Kynny and Tonwen took pictures with their fancy uber camera, and I took a bunch with my silly little digital clicker. I'll leave the thousand words for later, and just give you the pictures for now...

Kynny's Florida Pictures
Jen's Sailing Pictures

It is cold and raining outside.
In 20 hours we'll be down in sunny Florida.
We could use some sun and relaxation.

Last night we met with a bathroom remodel estimator and signed a contract to have our master bath finally redone. I got to punch a hole in the wall to determine that it was an empty wall built out to fit the shower pan. So, in its place we'll have a nice soaker tub with a removable shower head to a hand-held sprayer. And the tub should be easier to clean than this icky shower pan and the sliding glass doors. So excited and looking forward to having a clean new bathroom with non-broken floor tile, nicer fixtures, easier to clean, etc. Sadly poor Alan was stuck at work a little late, so I got to hang out with the estimator, showing her around, and picking out choices for our redo. Luckily Alan liked all of my choices, so verified that we're still on the same page aesthetically, and then we got to work on a few final details together.

This does mean that house-guests are discouraged during the second half of May as we'll only have the hall bath as our full bath. But we also got a quote for remodeling that, at a later date, which I'm also looking forward to. The one qualification was that I'd remove the special wallpaper myself. Must not start wallpaper removal until after the master bath is done and we have financing in place for more home improvements.

Oh no.
 
I just got word from my Dad that my Aunt Mary's Schipperke, Dixie Marie, died this morning. Apparently her cancer came back, and she was suffering, but no longer.

Dixie traveled with my aunt and uncle almost everywhere she could. In the car on trips from New Orleans to Florida or New Orleans to Houston, and sometimes short flights. The back windows in the Jeep and Lexus were almost permanently smudged with Dixie's nose prints from traveling hither and yon. I remember on our cruise to Bermuda, when a hurricane was incoming to New Orleans, my uncle's phone was in use trying to determine if the dog-sitter could take Dixie with her if she evacuated, or if they'd have to get someone else to pick her up. One time with Laura stayed with us at my aunt and uncle's place in New Orleans, Dixie ate the antacids out of her purse. I also distinctly remember Tracie greeting my aunt before our wedding with "You're Dixie Marie's Mom, right?" Strangely some folks don't mind being known as their pets' owners.

She was cute and small and full of energy, mostly well-behaved, and very lovable.

sniff, Good-bye Dixie.

Dad just called me.
He, Mom and Captain Walter are out on the Gulf of Mexico "dusting off this old thing"
This old thing = Walter's sailboat
I could hear the wind whipping the phone, and the pure glee in my Dad's voice.

I told Dad I was just thinking this morning about the call I received around a year ago from Mom while they were out sailing, and I was driving to work, in the snow... At least the weather is seasonal here this time.

8.5 days until we visit them and can sail again ourselves...



"And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again..." -JB

Happy Birthday to Mom,
Happy Birthday to Mom,
Happy Birthday dear Mommy!
Happy Birthday to Mom!



I try to be good from afar, and sent her some daisies. Dad let me know they arrived just before she got home from work, giving him enough time to put them in water. Although apparently I over-ordered since he had to divide the bunch into two vases. Ah well.

I'm off to a play with the Rob and Wen tonight. We get to see George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara played by the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Alas, Alan will be staying home. Ever since the drive home from MTA, he's had a pinch in his neck that he feels in his shoulder and sometimes numbs his fingers.

Wendy of the Magic Hands is awesome. hooray massage!

I also finally got a link to my little sister's pictures from her trip to Africa over Christmas and New Years. Wow. That looks like it was fun, and she hasn't even uploaded her pictures from the trip to Zanzibar yet. Now I really wanna go to the DC Zoo. Do they have zebras? I like zebras in a cantankerous stripey horse kinda way.  But you gotta admire the graceful gazelle.

Had a wonderful weekend. We started off with a lazy Friday night of delivery pizza (bad, I know, but so tasty) and a viewing of Live Free or Die Hard in the Space-bar.

