Wednesday, Bad Storm here.

 We had a horrible wind and rainstorm last night and the wind is still really bad. Kelsa and Signe' were here as all 4 of them had flu shots yesterday. She usually runs a fever, so they stayed here so she could be watched and not go to school. 

We were woken at about 3:30 suddenly as rain was pelting the window so hard it sounded like a fire hose was hitting us. Then at 5 a weather emergency alert woke us as 100 mile an hour winds were reported on the prairie. Signe' lives on the prairie. Trucks and cars were blown off the road, and the roads were closed.  School has been cancelled.

If Signe' had come from home, she would never have made it to work. The weather guide told us to go to rooms with no windows.  I have large windows in every room.  So, it was bathrooms.  My fence is down in several places. The picture above is now down.  The posts are sheared off, and it is very old.  I will have to be replaced.  I was going to do it this next spring, but it looks like my hand might be forced to do it earlier. I did not need this to deal with. But then again.... it could be worse.

I am still fighting insurance on my medication, and I had two letters that Sissie moved (she is always moving something as she cleans up what she thinks is my mess) I could not find a very important letter, and I was on the phone with the insurance co. again. I went off the deep end as I could not find the one letter, so I called her and raked her up for moving my stuff. So, she comes storming up here and goes through the papers I had already gone through three times, and she turns papers over and there was my letter.  I hate it when she is right and I am an ASS. SO, you should turn papers over? I do have to say that the wind damage here has me a little on edge not to even mention no sleep. Okay I apologized.

Kelsa and I are going to frost sugar cookies and then I have to run errands. Sewed about three hours yesterday and also paid my taxes on the house. Kay and I and made up all the cookie trays, they will be delivered tonight. Then I started on all the Nativity costume parts.  Most are done and I just have to go and get one small piece of cloth I could not provide out of my mess of fabric. Then I have some hand sewing left, and I will bag them and label them for Saturday.

Just a few sewing projects left.  One pair of pants and one jacket and I am done!!!! Until after Christmas.  There will be 4 wedding dresses waiting for me when I get back.

Cheryl asked why I put up tree when I was going to be gone.  I thought that the decorations would make me feel better. I am not sure I did the right thing. I am not good, and I add to my own stress. Need to rethink this next time.   

Anyway, we have not been blown off the hill, but the weather really gave us it's all.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Baking Frenzy!

 I am not sure why I want it to be Friday, as my weekend is going to be crazy and I leave for Twin Falls on Monday, so the car has to be cleaned packed and ready.

We spent all day cooking yesterday. Lil sis did lefsa, our good friend Beth did rosettes, I started the day with a flu shot and then made rolled cookies all day.  Sissie ran interference for the three of us and I think she had it the worst.  Dan came at the end of the day to finish up the rosettes. We were all exhausted and then went to dinner at Applebee's.  It was fun but I am still tired.

I spent the weekend running with Kelsa.  Her dance recital was fun and then home to get a batch of cookies done. We had choir and church and gave out all the parts for the Nativity program I am in charge of, and then we ran the program three times. I am sure they are not ready but isn't that part of the charm? Then home to do another batch of cookies.

Sissie spent the night Sunday, and I dipped things in chocolate for what seemed like hours. We both fell into bed, and she got up early as usual and cleaned that disaster of a kitchen bless her little heart. We then proceeded to destroy that clean kitchen and she had to clean it again this morning. We have most of our trays done.  I still need to frost the sugar cookies and make a couple of batches of caramels and I am done.  I have plenty of cookies to take with me for my kids. 

I have 11 pairs of pants to hem and one dress to alter and I would like to get all that done today. Then I have to get busy on things for the nativity costumes.  Mostly just shawls and head dresses. I will not be taking any more sewing in after tomorrow.

Our eldest daughter called, and James has influenza A. Even with Tama flue he will run a fever for several days.  I hurried to get my shot, even though last time it had me running ever for a couple of days.  So far, I am just very tired, and my arm is sore.  But you have read what I have done in the last few days, so I deserve to be tired.

Signe' came down Sunday afternoon and helped me get the tree decorated and moved the right spot which was not nearly as easy as I thought it would be. Lots of laughs and flying candles. But it is done.

Every room in my house is a disaster excepts the spare bath.  The only thing I can say is underneath all the Christmas crap it is clean.  So, it is just a matter of organizing and getting everything cooking and cookie wise put and out where it belongs.  We have extra tables set up in the dining room and family room for cookies boxes and all the accruements. Someone asked how they got on my cookie list and I said someone has to die that is already on it before I add another.

Well, I need to talk myself into sewing and it is going to be hard.

I am off!  (To do something Sluggy, I know what you are thinking....)

God is good

Kim

Friday, Baking

 Yesterday was a flurry of baking at the old homestead. Lil Sis and Sissie were here making my one butt kitchen a three-butt kitchen. We whipped out 8 different cookie batters and Sissie made two batches of caramels. Lots of laughs and mis haps. I have four batches of dough in my fridge to bake up and don't have any idea when that will happen.

I have to finish a wedding dress today and tonight I am going up to Signe's as Kelsa has a recital tomorrow and Nate and William are out of town at a hockey tournament. I hope to get back into town in the afternoon Saturday to get some baking done.

I had a bridal dress come in this morning, and I also went to my piano lesson. I have to play for the choir that is singing Sunday and then we have our last practice after church on Sunday. I am so happy I have cookies made to take to choir at least I don't have that to worry about.

The kids, Signe', Nathan, William, Kelsa came last night after the hockey game to help me put up the tree. It is not decorated yet but hopefully will find some time Sunday afternoon. It will be a crazy weekend.

We really cut back our baking this year, with only the favorite cookies getting done. But the favorite cookies are often the hardest ones.  Monday we will be doing the traditional Lefsa, krumkakke, rosettes which all are things cooked on griddles, or irons. They can be tricky, and you have to have special cooking items to make them.

Kay (sissie) has been knocking out most of the candy, thank goodness. Kelly (Lil sis) will do the fudge and the almond cakes. Then we all share.  I have at least 10 plates to make for others. Then will take a load with me to southern Idaho.

There is so much to get done in the next week, but I am going to enjoy the time with family, plus I can eat cookies for breakfast.  Win, win.

Now I am determined to get that wedding dress done!

What kind of cookies are you making? If any?

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Getting better!

 Okay, I think the old blues are lifting and may they stay away a long, long time!!!!

I am just setting a timer for 15-minute intervals and doing something.  Anything, just do something. 

I really was able to get almost all my sewing done yesterday, still have a couple of pairs of pants to do and will get to them right after this post. 

Late yesterday afternoon Sissie called me to come down and play with Dan.  She had hurt her back and was going to bed.  HE was preparing for a colonoscopy today. Don't I just want to be around that?  No not really, but we started a new puzzle and made so many crude jokes.

