Donald Duck Day

So what can I say about this? Not much. Donald was definitely part of my childhood, but never really my favorite character. Come to think of it, I don't believe I can even name a favorite character. Probably why I still don't like animation to this day. I suppose it's because I have no imagination.

I had a quiet day today and was happy for it. This evening I went out with the winers group. First wine I've had in almost two weeks, but it went down just as easily as before. I did just have one glass, however, since I had to walk the dogs when I got home. Can't be too careful!

Best Friends Day

As far back as I can remember, I've had a best friend. Junie Watson was the first in Victoria when I was 6, followed by Marilyn Brooks in elementary school (after we moved to Midland), Candy Combs in junior high, and Suzan Brown in high school. We moved every four or five years, but I was fortunate to always find a best friend. In college it was my roommate and once I moved to Houston, Shirley Andries took the spot for almost 40 years. In Heber Springs I was delighted to meet Gretchen who got me through the years with Mom.

I'm not really in touch with most of those friends anymore, but do still communicate regularly with Suzan, Shirley, and Gretchen. Since moving to Katy I don't really have one best friend, but more friends than I can count. My brothers, my cousins (and Kay), and my neighbors are all people I hold dear. And I thank God for all of them.

Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Not realizing what I would be celebrating today, yesterday I bought some chocolate and peanut butter ice cream that is 150 calories per pint. I thought I'd found the holy grail until I came home and tasted it. Yuck! So I mixed some with Cool Whip today and it was much better. I shouldn't have been so naive. How could it possibly have tasted like real ice cream?

This morning my temporary bridge came out and I cried a little when I looked in the mirror.  Now I'm officially old! I can't believe I have no front teeth, but I suppose I'll forget all about it once I get the permanent bridge.  I went back to the dentist's office and was told the swelling had pushed it out. Good thing because if that ever happens in public, I'll be mortified!

I've started a coloring group in my neighborhood and we met this afternoon for the first time at the clubhouse. There were 11 of us and everyone brought their own supplies. It was fun because we just visited while we colored and it was much more enjoyable than coloring alone. We'll meet once or twice a month and will probably bring wine in the future. That'll make it even more fun.

Eyewear Day

Now here's something I know a lot about. I've been grateful for glasses since I was eight. although by the time I was in high school, it was all about contact lenses, which I wore from 16 to 45 when I had Lasik surgery. My vision wasn't perfect, so had to go back to glasses. But it didn't bother me then because they weren't coke bottle thick.

Spectacles have been around for about seven centuries, but early versions were only worn by monks and scholars. It wasn’t until the the printing press was invented in 1452 and more people were learning to read that the demand for eyewear grew. Bet you didn't know that.

I'm happy to report that my mouth surgery went very well this morning and was much easier than the dental work last week. I had no idea but sure am thrilled about it. When the doc was out of the room I snapped a pic of my X-ray. Pretty clean break, huh? Thank God it was just the one!

International Frozen Yogurt Day

Normally I never eat frozen yogurt, but since I busted up my lip, really cold foods feel good on it. So I certainly couldn't pass this day up.

Kay and I went downtown this afternoon to see Beautiful, a musical about the life and music of Carole King. It was one of the best shows I've seen in a very long time, probably because I've always loved her music. But what I didn't know is that she wrote many hit songs for Motown groups in the early 60's. A great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Cheese Day

After dinner I started to blog and remembered that I hadn't eaten any cheese. So I scooted to the kitchen, got some out and shared it with my furry friends. We love cheese!

I took this picture this afternoon as I was going to get some frozen yogurt. I didn't even use a zoom... those little guys were just resting outside the strip center with no concerns about people coming and going. It was quite odd.

I went to see Sage today and she was again very reticent for most of our time together. Then shortly before I was scheduled to leave, she said that she didn't like the way I'd been treating her the last few weeks. While I thought I was offering words of wisdom in preparation for her release, she felt like I was lecturing her and said she's tired of everyone telling her the same things. She does see a therapist, her case worker, and speaks to her case manager on the phone. And I suppose we do all say the same things, thinking what she needs is advice before she's thrown back into her same environment. However, she firmly stated that she wants us to express our faith in her to do what she knows is right and offer more encouragement. I apologized profusely and told her how much I respected her for bringing this up and letting me know how she feels. And I promised her it won't happen again. I'm still learning how to deal with these girls and I really appreciated her honesty. I'm not so sure I could have done that.

National Egg Day

This is not to be confused with World Egg Day, which is in October, just in case you were wondering.  For dinner tonight I made an omelet with spinach, turkey bacon, and cheese (notice no wine... I can't remember the last time I went this long without wine). I'm trying to prepare all my meals so they can be eaten with a fork since I can't bite down on anything. However, yesterday I did have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, which I cut with a fork. I'm learning.

I'm so lucky in so many ways, but a huge one now is that I'm surrounded by flooded areas, but remain dry. All I can do is pray for those who are losing everything and especially for the families of those who have died. Such a terrible disaster.

