big Swings. Also the Merry-go-Round. The games were ring toss, pitching pennies, and throwing base balls. Most everything was around 5 cents.”
Calendar Inspiration – not sure this was a big story, though.
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Chrissy and the cat – which one doesn’t feel well?
I hope to keep a low key but happy weekend and look forward to spending time with Chase next week. I feel confident that it’s safe for him to be here and he’ll love having some time alone with — my internet! Love that little guy! God bless.
Today was a slow, lazy day – but I got everything done that I needed to do. I think I can feel the meds starting to work – but it’s only been 24 hours and I can’t hurry things. The cough is taking me down, mostly. Hoping for better sleep tonight.
Last night Autmn and Chrissy and two of Autmn’s friends went to a concert at Stage AE (I’ve never been there). The band was Dirty Heads (I’ve never heard to it). This was a first for them, because although Autmn and her 2 friends were all over 19 (and Chrissy is 16) this is the first time they’ve gone to a concert without a parent figure along. I know Nate was feeling a little tense – but I reminded him of the time he went to Ozz-fest with friends I didn’t know well and got a ride with someone I never met. It was an outdoor concert at a Pittsburgh arena and I was very nervous. And although it wasn’t quite the same, I went with my friend Di and her friend to a Bobby Vinton and Danny Thomas concert in Pittsburgh, and my parents didn’t know the people I went with. I was probably 16 or 17. Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart. But the girls seemed to have a wonderful time and sent me a bunch of pictures. Here are a few:
Happy Autmn and Chrissy waiting for the concert.Band on stageMore on stageThey were close the stage!
July 6 – Did you ever go to carnivals or amusement parks? Where? “The carnivals were part of our county fairs. We went to the Dayton Fair. Our neighbor took us to Kennywood. That is the only time I remember going to an amusement park until I was married.”
Day 5 with almost no sleep. I’m weary. But I heard back from Dr. Cole, and he called prescriptions for infection, cough, and breathing to the pharmacy. Two of the three were ready. I’ll buzz over later and get the third when I’m notified by txt. It’s just down the road so no problem. I’m excited to get on the right track.
I worked both stores and of course heard from Mike P – But was home a little after noon. Made an egg and toast and just finished when the message came through to pick up my meds. The weather has been crazy – cloudy to sunny to windy to rain. Right now it’s transitioning from sunny to clouds and wind. Rain is expected.
Windy with clouds
So I checked Hanna’s Town’s facebook page and noticed that Louise used a few of my photos! I was excited about that. She had other good ones posted, as well. I like this one of Captain Scott Henry with his small troop.
When we were locking up the site yesterday, I found a ‘Latrobe Rocks’ painted shell. I’m saving it for whichever grandchild claims it! They left shells around the site a few years ago, as well. I like finding them.
Fun little guy!
I was surprised at how many fireworks were visible since the huge tree was down. I stood on the deck for a while and watched them. Nice end to the day!
July 5 – Do you have a special July 4th that you remember most? “They all seemed special when I was a child. We didn’t have any extra chores to do as it was a holiday at our house.” As it should be!!
Calendar inspiration – Simples pleasures can ease a long journey. It doesn’t take much to renew your spirit and carry on.
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The Freedom Trail – Boston June of 2019 I loved it!
I plan to spend tomorrow mending my body and spirit – and feeling better. Have a great day – God Bless… (No chicken will be harmed in my day tomorrow!)
Again, not much sleep, but after a shower I felt pretty good so I headed as scheduled to Hanna’s Town for their Free Museum Independence Day Celebration. Louise and I interpreted the tavern; she did downstairs and I did upstairs. We were busy all day. Except for the 45 minute program of hearing the Declaration of Independence read and the ‘new’ flag raised at the fort, we both talked from 11am to 4:30pm. I can tell you I was ready for a break, and I know Louise was glad to be done. As she is part of Proctor’s Militia (her husband Scott is the captain and they stayed there last night), she’s been on site since late yesterday afternoon! They do such a terrific job!