Sissie just went to pick him up from the procedure, many crude jokes to follow.

I am almost done with my list I made TWO WEEKS ago.  Yes, I found it, (the list I mean). I only have to mop the floors and I am done!!!! The mop is out and sitting in the kitchen ready for me to get busy. Then I can make a new list.

Sissie's washer is broken so she is bringing things up here.  In order to bring in a new washer they have to remove a window in her basement.  What a pain.  I think she should wait until warmer weather.

I am taking care of the mini farm down the road for the next 5 days.  Chickens, ducks, dogs, pigs, cats, a parrot, (the parrot loves me) and don't forget the tortoise. I go down twice a day once to feed and twice to love on the dogs, so they don't go nutty.

After I get the floors mopped and the pants hemmed, I am going to start the hand work on a wedding dress. 

The only thing left to do for Christmas besides a ton of baking is get the Christmas tree up.  I think Signe', Nate and the kids are coming to help me with that tomorrow night.

Have you got all your Christmas up yet?

I am so happy my blues are lifting; you have no idea. It is so hard to climb out once you get into that hole. At least it is for me.  Just too much death around the holidays.  Not that death is good at other times of the year. It is the concentration of emotions that gets me.

Ring out wild bells!!!!

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Coin bank was dismal...

 This year's coin bank was dismal. There are several reasons for that, most of them on purpose. I went into a real savings mode this year. I did not travel nearly as much.  When I travel, I take cash for spending, and all change is saved. When you are going somewhere at least once a month sometime twice that change really adds up. 

I also would go to McD's about 5 days a week for a $1 dollar soda. Since there is a .6 cent tax, I would always give them $2.  Then save the .94 cents.  You do that a lot, and it adds up quickly. Mcd's soda is now $2 and I won't spend that for a soda. Hence not going there much at all or rarely. If I do go, I use the app which is on a CC.  I can get a 1$ soda if I use the app and it is too much nonsense plus it up's the CC balance for the month.  I would rather pay cash for my bad habits.

I also just quit spending money of any kind, most of the time. I tried to concentrate on staying home and working. I tried hard to have as many no spend days as possible and let me tell you that works. So, the piggy almost starved this year. My usual take of several hundred was down to $67.37.  But I will take it and be happy.  I did very well this year as far as saving for important things and paying off some rather large bills. I am proud of me.  I can't see this changing next year. So maybe the days of having a huge coin savings are over.  But I will still do this as it is fun. 

By the way I found .56 cents on my last trip down to the Boise area. Three dimes and one quarter and one penny.  It was a lucrative money finding trip.  My kids always laugh at me, but I will always do this and think of Slugs. It brings me joy.  You take joy where you can find it. 

I really was able to get many things marked off the cleaning list yesterday and all that is left is to dust the front room and sweep and mop all the floors. Then I will switch out the Christmas China and put up the tree, and I am done decorating for Christmas.

Today it is all about sewing. I have 4 pairs of p.j. pants to put new elastic in and two formal dresses to finish altering.  I would also like to get 6 pairs of pants hemmed if possible. I just have to set my timer and get to work. It is the get to work part that is hard.

I need to make sugar cookie dough for Lil sis sometime. She takes it and rolls it out and brings back the cookies so I can frost them.

I had better get busy.  Hey, what is on your lists of to do's today?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, Christmas anyone?

 My Christmas bed! Still working on Christmas around here, but it is getting closer to being done.  Maybe 1/2 done?

The funeral for Heidi was beautiful. She looked so beautiful. Much better than when I last saw her.  But then again, she has always been a beautiful woman.  There were a lot of tears. To die at 67 is just not fair. But then life isn't fair. 

It was good for the girls to get with their cousins. They lost their dad suddenly and did not have time to say goodbye. The cousins were very empathetic to my daughters about that.  Where before there was no mention of Joel's death. Like it never happened. Now they had these three people show up that knew exactly how they were feeling and they finally understood. It was good for them, and it was good for my girls. I think a lot of anger and hurt was washed away. A new understanding took place.

We had as many laughs as tears.  Went out to a nice dinner.  Our waiter kept coming over to council my girls who were disagreeing about something stupid.  We had to tip extra for counseling services. He was so funny. 

I have never seen so many beautiful bouquets of flowers at a funeral. She was truly loved. I was able to talk to Clint her husband and give him some advice. I did tell him that he would have many moments of guilt. But to remember that he provided Heidi with a wonderful life.  She wanted horses growing up, she wanted a farm. She loved animals and the outdoors. She had a beautiful home.  She never had to work, Things were not perfect, but he provided all that.  He gave her a very good life.  A life most women would dream of and never have.  I told him to remember that when he was beating himself up in the next few months. 

We went out to the house after the funeral and graveside service, and it was full of family.  Lots of laughter and games. It was just so good for all of us. Then back to the hotel with just the 4 of us for more laughter.

I have cried a couple of times this morning, but I am determined to get things done.  Set my timer for 15-minute intervals and actually worked for 1 hour and 15 minutes getting things crossed off the list. I dusted the master bedroom; I unpacked and put everything away from the weekend. I dusted and vacuumed the family room. I still have cleaning to do but I plan on setting the timer again after this post and knocking out a few more things.

There is plenty of sewing to do this week and I will start sewing tomorrow. I just needed today to get my ducks in a row.  I have emptied my coin bank and plan on going to the bank to cash it in this afternoon.

We also will start Christmas baking this week.  Sissie has already started. 

Have any of you started your Christmas baking? 

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Getting ready

 Christmas is up in the Master bath and Bedroom.  Kim is up to no good. I have no sewing that has to be done today and no excuse not to finish getting things done, but don't you worry I will find an excuse. I am good at that.

Dan and I are getting Kelsa at about 4 and we are going to Msd"s and then down to Williams's hockey match. 

We are still waiting to find out if Braunwyn will be joining us tomorrow to drive the 5 hours to Nampa for the funeral Saturday. Last minute is okay.

Had my nails done last night and it is so nice not to see the wreck they have been for the last two weeks.

I do clean up once in a while. 

Signe' was over for a while as she had a cancelation at the office and that girl can make me laugh. I am so hoping this weekend will be cathartic. The funeral will be very hard, but my girls will be very good for me.

Now I have to concentrate on getting ready to go. It won't be too hard as we are only going to be gone two nights.  Funeral suit, p.j.'s and a couple of outfits and I am ready to go. It isn't going to take major planning or thinking. That is a good thing not into major thinking at this time.

All of you have a great weekend, and I will be back with thoughts next week.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, keep moving forward

 I was able to get that wedding dress I ripped all basted and ready for try-on.  She should be here about 1 today. Also hemmed some pants.

Dan came over and helped me hang a Christmas quilt I put behind the bed in the guest room. I know that was on the top of the elusive list, so I did get something done.  Yeah! me!

