I was doing okay
and then they started packing the car.

I'm a teary snotty mess now. Yes, Miss Lilly is headed back home.

Yesterday was another big day out.
We have done lots of shopping at Younkers and Sears during this visit.

Lilly is now "wardrobe ready" for this cooler weather. We got her several outfits, separates, a sweater and a fleece coat (Both have matching hats!) We are buying her sizes 12-18 month now. She is growing! Both these outfits are size 12 months!











Lilly still looks fabulous in blue with those brilliant blue eyes of hers. She got a new blue dress. Which she wore for our next adventure. We paid a visit to the Sears Portrait Studio. Here is a present for everyone. Our final prints will be ready in a couple of weeks.
We now have a baby gate installed at the top of our stairs. The new portable baby seat worked great for a high chair. Lilly loves playing with dog toys and never tired of chasing the dogs. Camper the Kitty was by far her favorite. The only word Lilly will say clearly is "Hi!", and that is only said to the cat. Lilly also screams "kiki-kiki" when she sees a cat. But when offered a new toy cat or a new toy dragon - she chose the toy dragon.

I have learned that the Pampered Chef cheese grater works well for grinding people food into baby food. And Lilly prefers anything we are eating to anything in a jar. And she finally got a taste of dog food snuck by us this morning. She seemed to prefer it to anything in a jar as well.

Yes, she is sucking on her toes here.

A Lilly picture fest

Lilly can make Pooh sing all by herself

Lilly pulls herself up

Lilly likes to ride her tyke bike
This picture really shocked me -
she looks so much like Sandra at this age here!

Lilly is always in motion......
whether she coming right at you....

or going the other way.....
or trying to go right over you!

Lilly playing with her friend Pooh.

We are having a great visit. Today Lilly, Mommy, and Gramma went to Younkers. Lilly has a new fall wardrobe now. After everything gets washed we will do a Lilly fall fashion preview.(The camouflage pants were a must from her Gramps)
Lilly still likes being carried around in a sling. And it is still the easiest way for a Gramma, with a bit of arthritis, to carry her. A short walk around the neighborhood will guarantee both of us will take a good nap.
Lilly does look so much like Ryan, I am amazed with the pictures I have taken how much of Sandra I can see in her now! Maybe, as her personality develops, that is bringing out the resemblance to her mother now.

my two girls

Surprise!

Rand and Willie took off today to do "guy things". It seems they had a surprise in store for me - They brought home Sandra and Lilly for a visit and they are staying until Wednesday!
Camper and Lilly have had a blast getting reacquainted.

My bad
I managed to over-do yesterday morning and was suffering from heat exhaustion by noon. I'm learning - I quit before it was a heat stroke and no emergency room was required. I did spend the rest of the day in bed with a migraine. I did get several things on my to do list done. Rand says I'm grounded and not allowed outside today.
Rand has the garage roof almost half done. It is going pretty quickly.
The weathermen are promising cooler temps for the rest of the week. Maybe I can get back out there yet. Quite honestly, I don't even feel like doing much today. Heat exhaustion seems to be a trigger for a real bad arthritis attack.
Ryan had to leave work yesterday and go to the hospital. It turns out he wasn't having a heart attack, but his blood pressure was way out of control. Hopefully, now he will take his meds with more regularity.
Willie missed work today. He twisted an ankle playing basketball too hard last night. He got my usual" things you can't afford to do when you won't follow through and get yourself some form of health care" and the "see what happens when you play too hard and work is more important" speeches.
I had this almost posted once and my computer decided to restart itself. Everything was lost.

Sept. 19 is
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
This is how we mateys starrrt day one of ourrr vacation. We be taking a rrroad voyage to Lowe's for some timberrrs.
(okay, gutter toppers doesn't sound real piratey)
We also hope to plunder some grub and swill some brew.
(So far we are just making fun of each others morning coffee choice.)
Anyone for a sword fight? Thanks to Rob, we come armed!

