I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S FRIDAY

Well another lovely solar plunge, it's at least 27 below, that is what it is here anyway.  When are we going to get the January thaw.  I am so ready.
Yesterday was a busy day and we had so much fun.  In the morning Linda and June picked me up for crafters.  Crafter's was at Audrey's, Elaine and Lorretta were there and so was Deb.  I never see her at these things so it was really fun.  I bought two towels from Elaine, I love buying and giving away her towels, she is the one with ALS.  She is loosing weight so not good, June has lost 55 #'s.  Her weight lose is due to grief.  I struggle with loosing a pound.
 Hey. Jim and I stopped at Northland Schools and got the walking pass.  We went last night, I only walked for 1/2 an hour but it's a start.  Jim puts up with walking slower.  I can't believe how strong he is.  Lucky me to have him.
I got home from Crafter's and we jumped in the car to head for Walker.  Got a call from Bob, my Floor to Ceiling guy, to meet Jason, my Formica Counter guy so I could get Kenny, my Carpenter over today to install my entry way counter and sink today.  Does that make any sense at all.  Anyway I am so excited to get my new sink, faucet and entryway counter put in.  You will love this.  It will bring CLOSURE to my remodel project.   Good grief, aren't I the piece of work.
I stopped in at the Library and Christine didn't show, it is not the first time she hasn't showed up.  She is President of the boars.  I have to also let you know I missed one Saturday.  It still makes me feel bad that I didn't look at my calendar, you can believe I check it out first thing in the morning these days. I also stopped in at The Woodsman to talk to Bob, this will be my 3rd year spotting for the dog sled races.  I did it alone the first year and last year Dot and Nancy were with me and this year Heidi will be with me.  Maybe Sharon will be up for it the next year.  I think it's fun.  I wanted to know when we had to be there.  The race starts at 10 am and that goes rather quickly, it's when the come back that takes awhile.
Oh I didn't mention what else we did in Walker.  We had to go to the hardware store and pick up some grout sealer, our bill was a little higher because we got a portable Weber gas grill and stand.  I have wanted one for so long.  Now we will be set.
I think we will bust out of here for 5 weeks.  We want to be back by may 1st.  I am excited to go to the Synod Assemby.  The special speakers are wonderful and the atmosphere is so Christian and loving.  How can you not love it.  Christians together.  I remember my first assembly and the story about The Road to Emmaus. It mad quite an impact on me.  I did quite a report to the congreation.
Pastor and Gwen will be going too.  Should be fun.

AREN'T I THE BIG DEAL

Yes, that is said in sarcasm, I went to my second Weight Watchers meeting and I weighed in a week ago at 173 and I weighed in last night at 173.  Am I supposed to be excited about not loosing and just showing up. NO!    I guess I will have to do more, maybe follow the program.   Kill me.

Susan drove twice now and I need pick up and do my share of driving.  She has even picked me up and I am two miles in the opposit direction.  What a gal.

It was 33 below at her house yesterday morning and when I checked here it was only 27 below.  She is on a lake and it makes a difference.

I am struggling with my office/sewing room.  I need some storage and what I found at Ikea is out of stock and it would have been perfect.  I will keep looking.

It is Wednesday and all I have on the calendar is Bible Study this afternoon.

I need to get back to painting my kitchen soffet.  OK get up and get going.