Today is all about hemming. I need to shorten the sleeves on a military jacket. Then I think I am done until I get back.

Made a nail appointment for this evening. Finally got the insurance company to send me paperwork for the drug company. We will not be holding our breath, as this has been an ongoing battle since September, but I will persevere. Still need to call about a prescription I ordered last week, which I am sure is not done as they always fail on this one prescription. Yet again perseverance.  I get really tired of all the medical I have to deal with. The alternative is also not a good scenario, so I will persevere.  Are we beginning to see a theme in this port.

Rolled over in bed last night and felt a rip in my left shoulder joint.  Just got the right one to settle down about two weeks ago after bothering me for about 10 months, so why not get the other side to revolt. Let's make sure Kim does not get a good night's sleep. I was up after the incident for about an hour and took a couple of ALEVE. It is an exact repeat of the injury on the right side. Had a hard time putting a sweatshirt over my head this morning. All I can do is roll my eyes and complain. I can find no humor for this situation; I even tried really hard....

We plan on starting our Christmas baking and I have to start working on some nativity costumes for the 20th.  I have so much material stored I am just going to wrap people in fabric. But I still have to think about what I am doing. Therein lies the problem. 

I do have to say I don't lead a boring life and that in itself is a good thing. I think?

Have a great day, I am going to have a good day.

God is good

Kim 

Tuesday, coming out from under

 Excuse me while I ADHA myself around the house. There goes Kim trying to stick to a list.  OOPS what is she doing now?  Is that on the list? Where is the list? Find list.... 

As you can tell progress is slow here. But I can say that I did get a suit altered and it was all hand work, which is time consuming.  I also was able to completely rip a wedding dress that will have a fitting tomorrow.

The shop was very busy yesterday with a lot of hemming coming in, which all needs to be done before we leave for Heidi's funeral which is on Saturday. Another trip down south. I get to be with my girls and Sissie which is always good.

I so hope they can all come, it is iffy for Braunwyn, as her job is not one where you can just pick up and leave. You know sewage is a necessary part of all of our lives and must be maintained.  Poor darling even has to carry an emergency phone at times. But I so hope she can be with us. I seldom get all three of them together and even though this is sad we always have a way of making each other laugh hysterically. We are a group of reprobates. That is the nicest thing I can say.

I also deep cleaned the Master bath; I dusted the spare room and cleaned the spare bath, yesterday! So those things are off the list that has yet to be found. I doubt I get the tree up before I leave, but if the rest of the decorations are done, I will be happy. 

Woke with a throbbing headache and it still is not at bay, hoping it goes soon. 

I did get all my bills paid yesterday, which for me is a plus. Still have to run down and pay the house taxes. Will probably do that next week. Okay thinking of all the things that I need to do for the month and now my brain is in overdrive.  Kim let's concentrate on today, just today. And then Kim solves WORLD PEACE. Welcome to my brain. Over thinking is right next to my humor, the humor part is slightly larger thank goodness. 

Well, I am off to alter a wedding dress and alter a military uniform and rip a couple of formals. Also hem 9 pairs of pants. That should keep me out of the bars. 

Have a great day, don't overthink.

Going to find that list...

God is good

Kim

Monday, Sad news

 This is going to be a hard thing for me this year, This jingling. If jingling is a thing I will be very bad at it.  Thinking of sewing a few bells to my clothes. 

My beloved sister-in-law passed early Friday morning. She woke up on Thanksgiving and sadly said, "I am still here." Thursday night was the first time I prayed that she would go.  Every other night I begged for a miracle. I of course am devastated, for me, for her girls, for her husband and grandkids.

I am trying really hard not to fall into a depression; it is taking everything I can to keep myself up. I know Heidi would not approve of my moping. She was not a person to stay down.

I had a nice Thanksgiving; the food was good. I went with my girlfriend to help her buy shoes on Friday.  They had great black Friday sales. Then I had Kelsa for the weekend, as her brother had a hockey tournament out of town. We had a great time together. She always lifts my mood. 

Started to pull out Christmas and every room in my house is a disaster. I thought this would help my motivation.  Not sure that was the right method. I have made a big, long list hoping that would spur me on, but so far it has been slow going.  I could beg for Sissies help but she is really sick of me, and I don't blame her. I am sick of me.

Then I realized it was the first of the month and I need to pay bills. Don't want to do that either. Dang life is hard sometimes. On a good note, all of my Christmas shopping is done! Most has been sent to my eldest daughter's house, so I don't have to lug it down there. That is a blessing. Count your blessings...

I have sewing to do today, and I am grateful for the work and the distraction. I also have a lot of cleaning and dusting to do around the house.  I have been very lax in taking care of my house in the last few weeks, months, if you came in you would not see it, but I know it is there. I am starting to name some of my dust bunnies.

I hope all of you are having a better holiday season. I know mine is going to get better. I just know it is... Say prayers my people.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and we will all have a beautiful holiday season. I love Christmas, I love the reason for Christmas, and I am looking forward with a positive heart for this time of year. 

Time to pay bills and sew.

Love to all of you who keep me up.  What can I do for you?

God is good

Kim 

Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving!

 Sissie wants me out of my funk.  She said my blog post yesterday was so depressing. She hates it when I go down like this.... okay, OH KAY her name is KAY.

I have my marching orders.  My Brussel sprouts are prepped.  My potatoes are peeled; I have made my pies. now I just have to finish setting the table.

Sissie is busy banging around in the Kitchen. We are going to eat at three. Horse ovaries at 2. It will be yummy for sure.

Had two wedding dresses come in yesterday, funny time of year. I am happy that I will have a lot to do next week.

I plan on stripping the house of all Fall tomorrow and starting on Christmas just for a mood lifter. I also am going to help Sissie with her cut garden for a while and take my buddy shoe shopping and I get Kelsa for the weekend.  I should have plenty to keep me up and happy.

I hope all of you that are celebrating Thanksgiving have a super holiday. Those of you oversees, just have a fun filled day.  Blessings on everyone, you all mean so much to me. Such a lovely community we have built over the years. Thanks for all you do for me, more than you will ever know.

Don't eat too much, *snort* I had pie and Cheetos and chocolate for breakfast.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, I am a mess

 I need one of these chairs only mine would be a sofa. I am a mess. In such a funk I forgot to blog yesterday.  Just sat in a fog. Reminded me of the days after Joel's death.

Too much death.  The anniversary of the babies, (which included many posts to my nephew/brother to keep him sane), then Hiedi, and thinking of Joel at Christmas it will be the three-year mark, just more than I can or want to handle. I am normally a happy funny person.  But I am not that right now. 

I am trying to figure out how to climb out. I did it before and I can do it again.

Sissie will be here, and I think Signe' is dropping off the kids for a few hours.  That will help. Sissie won't be thrilled about the kids but oh well she will manage.

