Monday 08/26/2024

Monday 26th: Ford had a morning nap, I did laundry, polished the "everyday" silverplate we use daily (then packed away as we don't need it with right now), chatted with Terri - and she coined the phrase when she is exhausted "she's sags". Got ready, drove to Parkinson exercises. After, we went to Moon River for salads and a slice of pizza (which we always bring home more than half). Cooked for dinner of peppers, garlic, Italian sausage. and pasta.

Laundry, stripped bed sheets, got ready for Donna, tomorrow.

AA has a slight fever, don't think it can be from her vaccine last week, she has a runny nose - so gave her some liquid Tylenol before bedtime.

Tuesday 27th: Donna came and cleaned our home. Drove Ford to his PT, I walked a little, in my new Converse sneakers - only thing I notice is my feet feel hot - I always wear open toed sandals. 

Spoke to Mom about the counteroffer on her land boundary dispute resolution. We ate lunch at Maple Street Biscuit, and shopped at Walmart, bought new silk/fake flowers for LB/Charlotte's grave. Once home, I made the brie cheese, cranberry sauce, pistachio nuts appetizer in a phyllo shell. At the River House, we chatted with Hugh, Maureen, Kathy and Karrie. Hugh's brother passed on Tuesday, he was 98 and mind still sharp. They will fly up to Pittsburgh for the funeral.

AA and I both feel a little off - temperature is almost normal, around 99 degrees. Hopefully, our bodies are fighting off this virus.

Wednesday 28th: I drove AA to school while her green Subaru is getting its 120,000-mile check-up. Larry did a comprehensive maintenance on it in September 2021 and nothing since. So to make sure all is up to date, Suburban (Greg) is taking care of us to the tune of $1000. It only has 5000 more miles on it and will not have much while AA only drives it to school and back. As it turns out, while trying to clear the low tire alarm, somehow the key fobs don't work now. Greg will make a new appointment to reprogram the "module".

I made berry scones, the triangles are too large (8), will try one more time and make them like my biscuits, in rounds and make 12.

We ordered some birthday gifts for AA, ate leftovers for lunch at home, dug out the Morgan genealogy tub of papers - copied the Morgan story (in Advance, MO) and sent to Joan. She wanted to know how the Morgan Funeral Home began initially.

I made the crock pot recipe of orange chicken and rice, with broccolini. 

AA still has a cold and is studying for a calculus test (tutor session with Laurie) and a government test. I walked Ginger, took a shower, ready for bed! My treat for driving AA to class and picking her up! And it lasted me for three mornings, love the taste!

Thursday 29th: We went to Ford's Parkinson exercises, I walked and talked with Mom about Andrew's Dad, Tom's DNA, I will look him up on my Ancestry account (didn't find anything new). We drove to Spring Park Coffee shop, texted Dave and Julia Chilton, drank lemonade and iced tea. Picked up salmon and salad kit for our dinner. We ate leftovers for lunch at home. I "tried" to go through a box of memorabilia I have saved for over ten years - hard getting rid of any of it..... sad, such great memories.

Friday 30th: Today is Joan's surgery, terrible news of her cancer and how bad it is. Kaci sent out a text while Joan was in recovery, will be there for about 7 days. Hugh and Maureen left for Pittsburgh; his older brother passed. And it's Andrew's birthday, #37.

Slow morning, Ford has not slept well for several weeks - his legs and feet bother him, not sure if that is due to him stopping his prescription gabapentin; will check with Dr. Legacy on September 5th. Alyzabeth went to her pre-op for the diagnostic orthoscopic surgery, no news - wait until the day before for her actual schedule. Dinner was leftover orange chicken and rice with some steamed broccoli, we watched one more Downton episode, it's starting to get boring, we need to find more interesting shows.

AA is still getting over her cold/virus. I seemed to have some of the same symptoms but not as bad. She made it through school with a media presentation, government quiz, calculus quiz, plus Spanish tutoring with Laureen.

A few political meme's to end the week, plus the news of Trump's disrespectful visit to the Arlington Cemetery. He's unbelievably "all about me", he's not a "team" person, bullies people of all backgrounds, plays victim when others try to hold him accountable or criticizes him, he lies even when the video tape shows the truth, he surrounds himself with others who do not know the constitution or know how to govern, and he does not educate or improve his knowledge (again - he attacks anyone who corrects him), he blames others, calls them stupid, clowns, horrible; calls women names by their appearance, if you praise him or donate money, he will not criticize them (example; Putin), calls media dishonest when he disagrees, all this points to a dictatorship. He's been through several bankruptcies (when he began with $400 million of his Dad's money), he is dishonest - not paying for work performed, he bullies people, lies thousands of times - we are dizzy with trying to counteract with truths. He's an awful man.

