IN MEMORIAL TO LYNN TODAY

End of the Year Resolutions

Daddy Cooper always made us come up with a list of resolutions for the New Year's. I'm not sure why but we did it and I can remember giving him my list. I never saw his list however but I am sure he had one. It's that time.

We need to think of resolutions this New Year's Eve and forget that it was the ill-fated day of the death of Lynn Hearnes. She had so much going for her and she lost her way along the years. I wish I could have helped her. People in trouble don't know how to find the straight and narrow again. What she had in her brain I will never know! Did she lose her spirit? I don't know.

But I miss her and I think of the little girl who was unselfish and caring and loved her grandmother with all of her heart! Good-bye, Lynn Seed Oil! You blessed our life!

Memories of Christmas

Joan Gohn and I had a wonderful time and were worn out when we returned. Saw 4 shows: Louise Mandrell, General Jackson boat cruise with Tim Watson as entertainer, and the Rockettes. All were wonderful but different.

Opryland Hotel has 2500 rooms and it has been redone since the flooding. What a wonderful place. You come in, leave your car, and go everywhere by shuttle. Great shows we saw.

Can't begin to say how awesome this "ICE" show was in Nashville. So you had to put on this blue parka. Hey! You needed it. 30 ice sculptors were brought over from China to do this work. More pictures to follow.

Sad news at Christmas

It' s hard for families to hear of deaths anytime but especially at Christmas time. And yes, we know from the experience of last year. The kids called yesterday and told me of the death of Noah Gray, principal at Lindbergh for years. M
AMA down here, former principal in Sikeston.
He was a fine person. I'm proud to have known him.
Then Harriett emails me that Rosalie LaPlant is real bad in Texas and this sounds like the final chapter for one of our "Big 3" gang. The first, really. Rosalie and Noah were both presidents of the Alumni Association in Cape so there was a further tie. The other tie is that I loved them both.

I pick up the paper today and two deaths from political years: Pauline Young and Stoy Coy, Grace Coy's husband. It made me remember those days also. I read the obits of SL Post and see two more from from political days: Jackie Butler and Jim Tom Blair. Life is a tapestry of weaving parts of a life into another.

Then I recall the happy times of the season and I focus: Mark and Bryan putting up the Christmas lights, Sara, Susan and Betty going with me to St. Louis to see Mannheim Steamroller, Sara, Betty and I visiting Julia and Joker this season, and Joan and I going to Nashville and seeing the great shows--staying at Opryland and watching the world celebrate the season. I see a stack of Christmas cards which I will answer==someone taking the time to say Merry Christmas, and I rejoice at inevitability of death but the bonds of friendship which make a life seem a certain success in small ways.

As Jean Bell Mosley says, "Rejoice"!

Making plans for Christmas

It's coming down to a point where all of the plans are coming together. Let's see, Betty Ann comes in tonight, Sara gets here at 2:00 and tomorrow we leave for St. Louis and the Mannheim Steamroller performance. We will meet Susan and Bill for lunch and make it all happen. This is part 1 of Christmas celebration.

Part 2 is going with Joan to Nashville and Part 3 is Mark and Tina coming after Christmas. Then it is back to normal unless the Governor names me as a regent.

One of the nice things is making plans-- having something to look forward to. I hope I never live without anticipation. It is the joy of living.

The Battle of the Bulge

Today, many years ago, in another world began the Battle of the Bulge. It ultimately decided who would rule the world. As I look in the mirror, all I can think of is I should launch my own Battle of the Bulge because food seems to be ruling my world.

I hate the way I look and yet, I still get up and go to the refrigerator constantly. When I came back from Charleston, I weighed 174 now I am back in the 200 count and I hate it. What makes me do this.

New Years Resolution: I am tired of being sick and listless and tired of living my life inside this house. I am going to get hopping, do exercise, ignore the pains in my back and legs, and get back out in the world for as long as I have to enjoy it. Debbie just called and she is coming to do my hair. That is a start. I am going to go after my Battle of the Bulge. It won't change my world but I can sure the heck try.

And the storm is predicted

Everyone says that a storm is brewing and we need to stay off the streets and in cozy places. But how often are they dead wrong and we watch for the storm that never happens. So I am no longer watching--just waiting until one comes and then I can react.

Stormy weather--Lena Horne
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me..hymn

Can't think of any other storm songs.

Writing a Christmas letter

Today I will get this accomplished. Time is running out and I need to send responses to the people who have sent cards to me. So I will do so. Last year, I was at Betty's and I did the same. That seems years ago.