I Love My Dentist Day

What a coincidence! I actually haven't been to my dentist enough to know if I love him or not, but knew today would tell the tale. I was terrified that he would bump my huge bottom lip, although knew it would be hard not to. He worked in my mouth for at least a half hour and I was fortunate that it was my top tooth he was removing. But he did a great job and now I do love my dentist!

I got a temporary tooth which I'll have to wear for at least nine weeks. Tomorrow I'll make an appointment with an oral surgeon to get the root of the tooth out and then have to wait six weeks after the surgery before he can start on the bridge. That will take three more weeks. And for all that time I'm not to bite into anything so the temporary won't pop out. I'm pretty sure it's a given that it will happen at least once and that scares the crap out of me, so I hope I'll remember to be very careful.  And you're welcome that I haven't posted any photos. I look like a monster.

Go Barefoot Day

I'm not supposed to go barefoot anymore per my podiatrist, but I do occasionally, so I was happy to comply for the day's celebration.

For some reason I wrote yesterday's blog but didn't publish it. It's directly under this one, and since I stayed pretty low-key today, just read yesterday's.

What You Think Upon Grows Day

This is a day to celebrate positive thinking based on the birthday of Norman Vincent Peale.

My lip was fatter and sorer today and unfortunately, it was my last day to see the kids. They get out at noon on Thursday and have class parties tomorrow, so I had no choice. Any other week I'd have canceled. But the good news is that kids aren't easily grossed out and they didn't think much about it after I explained what happened. The bad news is that their aunt and grandparents were leaving when I came in and wanted to thank me for all I've done. It was very uncomfortable for me and I didn't really speak to them as much as I'd liked.

I went to the dentist this afternoon and although it wasn't good news, it could have been much worse. One of my front teeth was broken clean in half, just like a broken bone. The dentist said the only thing holding it in place is gum tissue. I was the last appointment and his financial lady was gone for the day, but she'll call me in the morning to discuss the difference in cost of an implant or a bridge. Happily, I was told that I will not ever be toothless no matter which option I choose. And with either I will have to have a surgeon remove the root of the tooth since it is embedded in the bone. But here's how I'm thinking positively... it could so easily have been more than one tooth. I'm a lucky girl!

Doctor appointment is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Baby steps.

Water a Flower Day

Of course it's Memorial Day, but I wasn't able to do much celebrating. And due to the amounts of rain we've had, my flowers really didn't need watering, but my calla lilies seem to love it, so they got a little more.

I was supposed to see Sage yesterday, but couldn't because I was in the ER. When I called to tell say I wasn't coming, I asked the receptionist to please explain what had happened, but from past experience, was doubtful she would. So I decided to go today, even though I look horrible because those girls live with so much disappointment and I didn't want to create more. When Sage came out to see me, she was shocked. I immediately asked if she knew why I didn't show yesterday and she said no. Adding quickly, "And you shouldn't have come today!" I didn't stay the whole hour but we talked about her fears and concerns about leaving. I'm pretty sure she was a little mad at me when I left, but hoping that she will think about things I said and realize I'm right. Who knows.

 

Paperclip Day

The first patent for a paperclip was issued in 1867 and that's all you need to know. I have a lot more to talk about today.

While the bros were here I slept on an air mattress in the study and I slept very well the first night. But last night was a different story. Since I have low blood pressure, my doctor has advised me to sit on the side of the bed for 10 or 15 seconds before I stand up and I've been doing it faithfully. But this morning about 2:30 I had to get up to use the facilities and stood up from the floor, basically. I felt a little dizzy, but when I got to the bathroom I fell on my face. My front teeth cut my lip in two places and one of my teeth is really loose (and of course I can't do anything about that till Tuesday). I got up slowly and then sat on the toilet and the next thing I remember was lying on the floor with toilet paper in my hand. I know, TMI. Again I carefully got up and was washing my lip when I fell again. It was just so weird, like I had no control over my body. I fell one more time, but fortunately, three feet from my mattress, so I crawled the last bit. Needless to say, I never went back to sleep.

Everyone was leaving this morning and when I told them what happened, Mary Jane really felt bad about going.  But I said I'd go to the ER because I really thought I needed stitches. There's one close by and I was one of only three people there so got very good attention. After blood work, an X-ray, an EKG, and a CAT scan, there really wasn't anything dramatic that was wrong. And then I remembered this exact thing happened to me about six years ago in Heber. And my doctor couldn't find anything wrong then either. This doctor wanted me to stay in the hospital overnight for observation, but I wasn't having it. I promised her I'd come back if anything else happened. And she said I got there too late for stitches because my lip was already starting to heal. Fine by me.

So I've rested all afternoon and think I'll be okay, but I will follow up with my doctor as I was advised. So I apologize for all of this, but since it consumed my day and there just wasn't much to say about paperclips... there you have it.

Salsa Month

What a great day we had! Kitty told us to be at her house at 11 and Kevin was going to take us to a surprise place for lunch. It was El Tiempo and he ordered for the table... guacamole, salsa, queso, three kinds of fajitas, rice and beans. We all had our shares of salsa and chips while we were waiting for the rest of the food. After lunch he took us to a chocolate bar where they offered baked goods,  ice cream, and candies. We got ice cream and Kevin bought each of us a box of truffles. He is so kind and generous, like his dad and ours. Then he drove us on a tour of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Houston. So much has changed since I moved away in 2002. Next stop was Sharon and Jim's house where we each had a beer before heading home. And we spent the evening out on the patio before watching a little TV. It was perfect day!

