The Wyeths Revisited

Picked Mom up and brought her here. By the time we got here and I unloaded the car, it was 1:30pm already. I made lunch for us. We looked at the library books about NC Wyeth and Howard Pyle. Two of the books contain some of the illustrations that they both did plus other paintings of theirs. I love their work. Howard Pyle was NC Wyeth's teacher. NC Wyeth was Andrew Wyeth's teacher. I'm betting that one or both of the older Wyeth's taught James. The third book which came from the library is a biography of Andrew Wyeth. Mom will probably start it tomorrow. That will keep her busy for awhile.

Refreshed

Today was a nice, fun filled day. This morning I stopped at the library to pick up three books we ordered. At about 1:45 pm I drove to a friend's house. We had planned a trip to a knitting shop so that she could buy yarn for a few more projects and gifts. We spent a long time looking in that shop. My friend did buy some yarn. I got a knitting magazine which contains several sweater patterns. I stopped in at the quilt shop briefly but they were about to close so I didn't get to see too much. I will go back again, soon. There is another magazine I'd like to get at the knitting shop so I can do that on my next trip also. After our shopping adventure, we went to a local restaurant which serves ribs, all you can eat, on Monday night. My friend and her husband had ribs. I had a hamburger which was so large I couldn't finish it so I brought half home for tomorrow's lunch. While I waited for my friend to finish making her purchases, I sat outside the shop in the beautiful summer weather and rocked in a rocking chair while enjoying the summer breeze. I feel refreshed after a stressful weekend.

What A Weekend!

What a weekend! I was at Mom's yesterday. We were waiting for the oxygen to be delivered. The guy who brought it also taught us how to use the appartus. He was an excellent teacher. Mom was nervous about this new situation so she wanted me to stay over night. In order to do that I had to make several phone calls to find a sub for myself. I was scheduled to be the lector at the 8:30am mass at my church. Finally, at 9pm I got a phone call from someone who was able to do the job. That was a relief! I did manage to get some knitting done while down at Mom's. This morning I went to the food store for a few items for her and I bought the Sunday papers. I arrived home here, at 2:30pm. I checked my answering machine and returned a couple of phone calls. E. and D. came over when I got home. I took a digital picture for D. which he needed for something. I was also able to print the picture for him. Unfortunately, I didn't know how to load the picture into the computer. We couldn't scan it either so I lent him my camera with the memory card. Perhaps he can use someone else's computer to send the pic to its destination. I'm not high tech, technologically challenged would be more like it. I'm hoping to relax later and watch Masterpiece Theater. There will be an Agatha Christie show on, I believe. I'll knit in awhile also. I'm half way done with afghan #3. All the activity this weekend has made me very tired. Stress also contributed to my tiredness.
When E. was here and D. and I were taking the picture, printing it, etc., she did me a favor and emptied the dishwasher, changed the cat litter and took the garbage out. It was a huge help. I'm so busy doing things for Mom that I don't have time to do things for myself. She also made iced tea and poured me a large glass with lemon. Very refreshing.
I missed my day of quilting with the gals last Thursday. There may be another one in July. I hope that I don't miss that one. Anyway, now it's time to relax!!!

A tiring Day

Today I took Mom to the hospital for a ct scan and a blood test. It was a very tiring day. I had to get a wheel chair for her, push her into the lobby and then go back to park the car. I then proceeded to push her to the elevator and to the varous sites where she would get the tests. I filled out the paper work and reminded the clerk that I needed her health cards back. I'm the wheelchair pusher, the secretary, the assistant and anything else that's required. It's also a very stressful experience. When we returned home we had lunch and I fell asleep on the couch. Tomorrow I have to take her back home because the oxygen is being delivered to her home. I'll stay for most of the day, get some knitting done and do her laundry. I'll return home in the early evening and look forward to 2 days at home alone. Then next Tuesday I'll return to bring her back up here for a doctor appointment on Wednesday. I'm hoping that I can return her home on Thursday . Driving up and down the parkway is getting "old". I wish I had a helicopter or a magic carpet.