I think Signe' (daughter) is getting a kidney infection.  She has the same symptoms that she had before.  So, I might run up there this evening and help her with some housework. 

My real problem is that I am sitting doing nothing physical and that is not good.

I did get to the doctor's office yesterday and signed a form and was able to get another month of meds. But when I called the insurance office their computers went down and now, I have to call and go through that again.... Managed to get to the pharmacy to pick up meds and have to go back for more. 

The highlight of the last two days is working with Dan on a very hard jig saw puzzle, which helps take my mind off me, myself and I. 

I do not like wallowing, I am not a wallower, or maybe I am?/??????

I would so like to post a funny Kim positive post, but it is not in me right now. Heavy sigh.

I am looking for my lost self, where is she? Somewhere eating chocolate?

Well, I have piecrust to roll out so I had better get busy.  Maybe that will help. Sissie will come back and see that I have done nothing and then.... I don't want to know

God is good

Kim

Monday, Ravaged

 If I could only go back to summer, with painted toenails, and positive vibes. But alas that is not possible.

Heidi is so very sick.  I know I will never see her again in this life. All I can see is she is ravaged by this cancer. She looked so sick six weeks ago at mom's funeral and I thought it was not possible for someone to become thinner.  I was shocked by her appearance.  Lots of tears after I left, and I am having a very hard time holding it together.

Kay and I drove on to Twin falls to stay with my eldest daughter. I altered 9 skirts, two dresses, one pair of pants and one blouse. We also found fabric for blinds for the dining room. I will do those when I return at Christmas. 

It was a nice visit; wish I could have stayed longer.  Then the long drive home on Saturday. I had to play for the choir as they sang Sunday morning. I rested the rest of Sunday and have started to unpack and put things away this morning.

I am still futzing with my medication debacle.  Nothing is easy. I supposedly did not check an important box on paperwork, and I have to apply for some waiver with my insurance company.  Then the company has to mail it to me, and I have to mail it to the Pfizer company, just more delays and I am out of meds. Now must go back to my specialist office and beg for more.  How long can this go on?  Forever.

I sewed a batch of shirts this morning, and I just have one pile, two dress to alter and one wedding dress.  The shop is practically empty. That is okay by me.

All I have to do for Thanksgiving is make pumpkin pies.  Sissie is in charge. Fine with me. I am anxious to get Fall decorations down and Christmas up.  Even though I am not going to be here for Christmas I just want a change of scenery. I want some holiday joy.

Okay need to call my doctor.

God is good

Kim 

Monday, On the go again

 

Okay pretend this chart says #23 as I can't get my computer to download the new picture of chart 23. Or I should say I can't the picture to print on this blog and I am not in the mood to fight my way through why.

This cold lingers and has I think turned into an infection? But sinus infections are something that l get frequently after a cold. I am feeling much better. 

Did get to church on Sunday and teaching music to kids for an hour was a little stressful as I kept coughing or losing my voice. Choir practice was fine, as I did not have to talk just play.

Sissie and I made two kinds of scones for choir practice treats. We did orange, cranberry, and blueberry lemon. All of them disappeared very fast so I know they were appreciated.

So, my dear sister-in-law has been placed on hospice and I am devastated. Sissie and I are headed down to try and see her one last time and also to help my oldest daughters with some alterations.  She has lost about 25 pounds and none of her suits and skirts fit. She has very expensive clothes and is not willing to give everything up just yet.  So, mother to the rescue.

Sissie and I had planned to be having fun with Slugs at this time, but that did not work out, so we have to go on another adventure.  This one will not be nearly as much fun.

We plan on coming back on Saturday as the choir is singing on Sunday and I need to be here to play.  We are however taking our funeral clothes incase Hiedi goes while we are down there. I am just so sad for her six daughters. Losing your mom and seeing her suffer, it is just too much.

I have caught everything up in the shop and there are just a few things left for me to do when I get back.  We will call them seeds.  They will flourish and grow into more work.

I have started ordering Christmas and sending it to the eldest's house as that is where we will be Christmas day. I still have a few more to buy for but will try and do that while I am down in Twin Falls that way I can leave everything there and not have to worry about getting it down there later.

You all know how Christmas stresses me.  Just too many years of never having enough money and the pressure.  I just can't get over the PTSD of it.  But I am trying.

So today I have lists (that Sissie made me make) so I am checking those off and getting ready to go.

One thing is for sure Sissie, and I can laugh about almost anything, we are that stupid, so this will be a fun time, most of the time.

I am going to get the last of the sewing done. A uniform that Nate will pick up when I am gone.  He has keys to the house.  Then I am off!  In more ways than one.

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Recipes!

 Seems like a great excuse to me! I will use it.

I took a three-hour nap yesterday and then finished the wedding dress last night and I also hemmed three pairs of pants and shortened the sleeves on a dress coat.  So, I did get a lot done, just later in the day.

Still coughing but feeling better every day. 

I have at least 10 pairs of pants to hem in here and some patches to replace.  Elastic to replace in p.j.s.

The bride is coming tomorrow at 10 and then I have one more wedding dress to get do for the year. Unless something short term comes up. It has been a weird year. Or maybe things are just getting back to normal post covid which really messed with weddings.

Had my goodest buddy stop by yesterday with a bag of sweetened popcorn.  SO yummy.  She made me feel less isolated, and she got a good laugh over my description of leaving the house one time in a week and having a coughing fit at the checkout and wetting my pants. One needs a good friend to confess all things to.

Anyway, here are the recipe's I promised.

My Roll dough recipe.

one package of yeast (I use bulk so 2 and 1/4 tsp.)

1 cup of very warm water 105 to 115

3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons shortening or butter

Add all of these and stir let rest about 5 minutes for yeast to bloom.  Do not worry if shortening or butter are not incorporated. 

While yeast is blooming

in a separate bowl

Beat one egg, add 

3/4 tsp salt to egg and stir

Now add 1 and 1/2 cups flour on top of yeast mixture.  Do not stir

On stop of the flour add you egg and salt mixture this will prevent salt from touching yeast mixture and causing death to yeast spores.

Stir well, you can even use a hand mixer here if you want.

Now add 1 1/2 more cups of flour. This should make a soft sticky dough.

Turn out onto 1/2 cup of flour and cut this in with pastry scrapper or just use your hands. 

Knead about ten times put into greased bowl, turning dough upside down to grease both sides and then cover with a towel and let rise.  About 1 hour.

Now shape rolls, or cinnamon, or orange rolls. Let rise until double

bake at 400   15 to 20 minutes. I turn my rolls at 10 minutes to bake evenly

You can double or triple this, I think if you are not familiar with bread making make a single batch and practice. Practice does make perfect when it comes to breads.

You can use this to make 10 hamburger buns or hot dog buns, add an egg wash with sesame seeds on top.  So good.

