November 30, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

This last day of November was filled with a variety of activities.  At 11:30 we went to Paul and Debbie’s house.  They had a surprise to show us.  They had a Yorkie puppy, 12 weeks old.  It weighs 1 1/2 pounds.  When it came running to meet us, it looked more like a wind up toy than a real dog.

Paul and Debbie have a 10 year old poodle named Kissy.  She can’t understand why they brought a dog into their peaceful home.  Kissy doesn’t know she’s a dog and is not sure she can tolerate this new “wild beast.”  The new addition to the family is absolutely adorable.

We left both critters at home and went to lunch.  There is a buffet in Madison that specializes in Southern cooking.  It is a huge place.  Several days a man told us about it.  He said the food is so good it will make you want to slap your mama!  That was an expression I had never heard before and don’t really care to hear again.  He was right about one thing...the food was good, with a wide variety of items.  We did not leave hungry.

When we got back to Brent’s house, we had an afternoon and evening of college football to watch.  The most exciting game was between Alabama and Auburn.  Several of Brent’s neighborhood friends are Auburn fans and were at a tail gate party at the game.  Auburn won in the last second of the game in a most unusual manner.  An Auburn player caught a missed field goal of Alabama’s and ran over 100 yards to win the game.  It was very exciting! 

November 29, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

This morning, I went to see Mr. Bill.  He and his wife, Claudia, live next door to Brent.  They are nice neighbors.  It has been so cold and wet since I got here I hadn’t seen either of them.  

Brent, Sara, and I went to Madison to eat at a buffet with “down home cooking.”  I will have to report on it at another time.  They were closed!

We drove back into Jackson to a Chinese restaurant.  The food was OK.  Some of their dishes were familiar, but “spicy intestines in hot pot” was a new one to me.  Sometimes I am adventuresome with food, but not today.  I ordered cashew chicken!

Afterwards, we spent quite a bit of time walking around their grocery store.  Some of the things we couldn’t identify,  but some we could.  In their fish market, they had several kinds of fish, as well as lobster, octopus, turtles, and frogs.  Yum, yum!

They also had roasted ducks for $15.99 each.  And fresh quail eggs and duck eggs.  It was an experience, to say the least!

And then it was back to Brent’s to watch a football game.  Later, we all loaded into the car, including Willie.  We took him to PetSmart to see how much weight he has lost.  Six pounds, so he still has a ways to go.  

Tonight, Oregon played Oregon State.  It is called the Civil War and has been played for 117 years.  The Ducks won by one point.  Wow, what a game!  It is one of the oldest rivalries in the country.

November 28, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and Happy Birthday to Matthew!

Coleson and Sara were at the lake with Dee and Jojo, their other grandparents, for Thanksgiving dinner and to celebrate Coleson’s birthday.  Brent fixed a good breakfast...biscuits, gravy, eggs, and sausage.  It was a very leisurely morning.

He made his famous (in this neighborhood) cauliflower and cheese casserole to take to Pito and Polly’s.  At 3:00, we went to their house for dinner.  Not only did they have a turkey with all the trimmings, but also on the menu was Brussel sprouts, deviled eggs, and dolmas.

I had never eaten dolmas before, but liked them very much.  They are a Greek dish made from a mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, wrapped in grape leaves, covered with water, and baked for two hours.  Hm-m-m!  Very interesting.

There were several desserts, but we were so full that neither Brent nor I partook.  We left to get Sara and Coleson at Keltie’s apartment.

I was really tired and cold when we got back to Brent’s house, so I wrapped in my “mink” blanket and took a long nap.  When I got up, the Mississippi State/Old Miss game was just starting the second half.  State won in overtime!  That’s the team everyone in this household seemed to favor.

There were several other games we watched parts of, but nothing of special interest.

November 27, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

I can’t give a weather report for today because I didn’t go out of the house at all.  But it looked cold!

Brent and I watched a Red Box movie this afternoon...Red 2.  He and I had seen Red a year or so ago.  Red 2 just came out not long ago.  I didn’t particularly like the plot of either one, but I really liked the actors.