A Missed Day

My quilt group met today at a friend's house for a Quilt-In. I missed it because I took Mom home to get a few things. When we returned it was already 2:00pm and it seemed senseless to go then. I would have had a little more then an hour to work on my project. It would have been fun to see everyone's projects. I would have gotten a lot done as well. I'm sorry I missed this day of quilting.

The Do Very Little Day

Rode to the shore today. Picked up the mail and rode back. There was a lot of traffic on the parkway going south. There was also an accident before the exit I needed which slowed traffic down. I guess you can attribute that to "rubber necking" . The ride home was better. I came a different way. Didn't accomplish much else today.

Too Early

It's too early to be up. I have Sandy to thank for that. I know that in about another hour or so, I'll be ready to fall asleep again. Right now I'm wide awake and anxious for the day to start. Where is the sun? Will it shine today? I sure hope so, along with everyone else in NJ.
It'll be a busy day. I need to go get Mom's mail, unless I can convince her that we can pick it up on Saturday. I had nothing on my calendar scheduled for today. Not too many of those days appear on my calendar. I'd rather stay at home and knit, and just relax. Not very many of those days happen either.
It's starting to get humid. I'm still hoping that the AC can remain off for a few more days. Let's see if we can make it to July without using it.
Right now I'm going to jump into the shower. That will really be a WAKE UP call.

Never A Dull Moment

Today it was Mom's turn to visit a doctor, so I took her for her appointment this afternoon. The result of that appointment? An appointment for her to have a ct scan on Friday and another trip back to the doctor next week. She will also be given oxygen to use at her home. Never a dull moment!
I had planned to take her back home tomorrow, but we'll put that off until next Thursday. I'll drive down tomorrow to pick up the mail.
On Thursday this week, I have plans to Quilt all day at a friend's house. I'd like to get my sister's quilt done before Christmas. If I can sew the rest of the blocks together on Thursday, I'll be on my way. I will also bring my white on white quilt to work on and I may even bring my knitting. I believe we are spending 6 hours that day working on our quilting. I wish we'd have another day for quilting because I'd like to get input on how to put the quilt blocks together for the best appearance of the layout of the quilt. Besides, I don't have a huge floor space free of furniture to lay the quilt blocks out on. I have to borrow someone else's living room area. Hope to get a lot done on Thursday. We'll see!

Let The Sun Shine In

Today was a mixed weather day. It rained, then the sun began to shine. It rained again, then the sun began to shine. Presently, the sun is trying to shine. It's not raining at least. I went to my doctor appointment today. I also managed to get some knitting in. My sister came over for a visit today. She told me about a job searching website. I'm applying for one job I found on one website. The mail goes out tomorrow. I want and need a job. Daily living is getting too expensive. How nice it would be to win the lottery. If you don't play, however, you don't win. I don't play. So, please dear God, help me find a job. Thank you ahead of time.

Golf

This morning I picked Mom up and brought her to my place. We watched the US Open Golf Tournament all afternoon. It was very interesting watching the men playing in the wet conditions caused by all the rain we've had. They would hit the ball and when it landed it stopped Dead in it's track. Very few balls that landed rolled because the greens were so soggy. Some of the lead players I had never even heard of. I guess that's because I haven't been watching golf on tv in quite a few years. I would know the men on the senior tour. The Ladies Us Open begins on July 11th. I will watch that that weekend. I don't know many of the young ladies on the circuit either. It will be interesting to watch them play. I remember that my father liked to watch the women play. I believe that was because he felt it was easier to learn from watching them play. Maybe if I start watching the women play, I may learn something which would help my game. They make it look so easy but I can tell you that it's not easy. Even Tiger has bad days like today for example. He just wasn't playing like the Tiger. They say that golf is a mental game more than a physical game for the pros. It's both for someone as unskilled as me. I may not get on a golf course this year, but I know that I will go to the driving range to hit balls. Hopefully, that will improve my swing and thereby help my game.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It's rained all day today. Finally stopped here about 15 minutes ago. I spent the day inside cleaning, I made sauce, I had a chance to knit for awhile. I have been listening to Solid Gold Oldies all day. If I put on more relaxing music, I'll probably fall asleep. It's that kind of day. I believe that tomorrow will be a better weather day than today, but I wouldn't swear to it. After supper I may watch an Italian movie with English subtitles. My sister told me that it is very good. That will give me a chance to hear the language spoken. Maybe I'll catch on to the way words are pronounced so when I have to read in class I'll do it correctly.