Week of Monday, 08/19/24

Monday 19th: We drove to Ford's heart doctor's appointment (9:00 a.m.), routine checkup. All was good with his heart/EKG and we had the doctor (she) look at Ford's legs; she thought it could be caused by his 2016 surgery so she ordered another more detailed ultrasound and said to continue the antibiotic   Second appointment was Ford's dermatologist, first time going since his radiation ended on July 10th - but they were running way behind, so we told them we would reschedule. We dropped off the sharpened new pencils AA bought (at BJ's) for Mr. Harris (OPE, 6th Grade Math), her note said she remembered them being his favorite pencils.

AA came home from school with more homework assignments; we called Ms. Penny as she has COVID, just to check in on her - told her about AA's scheduled knee scope and screw removal.

Photo of Dylan at Douglas Anderson (from 08/12/24):

For dinner I made the cheese ravioli recipe for dinner, a second time (made it on Wednesday 08/07/24, and we all liked it). A meatless Monday meal with asparagus, cherry tomatoes, basil and onions.

AA has to read Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice for school, so I bought the books (crazy that I didn't already have Austen's book!).

Nancy brought over some orange cake - Yum!

Tuesday 20th: Physical therapy in the morning, I walked and chatted with Terri and Mom. We drove to Spring Park Coffee shop for refreshments! A nice break before going to work in a hot kitchen!

Ford made his cheesy Shepard's pie - I made the mashed potatoes, he did the rest, enough for three meals! 

I baked a new recipe for brownies, thinking it was Hugh's birthday this week, plus Erin and Allen arrive tomorrow, so thought they would like a dessert - oops, Hugh's birthday not until the 29th.

We went to our River House happy hour (I took cheese and crackers plus the brownies), AA put the casserole in the oven so dinner was almost ready when we arrived home.

Crinkle Top Brownies from HalfBakedHarvest: Baked in a 12x8 aluminum tin rectangle pan.

Ingredients

2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons instant coffee granules

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In the microwave, melt together the butter and 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (stir at 30 second intervals) until melted and smooth. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and instant coffee. 

3. In a small bowl whisk the eggs for 1 minute until bubbly on top. Stir the eggs into the chocolate mix. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

3. Evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until the brownies are just set. Let cool (or not) and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy! 

Notes: *For extra thick brownies, bake them in a 9x9 inch square baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes. 

Hannah and Lane are pregnant! Due in February 2025.

Wednesday 21st: Drove Ford to his back doctor, Dr. Gill, he's having some lower back pain, but nothing that requires treatment right now. We paid to have the truck cleaned, never cleaned to my satisfaction but it makes me somewhat happy driving a clean truck (the sand at the RH parking lot is abundant on our floor mats!).

We went home, did some laundry. Mia was on this side of the river, so she drove to our home and we went to Talon's for lunch (she ordered the power salad). Talon's is changing their menu next week; we need to check it out soon. After visiting a bit, she went to JaxNAS to pick up a badge. AA came home and we went to her annual wellness check up with Dr. Christopher Emanual. All is good, she had part one vaccine for meningitis B. Her arm was sore, so what an excuse to head to Witt's for a frozen treat! I had chocolate with chips and hot fudge sauce, she had the special, coincidently - Scottish Highland (her favorite cows). 

Nicole sent us this photo of Avery getting her monthly Ranger Rick magazine in the mail:

Mom sent this photo (Chris took) from the Sea Dog Baseball game:

Back home, we ate leftovers - Shepard's pie and continued to watch (and doze off) the DNC convention - such uplifting messages, hope and joy! Amazing speakers over the past three evenings:  former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, as well as Harris' husband and United States second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Just last night was: Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Leader, Honorable Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives; Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania. Remarks; Alexander Hudlin, Jasper Emhoff, and Arden Emhoff; Honorable Catherine Cortez Masto, United States Senator, Nevada, Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate, Honorable Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, Honorable Pete Buttigieg; John Legend, American singer-songwriter, and Sheila E., American singer and drummer. Honorable Amy Klobuchar, United States Senator, Minnesota, Benjamin C. Ingman, Former student of Governor Tim Walz and the Vice President Elect - Honorable Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota. And Stevie Wonder.

