Weekend the 27th & 28th

Saturday: Liv's birthday - We mailed her card and got it in time for her birthday. We texted her and she replied.

It’s a wonderful Saturday morning a bit cloudy and actually some drizzle rain which was not expected. We both slept in until six so it was a great night for both of us. I decided to make a new blueberry muffin recipe I had saved that is a little different (uses plain yogurt, a full cup of it along with a quarter cup of orange juice). After making the first batch, I felt the batter was very dry so I made a second batch, and added 1/3 of a cup of buttermilk to make the batter a little smoother and I over baked the first batch and thought it wasn’t a good representation, and I forgot to put on the sprinkle of sugar on top that the recipe recommended. The second batch came out a little better and we will taste test tomorrow, as we already tasted the first batch and I think it is a good recipe but because I needed to modify it quite a bit. I’m thinking I may just keep looking for the next best blueberry muffin recipe. 

After that, Alyzabeth and I went out and sprinkled baking soda all over the fabric seats of her car as Larry’s green Subaru, definitely still has a smoky smell in it when it’s hot out. At first we noticed an odd smell and thought it was just from cleaning and whatever smell that car had but after sitting in the sun and it’s been hot the past couple weeks it is definitely cigarette smoke. We put a RidX desiccant that is hanging in her car, now we’ve added baking soda the next two things we will try is Febreze, extra strength and Greg from Suburban suggested coffee grounds and pans in the backseats for a week or so will absorb odors too. Her car may smell like coffee after that! 

I then decided to bake the desiccant from Charlotte's cracker crisper, yellow tin and have added our open boxes of crackers to it, hoping it keeps them fresh here in this Florida humidity. 

Alyzabeth and I reviewed her summer list of tasks and fun and educational items. It was a draft I put together from ideas that we’ve all talked about: researching something historical to go to; planning our vacation, getting her involved in some sort of volunteer time in a subject matter, she feels will help her career and usual chores of dishwashing, vacuuming and walking Ginger. 

Ford and I went to Walmart to pick up prescription and then to Fresh Market to pick up blue cheese and crostini bread for our appetizer at the River House tonight. We went home and I made Nana Joy's chocolate sheet cake with icing, then made the appetizer with fig jam and blue cheese, which actually I bought Gorgonzola cheese, and a little snippet of basil on each one. We drove to the River House and was very windy, I convinced Hugh and Maureen to sit out on the deck, but the wind was too strong, were going to sit inside, but people were setting up for a retirement party, so we sat out on the covered porch. Kathy was not there as she had a UTI infection. We enjoyed people watching as a wedding party came over with very handsome, tall, groomsmen, and then many women and children. The children were all dressed in suits or white dresses and it was quite the handsome wedding party. Hugh loves chocolate cake and texted me Sunday morning as he ate it for breakfast too! 

We came home, and Alyzabeth baked the broccoli in the oven, I heated up the linguine mushroom and chicken leftovers. We caught the end of the NFL Draft - Mr. Irrelevant - Last pick of the draft - picked by the Jets.

Here's Jaguars 2024 picks:

Round 1: No. 23 (From MIN)- Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU

Round 2: No. 48- Maason Smith, DT, LSU

Round 3: No 96 (Compensatory)-Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State

Round 4: No. 114-Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

Round 4: No. 116 (from NO)- Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU

Round 5: No. 153-Deantre Prince, CB, Mississippi

Round 5: No. 167 from Chiefs through Vikings — Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas

Round 6: No. 212 compensatory selection — Cam Little, K, Arkansas: Little never missed an extra point and connected on 53 of 64 career field goals in college.

Round 7: No. 236 — Myles Cole, DE, Texas Tech: Cole's college production is surprisingly low considering his athletic profile. His height and arm length, along with his power, make him a worthwhile project in the NFL. 

We watched part of the Guernsey Potato Peel Pie Society movie and then switched over to a new Hallmark movie about a sperm donor and a woman with her daughter. AA wasn’t too keen on it and said several times it almost made her cry. These type of movies with children who are either adopted, abandoned, sperm donor, created or whatever are touchy for her. which, of course she does not know any of her biological family.