Trucks or Deer

Today I visited with a friend I haven't seen in a long time. We caught up on each other's news. She prepared a very nice lunch and dessert. After lunch we spent some time doing our knitting projects. The afternoon went so quickly. I returned home before it got dark because I wanted to take the back country roads home. I don't take them when it's dark because you can't see the deer crossing the road when it's dark. When it's dark, I take the highway home and have to put up with truck traffic. I've been wondering which "evil" is worse, deer or trucks. Actually, the truck traffic makes me more nervous than the thought of deer crossing the road. I really wish I didn't have to contend with either of those choices.

Chadds Ford, PA.

The day was wonderful inspite of the rain. We went on a bus trip to the Brandywine Museum in Chadds Ford, Pa. That museum is well worth the trip. We also got to see NC Wyeth's home and his art studio. That was exciting. We had a guided tour through the museum. After lunch we went back to the third floor to revisit the art work we didn't have time to mull over. My friend said that she has a new respect for NC Wyeth. She always thought that Andrew was more talented. I've loved NC Wyeth's illustrations for the Scribner books since I first discovered them. I came away with a new appreciation for Andrew because there were many pictures at the museum which I had never seen before. If I get another chance to visit that museum I will jump at the chance to go again.

Wednesday Activities

I've tried to straighten up a bit today. Changed the bed linens. Did some laundry. Took Mom home this morning and got back home at 1:30pm. The sun was shining when I got home, but it's gotten overcast now. They are promising a rainy Thursday. I'm going on a bus trip to Chadds Ford, Pa to visit the Brandywine Museum, and will also go on a side trip to the Wyeth home and NC Wyeth's studio. Maybe it won't be raining there. One can hope, anyway. Later, after supper, I have to do some ironing. Not my favorite thing to do because it's so inconvenient to have to set up and then take down the ironing board. If I had a laundry room I'd leave the ironing board up at all times. Knitting is also on the agenda for this evening. My goal is to complete the pattern at least 1x each day. It only has to be done 14x before you need to do the last 9 rows which finish the afghan. I like the color, it's very pretty. Actually, NOW would be a good time to knit because both cats a napping. I think I'll get to it. Ciao!

Looking Ahead

Today we got Mom's tests done at the hospital. Everything went smoothly which I was grateful for. I'm glad that we did both tests on the same day because it was more convenient than returning on another day for another test.
Tomorrow I'll bring Mom back to her home then return home myself. It is suppose to be a nice day tomorrow.
On Thursday I'm going on a trip to the Brandywine Museum with a friend. We will see the art on NC Wyeth there. We will also see his home and studio. I had visited the museum several years ago. I enjoyed seeing the art work. I bought a beautiful poster when I was there the last time. NC Wyeth illustrated many books such as "Robinson C. " I love the illustrations he did. Can't wait to go to the museum again.

Is It Tuesday Yet?

It's 2:29am. I'm wide awake thanks to my cats. I wish that I could go back to sleep. Since I can't, I want it to be Tuesday morning at dawn. If it were I could start my day. I don't want to wake anyone up so I can't take my morning shower yet. I've already checked my email. There's nothing new since I went to bed at 10:15pm. Hopefully, sleep will come again before I have to get up. Three more hours sleep would be good. I guess I'll try again. Pleasant dreams!