Part of the militia going past
When I arrived Louise was explaining the 18th century games to some of the guests. I was excited to see my friends Diane and Shannon come out. I did the tavern ‘tour’ – upstairs and down – then they went to explore. We were busy all day. About 1:30pm Kathy & Paul came out, and joined in the program. It’s very moving to hear those words read aloud, and know the price they paid to put those words to paper and signed their names. George Washington’s prayer was read, then the Declaration.
Explaining the gamesDiane & ShannonLouise giving a background of what led up to independence.Reading George Washington’s prayerReading the Declaration
We walked to the fort, and the British flag was taken down and the ‘new’ United States flag was raised. The Militia did a salute, then demonstrated firing positions out in the field. They also fired the cannon. It was really a perfect way to celebrate – and remember – the founding of our nation.
British Flag coming downNew flag flyingSalute to independenceShooting the cannonShooting the cannon
Nate txt me that they were at the zoo. I’m glad they got to do something fun! I took down my red/white/blue decorations except didn’t get to the window stickees – they take a long time. May do that next; may wait until tomorrow!
Nate’s family at the zoo!
July 4 – Tell about Independence Day traditions of your childhood. “We had a wire fence all the way around our yard. We would put the American flag in the wires next to each post. We had a couple dozen to put around the yard. Dad made sure we handled the flags with respect.”
Calendar inspiration – Like a complex quilt, our nation combines great variety to create a glorious unity, better than the sum of its parts.
Another night of little sleep – but as the day wears on I am improving. I think the cough syrup I’m taking makes me loopy. But then, I’m probably loopy already! I knew I wasn’t up to full steam when I wasn’t hungry for breakfast or lunch. I did eat a small bit. The welcome center at church had a pretty display of red, white, and blue. I was talking to the kids in Sunday School about American’s birthday and the Declaration of Independence. I was sort of surprised that they didn’t know about that – but then, they are ages 3 to 7 so I shouldn’t be surprised!
Isn’t it pretty?
I hurried and cut the grass before it got too warm and I was glad to get that done. There was a nice breeze. I took my time, took a few breaks, and actually felt pretty good when it was done. I walked around and took a few photos of my flowers when I finished.
I hope this is a black-eyed Susan – I didn’t think I had any!!Blue LobeliaBlazing starHydrangea is starting to bloom.
Di went to Idlewild today with her daughter Shannon, and sent me some photos. It looked like a lovely day to be there. My niece Sarah and her family plan to go tomorrow. Here are a few photos from Di.
From Di – entrance to Storybook Forest – I LOVED that when I was little!From Di – the new castle.From Di – Royal resident Princess Lily
July 3 – What kind of fireworks did people have when you were a youth? “Beautiful colored ones. Also sparklers. We had to go up into the cow pasture to put off the fire crackers. Some were very loud & disturbed our grandmother. I think it bothered our dad as it brought memories of the war that he wanted to forget.”
Let us truly reflect tomorrow on the birthday of our great nation – 246 years old – and all the blessings and freedoms that we enjoy. God bless America!
I took my time getting up this morning, as I didn’t sleep well last night. I spent all day cleaning and doing laundry, which is to say that I lolly-gaged around and it TOOK all day. So this is short. I noticed that there was a leaf stuck to my door from the storm last night. Looks like it’s on the deck floor, but it’s actually on the door.
Leaf stuck to the door
Kathy sent me a picture of the sunset from their porch. It’s so beautiful. Great view.
OK – that’s it. I’m going to chill the rest of the night!
July 2 – Describe an inside game you made up. “Jim, Hazel & I would line up the kitchen chairs & put our big wooden rocker in the front. We would pretend we were on a train. Our poor mother & grandma were very patient with us!”
Calendar Inspiration – A touch of gracious living makes every day special.
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