Sunday: Ford and I both had a bad night sleeping, both only a couple hours of sleep, I spent five hours on the living room couch. We had homemade blueberry muffins for breakfast and I got ready for church. After church Alyzabeth and I went to Carolyn‘s (we took a few blueberry muffins and some chocolate cake) - first we picked up sandwiches from Newks, only bought five sandwiches as did not know Mike was in town but all went well as they were still cooking a late breakfast. Alex and Carolyn were out separating many perennial plans bushes, planting them in the front yard and cutting back vines, basically doing lots of yardwork, so were not ready to jump in the pool. Kayla, Mike (he skimmed the pool and jumped in!), Alyzabeth and I washed their outside patio furniture, wooden table, swept and got things ready so they could enjoy the outside area by the pool, and hung up the clean wet laundry. We did not take Ginger as Bella is getting weaker, walks slowly, barely has any vision left. She seemed to be fine when I petted her, she is aging.  

We had met Mike once before on May 29, 2021:

On the way home, shopped for hamburger and buns at the Publix. I tried to nap for a little bit as I was tired, but that didn’t seem to work; I enjoyed watching an old episode of All Creatures Great and Small. Ford baked french fries and pan cooked smash burgers (two 2 oz. patties per serving). Very good (photo of my burger with toasted bun). 

Laurie was not feeling well, so AA did not have her math tutor tonight (she finished History and English assignments). Watched American Idol, the last 12, including Julie Gagnon, Maine.

Mom posted about Andrew, Britney and Chloe helped Melissa rake the camp yard.

 

April Continues Tuesday 04/23/24 - 26th

Tuesday: Our morning started out normal and a little cool as it was 50° outside this morning. Alyzabeth got off to school and she has a Spanish speaking test today and she will stay after school for a history review tutor session. Ford took a shower and we got on the road to his physical therapy at 9:30. I jumped back in the truck and went to the post office to mail Liv's birthday card. Back at the Summit Physical Therapy office, I walked, chatting briefly with my Mom. My mom was being treated for her asthma and a cold; now some type of viral infection that she’s on an antibiotic. When I spoke to her, she was in bed resting, so did not talk very long.  I called Terri and we talked about her spring break last week with the grandkids, bowling and then getting a migraine this past Sunday. She’s fine now and is getting her haircut. Ford and I then did some errands - we went to Larry Bradley‘s house and put out a bag of trash (and sorted items we still need to bring to our home), we went to Michael’s and purchased flowers for Larry and Charlotte‘s gravesite, then we went to Walmart to pick up Ford‘s prescription and I bought some Damp Rid-X to try (per Greg at Suburban's suggestion) to get rid of the cigarette smell in Alyzabeth’s car. Last errand was getting some cash to pay Donna with next week.

I spoke to Jenny at MACI about Alyzabeth’s knee cartilage that has been stored for five years by the company called maci.com. I will check out their website as it has recommended orthopedic surgeons in our area and we need to determine if she will need this cartilage implant at some point. The cartilage is stored for five years and one year has already gone by since her surgery.

By the time, Ford and I had finished our errands, we ate lunch at home (Ford ate grilled hotdogs we had frozen and I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich). I tried to lay down for a short time, and then Alyzabeth arrived at home after staying late for a history review. We chatted a bit about her Spanish speaking test as she got the subject "petroleum" to speak about. Not an easy topic, she spoke about how it affects the environment. I prepared an appetizer of brie cheese, canned whole cranberry jelly in a little phyllo cup with some homegrown fresh Rosemary on top. 

Ford and I went to Sonny’s barbecue first and picked up pork sandwiches and coleslaw for dinner then went to our River House happy hour. It was beautiful weather a little cool, Hugh wanted to sit inside. It would’ve been gorgeous out on the deck. Michelle, our bartender is excited about her trip to Paris in May with her husband, Patrick. Karrie Massee joined us and we had some conversation and learned her opinion on our governor DeSantis in that she likes that he’s doing some good for the environment (South Florida - Everglades), but otherwise does not care for him at all. 