Never Fail pie crust

4 cups of flour (I have used WW)

1 3/4 cups Crisco (You can use other shortening, butter, lard, but best results with Crisco brand, or do 1/2 and 1/2)

2 tsp salt

Now cut in with a pastry cutter until fine and crumbly

In a separate bowl beat one egg well 

add 1/2 cup very cold water 

add 1 tbls of apple cider vinegar

Mix this together and add to the flower mixture. Mix in until dough forms divide into 4 crusts.

Sprinkle flour before rolling.

Bake at 425 for 10 to 12 minutes.  I usually double this and then freeze crusts wrapped in parchment and stored in a zip lock. Then when I want to make a pie, I pull out what I need.

Let's face it, pie crust is a pain, once you have the knack figured out, make plenty it just saves time and headache.

I have been using these recipes for at least 47 years. Good luck, let me know if you use them. 

I think people are afraid of making bread and pie crust. Just remember even if it is not perfect people will eat it, and it will taste so much better than anything you could buy at the store.

Pie crusts:

You will also save money. Even though Crisco is spendy, a large can, can make this recipe 4 times or 16 crusts. Now look at the price of ready-made crusts and you can see how this will save you by 1/2. plus the difference in taste, no comparison.

Bread:

Flour is about 9 cents a cup, depending on what you buy, I you buy yeast in bulk it runs about .31 a batch, add and egg a tiny bit of sugar and salt, water and you have bread. Even the cheapest package of rolls cannot compete in price or taste. Just remember there are no preservatives and these rolls are best eaten the day of or the day after.  They will not keep unless frozen.

Hey good luck. Homemade is always best. But if I was invited over to a completely store-bought dinner, I would still eat it and love you.

I am off to blow my nose.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, SO tired

 I was able to get most of the things done on my list yesterday.  The wedding dress just needs to be hemmed and pressed, but right now I am just so tired.

I sewed for three hours yesterday and when I started to get the sweats I stopped.

I am just really fatigues today.  I want to finish this dress but I really want a nap so I think the nap will win.  I can work on the dress after the nap. Right?

God is good

Kim 

P.s. will post recipe's tomorrow

Tuesday, Still kicking

 This sums up how I feel.  I am doing better, just the residual cough and don't forget wetting your pants.  Okay TMI,

It is Veterans Day today and Kelsa is here.  She is playing quietly.  (That means making a mess) But she has gotten very good at cleaning up her messes. For which I am grateful.

I have four things I want to get done today.  I worked on a couple of them yesterday and then just laid on the couch.

1. finish altering a dress

2. finish altering a man's suit

3. hem and alter shoulders on a formal dress.

4. finish up this wedding dress.

If I can get these things done, I will be very happy.  Everything else can wait.

I received a notice by txt that I had points expiring yesterday and I put on a mask and ran to CVS and bought an item for the amount that was expiring.  It was 50% off candy.  But hey I loves me candy and no use losing the value.

Tuesday is usually a busy day for the shop as far as drop offs are concerned. But so far it has been quiet which is fine with me. I have enough to do and I am grateful for that.

I am going to try and get some sewing done.  Wish me luck.

Are any of you interested in my easy roll recipe or my no fail pie crust recipe? Both are just so easy, and they are better the store bought and will save you money.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Frustrated....

 I just cannot believe a simple cold can make me this sick.  I am beyond frustrated.  I have laid on the sofa for 4 days and I hate laying around not doing anything. I don't mind taking a nap but this laying around is not my thing. Every time I would get up I would here Cheryl saying rest and I would lay back down.  Of course, the sweating got to me. 

I have to say by Sunday I was really sick.  I had gone to the store for cold meds, but they were so outrageous I decided to skip them as I was just not that sick.  Then Sunday I was calling Sissie in tears. She came to the rescue of course. Cold meds help a lot. I am going to survive.

However, there is a lot of work in the shop and as I get two or three piles a day and I have not tackled any, I am going to be a very busy girl this week.

I did not have Kelsa or church yesterday as I knew I just could not handle that. I hate missing the kids, but I also did not want them exposed to me when I was that sick. I know my immune system is crap but now I know it is ultra crap.  I guess I have to be reminded every once in a while.  Not happy about this at all.

I have 11 piles in the shop besides the wedding dress and the fancy dress and suit. I need to get to work but not today. One more day of laying down I think will do me some good. Might do a little hand work on a few items.

Right now, I am a little lightheaded, I think it is the meds, or I just might be lightheaded. 

I must get better, I have so much to do!!!!!!!

God is good

Kim is an awful sick person

Kim

Friday, Day 1 of my cold is here

 I spent all day on the sofa yesterday.  I am bored.  The only time I got up was to mask up and go get a cortisone shot. Also talked to the doctor about my meds getting paid for, as I was told they were and then told no.  They are looking into it.

The shot was not really painful, just that weird sensation or something entering your body and I felt really woozy.  I guess many people will pass out. I felt somewhat lightheaded but it left right away.  Si happy this is done.

The window cleaner came, and he said my windows were really bad. They look great now.  The front room was the worst and still could use a little work, but I was pleased that he was able to get it as clean as he did.  I will have this done every 6 months. SO worth it for my soul.

My grandmother always said a common cold was three days coming, three days there and three days gone. I am on day 1 of there.  Although I think the 2nd day of coming was worse. I am trying to rest, and it is hard for me. But have the large head sinus thing going on.

Not sure if I will have Kelsa this weekend or go to church as I easily lose my voice. But I don't feel horrible, just lazy and tired.  But lazy and tired could describe me often.

I went to get cold meds on Wednesday night and picked up two huge packages of .99 porkchops enough for 12 meals for me. These packages were less than 5.00 a piece.  I spent 23.00 on loss leaders and I still have to get some fruit, veggies and bread and milk.  So, I will be well under my 50.00 a week budget.

My sister-in-law was shocked at how little I spend on groceries, but then again Sissie feeds me so much of the time.  I would love to have them up for dinner but not with this cold. Drat!

I am going to lay down again, as I was up for two hours in the middle of the night with a cough. So, I am a little sleepy.

I was able to get the bride dress figured out on Wednesday it is not done but will finish it up next week. Doing any work right now makes me break out in a sweat. What is that all about?

Have a great day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, yes I have a cold!

 Okay, so existing around people that have had bad colds, daughter, daughters' husband, grandkids, church kids, all dripping and snotting, I have a cold.  With an immune system like mine I really should be in a bubble.  That is not for me.

Up last night feeling like my head would burst. It hasn't yet but feel like it will.   I was cold, sweating, cold sweating. Got in a hot bath at 8 a.m. and that felt good. My hair is finally dry and on top of my head that hasn't exploded yet. I am medicated.  This is day 2 of coming. 

I am going in for a cortisone shot tomorrow, and I will wear a mask.

What I really want to do is lay on the couch but alas I cannot I have work to do.