Day 5 & 6 of the flu
Spent yesterday with a massive headache. Today my head is better, but my entire body feels like a massive toothache. Slept a lot this morning. We did a Menards run this afternoon. I done for the day. Menards didn't even have the gutter toppers we were looking for.
In my bleariness, I had totally forgot this coming week is our last vacation week for the year. Rand and I will get some quality time together! He hopes to get the garage shingled. I need to do some serious fall cleaning. Things like closets and file cabinets.
First thing I need to do is take another nap.

Day 4
I didn't get dressed or really even get out of bed.
Nausea won. The pain won.
I've been sleeping most of the day.
I just woke up. A couple of hours ago I took another pain pill and four Tylenol. The minor overdose of Tylenol seems to have bought me a little time. I am fading fast.

I got this email gem from Bec today.

How To Avoid The Flu
Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.
Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C.
Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system.
Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim,
take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.
Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them,
keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.
Get lots of fresh air. Open windows whenever possible.
Get plenty of rest.
Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.

OR

Take the doctor's office approach.
Think about it...
When you go for a shot, what do they do first?
Clean your arm with alcohol..
Why?

Because alcohol kills germs.

So.......
I walk to the liquor store. (exercise )
I put lime in my Corona...(fruit)
Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio..(fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh..(eliminate stress)
Then pass out. (rest)

The way I see it...

If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you!!!! My grandmother always said, "A shot in the glass is better than one in the ass!" true story: My Great Grandmother Hattie always had a bottle of Four Roses Whiskey in the fridge - for medicinal purposes only of course!

Live Well
Laugh Often
Love Much

still like yesterday
This was day three.......
I'm still sick, and after talking to Mom (who had just read yesterday's post), it seems I have the flu. Mom has it. Dad has it. Tina has it. Wyatt had it first and they all spent Labor Day weekend together.
I haven't seen anyone in the family. My guess is I got it visiting the babies at Angela's. There has been some stuff going around there.
Everyone else has made it to the doctor's office. It was confirmed there as well as at the pharmacy that a nasty flu is going around. Only the folks were given antibiotics. Beings they do rate as senior citizens now, it is probably precautionary more than anything. Everything always goes to the Old Guy's lungs first and this seems to be no exception. I will suffer for my two weeks and see what life offers then. So far, I feel like I've been hit by a truck.(And I know what that feels like!)

I just turned on a news program, Prime Time.
They are having a big show about a possible new deadly flu threat(H5M1). How under-prepared we are as a nation. Sweet timing.
The show seems to be centering on our unreadiness as a nation for any oncoming natural disaster. (Of course this is their play on Katrina) If the government were throwing billions of dollars at possible (natural) disasters that could possibly happen, the general public would probably throw a fit because major tax dollars were being thrown at things that don't exist. The Chicken Little scenerio to some degree. Everyone gets all excited until someone decides nothing is there.
We, as a nation, are too big to protect everyone.
Katrina proved there is a social ladder and your place in society will make a difference in any disaster.
Mother nature proves over and over again that we are not as high on the food chain as we like to think we are.
Y2K proved that most don't think our government is prepared to handle much, let alone, protect and provide for us in case of emergency. In fear and concern, most people in our social circle stocked up on water, canned foods, and batteries. My dad went nuts with spam, canned hams and vienna sausages. I don't think you can get Mom to eat any of those anymore.
My family did nothing.
Okay, we were glued to the internet at the stroke of midnight - to see if the sky was falling.
I am always stocked ahead in basics like laundry detergent, toilet paper, soap, deodorant, etc. I like to buy on sale and stock up whenever I can. I never worry about food or water. If a disaster were to strike, I figure "everyone else" will stock food. I will have some real bartering tools!
I'm sure programs like this will motivate some people into preparing survival tactics. Especially with scenes from Katrina nipping at their sense of safety.
But complacency will ride again. It is one thing we are good at as a nation.