We drove home had dinner, and Alyzabeth continued, studying and doing homework while we watched a repeat of Finding Your Roots show.  I somehow had a sneezing attack and was stuffed up, so went to bed at 9:30.

Reminder of my AICE volunteer slot on May 1st:

Kilee received a dance award, she has finished her sophomore college year:

And our deck with Larry's porch table (and four chairs):

Wednesday: Follow-up appointment with Dr. Cassidy about Ford's forehead skin cancer and it is GOOD news! All clear! Ford does want to take the optional radiation treatment in order to reduce the risk/chance of recurring. We need to hear from his Dermatologist if the other spot on his head can be included so he won't need it frozen/treated.

We ran errands, dropped off Larry's chess set at the Bailey's, went to Publix to cancel his pneumonia shot as found out he already had it, then to Larry's house to work on the boxes for Charlotte's family (to be determined at a later date if I mail to what). We then went to the cemetery and placed new flowers at Larry and Charlotte's graves, then to Moon River for their delicious salad at Ford's request - still happy from the good news about no cancer!

Chess set on Bailey's front porch:

Cemetery:

Charlotte's with yellow centered flowers (silk):

Moon River Pizza - Gorgonzola salads are delicious!

Once back home, I prepared the food for dinner (cut up chicken, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, etc.). AA came home from school and walked Ginger - she did not do her "business", so I took her for a walk which of course, she did both. AA drove the black Subaru and I the truck, dropped the Subaru off at Suburban for a check up on the air conditioning system. 

Justin called and explained that once we receive the truck title, then he can register it in his name. Leaa also called, chatted about Ford's cancer good news, Liv accepted at UCF (we need to buy ball caps).

Dinner was the linguini, mushrooms, chicken, tomatoes, garlic, etc. a one pot meal - we all like. 

We ate outside on the screen porch, lovely weather, still below 80 degrees and very low humidity (for Florida). For dessert, AA had a whoopie pie and we shared the chocolate blueberries from Terri:

We cancelled our SiriusXM radio subscription - we like it but just so many paid premium plans, decided to not renew. Radio ID YT703EMN - Cancel confirmation number 651-VEZ-233.

Thursday: Learned something new! April 25th - Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand;[5][6] however, the ceremonies and their meanings have changed significantly since 1915. According to Martin Crotty, a historian at the University of Queensland, Anzac commemorations have "suited political purposes right from 1916 when the first Anzac Day march was held in London and Australia, which were very much around trying to get more people to sign up to the war in 1916–1918".

Got AA off to school, did a load of wash, stripped our bed, mundane stuff! Drove to Parkinson exercises then to Publix for my shingles shot; I bought groceries needed for the new Mexican Street Corn Salad I will make. I chatted with Mom while I went back and picked up Ford. We drove to Larry's home to sort through the pile of personal belongings I have saved for Charlotte's family. Still have a few more hours and a few boxes to bring to our home/garage. We had lunch at the new 1928 Cuban Bistro (near the FIHS), Ford had the Cuban sandwich, which was huge, I ate half of a rice plate with pork, small greens salad and rice with black beans, I chose yucca fries as my side and they were delicious.

Dinner of leftovers (from freezer) and new recipe Mexican Street corn made with fresh ears of corn. Not spicey; the red chili pepper I bought, was not spicey; if I make again, would add a little cayenne pepper.

Recipes:

We watched the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jaguars had pick #17 but traded down to #23. The first three picks selected quarterbacks (six quarterbacks went in round 1). Round 1: No. 23: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU - Thomas is one of the biggest (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) and fastest receivers in the draft (4.33 40-yard dash at the combine). His production in the SEC was elite in 2023: 17.3 yards per catch, 17 TD catches.

Friday: We drove to Ford's physical therapy, Summit on Kingsley (I walked and chatted with Mom, she's still trying to shake off a cold/coughing), then to Larry's home to finish sorting and packing.

Once back home, we did household chores, walked Ginger; AA arrived home after her Spanish Club end of year party. Ginger helped AA with her math homework.