MONDAY WAS DENTIST DAY

Well it was 27 below this morning, by the way it is early Tuesday.  It was super cold yesterday and it just never seems to let up.  Yesterday was a busy day, I had a 9am Dentist appointment - we got there and she said "did I tell you 9, you appointment is actually at 10am."  Jim came back and picked me up - we went back home and came back at 10am.  We had a laugh.  It happens.  We stopped at June and Linda for coffee after.  Jim brought Charlie from church some walleye when I was at the dentist. 
It was so cold in the house I pretty much stayed in the bedroom wrapped in a blanket.  I didn't mind.  It was kind of a low keys movie day.  I have my electric heater fire place in the bedroom and I have it on constantly.  I also have a small space heater in the bathroom and I had it on overnight.  First time.  We have the thermostat at 62 for overnight and Jim will probably make me keep it there during the day.  Yuck, this propane shortage really sucks.
I think we should just lite out.  South land here I come, of course we can't go till Jim comes back from his Texas trip.  I think he leaves end of February for Austin TX.
What a winter huh.
I went to a Norwex party last night.  I bought their laundry detergent and their cleaning paste.  Looks like good stuff.  Expensive but supposedly very effective.  There were other things I wanted but I am not going to spend more than $60 at a time.  The key is using plain water and there is silver in their products.  I love their floor system.  Mac's wife uses Norwex a lot, her neighbor Heidi gets her the stuff at cost, they are also best friends.  Good deal for her.
It was fun to go to Helen's house.  She is such a gracious hostess.  She also has a beauty shop in her home.
It is not fun going outside in this weather.  I have to also let Bob know for sure that I will be working the dog sled races the weekend that Heidi comes up.  Bob is the Chamber's President.
I put the heater on in my office and I need to get at some work there.
I finally have an idea of what I want in there.  Going to of for regular cupboards and with glass doors on top.  We will see.
OK that is enough babbling for today.

SUNDAY

The week has been a blur.  First of all everyone should have a Keurig coffee maker.  I love it.  I am having such a good time with it.  It's funny how one gets her kicks when she is over 70.
Secondly I didn't leave the house last week until Friday.  Bible study was cancelled, Crafters was cancelled.  I had to go I to town on Friday because I had to shop for the picnic.  On Saturday I went over to June and Linda's to visit and play cards.  Fun.   I don't know if they are doing it for me or if I am doing it for them.  I think it's mutual.  We always have a fun visit.  
Kenny left on Wednesday I think, I can't remember, it is funny when you are retired it all runs together.   He is all done with the exception of the entry.  Have yet to put in the new counter, sink and faucet.  What expense for the dogs.  
It is a quarter to seven and still pitch dark.  Will love it when the days get longer.  Our big meeting at church today.  Jean looked and last year we only had 24 at the annual meeting.  I bought for at least 50.  Some of us will be buying hot dogs and buns.  We can always use chips for the funerals.
I have to stop in and let Bob know for sure about dog sled racing.  I have spotted two years and Heidi will be here that weekend and I want her to experience it.  It is fun.
I am excited to report I invited Nancy and Dot up Monday after Super Bowl Sunday.  Can't wait.  I have a bottle of wine from Door County for us.  
Jim is in plowing out the church.  It needs it, we get snow ever other day lately.  Snowed Friday and Saturday both and it snowing as I write.  
Dede sent me some fun necklaces,  I have to send her two for repair but I sure get a kick out of wearing her lovely jewelry.  I wish I could fly out to see my sister and Carol K and Dede.  Maybe my brother Mark could go at the same time.  Now that would be fun.   Face it, it is all wishful thinking.  I would rather Jim and I get away for a week.  
I heard about a fuel shortage and it may be a real concern.  It even made national news.  Ouch.   It has been a brutal winter.  
I am looking forward to getting my house back on order.   I need to finish painting my soffits so I can rehang my plates.  I have to see if Alexis is free next Tuesday for lunch.  I would rather hang up her Royal Copenhagen plates.  She still has them in a box I think.
It is funny, what I like does not mean the kids will like it and I have to get used to that.
Mac is talking about finding a different job and being stretched.  He has so much talent, both he and Laura do.  If they do move out of the state how I will miss them.  So will Skye especially and Alexis.   I wish I could tell them not to move but I just can't be that person.  Life is an adventure and they need to experience it.
Heavens they leave on their family vacation for Mexico in less than a month.
Wish they needed a babysitter.  I would go with in a heartbeat.
I would just be in the way.
Well I need to get cleaned up, snow or not, we need to get ready for our annual meeting.