Tomorrow's Schedule

Tomorrow morning I will take Mom for a couple of tests at the hospital. I'm hoping that the day goes well and that it's easy to get her in and out of the hospital. I'm relying on there being a wheelchair in the lobby so I can take her up to the second floor to the radiology department. One test doesn't require an appointment, the other does. We're hoping to get a chest xray done first and then be in time for the scheduled Pulmonary Function test. Our day tomorrow also requires a trip to the bank and to the drug store. I will take her home on Wednesday. When I get home again on Wednesday afternoon I'll quickly vacuum the LR rug and clean the bathroom. The rest of the day I'll be knitting.

Monday

Today went quickly as do all days lately. I had a few errands to run, picked D. up so he could visit with Mom. E. came over. I faxed a couple things for her. We chatted for awhile and then I took D. back home. E. helped me prepare part of the supper for Mom and me. I've already cleaned up the kitchen and started the dishwasher. In a short while I will start the days knitting. Coco is sleeping and if Sandy also sleeps, I should be able to work without interruptions. Last night when I was knitting, each cat came to visit and wanted to sit on my lap when I prefered knitting. They just think that they are welcome to plop down whenever they choose to. It's not always convenient and does interrupt my plan to get so many rows done. Hopefully, it'll work out better this evening.

Sunday, Sunday

Another Sunday has flown by. I picked Mom up this morning and brought her back here. We arrived home in time to have lunch. Later in the afternoon, E. came over. She brought us Virginia baked ham and potato salad and beans for our supper. We ate a little while ago. Everything tasted very good. I also had made some potato salad so we have leftovers for tomorrow. We discussed the topics of the day. For instance, David Letterman and the outrage that some people feel toward him now, was one topic of discussion. Another topic was the book signing that I attended a couple of nights ago. Various other things were discussed and we had a few laughs which is always good for the soul. E. promised to visit again tomorrow.
It's time for me to clean up the kitchen and then get back to the project I'm working on.

Pinochle Tonight

There were 6 of us playing Pinochle tonight so we played with a partner. F. was my partner. We won both games. That doesn't happen often. I only took the bid 2 or 3 times tonight. However, when I didn't have any meld, I did have a good playing hand to support my partner's bid. We finished early because J. wanted to leave for home. She had a rather long ride. I left right after she did. I was afraid that it might get foggy on the ride home since it rained so much this afternoon and early evening. It wasn't foggy, though. The rain had stopped and the night was clear. I arrived home at 10:30pm. I have to unwind before I can go to sleep.

Sweet Saturday

We're playing Pinochle again this evening. It's something to look forward to after a morning of cleaning the house.
I had a good night's sleep last night. I actually managed to sleep for 8 hours. That's a good thing, because when you don't get to sleep at night, you spend the day napping and don't get anything else done.

Meeting Joe and Mika

Tonight I went to the Borders bookstore to hear Joe Scarborough discuss his book about politics. Mika B was there also. I got a book signed for my 85 year old mother who gets up every morning at 6:00 am to watch Joe and also got one signed for myself. I get up in time to watch the show as well. It was a great evening! Joe's wife, Susan, was also there. I spoke to her briefly while I waited for my turn on the line. I found out that Bill Geist on the Sunday Morning Show is Willy Geist's father. Which is what I always thought to be so. I love Joe because he is open minded and fairminded. He doesn't just spout the party line. Mika's take on the mores of the country is refreshing. The guys on the show give her a hard time but she can hold her own. I look forward to 6:00am tomorrow when they'll be on again.

The Third Baby Afghan

Tonight I spent almost 3 hours knitting. I'm presently taking a break. The 3rd afghan is going to be pretty. It's pastel yellow and white. I plan to spend all day tomorrow knitting. The cleaning chores can wait. I have one month to complete the project before the shower takes place. It will be done by then. When this afghan is done I'll be knitting a pastel pink and white one for my Niece who is due in August. After that I'll probably make one more but I haven't decided on a color for that one yet. When all the afghans are complete I'll be knitting mittens for my great nieces and nephews. Somewhere I'll find time to make 2 quilted wall hangings for the 2 nephews I didn't make a baby quilt for yet. I have 2 kits and have been waiting to do these. Busy, busy, busy!!! Then there's E.'s quilt which I'd like to get done either by her birthday in Sept. or for Christmas. It takes discipline to finish all these projects. It also takes patience. I find it hard to wait until the project is done because I'm anxious to see what it will look like.