Thursday 22nd: Thursday morning, we enjoyed a little quiet time doing dishes and getting ready to go to Ford’s Parkinson’s exercises at 9:30, he hasn't been due to his leg edema issue. I walked outside for about 45 minutes talking to my mom. She updated me on the Johnson Road land dispute. Hopefully a resolution is coming soon. I had been doing the exercises with Ford but with a cooler weather front coming through, the temperature was in the low 80s and the humidity seemed lower so I walked while chatting with mom. After exercises, we went home and prepared a shopping list for making chili tomorrow. We are just in the mood for it, it is easy, makes a large quantity; we can enjoy it over the weekend for a home-cooked meal. Time Out Deli for lunch, ate chicken salad sandwiches. Then to Dr. Dolven‘s office for Ford‘s appointment at 12:40 which is taking care of Ford’s rash and his edema on his legs. Dr. Dolven is so very attentive and listens. He’s really a great doctor and took care of every issue we brought up and now Ford has three new prescriptions: antibiotic for his legs, a pill and a cream for his rash, will go back to see him in three months.  We were home about the same time that Alyzabeth arrived home from school; walked Ginger. Ford and I went to Walmart to pick up his new prescriptions, picked up the groceries we needed for the chili also. Once home actually laid down for a little bit of a rest. I bought a new thermometer and took Alyzabeth’s temperature, it was about 100°. We assume it is from her vaccine yesterday as she was feeling poorly during the day and a bit upset stomach during school. This has happened before and hopefully she will feel better by tomorrow. I went to the Fleming Island High School open house and followed Alyzabeth schedule for each class.

Luckily I didn’t get too lost as I walked/followed Kathyrn‘s mom, Michele and Kathyrn as they were in four out of six of Alyzabeth‘s classes. I saw David Bailey and Nasha Donaldson, Chloe LeBlanc’s parents and Sophia‘s parents. Her classes seem pretty tough with a couple that may be more moderate. I actually fell walking to portable 93, I didn’t pick up my feet, and there was uneven pavement pavers, but I was unscathed and got right up, brushed off the dirt and didn’t miss anything.  Alyzabeth has a long walk to her classes between the main building and the portables so it will be hard again when/if she’s on crutches again. Three slides from Ms. Ford, Calculus, and two from Government, Mr. O.

At home we warmed up the shepherd's pie for the third dinner in a row. I think we are sufficiently sick of it; it makes a huge amount and just want to make sure we eat our leftovers. We had one of my homemade brownies from last weekend and then it was time for me to take a shower, Alyzabeth is resting, studying her vocabulary for a quiz tomorrow on the couch. This is the last night of the Democratic National Convention, we listened to Kamala Harris accept the presidential nomination.

Friday 23rd: I did laundry and dishes after AA left for school - another bad night for sleeping.... Ford went to his physical therapy, and I walked for about 20 minutes chatting with mom.

We made chili - still too warm for it, but dreaming of cooler weather! Air fried leftover frozen pizza for lunch. Drove to the RH, (took cheese, hummus, crackers for snacks) met up with Colleen, Mark and Noah Witt. We last saw them late November 2023, helping assess Larry's home. Enjoy our chats, mainly about Noah and AA's college plans. Chili for dinner and a quiet evening.

Saturday 24th: We were up early as AA left at 7:25 a.m. to take the SAT at FIHS. We grocery shopped, then lunch with AA at Tijuana Flats. Ford watched the FSU/GT game being played in Dublin, Ireland - good game but FSU lost at the very end when GT kicked a field goal with seconds left. 

I was going to make the cranberry brie bites for RH happy hour appetizer but since Kathy is not coming and Hugh said he was bringing shrimp cocktail; I decided to wait and make them for Tuesday's happy hour. Kathy's son, Tom was in town for his high school reunion with friends so Kathy did not come. Karrie joined us and brought a very tasty warm cheese (Fontana, Parmesan and onions) dip. The weather was breezy and cloudy (a rainy, cooler front came through over the weekend - by cooler 92 degrees in the sun, cooled to 84 degrees) so we sat on the lower south deck. Amazing we sat outside in August. 

Once home, warmed up leftover chili, watched an episode of Downton Abbey (end of season 3 - Matthew dies) and then the first episode of Season 4. AA stayed up while we retired to our bedroom.

Sunday 25th: Another slow morning, got ready for church. Chatted with Terri, she was at Mom's and went to dump with Melissa. Andrew, Britney and Chloe spent last night, had fun in the lake and with Sea-doo. Ford and I went to the Orange Park Mall and I found the Converse sneakers I liked at the shoe store Journey. Lots of preseason NFL football games on plus Ford's alma mater was on ESPN for the first time - Southeast Missouri!

We made nachos with leftover chili, plus Velveeta cheese, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, salsa, onions, guacamole, etc.

Now to wear my pearls with my "chucks" - Supporting Harris/Walz ticket!

AA wrote her college essay, and we watched two more Downton Abbey episodes - will make it through all of them someday!

Saturday - Sunday (08/18/24)

Saturday: We all slept in and had a quiet morning (AA did homework). I baked the new pumpkin muffin recipe Marsha gave me (she baked them for the breakfast she hosted for us while we were in SA). They came out very good (did not add chocolate chips; added chopped pecans and dried cranberries). 

We dressed and met Mia and Mike for lunch at Woodpeckers BBQ. We chatted about Madison's new college apartment, how she likes spending money so has a job at chick-fila. She wants a Jeep but will probably wait until she graduates (her grandfather pays the first year's car payments). Mike is looking for a job in Florida with Caterpillar; Mia has applied for a job with the government - JaxNAS. They have found out that Madison will not get in-state tuition this year but will her junior and senior year now that she has residency herself. Mia plans to stay in Florida for now.