I worked with beads off and on today, but really didn’t accomplish much.  Brent asked if my the beads weren’t cooperating.  He was absolutely right.

I spent part of the day wrapped in a blanket...the one Danna (Bill’s sister) left to me when she died.  I wrapped in it at her house, which was always cold.  It is brown and furry and she and I called it my mink.  Its permanent home is here at Brent’s.

I miss Danna and think of her often.  I’m thankful I was able to spend many hours sitting by her bed.  We never ran out of things to talk about.  And we laughed a lot, too.  I remember the time Bill came in and ask her where his woman was.  I thought she was going to get up out of her sick bed and throttle him.  We all had a good laugh when we told her the story behind it.

Tomorrow is Matthew's 15th birthday!

November 26, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

It was colder this morning than yesterday.  

Brent and I went toward Jackson this morning.  Our destination was JoAnn Fabric.  I was looking for some special beads, but didn’t find anything I was looking for.  A lady told me there was a bead store not far away, so off we went.

The store was well stocked and had what I had been looking for.  They were a little pricey, compared to Santa Fe, but I’m not there.  Beads are at a good price in Quartzsite so I will try to stock up when we are there in January.  Hopefully, Lori will be there, too, and we can shop together.

We went to the Trace Cafe for lunch.  There food is really good, but definitely Southern.  Brent had sausage with red beans and rice.  I had ribs with rice and gravy.  While we were eating, a guy told us of another place on north just a little bit.  We will try it out another day.  We are always on the hunt for new and different places to eat.

We were invited to Mike and Amy’s house for pulled pork sandwiches.  They were really good.  The party broke up fairly early because some of those in attendance are leaving town tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holidays.

I got back to Brent’s in time to watch the finals on Dancing with the Stars.  It was a good finish to a good season.  I agreed with who won, even though I didn’t vote.  I usually cast votes via the Internet, but I didn’t this year.

November 25, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

The temperature was 43° this morning.  And it was sprinkling.  By the time we left at 1:00 the rain was really coming down.  It was a frog strangler that was still going on at bedtime.  What a shame the temp isn’t low enough to snow!  We would have three feet by now.  

We went to Sam’s Club.  Our first purpose was to eat lunch.  We were all very hungry.  Dessert was eating all the samples as we could find around the store.  At check out time not a thing in our basket was on our list.  But we all had a really good time roaming around looking at things.

I watched Dancing with the Stars on the living room TV while Brent watched Monday Night Football in his room.  When DWTS was over, we watched football in the living room.

And the rain just kept falling and falling!

November 24, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

Today marks Coleson”s fifteenth birthday.  These years have gone by way to quickly.  All too soon all of our grandkids will be driving.  Yikes!  The three that Bill has had a major hand in teaching them to drive are excellent drivers.  Let’s hope Grandpa will keep up the good work.

Coleson chose the Cock-of-the-Walk as the place for his birthday lunch.  It is a really good place to eat catfish and fried chicken.  Their “sides” are fries, collard greens, fried pickles, cole slaw, pickled onions, onion rings, hush puppies, and cornbread.  I can tell you right now that no one went away hungry.

With very “happy tummies,” we went bowling.  Actually, I went along to cheer.  The other three bowled.  To say that none of the three have much chance of ever being inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame would be an given.  I won’t tell the ins and outs of the two games they bowled, but I will give you a clue.  One of Sara’s comments to Brent was, “If you can get a few more points it will be the same as your age!”  I laughed way to hard!  She is showing a lot of Brent’s quick wit.

Even though the sun was out all day, it was very cold.  No moisture fell, so there was no snow for Brent to shovel!

November 23, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

More rain today.  And it was colder than yesterday.

It was a good day to stay inside and watch football games.  I also worked on a beading project.  That is not always a good thing to do when Willie is around.  This afternoon, company came and he was so excited.  One wag of his tail sent little seed beads sailing across the room.  Oh, my!