Home At Last

Our visit to Mom's ended today when E. and I left for home. P. and S. left for home also. We all had a nice visit. It's good to be home like it is always good to get home after being away. I have the next 2 days to myself. I have to catch up on laundry and cleaning chores. I will spend my "free" time knitting afghan #3.
Tomorrow evening I'm going to a local bookstore to buy Joe Scarborough's book and to have it signed for Mom. He and Mika will be there. They had about 500 people in Princeton yesterday for the book signing. I hope I don't have to wait for 500 people to get my copy of the book tomorrow. I also hope that it's a pleasant day with no rain and no humidity just in case we have to wait outside in the line. We watch the "Morning Joe" show every morning from 6:00 am til 9:00am. It's becoming a popular show with many people.

A Busy Sunday

What a busy day today was. I read at the 8:30 am mass at St. E's. After mass I drove up the road to our sister church for the 9:30 am mass so that I could be at mass with The Daughter's of Mary where the Bishop was the celebrant. When that mass was over I went to the Communion breakfast at a local restaurant. I met some nice people. I felt a bit lonely since I went by myself and didn't really have anyone to sit with. However, it all turned out all right. I'm glad that I went. I often have the choice of going somewhere by myself or sitting at home alone with my 2 cats. I usually opt for the first choice although it's often awkward. If I stayed at home because I had no one to go with, I'd never go anywhere. That would be depressing to say the least. Unfortunately, I'm still a bit shy with strangers even at this advanced age. I'm also very quiet which doesn't help much. I left the Communion breakfast and went to pick up my brother. We went down the shore so that he could give Mom her birthday gift. I finished the baby afghan and made a macaroni salad which we had for supper. We left the shore late. I got home at about 9:50 pm. It's almost time to call it a day, but I have to unwind first.

Our Trip To NY

"Jersey Boys" was terrific. We all loved it. Love those songs, they bring back many memories. Felt like singing on the car ride home. No one else did so I didn't either. Really, it was the type of show you could have joined in and sung along with the cast. We knew all the songs and even knew some of the words. I'm wondering if I have any music from Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. I'll have to check through my CD collection. There may be something in there.

Traveling to Italy Via DVD

A DVD called "Rick Steve's Europe" is taking me on a trip through Italy. The DVD is from the library. We've been to Venice, Verona, Padova, Florence and now are visiting Assisi and Sienna. His programs always interested me, no matter where he traveled. This DVD is 4 hours long. I've been watching it for almost an hour and a half already. It's very interesting and gives one an idea of what parts of Italy you'd like to visit in person. It is amazing how "old" buildings and streets have remained unchanged by modern life. A similar thing in our country would be torn down to put up a high rise or a "parking lot". When the DVD ends I'm hoping that I'll have a better idea of all that is available to the tourist when traveling to Italy. I wish it were possible to taste some of the food which looks delicious.

Orange Thread

The new officers were installed at today's meeting. We were given a spool of thread and told the meaning of the color for our particular office. My thread color is orange. Not a likely color to be used by me although I'm told I'm not to use it anyway. I just keep it.
I went to have my hair done at the polytech after I left the meeting. That will take care of my hair for another month when I'll have to go to a "regular" salon and pay "regular" prices.
We're leaving from my place for the theater tomorrow. I have a few chores to do so the place will be ready for having supper when we return.