On our way home, we stopped at Fresh Market to buy appetizer ingredients: crostini, fig jam and blue cheese. With not much time, Ford put his leg up and I made the appetizer. We drove to the River House for happy hour with Hugh, Maureen, Kathy and Karrie joined us. We were rather dull tonight, didn't want to talk much politics with Karrie (she is against Trump). Karrie is going to a B&B seminar next Tuesday so will not join us. Maureen did well, with the breeze off the river, we survived outside on the covered patio area.

Back home, lunch leftovers and spaghetti for dinner. Jaguars' preseason game was on.

Liv sent us her college address - we will send her a monthly check just like we do with Kilee.

Sunday: I went to church and served communion. AA and I met Carolyn at the OP Metro diner, we enjoyed brunch before driving to the BJ's. We gave her a pine scented satchel from the Mt. Washington gift store and a small bottle of maple syrup (plus money for taking care of Ginger for 15 days/nights). Nice of her to drive over to our area.

Ford made pizza for our dinner! He made the dough, plus added sauce, cheese, pepperoni, bell pepper and onions.

Before being baked:

Delicious!

Wednesday - Friday (08/16/24)

August 14th - August 16th: Wednesday: We all get up while AA gets ready for school, sometimes I am a bit slower so Ford takes Ginger outside, AA has a small breakfast (some combination of juice, fruit, bacon, muffin, etc.). After she leaves for school, we take showers, dress, get ready for the day. Today, I planned to work on this blog as I am almost a month behind and also cook a dinner. I walked Ginger and prepared for dinner - making homemade Jambalaya. I cooked the sausage, chicken and chopped the garlic, peppers, onions and celery.

Once AA was home from school, she had a snack and started on her homework - Spanish tonight, answering fifteen questions with photos as proof - all in Spanish.

Thursday: Ford is still suffering from his skin infection, so no Parkinson exercises this morning. Since I have not been walking much I talked him into going to the Mall with me, so I can get in some steps (inside where it is cool!). He walked a very little, I enjoyed my walk and bought Clinique lipstick and got the free products. Next was lunch, take-out from King Kabob on Kingsley (Beef and chicken kabobs with two sides). Very good and plenty for AA to have some as her after school snack. AA doing homework, dinner was leftover jambalaya (AA watched her Star Wars TV show, and I looked up info on jambalaya and when I tried an audio to make sure we were pronouncing correctly, it sounded like Darth Vader was coming through the TV - a good laugh!) and a few walks with Ginger, and I thought our day was over - Nope! I leave messages on different local neighborhood groups when I see people giving away bikes - so I commented, and Mary responded. She and hubby lives in OP/off Blanding, so Ford and I went to get the bikes and deliver to the OP Methodist church James Boys bike repair area. They are such sweet people! I could not believe they had seven bikes. No way to get in our short bed truck - but they got their son and friend (live across the street) to load them for us! Strong youngish men did the job. We drove extremely slow and unloaded, back home at 8:35 p.m. Worth it to get so many. I also have two bikes to pick up tomorrow!

An older post about donating bikes:

Our haul of donated bikes!

Friday 16th: AA off to school, and our usual morning, mine with coffee and a quick blog writing. Drove to Ford's PT, walked while he was there and spoke to Terri (at Chris' babysitting kids and trying to organize Autumn's room!) then spoke to Hilary about her work life and that she is going to the Maine Scottish Highland Games tomorrow with Aunt Patti (Patricia); and last spoke to Mom briefly as she was heading to a doctor's appointment, squeezed her in as she has bites on her legs! Once home, took Ginger to her groomer appointment.

Picked up bikes from Sheila (2) and Bettie H. (1) also in Mandarin. Driving slow over the Buckman bridge was a bit stressful!

Ford made a pot of spaghetti sauce to our dinner; we ate early before AA left for the Fleming Island HS football game/scrimmage. Jesse (One Good Ring) was playing at Colonial Oaks but we decided not to go, long drive.

After struggling with loading and unloading the three bikes, we were at OPMC, so why not stop at the River House - this was our coolest day, very unusual, a nice breeze. Then home for our spaghetti dinner.

Not sure I want to pick up bikes across the river, securing the bikes is a huge effort so that there is no chance of falling off the truck.

AA was in a photo posted on the FIHS Facebook page: She is to the left of Siyan. The theme was minions so yellow and blue clothes.

AA before she left home:

Siyan's brother Chase is on the varsity football team!

And to end on a sad note: SIL Joan Morgan found out her cancer is back (on her tongue); she will have surgery on August 30th, praying for complete recovery. We told Leaa, will tell Justin and Mia.