The weather was better yesterday. We plunged from the 90's last week, sailed by the 80's yesterday - today the temp didn't hit 70. Not feeling well just added to my chilled misery. The sun didn't peek out today until it set.

not myself
I'm not feeling like myself lately. Not feeling well. My pain is up considerably, and my appetite almost gone. Food is not settling well. I can't decide if this new cool front that has gone through, has my joints so inflamed that all of me is suffering, or - maybe my adhesions are really playing havoc with my insides again. My luck it is both. Or maybe it is a touch of the flu. Blah.
With my history of basic organ problems from adhesions, I should go to the doctor(s) and rule anything serious out. But I really don't feel like it.
Last year, I skipped all of my annual tests. I get more tests than most and I had gotten sick and tired of being poked, prodded, probed, and squeezed. This year I must do it - like it or not. I should probably go ahead and make appointments. Blah.
I spent yesterday doing nothing, hoping a day of rest would help. No difference, except I had way more to do today.
Today I have done laundry (managed to splash bleach on my favorite jeans), dishes, grocery shopping, and even whipped up a key lime pie for dessert tonight. And Hurt. That always seems to be on my list of things to do.
We're having grilled steak, corn on the cob, and salad for supper tonight. Okay, the salad won't be grilled. I'm considering it an "end of summer fling" menu. My grocery shopping seems to be changing seasons. I bought more cool evening type menu items. Still plenty of meat for the grill, but fruits and veggie selections are already changing for the season.
I do know that most foods can be cooked on the grill - year round. But Rand considers the grill his domain - and he is not that fond of doing it. I keep my mouth shut (hey - I do some of the time) and I cook indoors. (Open fire dutch oven cooking is still mine.)
I'm sad that summer is winding to an end, but I'm loving today's weather. The excessive heat is finally gone and the windows are open. I love having the windows open. It was a perfect topless jeep ride to the grocery store. (Finally made the trip to Dahls, I do love it there.) Before long, I will have to put my top back on the jeep and just pull the windows off for the occasional nice days.
Fall is coming fast.
Summer always seems like a joy-ride. I hate to see it end.

furry things
Camper is growing on an hourly basis now. She loves the dogs and constantly is playing with them. Even more than they know! She is always stalking them or chasing after them. So many times she acts just like one of the dogs, but will always revert to her cat behavior.
Last night somethingventured into the backyard. The girls took off running and barking. The patio door was open and they dashed on through their doggy door. Worried over what they could be chasing at night, I called them in (they weren't real obedient) and shut the door. I figure it was either a raccoon - which could kick their butts; a skunk - don't need to go there; or a possum. A possum would be the best scenario. But it doesn't change that - whatever Girlfriend can kill - I will have to pick up and dispose of at some point. Her last kill being a mole, which the guys left lay until I could smell it. Gave up and did it myself.
Recycle and reuse plastic grocery bags: Tip # 28 - Picking up dead things
Mom commented I don't blog or write as much as I did before. In trying to get this one done, it could be because I have a kitten chewing on my fingers and sitting on the keyboard. Makes for some interesting typos. Then Camper chases whatever is moving on the screen, tries to take off with the mouse, and throws all my small stuff to the floor. This happens many times a day.

not on my geek game
I can't get my mouse to right click. Okay, it will click, but nothing happens. I figure it was a Camper thing. She runs across the keyboard and all sorts of stuff happens.
And, occasionally, my mouse just disappears off the screen. The keyboard will work fine, but the mouse is gone. A few moments later, it suddenly reappears.
I was trying to tape two shows simultaneously last night. On the upstairs VCR, it turns out the date was wrong on the VCR (How could the time be right and the date be wrong? It was fine a few days ago.) - I didn't get the show at all. On the downstairs VCR, I programmed in the wrong channel. I have spent most of the summer watching TV programs from an antennae feed. I was trying to tape on a cable feed. That was my mistake.
Several of my clocks have stopped - and all at the same time 5:56. Multiple lights quit working. I'm hauling batteries and light bulbs with me where ever I'm headed.
I think the water heater is cooling down.