Robyn, two doors from Brent, made chili and cornbread.  Brent made white bean chicken chili.  Amy brought German chocolate cake.  We all met at Robyn’s to eat and watched the Ducks game.

The Ducks were whipped up on by Arizona.  It was a sad day for the Oregon fans in this family.  That’s two losses in the last three games.  Ugh!

I came back to Brent’s house to watch a movie, and then more football tonight.

Tomorrow is Coleson’s 15th birthday.  That hardly seems possible. 

November 22, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

It was raining when we got up this morning.  The temperature was mild, and even with the rain, there wasn’t even a hint of a chill in the air.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...Loveland...the great concern centered around Bill having cold knees.  His sister, Harolene, in Houston, hoped he was wearing his big boy pants.  Michelle assured her that he was.

Bill was also keeping warm in the motorhome.  Here is Lori’s text to the family members...”I can just see the evening news: “The current temperature in Loveland is 14 degrees, except for 432 square feet located on Tupelo Drive where the current temperature appears to be 80 degrees.  We have a reporter en route to investigate.”

At noon, Brent and I went to eat Mexican food.  The temp outside was 64°.

When we got back to Brent’s house, I spent the rest of the afternoon working on a beading project.  

Willie and I did find time for a late afternoon nap.  He was curled up next to me, keeping me warm.  However, at some point he got off the bed, I got cold and had to get up for a blanket.  I would really have rather had my best furry friend Golden Retriever snuggled next to me.

November 21, 2013---Brent’s in Brandon, Mississippi

I woke up this morning at 8:00.  Brent was still asleep so I got back in bed to stay warm.  I woke up at 10:00.  I had slept soundly for those two hours.  I was really tired from yesterday’s activities.

Brent and I went to the BX at the National Guard facility.  I was looking for a couple of things for Matthew’s JrROTC decorations in his room.  We went to Ed’s for lunch.  Ed wasn’t at work today so we’ll just have to go back.  Oh, darn!

We ran around the Pearl area looking for a bead shop, but decided it must of moved or gone out of business.  Before going back home we went to Kroger’s for a few groceries.

We watched New Orleans play the Atlanta Falcons tonight.  It wasn’t a really great game for either team, but the Saints managed to win.

Well, wouldn’t you know it!  Loveland had snow today.  And I missed it.  Bill reported a temperature of 11°.  Here in Brandon it was mild.  Not many of the trees have lost their leaves.  Some of the trees have bright red leaves.  Fall is a beautiful time of year here.

November 20, 2013---Loveland to Brent's in Brandon, Mississippi

We were up at 3:30 this morning and pulling out of the driveway at 3:59, one minute ahead of schedule.  The only thing I forgot was a snack I had put together to eat on the plane.  We were way down the road before Bill reminded me of it, so, of course, we didn’t go back after it.

My plane left at 7:00, right on time.  I flew to Orlando, had three hours to wait, and then flew back to Jackson.  It wasn’t a very long flight.  Brent and Coleson were there to meet me.  It really was good to see them.  Sara came to the house after her church group let out.

On the way to Brent’s we stopped to see Polly and Petto, friends of Brent’s who live about a block from him.  She and I have become friends.  Her husband works on an off shore oil rig.  Today, he came home for two weeks and will go back out to the rig in two weeks.  That is his basic schedule.

We watched Survivor.  Brent watches it about the way Bill and I do...we watch the challenges and the voting.  Brent only watches the challenges.

I have been up for a bunch of hours so I am going to try to get to sleep early tonight.

November 19, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Today was a very busy day for both of us.  After Bill finished the laundry, I packed for my trip to Mississippi.  My plane leaves from Denver at 7:00 tomorrow morning.  I am getting very excited about seeing Brent and his group.

We had to go to Walmart to get one of my prescriptions that needed to be changed.  After doing that I was able to get all of my meds and vitamins ready to be packed.

I also had to clean out the closet to pack my summer close away and get the winter things out.  I got a whole bunch of things ready to donate to the thrift store.  It was good to get that chore marked off my list where it had been on for way too long.

Some of my containers of shells are going to go on display at Meredith’s.  She and her dad have plans for a way to display them.  They will to work on that project while I am gone.