Saturday morning we got up, got showered, got dressed and got on the road to alisandramel's wedding to her Dr. Steve. We managed to be early, not a normal feature for me, which was great for chatting with friends. The ceremony was brief but lovely, with a beautiful bride radiant in red, and teary-eyed/sniffle inducing vows. It was wonderful to witness. Then we were shunted off to the reception site as the main party members stayed behind for photos. We departed to brunch at Maggiano's in Tyson's Galleria for a really fun party with tasty food, entertaining music and the best of company. The best man had a touching toast for the happy couple, the first dance was smooth, and the cake (made by the bride and groom themselves) was truly yummy. We hung out for hours visiting with friends, meeting family, and in general having a excellent time. Of course, I forgot my camera, so I have no photos to share of the happy occasion. We departed late and got home to nap, snack and watch Die Hard 2: Die Harder in the basement before crashing.

Sunday we had brunch with Matt, Susan and the boys at Ram's Head in Savage Mill, which was fun and the boys were pretty well-behaved. Speedwagon has celebrated his first birthday, and big brother is a big 4 years old. We enjoyed our Harbor Brunches of crab cakes and eggs, while Matt dove into some Eggs Bennie.The food, as always, was yummy, and we had a lovely time just hanging out and chatting, about sailing in Florida among other topics. We've got our flights booked, Camp Grandma arranged for their boys, and a day-sail planned with my folks and Captain Walter aboard his sailboat for the first weekend in April. It is a trip we are very much looking forward to, and a sailing excursion is well overdue.
We finished off the day with a little antiques window shopping and a showing of Bull Durham in the basement.

It was an excellent, if not productive, weekend.

Well, we had one heck of a weekend. Many hours in the car, many family hugs, some family treasures unearthed...

 

Yesterday I was feeling a bit poorly, so I stayed home and ended up napping for 3+ hours. Apparently I needed it. It was nice and relaxing, but very scattered and disorganized in my brain. Took me forever to organize my thoughts for a handout to pass off to Branwen, who is presenting the Plimoth Project information that I originally signed up for.

Lots of pictures were taken and have been uploaded from this weekend. Most aren't of any interest, but if you are bored, you can see them starting here.
Farewell Grandma.

 Now I remember what I did on Sunday. 

I spent most of the day de-decking the halls. I wonder, am I the last to take the decorations down this season? Even Corby once walked over to see the living room fish tank and was surprised that the tree was still there. Normally I try to take the decorations down shortly after the 6th, but this year was spent up at Plymouth the weekend after the 6th, and the weekend after New Years was spent in some organization haze, buying tubs and a Container Store visit or something. Since I had obtained new plastic tubs for storing the Christmas stuff in, I got to spend time putting stuff into new arrangements, downsizing three cardboard boxes to two tubs. Of course all the stuff is still in my sewing room since we had pinned great hopes on the new attic stairs. Perhaps in a couple of weeks. 

With apologies to Dot Warner,
I'm sick, yes it's true
I really can't help it, but what can I do
When you're sick, it just shows
With these two itchy eyes and this sniffely nose
and a fluffy pink robe...

It seems destined that when my doctor goes on vacation, I get sick. And his back-up? Not in the office today. sigh. so I have an appointment tomorrow with the back-up. Hopefully it won't take too long and he can give me something for this funk. I'm rather tired of this chest rattling cough and frankly being tired all the time. 

This weekend Alan and I are off for Wadesboro NC for Grandma Flake's memorial service. Dad called today to see if I wanted to say a few words, and he understood when I decided to bow out due to not having much of a voice to speak of. It will be nice to see the folks and sisters again, if for a brief bit of time. We plan to leave on Friday night after rush hour and drive til we are tired, grab a hotel room and get up the next morning to complete the trek southward. The service is at 2pm, visiting with the family an hour beforehand. We have a room booked at this cute Bed and Breakfast in Wadesboro for Saturday night, and a lovely family breakfast before getting on the road back home on Sunday. I hope I start feeling better tomorrow, since I can't cancel the weekend.
 

Yesterday I was Posty McPostalot and yet I neglected to issue online Happy Birthday salutations to the blondemuseon her 34th. Luckily I had sent her flowers, so she called me to thank me, and tell me about the wonderful snow on her birthday and getting to play in the snow with the nieces, so I got to issue congrats over the phone.