Don't Fry Day

Love this one! I never fry and never have, so easy-peasy. Rob got here about 1:30 this afternoon and we've been eating, drinking, and laughing ever since. The weather has been horrible, but fortunately it didn't start until after Rob got here.  I'm so happy they all got here safely and also glad that I had planned to cook dinner here. It would have been a mess to try and go somewhere.

It's now 10:30 (way past my bedtime) and everyone has gone to bed except me, but I'll be soon to follow. We're meeting Kitty for lunch tomorrow and all looking forward to it. More mañana, I'm sleepy so good night all.

Grey Day

I think this day must be British based on the spelling of gray, but it was easy for me to do, so I went with it. This is a shirt I got from Charles and Karen which I love and wear often. The reason that only the shirt is in the pic is that I didn't put on makeup today and didn't want to expose my face to all of you. You're welcome.

Joe and Mary Jane got here this afternoon after a stressful drive through heavy rains, detours, and more. Fortunately tornadoes weren't part of the mix because they were all around them. But we got pizza for dinner and all was well after some rest. Rob will be here tomorrow and then we'll really get the party started!

Wine Day

Seriously? In February I celebrated National Drink Wine Day and now this. I love whoever makes this stuff up! Next we'll probably have National Buy Wine Day or Red Wine Day or whatever. And I can't complain a bit. In order to celebrate today (since every day is Wine Day for me), I just had a little extra and was damn glad about it.

I saw Bryanna today for the next to last time. I told her that I'd try to see her next week (no school Monday and 1/2 day Thursday), but wasn't sure if it would interfere with any end of year class activities. Her face just fell and it broke my heart. So I told her I will be there one day if only for 30 minutes, but today was not goodbye. And truth be told, I felt just like she did. I'll make this work!

Brother's Day

This is actually a day for brothers to connect, but it also said sisters could get involved, too. These are my three knuckleheads (as evidenced by the photo) and I love them all dearly.  I'm pretty sure we grew up with typical sibling experiences and in early adulthood, we still weren't close. Always happy to be together, but just not close. That all changed when our dad got sick and died shortly thereafter. We bonded in a way I never thought possible and I'm so grateful that such a wonderful blessing came from Dad's death. Joe and Rob are coming for Memorial Day weekend and I'm hoping to visit Charles in Tanzania within the next year. As Charles once stated, I won the lottery when I was born into this family. Okay, actually he said it about him, but I feel exactly the same way. Love my bros!

Lucky Penny Day

I thought I had this one in the bag because, let's face it, you can't exactly strike out to find a lucky penny, so I was just going to write about how lucky I am naturally. But noooo, it was an unlucky day in more ways than one. First of all, I went to my Walmart Neighborhood Market yesterday and when you check out (I was at the self checkout) with a Discover card, you can get cash back. So I asked for $60 back. This morning I realized that I neglected to get my $60. So I went back today, thinking it would be hopeless, and the lady said if I had my receipt, they would honor it (whaaat?). I was delighted, so when I came home and started looking through the trash for my receipt and couldn't find it, I presumed that I didn't get that either. Sixty bucks down the tubes... dammit!

Then I met Roy for lunch and had a beautiful grilled shrimp salad. I purposefully left half of the shrimp so I could bring the salad home and finish it for dinner. The restaurant was a half hour from here and when I was halfway home, I realized I didn't have the doggy bag. To be fair to me, I'm pretty sure the waitress didn't bring it back out. But again, dammit! I'm a very cheap person and these two incidents alone are killing me. So much for Lucky Penny Day.

Mediterranean Diet Month

Today is National Buy a Musical Instrument Day, which I think is a little over the top. I mean, couldn't it have just been Play a Musical Instrument Day? But since it's not, I stopped into my Walmart Neighborhood Market this afternoon, on my way home from visiting Sage. We played cards  for the whole hour and she was very withdrawn. I couldn't get her to talk much, so decided it was okay to just spend some time together rather than trying to pry into what the problem was (although I did try for a time).  But I digress. I was hoping to find a kazoo or harmonica, but to no avail. And I didn't have time to go anywhere else because Kay and Kori were coming over. Kori napped while Kay and I had an adult beverage and visited. We hadn't been together for a while, so had a lot to catch up on.

And this evening I had my leftovers from dinner on Friday... Penne Mediterranean. It was made with all the ingredients that are popular in the Mediterranean so I think that counts. And it was deelish!

Older Americans Month

We celebrated Older Americans Month with a Preakness Party. I didn't win any money this time, but still enjoyed my older American friends. Actually I enjoy them two or three times a week. I suppose we should really be celebrating our elders in their 80's and 90's because this group seems so young to me. And since three of these ladies are 76, they give me something to aspire to. These women will keep me young and I couldn't be happier about that. But I am a tiny bit sad about no chance for a triple crown this year.