We are hooked on two reality shows this summer: Big Brother and Rockstar INXS. I have my bets on Janelle (In the beginning we liked Kaysar) and Marty (I liked Mig from early on, but think Marty is really earning it in the end) JD reminds me of a young Elvis. He is interesting, way too arrogant, and not what INXS needs.
The rest of summer has been reruns and I'm not watching.
I've been hankering to pick up my "crafts" again: music, sewing, cross stitch, charcoal drawings, - but I never quite seem to have the time. Years ago I did it all, worked, raised young kids, did all the yardwork, and kept a spotless house. No wonder I'm too tired now.

A web search brought someone new to visit my blog.
Their search?
Web Search Results for "Cat Has Explosive Diarrhea"
Nice.

It's Monday again!?
The weekend flew by!
Saturday - I spent it doing laundry - I am officially caught up from the guys' time alone. By the time you add cushions, throw rugs, bedding, and etc., into regular laundry, there was a pile! I got the downstairs cleaned. (Minus Willie's room - he's on his own) Planted my new mums and did some much needed weeding in my other garden areas.
Sunday - spent most of it reading the paper and watching television. I called my mom and wished her a happy birthday. Yes, she now shares her birthday with that infamous date in American history.
Rand finally finished the details on the new door. He had to work all of Saturday. Willie is back on days this morning.
I finally was able to buy the movie Tommy Boy for Rand. It was a much requested movie. I tried earlier this summer (many places), but was always told there were no copies left because they were coming out a special edition of the movie at the end of August. When the new copy came out, every time I went to Target, they were sold out. I finally gave up and went to Wally World. I was able to get the movie, they have additional flavors of my favorite protein drink I haven't seen anywhere else!, a few groceries and my mums - which were on clearance. I still prefer Target, but may have to consider Wally World an acceptable other choice.
The birds are finally returning to my feeders. Yesterday, I showed Camper the birds on the feeders. I held her up to see out the window and she did the strangest thing. When she sees birds, she flaps her jaw and makes the strangest clicking noise. She is now more in love than ever with the screened room. She lies quietly under my chair waiting. And she makes that strange noise every time she sees a bird.
Camper is the most annoying thing ever when I'm trying to be on the computer. I can't get her to stay off the keyboard. There are now functions being done that I didn't know were possible. She chases my mouse almost nonstop. Attacks the screen. Sits on the printer. Sits on the monitor. Climbs in, on, and through every possible crevice on my desk. Last night, she managed to turn off my surge protector and crashed the computer. I gave up and went to bed. This morning when I came out I got to survey in daylight how much she had been up to. My office floor was littered with coasters, ink pens, nail files, and reading glasses. On the plus side, a lot of hidden surfaces are getting well dusted by a fuzzy kitten.
Today will be a garden day again. Weed and water everyone outside. Rain is predicted, but we are very dry here. The ground is now crunchy. The rain always seems to pass us by. And I will get to check to tomatoes. I tend to eat the cherry tomatoes right off the vine as they ripen. I do have some Brandywines almost ready. Hopefully enough for BLTs. I also need to get some propane for the grill, pick up a prescription at Target, and visit the babies at Angela's!
I'm thinking of doing some pruning as well. Cut down some volunteer mulberry trees, more trimming on the lilacs and my one cedar bush, and maybe - even trim back my yellow rose bush. I would like to come up with another location for the rose bush, but sorely lack in available space. This rose (Seven Sisters) has been in our family for multiple generations. And it will take all the room you give it.
Time to get busy.