Bill had a doctor’s appointment at 4:00.  By then I was really tired.  I was sitting at my desk and went to sleep.  I moved to the sofa where Bill usually naps.  When he got home, I didn’t give up the spot.  I was too tired to move.

After dinner, Meredith and her two pups came for a visit.  Ron came out to the MN, also.  We chatted for quite a while.  Hapa was sitting on my feet.  She is very warm and I was glad to be her BFF.

November 18, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Bill and I went to Walgreen’s this morning for our flu shots.  I got mine first, while Bill hid his eyes.  And then it was his turn.  Of course, he didn’t watch what she was doing.  In fact, he didn’t even feel when the needle went it.  They were very fine needles.  Brave Bill didn’t faint.

He took me to meet Meredith at her house.  She was to have an MRI on her heart today and I was going along for moral support.  The test took two hours.  I stayed in the waiting room.  I had a new jigsaw puzzle on my iPad and worked on it while I waited.  After about an hour and a half I closed the iPad and entertained myself people watching.  There were some very interesting people waiting for appointments.

For lunch, we drove west to eat at Chili’s.  Afterwards, we went on into Boulder to a bead shop.  When we got back to Loveland, Meredith left me at Walmart for a manicure.  Bill came just as I was finishing.

When we got home, Ron had grilled chicken and Michelle had made mash potatoes and a salad.  After such a good dinner, I spent the evening doing book work and watching Dancing with the Stars.

November 17, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Lori and Joshua left Loveland this morning at 9:00.  As usual, was tough seeing them go.  Tucker had been in the van for quite awhile.  That way he knows he won’t be left.

Michelle and I went to PetSmart for supplies for Max’s puppy training class on Wednesday.  And then we were off to Walmart.  I had hoped to get a manicure, but the salon wasn’t open.  I also needed a box to check through the airlines on Wednesday when I wing my way to Brent’s.  Michelle got a few groceries before we left.  Guess what I forgot?  The box!

We went to Sam’s Club.  The only thing on my list was B Vitamins.  I walked around the store with Michelle, completely forgetting what was on my list!  Yikes!  This was dreadful.  Bill offered to take me back, but I chose to give my brain a rest and go tomorrow.

Meredith came for a visit.  She plans to bring the pups back when she comes to watch the Bronco game tonight.

Bill and I watched the NASCAR race...the last of the season...from Florida.  It was an interesting race.  Jimmy Johnson didn’t win the race, but he did win the championship for 2013.  It was his sixth title.

Just before the football game started, Michelle called us to dinner.  She made hamburgers, homemade French fries, baked beans, and slaw.  We fixed our plates and went back to the MH to eat while we watched the Broncos hand Kansas City their first loss of the season.  

By dinnertime, Meredith and the two dogs were back.  Matthew came out to eat and Michelle came for a little while.  We had a motorhome full!  Thank goodness for the slideout.  It was fun to have so many at our house!.

November 16, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

At 9:00 this morning, five of us went to a pancake breakfast.  It was a money raising event sponsored by Connor’s football team.  One of the player’s has a younger brother who is fighting a battle with cancer.  Their expenses are enormous and they needed help.  

The breakfast was held at Appleby’s, which was packed from 8:00-10:00.  It was a wonderful show of support from the team and the community.

This was a busy, busy day.  Lori took some of the scarves she made yesterday to the shop in the Outlet Mall.  Meredith and Michelle had never been to the shop so we spent a lot of time looking around.  

We also went to the day old bread store.  Their prices are great and with the “mob” that Michelle feeds every day, she appreciates the savings.  

Bill and I were watching the Oregon Ducks game and Lori and Tucker came to watch with us.  The Ducks won, which was great, and Stanford lost, which was even greater.  They beat Oregon last week, so their loss today put the Ducks back on top in the PAC 12.  Yippy, Skippy!

Tonight, Michelle and I went to Meredith and Dwaine’s to watch a movie, The Quartet.  It was a really good movie.  Lori bought pumpkin and pecan pies, and with whipped cream and that was our dinner.  Yum, yum!