MONDAY ALL DAY

I have the Lion's meeting tonight.  I saw Nancy Stefan in church yesterday and she asked if I would put my name in as 2nd VP which would put me in position for the Lion's Presidency in about 4-5 years.  I figure by then some of our new young people will be up for it.  It is so hard to say no I guess.
Well here it is Monday and in two hours Kenny will be ripping up my bedroom carpet.  The room is empty except for the TV and a chair.  My goodness my house is a mess.  It will come back together I know and as we are emptying each room I see painting that needs to be done but I just have to take it one day at a time.
We met Jerry and Mary Birdie Saturday night at The Bungalo for dinner.  Fun but their light batter onion rings were like heavy donuts.  Yuck.  Had a good hamburger.  We ushered on Sunday.  Saturday morning I made two kinds of cookies.  Sour cream chocolate nut drop and oatmeal nut date cookies.   Yummy.
Church was good but since Makons got me up at 3:40am I had a hard time staying awake.  We had left over chicken for a crowd and it was super good.  I haven't made it forever.
Here it is Monday morning and my house is such a mess.  Makes me laff.  I need to get dressed.
I wish I could get Alexis and the kids home.  Jeff now has someone else in his life.  Hard for me to get used to.  I had not given up on he and Alexis getting back together.  I am such a fool.  It seems so unfair.  We all know life is unfair.
Well Jim and I also are looking at our summer trip.  Heck I am looking forward to my sister Heidi coming up in a week or two.  We are going to sew our brains out.
I am going to show her how to make Potatoe bags and she is going to show me how to make infinity scarfs.
Well going to get at it and I am mad at myself.  I really wanted to go to school this morning and walk, forgot.  Tomorrow is another day and tomorrow I go to my first weight watchers meeting.

MY SCHEDULE IS PRETTY TIGHT

It's funny because I have so much to do I feel like I could shut down, I won't of course but there is so much to do.  They are coming on Monday to do the carpet.  Jim has said no to the guest room and lights under the counter so that will speed things up.  The only thing I regret is the carpet in the guest room. I would like to loose it.
I didn't go to Bible Study yesterday.  Thought it best to be 100%.  I sure am because I am hungry.  Kenny is already 1/2 done with the guest bathroom and officr and my office is next.  Need to get in there and clean it up.  Like right now.  I will need to clean out the closet floor come to think of it.
I need to sell raffle tickets tonight.  I usually look forward to it but there is a blizzard going on, the wind out there is howling.  Tempature isn't bad, about 18 I think.  We still have trim to put down all around.  Especially where I had carpet and I now have flooring.
The house is a mess.  I do have the kitchen back together.  Thank goodness.  Kenny works so hard, you sure have to admire him.  What work ethic.  Otto keeps barking at the staple gun and shop vac.  He is such a comfort.  I must be nuts to put up with him and Jim must be nuts to put up with me.  We are going on 29 years.  Who would have thought.   The house sure will be comfortable when done.  Big improvement.  Makons is at the fireplace.  I think it feels as good on her old  bones as mine.

WEDNESDAY AND I AM ALL BETTER

Boy do I ever feel 100%.  I must, my appetite is back.  There are advantages to being sick and no appetite is one of them.   In my mind I lost 10#, in reality I didn't loose but I didn't gain either.  When I had staff infection I lost 20-25#'s.  I looked awful but I felt thin.  Now I look healthy but I feel fat.  Where is the balance.  I can tell you, if I quite the sugar it will come off.  Not an easy thing.  Well I couldn't go to my first weight watchers meeting.  Now was I really sick you ask. YES!
Well I know how long Kenny has been here by what I have fed him.  I know June and Linda  did such an excellent job it is hard to compete.  Today  I made ham-turkey-cheese, mayo & lettuce whole wheat sandwiches, Tuesday I bought Italian pasta fagoule soup for Kenny and Jim, I was in bed on Monday, they got nothing,  but Kenny mentioned he liked sweet wine so I sent home 2 bottles of Resling wine.  Don't drink sweet wine anymore.  He was happy, I was happy.  I don't remember doing anything for him on Sunday, he wasn't here all day, you know that was the day we stayed away because he wanted the floor to dry - he had to do some leveling.  We are at The Pub after church.  I think on Saturday I got us wraps and I don't remember Friday.  Face it, sometimes it's all a blurr.  Maybe it was Friday I got us wraps.  Yummy, our coffee shop in town does a great job.  That was his first day, Jim went to Red Lake that morning.  We just cleaned out 1/2 of Jim's office so Kenny can do that.  I am trying to get Jim to let Kenny do the guest room.  Not happening.  Sure wish I could convince him to do the guest room.  It too is discussing - thank you Otto.
I have to get back at it.  Lots to do and it is oh so good to feel wonderful.  YIPEE SKIPEE!