a few details
Grandma freaked over Rob's close encounter with the tornado at ISU. I was worried, of course, for his safety during the storm, but am a bit jealous of his front row viewing. I love a good storm!
Willie goes back to day shift the next few weeks and then they are throwing them back to over nights. He doesn't adjust to schedule changes well. By the time he gets adjusted to this change they will change it again.
I cleaned all my cupboards yesterday. Mostly just reorganizing and putting things away proper. Another one of the lack of detail by the guys thing. Trying to use up the odd assortment of groceries as their expiration dates race to the end. It is making for interesting menu's this week.
Today was shopping day. A chance to round out that odd assortment of groceries.
I gave up and bought an ultra mini mouse for my laptop. I am not good at the pad on the laptop. I give up. I want to get something done is a reasonable amount of time. And this was really cute!
I also got another ergonomicly correct mouse pad for the home computer. I've been trying to do without for a few months, my last one fell to pieces. My wrists like the support. A little something different - My mouse pad sits on the left side of the keyboard. Yes, for those who didn't know, I am left handed.
I also bought Camper a real cat collar. She has been wearing a collar designed for toy dog breeds. She is about to outgrow it, so I decided to be ready for her next growth spurt.
I got three mums to replace the poor ignored outside potted plants.

close encounter
Check out Rob's close encounter story with the twister at ISU today!

necessary changes
I finally got spammed in my comments section. Nothing real horrible, but annoying none the less. In response, I did add word verification to my comments. It does mean an extra step to my readers posting comments, but it is better than having to delete the comments section completely.

I didn't get as much cleaning done as I hoped yesterday - my ambition will usually outpace my physical ability. I got a lot done, but can never get through my wish list. Sometimes, I miss the really strong me who could do it all in a day. It has been 14 years, but I still miss being me.

One of the easier things I did yesterday was get a wireless broadband router (Motorola) and now my laptop can be used anywhere around the house. I'm wifi!

She has grown!
Camper, last seen on this blog, was a curled up sick kitten in the space just above the keyboard. She has grown considerably since then! She still loves the computer - chasing the mouse, chasing backgammon pieces, etc.....Even a Doppler radar loop will hold her spell bound.
Today she got to watch her first mouse. We were on the screen deck and one was under my bird feeders. She crouched and stared, hiding behind the wood beam. Eventually, the first mouse was joined by a second. By then Camper was just quivering while watching.
When the ground squirrel joined the two mice, Kizzie finally noticed and barked. The hunt was over. No birds came today. The men didn't bother to fill my feeders while I was gone. I have everything ready to go now, hopefully my feathered friends will return.
I also trimmed back my Brandywine tomatoes. They were covering the back steps completely. I love tomatoes, but enough is enough! Rand did dutifully water all my house plants and they all look great. Unfortunately, he didn't water my outside potted plants. It's time for fall mums anyway.
I hope to be caught up on basic house cleaning tomorrow. There is a front moving in and that could make for a bad arthritis day. Today, I concentrated on laundry, dust, and the screened deck (it is a most used room here).
Nothing was dusted, vacuumed, put away, or cleaned needlessly in my absence. Tomorrow, I hope to clean the bathroom, shampoo carpets, mop floors, and vacuum furniture. I'm a bit wary of my own ambitions. Then I can start downstairs! I'll get caught up with the house just in time to start my fall deep cleaning.
Miss Lilly is now crawling, pulling herself up, walking around furniture, and convinced her legs should be long enough to get her up on things. They aren't and she is not amused. She will drink from a sippy cup, is starting on a word or two, but mostly still loves to hear the loud noises she can make.
It looks like the night shift will be ending for Willie. Today I found him alseep on the couch in the family room with a video game in pause. I shook him and said to go to bed. As soon as I touched him, Willie woke up in a terror. He then looked right at me and started screaming and tried to crawl away. Willie collapsed on the floor right back into a deep sleep. I decided not to try and wake him again.

I'm home!
The KOA thing is over - forever. The one thing I figured could be a problem - was. Enough said.
Camper and the girls (Kizzie and Girlfriend) have adjusted to each other wonderfully. The old friends quickly reunited.
I have missed the girls terribly, but luckily, dogs have no sense of time. They act like I have been gone all day.
You can't tell Camper ever had anything done last week. She hit full frisky today.
The house looks like men have been home alone. That will keep me busy next week!
Rand had a surprise waiting here for me. He put a new storm door on the kitchen. Even changed the way it opened for me! I always thought the other one was on "backwards". It is a very beautiful door.