Tying Up the "Ends" of The Week

The Crimson Cuties went to see a play today. It was called "Over The River And Through The Woods". I had no idea what the play was about when I got there. I was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it was. We had lunch at the theater before the play started. I had shrimp and scallops with potato pancakes. I thought that the meal was also very good. The actors did an excellent job with this play. I will definitely return to this dinner theater for another show.
Today I have a Quilt Guild Meeting. There will be the installation of officers of which I am one for next year. I'm going to be the secretary for the guild. These meetings tend to be long. I'm going to have to leave early because I have an appointment somewhere else later in the morning. Next year when I'm an officer I probably won't be able to leave early. The meetings are usually an hour and a half and after the meeting is some sort of an activity. It really takes a big chunk out of the day which isn't usually bad because we only meet once a month. I will also have one board meeting a month before each monthly meeting. I'm being teased by family that I didn't have enough to do so I excepted the position of secretary. In reality I have many more activities than they think I should have. They'd like me to be there for them instead. My mother's quote when hearing of my new office was, "If nominated, I will not run. I've elected, I will not serve." I know that's a famous quote but I can't attribute it to one particular person. On Saturday I'll be going into NYC to see the play, "Jersey Boys". We've had tickets for several months. I'm really looking forward to the days outing with my brother and sister and their spouses.

Fun Meeting The Extended Family

Tonight I found out that the next baby due in our family will arrive in November. Perfect time! I may be spending the entire year knitting baby afghans. There isn't any time to make baby quilts. I'm having fun using FB. I've gotten in touch with 3 more cousins in the past 2 days. Hopefully, I'll get to know their families this way. We only seem to get together for weddings and funerals any more. It's great to have happier memories of people instead of playing catch up at the two family functions I've mentioned. Now if I could only get my cousin P. to do FB. Getting her to do email is not easy either. She's still working and thinks of it as just another thing she'll have to do every day. The next time I see her I'll try to talk her into at least doing email. She's a "party pooper" when it comes to that.

Wednesday Visitors

This morning I drove to Mom's to keep her company while she waited for her house guests. S. and P. arrived at about 5:30 pm. I stayed to chat for about an hour or so, then headed home. I missed the rain that had obviously fallen here while I was gone. I'm happy that I didn't have to drive home in a thunderstorm tonight. Driving in traffic is bad enough.
Heard that another relative is expecting a wee one. Not sure when the baby is due, but I hope it's not until the fall. I don't knit that fast!!! Coco greeted me at the door tonight. Sandy and she both followed me around until I finally sat down in the LR. Mr. Sandy is napping across the room and Coco is having a snack in the kitchen. It's nice to be greeted when you come home, even if it is by two cats.

A Busy Tuesday

This morning I went to vote in the Primary election for our state. On my way home I stopped at the Post Office to buy 1 stamp and to send a note card to my cousin. About an hour later I went to a friend's home to play 3 games of MJ. I left at 12:45 pm so that I could attend my Italian language class. The sun was shining when I arrived so I left my umbrella in the car. Sure enough, it started to pour when we were in class. I got soaking wet going to my car. I should have know it would rain today, because I got my car washed yesterday. That's always the way when you have your car washed or you go to have your hair done. Oh, well, spring rains don't bother me. Especially since it was just a shower and not a thunderstorm.

Try Again

Today's doctor appointment went well. I don't have to go back for 6 months. I did have the car washed which was badly needed. I did some laundry, listened to music and did little else today. I've had a bad headache for some reason. Took something for it and closed my eyes and took a short nap. I was awakened by a political message on the phone. After I hung up I went back to sleep and was awakened by another phone call. This one was welcomed. It was one of the ladies from the D. of M. group that I belong to telling me about all the progress she's making getting ready for Sunday's breakfast. She said that she looks forward to seeing me there. So far, I'm going by myself. I'll have to invite myself to sit at someone else's table. I'm reading at the 8:30 am mass on Sunday. The rest of the group is going to the 9:30 am mass. If I can swing it, I'll walk in a bit late to that mass which is being said by the Bishop. He is also the speaker at the Breakfast. I hope that I enjoy my first Communion Breakfast on Sunday. It's hard to be a "new" member in a new organization.