The movie had a lot of music in it.  Dwaine said he didn’t know Lori liked music because she doesn’t play it on her car radio.  I ask him if he would like to hear them sing, and they immediately broke into song...one they sang when they were camp counselors one summer.  Dwaine was overwhelmed, and probably in a bit of shock.

November 15, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

I started off the day with an 8:30 doctor's appointment.  Lori went with me to make sure I would "tell it like it is."  Not to worry. I had several issues to discus with Dr. Cuervo.

It was discovered that I had another urinary tract infection.  Ugh! I had used all of a low grade antibiotic that was to help me avoid this fun kind of thing.  The doctor said I needed to take it for the rest of my life.  And no excuses!

I also had blood work done. Now I have a big bruise on my arm.  All for the sake of health.

Lori and I went to Walmart to get a strong antibiotic for my UTI. That was our fIrst visit for the day.  From there we went back to the store where Lori's scarves were on sale.  Three of them had sold.  Keeping that in mind, we went back to Walmart for more yarn.  Unfortunately, they didn't have the kind she needed.  Are you keeping count?  That's two.

After striking out at Hobby Lobby, we went for a third visit to Wally World, north of Loveland.  Lori hit pay dirt this time.  She found the kind of yarn she wanted and at a good price.

When we got home, Lori started making scarves.  By the time we left for Connor's football game, she had finished three scarves. They will be delivered to the shop tomorrow.

At 6:00, five of us (Lori, Meredith, Michelle, Joshua, and myself) left for Lafayette where the third round of the playoffs was taking place.  The team Loveland was playing was ranked second in the state.  And they were good, winning 42-8.

Before going back to Loveland, we stopped at Taco Bell for a very late supper.  We were back home at 10:30, sorry the Loveland team had lost, but glad we had gone to show our support for Connor and his team.

November 14, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Bill and Lori worked on her framing project this morning.  They hit a snag in the process and had to stop.  So Lori and Tucker, and Michelle and Max went for a walk.  

When they got home, Lori and I went on a few errands.  She took some of her weaving and knitting to a gift shop at the Outlet Mall.  The owner had talked to Lori earlier and wanted to sell some of Lori’s handmade things.

From there, we went to Wendy’s for lunch.  Today, Tucker didn’t get his own hamburger because he hadn’t eaten his breakfast.

We went to JoAnn Fabrics for some beading supplies, then to Walmart for Bill’s new blood pressure medication.  Before going back home, we made a quick trip to Hobby Lobby.

After dinner, Michelle and I had time to visit.  The boys were all downstairs, Ron was at work, Bill was in the motorhome, and Max was asleep.  We don’t have an opportunity like that very often, so we made good use of the time.

November 13, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

I don’t think it was as cold today as some of the past few days.  The bright sunshine helped.

Bill went for some blood tests early this morning.  Soon after he got home Lori and Tucker came.  Lori has a project she wants her dad to help her finish.  She made several mosaics in her stain glass class and they needed frames.  

The two of them, plus Tucker, went off to Lowe’s to get the supplies they needed.  Now, when Bill and Brent go to Lowe’s, it is about a 75% chance they will come home with a new power tool.  As far as I know, that wasn’t the case today.

They used Ron’s shop to make the frames Lori needed.  Tucker spent the time with me because he doesn’t like loud noises.

Bill fixed dinner tonight...meatloaf and baked potatoes.  Lori made brownies.  Michelle made hot rolls.  Matthew and I ate dinner with the first shift because we had somewhere to go at 6:15.  Tonight was Max’s first session at “puppy school.”  He may be very frisky at home, but at school he stayed right with Michelle.  It was an interesting group of dogs and their owners.  I just enjoyed watching everything that went on.

When we got back home there was still a bunch around the dining table, laughing and having a good time.  Add four dogs to the mix and you can imagine how lively it was!  As they say, a good time was had by all!I don’t think it was as cold today as some of the past few days.  The bright sunshine helped.