Saturday is Yule with the Trayned Bandes up in Abingdon. Since I haven't made anything new to wear, I guess I'll have the old green kirtle with red wool petticoat and gray wool doublet on. I've also got to make a run to the grocery store to pick up goods to make a couple of cheese tarts and some split pea soup to take along as our contributions. It will be fun to see folks, and I might take my laptop with pictures on it from our MFA visit to share with folks before the period evening kicks in.

It is also supposed to snow again tomorrow. And while I love the snow, I'm tired of it coming on the weekends. I mean it is supposed to snow during the week so we get snow days off of work. That's one of the great perks of working for a Uni, snow days. Yeah, the 1.5 hours off early yesterday does not count in my book. I want snow on a Thursday night with enough to cancel work the next day so I can sleep late and stay snuggled in bed.

Okay, whining off and stats on, thus proving I'm my own biggest fan...

( Who comments the most on this journal? )

 

Okay, it only took me 5+ years to get around to organizing a little album for Alan's Mom, and putting some of our wedding photos online. We've got at least 200 more, but here are a few from our photographer that I choose to get a feel of the day. I particularly enjoy the ones where the subjects are making a connection instead of just posing for the camera.

 No, I won't be at University this weekend. Instead Isobel and I are off to Plimoth Plantation for more embroidery, and Alan will be with us to spend some time with his Mother. So sorry, but I'm sure we'll each have our own fun weekends. :)

And I've finally booked my Thanksgiving vacation to Hawaii. Alas Alan will not be able to join me, but I'm still going and still plan on having a grand time. I've got two days booked to spend on Maui with family during their cruise stop, and then I fly over to Oahu for 6 days of free lodging and fun with my little sister and little brother-in-law in Honolulu. I hope to do some hiking, some swimming, perhaps even SCUBA once, some snorkeling, maybe try to surf, and in general relax with my sister. I'm sure I'll visit Pearl Harbor for the history and memorial, and likely eat lots of yummy local foods. If there is anything I need to be sure not to miss on Oahu, please let me know. :)

You guys are the best. I swear I wasn't fishing for comments, but they are nice to have. I admit that when I got the first call I thought of booking a trip down for this weekend. Then, the saner portion of my mind fought its way to the front and whispered something about leave, and last minute flight cost, and upcoming Pennsic, and that if I leave before tomorrow, I won't have my copy of Deathly Hallows to read on the plane/in the airports, etc. 