IT IS TUESDAY AND I KNOW YOU CAN'T GET THE FLU VIA BLOGGING

It hit Sunday night, I worked all Sunday afternoon on WELCA financial statement but around 6pm I started feeling awful.  Took to bed and about 7pm it started.  Needless to say the to lit bowl and I became well acquainted.  All I can say is thank goodness I keep it really clean, so does Jim.  Needless to say I was in bed all day yesterday and doing better today, I could have stayed in the shower forever this morning.  I am up and at em.  I feel stronger with every passing hour but I sure was sick for awhile.  Well chalk the flu up for the Wester household.  I sure hope we don't give it to my carpenter Kenny.  What surprises me so much is that my ribs hurt so much, I didn't cough at all.  Face it when you get the flu you hurt all over, I even hurt from lying on my memory foam.  

SUNDAY MORNING

Well it is 12:10 so technically it's afternoon.we set up for the funeral Friday morning.  Only 56 were there so not bad at all.  I really liked it so much better when we had hot dishes but our church is declining in size and that's the name of that tune.  We have chips, sandwiches, pickle bars or cake.  It seems I always make buns with meat and cheese, I don't know how to make egg salad.  Lots of people make that.  Working the funerals is kind of fun.  Camaraderie and it's our Bethany family.  My poor fingers and how they split open in the winter.
I was really tired after the funeral, I sure wish I could sleep in after 4am.  Doesn't happen often.  I didn't do anything and I could have, there is lots to do.  I need to put my kitchen back together.  I want less stuff on my counter, no more crocks of utensil's.  I love the new counters, they really turned out pretty.  Only one I need to changed and it's not their fault, I changed my mind on the laundry tub area, it will work out, it may just take some time.
I can't tell you how exciting it was to go to the funeral and come home and my hall, kitchen and dining room ceilings are all freshly painted.  Kenny is great.  He has a wonderful work ethic.
I need to finish up in the kitchen so I can hang my plates back up.  I talked to Alexis and since she hasn't hung the Royal Copenhagen Christmas plates yet since I gave them to her forever ago, not her thing I guess.   I am ready for a change and I am going to put them up.  I need to call her today.  See what she is up to.
I had a heck of a time staying awake in church today.  Got up at 3:34.  No wonder I have a hard time.
Kenny came early and I worked on the WELCA financial statement for a few hours.  My printer isn't working and it would be so helpful if it was.
Kenny must have arrived a our 8:30.  It's 12:40 and he is still working away.  I am sitting in front of the fire and maybe it isn't necessary.  It is 34 outside.  We love the words January thaw.  Snowmobiliers are having a ball.  After church we went to The Pub, I didn't want to make anything,

they had a special, breakfast  Quesadilla's and they were wonderful.  Can you believe they were only
5.50 and that included tax.
Going to get busy with the church financial stuff.