November 12, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Today was 11-12-13.  I think it’s suppose to be a lucky number, but I don’t know why?  And I don’t buy lottery tickets so I guess it doesn’t matter.

Lori came this morning.  While Bill went for a doctor’s appointment, she and I went to several places to shop...Hobby Lobby, two different thrift stores,  and Dollar Tree.  Then we drove north to Fort Collins, where we shopped at another thrift store, Payless Shoes, JoAnn Fabrics, and a bead store.  On our way back to Loveland, after stopping at McDonalds for a bit of lunch (Tucker got a hamburger, too.), we went to Walmart.

And then it was back to Michelle’s.  While I rested, Michelle and Lori took the pups for a walk.  It was cold, but they walked fast and kept warm, I think!

Ron grilled salmon for dinner.  It was so good!  A great way to end a lucky day!

November 11, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Today was Veterans Day.  Thank you to all the veterans who have served to keep our country free.  I saw a t-shirt that said “Land of the free because of the Brave.”  Very, very true!

There was to be a parade in downtown Loveland.  Matthew, who is a Freshman in High School, is in Jr. ROTC.  This was to be his first parade to march in.  He looked very handsome in his uniform this morning.

Much to my surprise, just a minute before he passed us, Lori and Tucker appeared.  She had driven all night and barely got here in time to see Matthew march by.  He said he saw Lori, but didn’t believe it could be her.  It was a special day for Matthew and her coming to see him made it even more so.

Meredith also came to watch, but went back to work as soon as the last of the parade went by.

We had a lot of visiting to do.  Lori and Tucker went to Meredith’s and came back over here, bringing Hapa with them.  She had been playing with Tuck so well Lori hoped it would continue over here.

I spent quite a bit of time working on bracelets.  I can do that and join in the conversation, too.

The temperature began to drop this afternoon.  By the time the sun went down the temp had dropped to 32°.  Br-r-r-r-r!

November 10, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

This morning, Michelle and I went to PetSmart.  Max was completely out of his food.  While she was getting that and some dog treats, I played with the dogs that brought their owners to the store.  I had a really good time!

We made a quick trip into Target.  Michelle needed sunglasses.  I just walked around and looked at Christmas decorations.  All that stuff is out in full force.  

At 1:00 we went to Meredith and Dwaine’s for a Bronco Party.  Our first activity for the afternoon was taking the three dogs on a walk at the lake.  The walking paths are great!  It was a beautiful day for walking.  I went part of the way with the group and then turned around and started back home.  Connor and Michelle walked back with me.  Connor doesn’t let me get to far away because he is afraid I might fall.  It’s nice to have him around.  He’s a good kid!

We watched part of the NASCAR race from Phoenix while we were waiting for the Bronco game to start.  Denver won over San Diego.  There was lots of cheering at our party.

Meredith had baked a ham and made a salad.  Michelle made a really good scalloped potato dish.  We had two kinds of hot bread.  Dessert was ice cream with fresh raspberries.  It was all very good and no one was hungry for a long time afterwards.

November 9, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Michelle made waffles this morning.  That’s a treat for us.  Add to that bacon, peanut butter (Is that a Dane thing?), syrup, and orange juice and you will know we had a Saturday morning feast.

Michelle was taking a well earned nap while Meredith and I went to the Habitat Thrift Store.  It is one of my favorite thrift stores.  I like to shop there, but I also donate there often.

We went to a pet food store in Fort Collins.  I had no idea there were as many kinds of dog treats available in the world.  It was interesting that some that claimed to be healthy for dogs had sweet potatoes, but no kinds of grain.  I’m not up on dog nutrition.

As usual, I spent some of the afternoon finishing the bead work on a bracelet I started last night.  All I have left to do is the clasp. 

Bill and I went to dinner at Meredith and Dwaine’s.  The dogs were so glad to see us, but we didn’t have much play time.  We’ll have to take care of that tomorrow when we go back to their house to watch the Broncos play San Diego. 

November 8, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

The weather was chilly this morning until a warm wind blew through.