Besides, my mom can breathe, eat and circulate her own blood just fine. She can get up and move around and still get the rum glass to her lips, so it's not all bad. But it is still surgery, and anesthesia, and mom's should be strong enough to conquer anything. Heck, she's farm stock, she'll be fine, if frustrated for a bit. The other thing is that she's a PA, so she's always explained the medical stuff to us. It was odd getting a medical stuff call from my Dad initially that didn't have answers to questions. Mom's calm demeanor in the face of this is encouraging, and completely expected, and even relied upon. She's the Mom. That's her job. 

~~~~
So, Theo, Roland, and Mel the Taller are thinking about heading to downtown Silver Spring tonight as they turn Ellsworth Ave into Diagon Alley. It is tempting for the festivities, even if I don't plan on buying a copy of the book when one is coming to my place tomorrow morning. I bet I could go to downtown Silver Spring for the festivities and then catch a 9:45pm showing someplace too. Hmm... Wonder if it is too hot for my victorian outfit?

Apparently my Mom is falling apart, and is broken. 

I got a call from my Dad on my way home, and then another later call from Mom and Dad as I was sorting the laundry with clarification. A month or so ago, my Mom developed an inflammation in her left eye macular nerve, so her vision was fuzzy on the left side, but she was otherwise functioning and trying some anti-inflammatory eye drops. Well, the eye drops didn't seem to work after trying them for several weeks, she was slated for surgery which involves an interesting and detailed recovery involving some time face down and ceasing her golf and swimming for some time. This alone was pout-worthy.

Well, Mom is left-handed, so during the sit and wait time of the left-side fuzzy vision, she had to write, sew and read reaching to her right side, which was fine except the writing part. sigh. So she had developed numbness in her left arm/shoulder, which they were treating with Osteopathy, drugs and/or rum, with only temporary relief and no improvement. Finally, upon noticing some muscle loss in the left arm and thanks to an MRI, it has been determined that the numbness is due to a protruded and herniated disk in the C6 region of her spine, which is putting pressure on both the spinal cord as well as on the nerves around her neck and shoulder. In addition to the numbness, she was getting shooting pains under her left scapula. So, Mom now has the eye stuff on hold while she meets with a neurosurgeon tomorrow to determine what is to be done for that. Isn't that enough?

And on top of those, she's also got a single shingle patch on her forehead, which is behaving weirdly, but finally healing after some time and some anti-viral treatment. 

At least that is a complete list of her problems. She's a bit upset about having to take 4 weeks of unpaid leave and that it won't be spent on a tropical island or on a sailboat.

Funnily enough, this reminds me that on the way home from the first half of the play last night, I noticed an add on a MetroBus for the Bodies exhibit at the Rosslyn Dome. It's open there until October 28th, which is very cool. Must find time to visit it after Pennsic.

I also think I'm having a bit of post-HP Movie, pre-HP book funk. All I've wanted to do is read this week, but I don't want to start something just to put it aside when HP book gets here. sigh. Can't wait, perhaps I'll try to see the movie again tomorrow night.

Mike has been moved to an intermediate care unit, which is close to the ICU, but hopefully quieter and more restful. Laura said on the phone that Mike seemed to be doing even better last night, which is great to hear. Baby steps. Due to the restricted visitor policy last night, I stayed home and did laundry, tidied up the green room for Drea, packed a bit, read some Harry Potter book 5 (in prep for the movie) and did some practice embroidery. 

Anyone who wants the address to send a card to Mike, send me an email or leave me a comment with your email address and I'll forward it onto you. If you want it before Saturday though, you must let me know by 4pm today, as I'll be taking off then for our flight to Providence. 

As you've likely read, the attack_laurel  and I are headed up to Plimoth Plantation tonight for embroidery and PBS filming sessions Thursday and Friday. We get to stay with my Mother-in-Law, who I haven't seen in a couple of years. (I keep reminding Alan that he, at least, needs to visit her sometime.) She's moved into a new place, so hopefully my allergies will remain in check, and I won't have to suffer from whatever sparked my allergies to full tilt in the old house. It will be good to see her again. 

I've also been practicing the stitches on the chance that I get to do a little work on the Plimoth jacket. I think I like the reverse chain stitch the best, though I did get the ceylon stitch to work last night using a thicker thread and the linen under tension. They apparently only have a certain number of frames, so I might not get to embroider (and I am SO not an embroiderer) so I understand if I don't have the opportunity. But I could be content to sit for a few hours and outline a few things. I hope at the least to get to listen in on the Foodways discussion, the tour by the Curator of Originals, and maybe even the wood carving demo and discussion, though I'd love to see some basket weaving. :) Not sure what else we will get to do and see, but I hope to have some time to see a little other stuff in Plymouth.

Now that I'm already packed, I wonder what the weather calls for...