FRIDAY ALL DAY AND IT'S 50 DEGREES WARMER

It is 20 out, feels almost balmy.  I wonder if that's how you spell it.  
I just saw a lifestyle lift ad and I think I should consider it.   I am really sagging these days.  Why can't I be the person that puts her hair back in a pony tail and look good.  I look like a a pin head with great hair.  I have the best beautician in the world.  Skye's Salon!   Where else.
Busy day yesterday.  Bethany Crafters.  Picked up Lorretta and Audrey and went over to Elaine's on Bass Lake.  Linda brought June and Gloria.  I liked Linda's story about making dessert for us.  It took three tries and her first two tries were a bust.  It happens to all of us and I consider Linda one of the best bakers out there.  Worked around the house until 5:45 and went in to WELCA early at church.  Wanted to get the coffee going.  Thank goodness we stopped making treats, we all eat enough treats.
Bible study was good last night, about Abigail and David.  Yup King David.  We are studying women of the Bible.
The new team was sworn in.  We discussed fun thing to do at church.  I usher the last Sunday of the month and we are going to have a picnic.  It is our annual meeting.  Will be fun.
I love our church family.  We have such a great bunch and need to do more fun things.
Today I need to get my sandwiches made.  Need to pick up buns this morning but I better wait till Kenny arrives.  If he arrives, he was sick yesterday and I just haven't heard yet.
I will probably make the sandwiches for the funeral after Kenny leaves.

IT IS WEDNESDAY AND 30 BELOW AND THAT IS NOT WIND CHILL

We are having ugly weather and believe me when I say we are sick of it.  Should be warmer by this weekend.  We hope.  
Have had a busy few days, Sunday morning it was 30 below and with the nasty wind more like 60 below.  The wind has died down but the weather hasn't changed much.  We went to church, picked up Linda and then in the afternoon she picked us up along with Raquel and we went to the Pastor's open house for the 12 days of Christmas.  It was fun and even Duane and Teresa drove up from Brainerd for it.
Monday morning was busy because I didn't know if our carpenter Kenny was coming or not and I had to finish getting some things cleared off but when I got in touch with him to connect he said he wouldn't be able to pop over till at least on Thursday.  The weather has slowed down some of the progress on other jobs.
We popped in our car around 11 and headed for Sartell outside of St Cloud to get shots in our left eyes.  Aren't we the lucky ones but we really like Dr Reynolds and if anyone can do it as pain free as possible he is your guy.  I was telling him no I could't feel it but the noise of getting the shot was like popping a needle into an apple, you can hear that snap or pop from the needles puncturing the skin of your eyeball.  What a hoot.
Because it was so cold out so many appointments were rescheduled so we got out of there withing two hours.  A record.  It normally takes at least 3 hours.  It's like a cattle call.
We headed for Macs.  The Governor called school for the whole state, Laura took Hope to a day care down town and Skye went and babysat Hudson because he had been sick.  He was still under the weather.  Mac had an interview.  He just wants to see what is out there.
Laura came home with Hope and we had a lovely dinner with Chicken and Pesto.  And potatoes because they know I hate pasta.  What a dork I am.
Skye went home early and took the dogs with her.  They do travel well but we don't want to leave them in the car too long when it's 30 below out.
We went home about 7 pm so they could get the kids bathed and in bed.  It was fun seeing the new king size sleigh bed they purchased for themselves and Huddie's new car bed.  They also got a new kitchen set.  Really cute with 6 chairs.  Plain black leather.  Easy to keep clean.
They love the clearance rooms at the furniture stores.
Skye and I sat up for awhile and knitted.  We do have fun together.  I brought her down a deep fryer I am not using and a bread maker that has become an albatross.  I even had a mini-electric griddle she will be able to use for grilled cheese and such.  Poor Skye gets so much stuff dumped on her.
I am in my office and I have the heater under my desk on, I love that heater but it still is cold near the floor.
Jim went to his old AA group meeting at 6 am on Tuesday morning and then to his 9:30 am Doctor appointment for his yearly bladder cancer check up.  Everything is fine for another year.  Heavens his bladder cancer was at least 30 plus years ago.
Skye and I went to her shop around 9am and she did my hair. Jim got back and we went to the Habitat Resale store.  I thought we might find a stainless steel sink.  No luck.  I want one for my entry way.  Skye had two men haircuts and then we took her to lunch at Moe's where she used to work and we had a really nice time.  We love staying there.  I can have the dogs and with little Otto it is good she has a basement because he runs down there to do his business sometimes.
We got home about 5 pm last night and this is going to be a busy week.  I also start my diet today.  I am looking at it from a perspective of a new eating lifestyle.  In other words I have to quite eating so much junk.
I bought some pine nut hummus that I just love and will snack on celery and carrots dipped in that.  It is really yummy.  What No Chocolate,  A BIG FAT NO!
Do you know I had to enlarge the font, I couldn't read it so I could correct errors in my spelling ofwords.  Sometimes I think I am blind as a bat.  Thank goodness for large font choices.  See there is always a bright side.
Will check in with you all tomorrow.  Busy day ahead.