Bill and I went on some errands...$ Tree, the bank, Walmart, and Panda Express for lunch.  A stop at Lowe’s was in the plans, but we were both too tired by then.  Lowe’s will have to wait until tomorrow.

Max had to go to the vet at 4:00, so I went along.  Max sat on my lap part of the time.  He liked looking out the window.  He was much calmer up in the front with me than he was when he was in the back seat by himself.  Today’s visit was for some of his puppy shots.

Loveland High School had their first game in the State Playoffs tonight.  Connor wasn’t playing because of an injury to his knee, so I chose not to go.  Meredith and Michelle cheered extra loud to do my part, I’m sure. 

The game was against Broomfield, who was expected to win.  That wasn’t the case.  Loveland came out on top, 33-6.  Their game next week will be played in the Denver area.  The team they will go against is ranked #2 in the state.  That may be a tough one.

I started on a new design for a bracelet tonight.  I had to use my old loom, because I have something on the other one that can’t be taken off yet.  I really missed having the stand that I have on the new loom.  I seem to have trouble getting the loom warped and ready to start weaving.  It shouldn’t be such a difficult task, but it certainly gives me fits.

November 7, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

It wasn’t as cold today as yesterday.  And the bright sunshine made it seem even warmer.

I didn’t do anything exciting except spending about 40 minutes on the phone with Derek.

Derek works for an investment company that we deal with from time to time.  He asked me many, many questions.  Some of them were completely unnecessary, to my way of thinking.  I must have answered at least some to his satisfaction, because he seemed satisfied I was who I said was.

I told him that he knew so much about me now we would have to get married.  Without missing a beat, he said “I should be so lucky, but I don’t think your husband would let me.”  How’s that for diplomacy?

I cleaned out some files which involved sorting a bunch of stuff.  There always seems to be that kind of task to be done.

We watched the Oregon Ducks play Stanford.  From our view, it wasn’t a good game, but in the last quarter, the Ducks pulled within six points of Stanford. They just couldn’t catch up.  It was the first loss this season for Oregon.  Rats!  There wasn’t anything to quack about tonight!

I

November 6, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Bill and I both felt better this morning and warm cereal (Cream of Wheat) tasted really good on a cold morning like today...21°.  Joey can tell you how cold it was.  His water dish was frozen and he licked the ice for five minutes.  I think that could be compared to a kid with a snow cone.

Meredith, Michelle, and I went to Denver this morning.  Meredith had an appointment for a stress test at the University of Colorado Medical Center.  Before going there, we went to the new Cabelas.  It is a great store.

After Meredith’s test and lunch at Paneria we went to IKEA.  There is always so much to look at there.  We got out without too much damage to our Debit Cards.  Mark this day in history!

At 5:30 we went to the Tattered Cover Book Store in the Highland Ranch area.  There was a book signing with Ree Drummond who has the Pioneer Woman TV show.  There were hundreds of people present.  Meredith and Michelle bought her cookbooks to have autographed.  I didn’t buy a cookbook because, as most of you know, I have convenienced Bill toast is a hot meal.  I don’t need a cookbook for that.  I already know how to cook toast.  I told Ree about my cooking expertise.  She said toast is also a square meal!

We got supper at Wendy’s and ate on the way home, tired, but happy after a fun, successful day!

November 5, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Last night’s weather forecast was a 60% chance of snow.  Well, guess what!  We got the other 40%...nothing.  Not a flake in sight, except for Bill and myself.  We are the only “flakes” around here!

I’ve felt quite well today.  But, alas, now Bill taken over the puny position.  He hasn’t thrown up as much as I did, but he has slept most of the day.  I was the same way, so maybe it is part of the healing process.

Today, I have watched what I ate...just soft things, and everything has been OK.  Meredith and her pups came for a visit late this afternoon.  They are such fun dogs.  They know where I keep the treats and head for that drawer.  Come to think of it, Natalia knows where I keep the candy and she goes right to it.  Hm-m-m!  That’s interesting, isn’t it?

