A much needed visit from my Precious

I am such a lucky girl. I have so much to be thankful for. I have so much to be grateful for. One of the best things I have been blessed with is my oldest grandaughter Abby. She came to see us this weekend for an overnight visit. Oh my.......it had been WAY too long inbetween visits so we made the most of it.

We still had some snow on the ground and Abby made sure to have some fun in it. As usual, pictures will tell the story. I hope you enjoy.

No News is Good News!

Stephanie was able to catch the 6:30pm bus out of St. Louis last night. It arrived in Springfield sometime around 11pm. Her cousin was to pick her up at the bus station and take her precious self to her aunt's house where, I am sure she promptly passed out.

We have not heard anything from her after we were assured by her aunt that she WAS on the bus and that her cousin WAS picking her up at the station. Joe and I figure that no news is good news. Considering that the entire family was texting and calling all day yesterday, the fact that we have not heard anything equals STEPHANIE GOT TO HER DESTINATION JUST FINE!

I imagine we will hear later on today or this evening from her and hear all of the details. Until then we are fine with waiting patiently. I am at home today due to a good amount of snow we received yesterday and last night. The main roads are cleared but the 6 miles from my house to the main road have not been treated at all and this Trailboss isn't going to take the chance on hilly and curvy country roads.

I can't help but feel bad for my coworker however. He did make the 45 mile drive from his house to work but he lives right along the main roads. He is by himself today unloading and reloading trucks, attempting to do the paperwork correctly, etc. But with that said, I made the decision last night that my life was worth more than the risk. I rarely miss work and feel silly to feel the need to justify me not being there. I have a very strong work ethic of which I am grateful for, but today is my day. I was so tired last night (Joe and I both were) both mentally and physically that we both needed a good night's sleep and we both did get that. I feel like a new woman today.

It is a beautiful winter wonderland outside my front door today. I am getting ready to bundle up and see about Jones. I'm sure she could use a good dose of fresh water and good ole grain right about now. I might just take my camera along for some purty pictures.

She's stuck!

Steph that is. Stuck at the bus station in St. Louis. But she got there safely, has plenty of snacks and is warm. Plus she has family with cellphones. My cellphone is my best friend right about now. She is bored but like I told her, good things are worth waiting for. The right time will come for her to catch the next bus out of there and on her way to her new life. Her aunt is keeping close tabs on her. Joe and I of course are as well. So is her Uncle Bill. Plus I have a pretty good idea that the Man Upstairs is looking over her as well.

What an adventure she is on. This is something that she will remember for the rest of her life. Something she will tell her kids and her grand kids.

She's leaving me!

My daughter that is. She is moving! She is going to her aunt's house in Springfield Missouri. She is leaving me. What am I going to do?

Seriously, it is ok. She has not had any luck finding a job in this area. Her aunt and cousins live in Springfield and love her to death. They are so excited about her coming to live there. Joe and I are really happy for her. I am sure that the empty nest syndrome will hit me hard for a few days (or weeks, or months!) but I'll be ok. I have had a child in my home for the past 29 years so I'd say it's about time.

We are putting her on the bus this evening and have schooled her on what to do and say, not to trust ANYONE, even if it is a little old lady trying to befriend her. She will take all measures to make sure she is where she needs to be and do what she needs to do. And ask questions whenever necessary.

She is cooking one of her favorite dinners tonight. Shrimp Penne. It is SO good! Joe and she are at the grocery right now picking up the necessary items needed to make it.

She has her bus ticket, some money and a cellphone. And prayers going with her all along the way. If you feel like it please say a little prayer for my baby tonight. I know that The Lord will watch over her and that she will be aware of everything around her but prayer is a strong thing. While you're at it you might want to say a little prayer for her mama too. Goodness knows I will need it!

I'll keep yall updated on her progress as she begins a new life for herself. She is a sweet and beautiful young woman and she will be fine. I just know it.

Weeknight visit

We were thrilled to have a wonderful weeknight visit with 2 of my favorite people in the world, Abby and Leah.















Abby and Steph started wrestling and having a big time. Meanwhile Leah was busy. She is always busy. Busy walking and looking.















Naturally Pattykins has to be right in the action. Sophie too!



"You talking to me Mom?"





Can you believe how gorgeous this child is?



Someone needs to stop growing up!!



Speaking of not growing up, how do you like my hat? Leah found the pair of plastic shoes and I made her think they were hats. That way she didn't get hurt. Aren't I a good grandmother?

It was so much fun to have them visit in the middle of the week. Since we live so far away it is rare for this to happen. But I am glad it did. Even though the only reason they came is because Beth needed a new cellphone and Joe gave her an old one of his. But I like to think they came just to see us. At least that is what I tell myself. It doesn't really matter anyway. They did come and I did enjoy it.

I wish she would need another cellphone really soon!

Let's hear it for 33 yrs of typing!

I have worked in an office situation for the past 33 years. Working in an office generally requires one to type.....a lot. That is what I have been doing. Typing. I typed at The Chicago Motor Club in 1977 when I issued International Drivers Licenses to folks. I typed when I worked in a security position (actually called a Timekeeper) in Houston in 1977. That was in between asking employees to see their ID cAArd (that's for you So) as they passed by my office to clock in and go about their day.

I typed when I took trouble reports from not so happy people when their phone was not working for 2 years. I typed when I moved from that job to a clerical job in a Central Office when I worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Houston. I typed a lot when I moved to another job within that company to one of the District offices. I did a LOT of typing at that job.

I typed when I worked as an Account Manager for one of the local chemical companies around these parts. I wrote a lot at that job too. I loved that job. I was there for 9 years. In fact that is where I met my husband Joe. I am glad I worked there cause I got to meet my life partner.

I typed when I worked in Insurance for 5 1/2 years. State Farm usually requires a lot of forms to be completed and they had this handy thing called a computer that I grew to love.

I type at my current job all day long. Have I mentioned that I have typed a lot? Heck, I've typed a lot just during this post. Anyway, the point of all of this is that since I have typed so much for so long the repetitive actions of my fingers and the keyboard has resulted in me suffering for a few years from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I have been wearing wrist braces for a number of years when I sleep but the problem has continued to get worse.

I mentioned it yet again to my wonderful Dr. Turnbo a couple of weeks ago at my 3 month appointment. He simply asked me if I would like to get it fixed. I was happy to say yes.

I saw the orthopedic surgeon Monday who will do the surgery. I have it in both hands and have decided to get them both fixed at the same time. The surgery is scheduled for Feb. 10th with a recovery time of 3-4 weeks. I asked Dr. Deweese about arthroscopic surgery he said that he doesn't do that type of surgery. He has found that the other way proves to be more effective and will most likely avoid nerve damage. I chose to put my trust in the man who knows what he is doing so I will have the old fashioned surgery.

I don't look forward to not being able to use my hands for a period of time but I do look forward to the relief that I will surely get from the simple snipping of the tendon.