We planned a movie night, watching Die Hard, but once we decided we would not be hungry for dinner, popped popcorn and began the movie at 5:00 p.m. We enjoyed seeing it again with Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. AA wasn't too keen on it.

Leaa fixed Liv's hair - Liv's senior prom night. Leaa and Dylan drove to Macon GA for a dance competition.

Monday, April 22, 2024 Justin's Truck

Monday: I hired the same "904 junk removal guys" to move the boxes and bookcase to our home. They were to move the refrigerator, but it is now (temporarily) at Carolyn's house. I drove to Larry's home to meet them and within an hour they were loaded up with my boxes. They also took a few more items from the house, the Victrola, some 78 records, the metal drum/can in the garage (held the yard tools) the glass "barrister" bookcase (from front foyer) and the cute goldish lamp (from Larry's den/bedroom/office) and a small weight scale. I was happy to see them being used, these guys only take what they will use. Once at our home, they quickly unloaded, taking the wood table and chairs to the back deck, the bookcase to the front door/foyer. Ford asked if they would take the two old bags of cement mix - and they did! They explained that they would not "move" people, as it took a different insurance (for accountability/breakage). They agreed to my "move" as I was generous in giving them many things the first time they removed the junk (couches, mattresses, curtains, all "cloth" items that I couldn't put on the curb) and they knew I would understand their policy if they broke anything. Since I packed everything, I don't think I could have held them accountable either way. They are very nice, courteous, efficient, etc.

Ford went to his Parkinson exercises and arrived home after they (Zach and helper) had left. I rearranged the back deck, moved a bench and some plants.

Ford and I went to Suburban to get Justin's truck - all done, new tires and alignment. We then went to lunch at Talons, had not been in many months. Jodie Clark spoke to us, always asking about Alyzabeth and if she will volunteer at NFJG.

Once AA was home, we chatted about her day (she earned a 100 on the psychology quiz, waiting on her history quiz score). She has her speaking Spanish quiz tomorrow. Alyzabeth has so many quizzes and test - from now until school gets out, end of May. She said the teachers want them to puke!

Ford and I drove to Palatka, arrived about 45 minutes before Justin came home from work. We went to Publix and bought him some dinner items, rotisserie chicken, potato salad, fruit and some 2 for 1 items (bread, peanut butter, tortilla chips, bag salad), He seemed happy with the food and truck. He took his Dad, Ford on ride around the block, said it drove smooth. We are glad we could help him, something of a one time "help", a bit of guilt that our Ford150 died on him after just two weeks and back when he was a teenager, half promised him a truck and then bought him a Honda Civic, plus with Kilee in college, he is a bit tight on funds. 

Justin's 2004 Ford Ranger truck:

2016 Nissan Truck:

We ate takeout Chipolte for dinner, then watch some of the American Idol, top 12 contestants including Julia Gagnon from Maine. A good day!

Sunday April 21st - Alivia's Play Starcatcher

We drove to St. Augustine High School, to see Liv in her LAST high school play. We brought roses and sat with Justin. Nicole with Mila (Mila announced that she wanted to attend SAHS) and Avery attended, Jesse was there too (had already seen it) and had to leave early for his Mellow Mushroom gig. I brought the old child's rocker from Larry's home for Marsha, plus an Art book and notebook of graphics (Charlotte had printed out hundreds of pages). Social media:

Family after the play (Jesse, Nicole, Mila and Avery already left).

Jacob Harris (Peter Pan) with Liv (her bestie is Ben Clark who played Black Stache - he is going to UCF to study Film Making). Liv had a singing part, really showed her voice, was so proud of her (and of course, I teared up a little).

We sat behind Robbie Wiley and wife Kristen Wiles (married since 10/22/2016). Justin took Robbie's mother, Jane Stubblefield (born in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire) home to Palatka.

Program:

Dylan looking beautiful for the Saturday night show (in a "hand-me-down" dress from Tristen's Mom - age 55). Dylan is sad/tender about Liv moving away to college, even with four grade years difference, they did so much together.

And I took Liv's birthday card with Nike gift card and FORGOT to hand it off to Leaa! So off to the post office to get it mailed.