I have a wedding dress ready to fit but still have no idea what I am going to do with the top. I need to put on my thinking cap, unfortunately the thinking cap is in the part of the brain that wants to explode first.  that is my excuse. 

I worked for three hours on that dress yesterday and I was done so now have to get those pants hemmed.  I can do this, then I will tackle a suit that needs to be altered if the sofa does not call my name. I really just want to go back to bed so badly.

I haven't even gotten through the three days coming yet.  What a wuss I am becoming in me old age. Whine, complain, sniff.  I need to buck up and get to work.  Via the sofa....

God is good

Kim is exploding

Tuesday, what is coming on?

 I am definitely winging it. I also have a cold coming on, oh drat.  Hopefully won't be a bad one.  Just that scratchy feeling in the back of your throat and a dull headache above the eyes. Like maybe your sinuses are a bit angry. I will ignore it for as long as I can, like most things that affect my life.

I did a good bit of sewing yesterday and started on that wedding dress that I will work on today. It is a doozy, but I will figure it out. I always do. 

Went to Sissies last night for dinner and then stayed a few hours and worked on a jig saw. Then home to practice the piano and embroider for an hour or so. Trying to make myself use more of my time wisely to make a few homemade gifts for Christmas. As in Kim does not need to mindlessly watch Netflix, when she can be doing something while she watches Netflix. 

Sissie is making potato soup for dinner so I will go down there and eat and work on the puzzle we started last night. I see a routine starting for these long winter evenings.

I have now had 5 no spend days in a row, and I am trying hard not to go into any stores.  I don't need anything. Tomorrow I will pick up a few loss leaders at Albertsons and that will be the extent of my shopping for the week. It will be a very small haul.

I have 4 pairs of pants to hem; I would like to get them done today after I have done what I can on this wedding dress. I have a fitting tomorrow and there will probably be a couple more as I am creating sleeves for a strapless dress.  Always a challenge. But I do love a challenge. 

I am craving cinnamon rolls, might be tempted to knock out a batch of those later. Anne talked about coffee and cinnamon rolls on her trip, and I can't get that out of my mind. Yum.

I woke out of a sound sleep at 5:15 this morning watched TV for an hour and then back to sleep.  I am blaming the time change or coughing not sure which. 

Well, I am off to get this wedding dress ready for the first fitting. Hurrah!

What excitement is happening in your neck of the woods? Anything? Anything better than me? Come on almost anything is better than me.

Kim needs to live vicariously through you right now.  It is a need not a want.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Light a fire under Kim edition

 Happy thoughts!!!!

Well, I spent three days doing absolutely nothing. It isn't that I didn't have anything to do it is just that I chose to do nothing.  Oh, I did pay bills and that was abysmal. To the point that I had to scrape together every penny I could find to get the extra paid on the mortgage.  Then realized I was flat broke and I have to work to get future things paid.  What a bummer. You mean I will have to work? Why?

Nothing like a little low coffer to get one's butt in gear. By the third day of doing nothing I realized that it was not making me happy. So, I made a pot of chili. Signe' took some home to her family and Sissie took home some for them. I also finished a set of embroidered pillowcases and started another set. I mean really, I have so many plans in my head and then I don't do anything about said plans. Something has to change.

I have done well on the no spend. As in I have not spent any money for the last three days nor will I spend any today.  This is good as the checking account cannot stand any deductions at this time. I see no reason to have to buy anything in the near future. I do need 300 before the end of the week for the window washer and the piano teacher, so I must get to work. How am I going to do this?

With the piles!  Yes, the piles of sewing I have sitting all around me.

1. hem two pair police pants

2. hem two pairs of police pants

3. alter shirt sleeves

4, hem 2 curtains

5. hem three pairs of pants

6. hem 5 pairs of pants

7. alter a party dress and a man's suit

8. fix a hat

9. start on a wedding dress. STARTED

Let's get to it. Enough of this sitting around.  Gong to Sissies for dinner and maybe another puzzle this evening. But first I sew!!!!!

I am so hard to motivate at times. Seeing how little I have left in the checking account is always a strong motivator. Still need to pay a few smaller bills, might get that done today or maybe tomorrow.

Kim is now going to get to work.

Yes, she is,

For sure...

God is good

Kim is lazy

Friday, Happy Halloween!

 Now there is one scary pumpkin. Kelsa made herself up.  What a nut. She was happy I was happy.

Well, here it is Halloween. I will go to Kay and Dan's (sissies) We started a jig saw last night, and Dan and I will work on that while waiting for trick or treaters. 

Yesterday was just full of visitors. Both sisters and an old friend. It was a nice easy day. Today is going to be the same.

I did go pick up apples for .77 a pound. I bought about 10 lbs.  Have apples for a few weeks.

I am craving chili so might make a batch this weekend. Will have to go get some burger from Sissie's freezer.

Went to my piano lesson got a new song the choir will sing in November. It isn't too hard. The Christmas songs are much harder. I feel like my fingers get tangled on one song. Practice, practice.

I received a bid to wash my windows inside and out and I am going to pay the price.  I just can't do it alone and I don't want any of us on a ladder outside.  I will bite the bullet in my old age.

It was interesting to read the comments about the SNAP benefits yesterday.  People have strong feelings about the use of those benefits. I just find it sad that food is so expensive.  Rent is so expensive. Wages for many are dismal. I have been there. Worked so hard my whole life, sometimes barely squeaking by, but I did it for many years. It is exhausting and I can understand why some people just give up.

One thing about the United States is that this country has always been sink or swim. There really is no way to get someone to pay your way and live comfortably. You either have or you don't the government will not recue you.  Now people of private entities might help, but we have never really been able to rely on the government for a dole. Your standard of living has to be so low to qualify for any kind of help. It takes a different mindset to want to live on subsistence. I know I can't do it. I wish I could wave a magic and to fix the world's problems, but alas.

The kids just dropped off a beautiful Persian type of rug I snagged from my mother in Laws house. No one wanted it and I found the receipt showing what she paid for it at a furniture store. It is a very high quality.  We just put it down in the formal front room and I love it so much.  Grateful as I could or would never pay that for a rug. Blessing!

Have a great Halloween and a good weekend my friends

God is good,

Kim 

Thursday, Kim shops and has questions...

 Sluggy and I eat donuts for breakfast. Me loves a donut.

I was able to get both dresses done in less than an hour all while having grandkids interrupt me. Yes, I am that good. Anyway, after I realized the time, it took and the price, I was charging I felt a bit of guilt making that much money in such a short time. So, I thought about lowering the price. I never think what I am worth.

Then Anne's voice came to me... it was a little scary, I might add. "If these people can afford to buy a special dress for a charity gala, then they can afford to pay and have it altered. Are you going to the charity gala? " (No, I am the charity) SO I charged the price and went and played with my grandkids.