Talked to my Mom this morning on the way into work. She was telling me about the fun of sailing for a week so far. They are currently down near Key West, and the weather is sunny and warm. She was lamenting the lack of wind this morning, but I hope that picks up for them. Their ultimate destination is the Bahamas, but their schedule isn't fixed. They used the radio and got in touch with a friend of the captain's and he tossed them some fresh stone crabs for dinner, which they then cooked and ate on the boat. My mom has been happily unoccupied as the ship's doctor, so has instead been enjoying the weather and fixing the mainsail cover's zipper with needle and dental floss, and knitting stuff, and crocheting bags for holding things below decks, and in general being a boat string monkey. 
Oh how I envy her. 
She tempted me to fly down and meet them somewhere and sail back with them, and if I had a valid passport, I'd be seriously considering it now. To quote Jimmy again, I wanna go where it's warm. 

All the while I was chatting with Mom on the phone, it is 38 degrees out, I'm driving to work, and there are snow flurries blowing about. Talk about your contrasts. I wished her wind, and she wished me warmth. I can only hope it works. 

I'm gonna feel a bit silly in Roman with merrels and wool socks (no, I don't have time to nalbind a pair of socks for my Roman persona just now), but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to keep warm. As far as projects, I still need to add the clavi to Alan and Bob's tunicas, and sew up the sides. I've also got a little hand sewing to do on Alyce's tunica, but other than that, she is ready to go. Also, have to run by the storage unit tonight to put the Prince and Princess stuff in storage and see if anything else needs to come to Coronation. 

I need a nap.
Somewhere it is warm preferred.

Livejournal, forgive me, for I have sinned. It has been 12 days since my last entry. Bad Gen.

So, lots has happened, I was just unmoved to post about anything for a while. 


Last week was fairly uneventful. I worked from home on Monday to meet a furnace guy who did nothing to help track down our strange bumps in the night, which luckily have not happened since. Tuesday was a sick day, and I think I slept most of the day. Wednesday I took the liberal leave offered for the slight amount of snow, and Friday was off for the drive down to Ymir and Friday night set-up. 



Today dawned with flurries, but the driveway had a nice light layer when I left for work this morning. I made sure to snap a few pictures of the backyard in case the pristine white turned to grey mush. Luckily work closed offices at 1pm, so I was home by 2pm, in time to shovel the wet driveway, and sprinkle with some salt to help with some of the sleet that poured down on my head. We'll see what else we get tonight. I'm hoping for a day off tomorrow due to ice, so I can snuggle in at home and enjoy a day off.

Went to visit the nieces. Was fighting a cold since Wed. Nieces have flu. Fighting even harder now, or simply succumbing. My sister said she meant to call and warn us to stay home, but alas forgot. sigh. 

Drove down part way on Friday night, and the rest on Sat morning. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Henderson, very nice and nicely priced. Excellent breakfast options too. Got to the sister's house around 11am on Sat. but no one was home. Tried the side door to garage, and it was locked. Tried calling the house, no answer. Tried calling the sister cell, no answer. Eventually called the Dad to get the brother-in-law's cell, and left a couple of messages. Ended up napping in car awaiting their return. BIL was at Sam's club with Eldest Niece, and Sister was at Urgent care with Younger Niece. I realized it was likely very cold revenge for the time they had to drive up to Blacksburg to collect some fabric from me and I flaked out and went to hang at someones apt. for a while. I think we might have been playing Worms with Genie.

Eventually we all got in and helped unload groceries, had a lovely midday meal, opened presents and the nieces seemed to love the Barbie B-Book (e-learning tool in pink!) as well as the barbies, and other gifts. Always nice to know they like the gifts. Got many niece hugs, which were apparently germ laden. Youngest niece stayed home with her dad while Sister, Eldest Niece, Alan and I went to see the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever!" with blond niece in the angel choir. Very cute play, but spending some time back stage reinforced that I am glad to be an aunt and not a mom. wow.

After a lazy Sunday morning, and increasing sickness of Eldest Niece to match Younger Niece, we got on the road home. Managed to drop by the Southland Log Homes model home on I-40 to poke around and pick up a planning guide. Alan likes the Red River, but I love the plan called Magnolia. 2 car garage attached with workspace, lovely large and plentiful closets, faboo master bath, and covered front porch. I've always wanted a covered front porch for a swing and/or rocking chairs. Looked at the plans and discussed options, locations, etc. for much of the drive home, while singing non-stop to Christmas Music. wheee...

Yesterday I went to Dr., got antibiotics, went to meeting at work, then went home sick. Passed out under fleecy blankie on the couch for 4 hours. Am home sick again today, blech. Had flu shot, so assume not flu. Of course hard to tell for sure since I'm always on anti-inflammatories so fever and body aches aren't obviously noticeable, and allergy meds seem to keep the sniffling at bay. sheesh.

But last night, Alan and I did finally decorate the tree. Lights up, ornaments up, star on top, lighted garland over front door and on the railing between the kitchen and den, jingle-bell fake mistletoe up in foyer. Now need to get evergreen boughs for mantle and other vases in the house to add Christmas smell and colored lights on the mantle. 

Hope to post pictures of tree to Flickr later. Need a nap, or an orange, or both right now...