SATURDAY AND IT'S LIBRARY DAY

It sounds like the temperature will be dropping throughout the day, it is 8 degrees above zero, no big deal yet but it is supposed to get to 40 below by tomorrow night.  We will see.
Coffee is good and hot and I made a shredded potato with shredded onion and sausage for breakfast.  It sure was yummy.
Mac let me know they got a new king size sleigh bed.  Now there is the problem of getting  the one in their basement to Alexis.  We have the plow on the pickup and it is not so easy to put on and off.
If they could just store it for awhile.  We will see.
I am making lots of headway in the kitchen.  I am trying to get rid of stuff I never use.  It is funny but there is a lot of stuff we only use a couple of times a year.
I am starting to get anxious to have the job in the house done.  I know it's silly because these things take time but none the less when you have your counters sitting in your dining room on saw horses it is something you think about, and I am excited to see the floor.  Kenny does nice work and is honest as the day is long so there.
I know I need to get off my duff and get my WELCA stuff done.  Maybe I will take it with me today to the Library.  The bookcases aren't getting put in as fast as they would like.  Jim and I have donated 4 of them and paid for another one.  We have done all we can do for now.
Hey you should see how much of the old lotto tickets I burned yesterday, I will probably do more today, if I can just do a couple of boxes a week a couple times a week it should work.  I did three yesterday and you really have to take the rubber bands off the bundles so they burn well.
We need a new burn barrel - I called Betteye Johnson yesterday but no answer.  I saw a hole on the side of it and they don't last forever, all we burn is paper and we recycle most paper we get.  We have to shred or burn the lotto tickets.  They have to be destroyed.
Fire sure is inviting today.  Skye sent me a request for a white scarf, I need to see if any of the gals have half a skein of the white with sparkle on the edges.
Well I am coming to the end of my fat period in my life and I can tell it is making me nervous because I seem to be eating everything in sight.  It should embarrass me but that hasn't happened yet. Maybe when I join weight watchers.

FRIDAY TODAY

Well here it is Friday, still packing, need to get more boxes, I have to check with Kenny today and see when he is coming.  We won't be here Mon-Tue.  I need to be ready for him.
We need yet to pick up a sink and faucet for the entry way.
Skye gave me an address for a habitat store in Rapids.

Here it is, 28 years of marriage and I'm lovin it

We had a terrific NY Eve.  So many couples from DOSS.  I wonder if I can remember them all and Georgene and Bruce did such a wonderful job as hosts.  They also made an announcement that they accepted an offer on their house.  They close in May.
They will be moving to downtown St Paul.
Dee & John were there, Darlene & John, Mary and Shem, Mandy and Justin, Patty and Dick, Pam & Chuck, Sue and Gary, Denise and Dick, Kevin and his wife, Jean and Roger.  That's all I remember for now.  Great group.  Will be our last NY's Eve unless someone else picks up the baton.  Makes me wonder if I couldn't have it here.  I can't see us going to St Paul.  It is on a Wednesday next year, we could.  It is funny, I would rather stay home and have it here.  We will see.
OMG I almost forgot to write about it.  Got a call from wonderful Lyn Hop and they have rented a co do in Naples.  We will have to see if they love it.  I need to call her back today and give her the name of that park that was so beautiful.  And the Art museum.  Maybe the place we ate with the blind guy.  I will call her today.
So excited for them to be where I wish I was.  And next month Panama City.
I am having fun this week just packing up the kitchen.  I think Jim is going fishing up to Red Lake tomorrow - he wanted me to go but too much to do this week.  I need to talk to Kenny and see if he is really coming next week.  There is really a lot to packing up the cupboards.  Maybe I just make it a big deal.
Hey we are in a heat wave. It was only 4 below this morning.  YIPEE SKIPEE!