I went to Albertsons yesterday and bought loss leaders.  I have not seen any real loss leaders for a long long time. But they had a limit 1 ground beef special, 8 oz. packs of sliced cheese for .97 a pack limit 6, then 1.97 boxes of crackers limit 3.  I often have crackers and cheese for lunch. They also had tortillas for .77 a package limit 3, and tortilla chips .77 limit 3. Then in the marked down meat section I found a package of the good expensive thick cut bacon 1/2 off and two packages of sausage patties no preservatives 1/2 off. Left store with 4 bags for $28.00. Haven't been to a sale like that in forever. Apples are .77 a pound at another store no limit so I will run there today.  I will eat an apple almost every day if they are available.

That is how I shop.  Now I have a question, and I don't want to start an internet row, but with food stamps likely being cut off November 1st for many, all the food banks are scrambling to get people to contribute for the influx of starving children. 

 I raised my kids at or below the poverty line.  We always qualified for free hot lunch which I never allowed them to get, as I thought it was a stigma. My kids did not starve.  We did not always have convenience foods, we rarely had premade mixes, but I felt they ate well. We could do a McDonald's run once in a while when we had a busy night. I know times have changed.

I just can't think of any person I know that if food stamps are cut off, won't have enough food in the house to make at least some kind of meal. Maybe no fresh fruit or milk?  But no food?  I mean no macaroni. NO soup? No ramen? Nothing in the fridge but a bottle of ketchup or an onion for the children's dinner.  Am I being naive? I am serious here. I am more than willing to contribute but I just don't think that all those poor children will immediately not be fed.

I remember having to get creative right before payday. Heck groceries were always bought with a kited check the Thursday before payday. But come Nov 1st in this country everyone who receives SNAP benefits will suddenly be without any food. Parents are going to have to let the children go hungry. Because none of these households will have any food at all?

Don't most of you have food for at least a couple of months' worth of necessities if you had no way to get to a store.  Now I am not talking what you want, but enough to eat something? Now I know our church teaches food storage, but I know plenty who are not associated with our church and their homes seem to have food for a while.

Correct me if I am wrong, am I just sheltered? I want to believe we as a nation are smarter than the news is making us out to be. I want to think that most parents can come up with some sort of meal.  Rice, with sugar and powder milk for breakfast?   Hotdogs and scrambled eggs? Fried potatoes, onions and eggs? Is it the eggs? Fried potatoes?

I am just curious how long can you go without buying groceries and could you serve a meal say in a month without going to the store?

I don't want people hungry; I don't want children hungry.

God is good

People are not

People can be stupid

Kim

Wednesday, Grandkids

 I think I would need at least 2 darts. Sleeping with two grandkids is not fun. William must have gotten spooked by something. As he crawled into my bed about midnight. It was like sleeping with two feral raccoons.

I have two dresses to get altered today for a Harvest ball that is this weekend. Those are my duties for today. 

A few decent prices today, so I will stock up. Apples are .77 no limit will pick up a good bunch of those. Sissie already used my code for the limit one burger special. 

Went into the front room and the widows in the sunlight are downright awful.  I have to get those cleaned.  My word.  I am going to try that product that you spray on with a hose and see if it works. I really never go into that room unless it is evening.  Now I see why.

I was up earlier than usual (grandkids) Made sausage, eggs, and silver dollar pancakes for the kids. Made a dble batch and froze pancakes, that way I can take some out and reheat in microwave.  No store-bought hotcakes for this girl. Both Kelsa and Will love hotcakes.

Kids are asking for spicy ramen, and I don't have any. Bad Grandma. Will have to stock up on that for the future.

Well, I had better get busy, there are several things I would like to get done today besides sewing. Sewing first.

God is good

Kim 

Tuesday, change of plans means Candy!

 Signe' asked if I could keep the kids tonight and all day tomorrow. They only have two hours of school.  As both parents work, that is just a waste of time trying to find a sitter. When most of the parents pull the kids out on those days the school will rethink its strategy. 

There is a trick or Trunk at the church tonight.  I was going to skip, but as the kids will be here, I will take them. It also gave me the excuse to defy Sissie and buy CANDY!

I finished another chart yesterday. Onto # 24. I don't think I will do more than 24 this year as the shop is much slower and I have Christmas, and birthdays. Savings will be slimmer.

 I did get my quota done yesterday and then read a little and did some embroidery last night.  Thought about Christmas gifts. Have a few things I want to make not sure I will get to them.

I have an inner war with Christmas.  I love the baking the decoration, the family, the food. I love the reason for the season but detest the gift and expense part. It just makes me wiggy and nervous. Always has. Even if I had a lot of money, I think it would make me nervous. Too many years of pinching and scrapping. I am trying to come to terms with this, don't know if I ever will.

So today I am going to get a few more piles done and then start at least one of the dresses that is due out this weekend.  Maybe I will get to both, but I doubt it. The shop is pretty bare, and that is okay.  It gives me time to work on other things. 

I would like to get at least three sets of pillowcases embroidered and a couple of sets of dish towels. Plus, aprons and maybe a lap quilt or two. We will see. I have plans in my head that often fail to materialize. But one can imagine.

Sissie and I stocked up on sugar and flour this weekend. One of my 10-gallon flour buckets started to shatter around the rim, so she is out looking for a replacement. I always keep at least 150 lbs of flour and 200 lbs of sugar in storage. Yes, I go through it and rotate it. Also, will stock up on brown and powdered if I can find a decent sale. Need to buy a gallon of molasses as my last was used up.  It took me 5 years, but it keeps forever. We are getting ready for cookie baking and candy making. That is only about a month away.

Well, my piles of sewing are waiting and I guess no one else is going to come and do them. Drat!

I am off.  Have you any great plans today?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Well....

 Actually, Sissie stopped me from buying candy on Saturday as I will not get one trick or treater where I live. She knew I would just eat it all. Bugger...

I am determined to get my mojo back this week.  If I can. I am on day 6 of the steroid pack and I can tell my shoulder is much better. Still a little shaky as with all steroids.

Got up and set my timer for 30 minutes and was able to get myself dressed, room clean and the front room vacuumed and reset in 22 minutes. Sometimes I just need a timer to motivate me.

There is lots to do in the shop I have no excuse not to get to work. Won't give you a list as I did that last week and most of it is not done.  I am so good at the not done part. 

I did get all my pots into the green house last weekend and still have to dig out the geraniums from the beds.  Hope to do that in the next few days.

It is the season of trick or treat parties. Here are William and Kelsa going to their hometown trick or trunk.

                  He is some kind of zombie plant. I guess it is a video game he is obsessed with, oh to be 9 again.

Here is the cutest little Smurfette.
Okay now can't get the cursor to move out of this photo.
Well, I am off to get something done in the shop. Where is my timer.

God is good
Go get something done
Kim

Friday, Pooping around

 

I am in a let's burn everything down mood. Don't want to work.  I did do a bunch of housework this morning. I think maybe I can go empty the car, which still has all the crap I hauled home from moms. 