I felt like tackling the book work situation again this afternoon.  I got caught up.  Yippy, Skippy!  I also worked on a beading project for a couple of hours, but didn’t finish it.  I have a new beading program for my MAC and spent a lot of time exploring the different aspects of it.  There are some exciting design possibilities that I can explore in the future.

November 4, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

Thank you, Lori, for taking over my journal while I was puny.  I really, really appreciate it.  I’m better today, so here goes.

I was able to keep liquids down today.  That’s a 100% improvement over yesterday.  

I still spent a lot of time in bed today.  I had very little energy,  but am gaining strength. 

I was up long enough to do a little bit of bookwork.  That went OK, so after resting, I decided to see how beading would go.  Not a good idea!  My first two rows had mistakes, so I put that on the back burner.  I will try again tomorrow...maybe!!

Thanks again, Lori.

November 3, 2013 ---Michelle's, Loveland, Colorado

Lori here doing blog duty for Mom.  She called to report that she has been feeling under the weather and asked me to post for her.  Feel better, Mom!

On behalf of Brent, I want to give a big shout out to the Seahawks.  They overcame a 21 point deficit to beat the Buccaneers in overtime 27-24.  I didn't see the game, but it must have been very exciting.  Brent, are you breathing normally yet?

In keeping with the football theme, it is my opinion that it should be against the law for the Oregon Ducks and the Denver Broncos to have bye weeks on the same week.  Oh the boredom!!!!  At least we only have to wait four days to see the Ducks take on Stanford.  Quack, quack!!!!

While I have the opportunity, I would like the share some of Mom's beaded creations:

  

Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos and Oregon Ducks

The snowflake bracelet she talked about yesterday.

November 2, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

It was a clear, crisp day today.  Tomorrow is to be the same.  Then it is predicted to go down from then.  I wore my snowflake bracelet that I made last week.  So if we have snow anytime soon, I will be in big trouble with “Scrooge.”

Meredith, Michelle, and I went grocery shopping today.  Our first stop was at King Sooper.  It was a very big store.  I think we walked a country mile from one end to the other and back again.  The store was well stocked with just about anything a shopper could want.

We ate lunch at Arby’s before going to Sam’s Club to finish the shopping for the day.  It was very busy, but we didn’t have to wait too long to check out.

Meredith went home to put her purchases away and then came back with Joey and Hapa.  Bill went for a walk with those two dogs. plus Max, and our two girls.  They went to a neighborhood park so the pups could run and play.  When they all got back home they played in the back yard.  

Later, when Meredith and pups left, Max put himself to bed in his big crate.  He barely got all the way in before he was sound asleep.  He was a very tired little puppy.

November 1, 2013---Michelle’s, Loveland, Colorado

There was a very cold wind blowing this morning.  I had an appointment with my dermatologist at 10:30.  Joshua drove me in their van so Bill could use our Honda to go to his appointment with a chiropractor.  Bill has been having trouble with his right shoulder.  The doctor wants x-rays, but thinks it might be a problem with one of the discs in his neck.

After I got out of my doctor’s appointment, Joshua took me to Hobby Lobby (that’s a good grandson, eh?), and to Ace Hardware.  When we got back home, I took a long nap.  I think while I had one nap, Rip Van Winkle had two.

There is something I forgot to report on in yesterday’s blog.  The Great White Hunter was called to duty once again.  No, there isn’t a mouse in our MH, but there is in Michelle’s house.  They’ve set traps to no avail.

Bill set three traps.  Last night we got a call to come take care of a body.  The hunter was once again successful!  Since there are probably more that one mouse,  he reset the trap.  As of tonight, no more critters have been caught.

Meredith, Michelle, Joshua, and I went to see Connor’s last football game of the regular season.  The wind had stopped, but it was quite crisp.  At kick off time, the temperature was 45°.  By the time the game was over, the temp was down to 39° and a slight breeze had began to blow.  

Connor played the first half and a few minutes just before the end of the game.  I think the final score was 52-22.  Connor’s team will now go on to the state finals.  We don’t have that schedule.  If at all possible, we will go to that game next week.