It would only take a few minutes to clean out, so we will see if I will gather the energy to do it.

Sissie and Dan are due over later. They have been working in their yard as usual. I need to be working in my yard. Don't want to do that either.

I am a whole lot of I don't want to do anything right now.

Took the dog into be groomed, and the groomer had extra rhubarb. I took some to freeze.  Now don't want to deal with that.

I am just a bundle of joy I tell you.

On a good front I am on day three of steroids and my shoulder did not hurt at all last night.  Even though I did not sleep great there was no pain.  The first time in months. I remember this shoulder keeping me up all night on Valentines Day, so it has been a long time.

SO many things I need to do, and I am just pooping around getting well... not much done.  Will probably be in this mode for a while. Don't worry this too shall pass.

I promise to turn over a new leaf come Monday.  I think.

Sometimes Kim just has to be nonproductive. It fills my guilt bucket and gets me going.

Does this work for you?

God is good

Kim

Thursday, must get to work

 I found this picture when one of our old friends sent it on Signe's birthday.  She was playing Victoria in CATS. SO many years ago. After a three-week run that costume had to be thrown away, it was completely worn out. I did almost all the costuming for CATS. It was months of work. I think I crocheted and knitted in my sleep.

Started my steroid pack yesterday. I am just having so much pain in hips and shoulders, elbows.  Something has to give soon. I am scheduled for a cortisone shot in November for my bad shoulder but hoping this will take the place and help everything else to boot. I hate not sleeping well but I can endure for a few weeks.  It is a nine day regressive dose. Day 2.

I had friend's stop by yesterday to visit and then Sissie and then Lil sis so I did not get much done. Okay I got nothing done.  Today I must get something done.

I did get to the grocery store to get bread and fruit and yogurt and a few things I was out of, that I needed. I am seeing some prices some down but very few.  I will take what I can get.

Okay here is the list:

1. hem a pair of pants

2. hem a pair of pants and take in waist on a pair

3. mend three jackets

4. take in two dress shirts

5. hem a pair of pants and alter waist on three pair

6. put patches on 5 police shirts

7. hem two pairs of police pants

8. hem a formal dress

9. reverse collar and mend cuffs on a shirt.

The shop was busy yesterday with many items coming in, and I did nothing but visit and poop around.

Really need to be productive today, but I don't want to, might have to call Sissie. Am I ready to face the wrath?

It is hard to operate on poor sleep.  That will be my excuse.  I love an excuse. 😜  

Okay ready to get to work.  I think.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Back from Moms

 Well, it has been a crazy time, but I am back and ready to face life here, I think.

My back is better; I am just left with a pain in my right hip that is pretty aggravating. I have a steroid pack to take, and I have been avoiding it, as I cannot sleep more than 2 hours when I take one, but I have to get this under control.

Mom had a beautiful funeral with over 150 relations there. We filled the cultural hall at mealtime. 

Here you can see James, Danny, William (red hair) and Kelsa all pretending to sing at the funeral. Mom had 76 great grandchildren and 52 were there to sing. By the way that is my frizzy mop. I told you I had a lot of hair and I wasn't kidding. The little twin boys were a hoot during the funeral. Running back and forth as their parents tried to catch them. Talk about double trouble.

Here is the whole family after the graveside service, with the sun in our eyes. Don't those kids look happy! 

William not happy about dressing in a suit. 

We took the kids to a Korean BBQ and they had a good time. James and William.

James, William and Kelsa at the church. 

These kids had so much fun with their cousins.  Lots of running and screaming (outside) It is too bad the only time all of us get together is when there is a funeral. But funeral starts with FUN. If you have a firm belief in the afterlife as did mom, this was an occasion to celebrate.

We stayed at an air B&B. It had 4 bedrooms one with bunks, so we all had room to spread out.  It was much cheaper than a hotel and the kids could run and play as needed.

I spent most of Thursday, Friday, Sunday and part of Monday cleaning and throwing away so much stuff. Mom was not a packrat, but she was very frugal and everything she had was worn to the nubs.  As in no one wanted it and neither did the secondhand stores. Bag after bag of trash. The 5 kids took turns saying what they wanted, (I wanted nothing) then grandkids were next. After that there was a neighbor going through a divorce that took many things from the kitchen and most of the left-over furniture. It was so much work, but I just filled bags and went through albums and sorted pictures. Went around and took hooks and nails off the walls, scrubbed sinks, toilets. tried to keep from bending over. Did so much wipe down of shelves, drawers. Just trying to get the house empty so it can be put on the market. Sissie and I will probably go back down in a couple weeks to help with the final go through of the house. Probate will take 6-8 months, so happy I am not in charge.

It was nice to see nieces and nephews and their kids. Also was able to see my sister in laws whom I love and miss so much. We had so many laughs and some tears.  She was a great woman in so many ways and left quite a legacy. Went into the hospital in pain on Thursday and passed Saturday morning.  So, it was quick and she was sharp to the end.  At 97.5 I think that is a great life. So happy she is with Joel and Bob now.

I have yest to unpack the car of the odds and ends I brought home. Mostly pictures and paperwork. I just rested yesterday as I needed the downtime after driving 6 hours home. Today I need to take stock of the shop and see where I stand.

I have one wedding dress to do and several piles. Got to touch bases with Sissie and Lil sis is supposed to come over later. Had to run to Albertsons for a prescription last night and picked up a 1/2 gallon of milk on special for .99. Gas is down to 2.99 on the reservation. I will go out there to fill up.

We talked to Sluggy this morning (Sis and I). She is still in the hospital from a knee replacement.  She sounded good. We are trying to plan a trip in November depending on her health.

I want you to all know I felt your prayers sustain me.

Well, I need to go pay attention to something.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Resting

 This is true of many times in my life.  I always carry extra nails. 

The shop was busy yesterday, many phone calls, most were told to wait.  I did hem pants of emt's on the fly.  I never say no to law enforcement or medical.

It was only 32 degrees when I took Oliver to school this morning.  When I drove down the hill it was 49.  SO much warmer down here.

I just got done hemming three pairs of leggings and have another pile of things to do. Have a specialist appointment today at 11:00, then I will heat and ice my back the rest of the afternoon.

It is getting better.  The ride down the hill from Moscow was not at excruciating as it was yesterday. Those muscles really tighten up at night. But by yesterday afternoon I was able to get up and down out of a chair with no pain.  Still no bending over at all. But I can do squats like no one's business.  Waiting for one of my knees to give out. 

There is a real weakness on my right side, like my leg is going to give out. No pain in the leg just the back.  I will take it over the pain shooting all the way down or around my leg. It is hell to get old or broken.

I will leave tomorrow after I take Oliver to school. SO won't be posting until next week. All of you be good while I am gone. Keep me in your prayers.

God is good

Kim