But what do I say. People say they hate Christmas letters telling all the wonderful things that have happened to people. Hey, I like them! I read every word of them. But I must be an exception so I will forego. What happened in 2010 to the Cooper/Stacy family:

l. Lynn Hearnes was killed in a car wreck on New Year's Eve and the funeral was held on Saturday, January 2. What a terrible way to remember! Susan and I drove out of the garage and Susan yelled back to Betty that 2010 would be a better year. Little did either of us know that in 15 minutes, we would see something that would change our world in that field of one smashed car.

2. Two grandchildren (really 3) graduated from college in May and June. Bryan graduated from Guilford College and Bailey Dyer graduated from Ohio State. Landon Cheben graduated from West Point.

3. Bailey and Landon got married in June in Cincy. Susan and Jim Cooper, Mark, Tina and Andrea, Annie and children were all there for the big occasion.

4. I finished my book in October. Hurt my back in November and Mark and Tina came as well as Jim Stacy. Sara came for abscessed teeth deal as did Betty Ann Warford.

So what do I say --do I say any of this. What about friendship. I like this anonymous quote " Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, never the same."

I will say only this and write more to them in pen.

Out on the Town

I have braved the weather twice today. Liz and I went to the bank to make a deposit and then went to Walgren's and then to Kidd's to get a coke.

Then Joan and I used the gift card that John Bierk gave me to go to Olive Garden and I had chicken marsala, which was delicious. I came home with big bowl of vegetable soup that Joan had made yesterday. That will be good tomorrow with cornbread.

Bad weather is coming in again. Sara will be here Thursday and I need to get the Christmas cards out in the next two days. If it comes in, I won't be close to it. I watched televsion today--excellent movie called the Shell Seekers with Angela Lansbury. I am taping it now since I want to see it again.

lslt snow of the season

First snow of the season -- Sunday,
December 12! Not drastic but enough to know it was a snow. People are having a terrible time getting up the hill. I am sitting here with a fire in fireplace, thinking that it was pretty outside.

I remember a terrible ice storm when I was a child. We had a wood stove in the kitchen so we were fine inside but the Chinese elms were hit hard by the ice and lost all kinds of limbs. In that big house, we had no fireplace and that is strange.

When Mark was here, he told his kids about snows here in Cape and how all the kids gathered here to go down this hill. When we had the 28 inch snow, no one was allowed to drive but the kids gathered and my dryer went into full-time use. I like memories -- they keep my brain alive and I want to write down as much as I can...while I can.

I need to call Annie to have the kids put my trash out, put a light in the bathroom upstairs, and get the paper for me. They love snow and it will not be a problem with them.

A party with the men.

John is a wonderful friend, and has been for many years. Taught English at the University and did all kinds of things for me with his money. He and Dr. Grauel were devoted friends and we became friends then. He is known for his ascerbic wit and I love that about him because we constantly put each other down.

Today I am a victim of sleeping late and then doing some cooking -- stuffed peppers and artichoke dip are in the oven and smell delightful. It is raining outside but inside I have a fire in the fireplace and the smells of food in the oven. The lights of the Christmas tree are ablaze.

Each year Bill Prost, John Bierk and I gather at Bella Italia or some other restaurant and enjoy a holiday party with exchange of gifts. I gave them both a bottle of Crown Royal (which went over well), Bill gave us chocolate and coffee -- he sells coffee--and John gave us a gift card to Olive Garden.

Getting ready for Christmas

This tree is no more in my backyard. Only a stump remains. Like forgiveness and dealing with grief, let the stump only remain as we get ready for Christmas.

My favorite show is the Mentalist. (along with NCIS) Great show last night -want to watch it again. Second theme is how a man with gifts copes with the loss of his wife and child and that thread is always present. It is interesting to see how it develops and how he deals finally with the man who did this crime about him. Yesterday I watched a program on Oprah about interviewing the Doctor whose home was invaded and his wife and two daughters killed. They asked him about forgiveness and he said that the evil was too dire to be forgiven. (Both intruders were given the death penalty.) I am pondering his remarks as I get ready for Christmas.

All the presents are under the tree. I went out and got a bottle of Crown Royal for John Bierk and Bill Prost for our dinner tonight at Bella. I am going thru the list of family to contact. Heard from Britt this morning and sent a note to Amy and Suzanne to come up and eat sometimes during the holidays. I will soon have made contact with everyone and that feels good.

This week I lost Fred Goodwin, Irene Dugger who were great friends, and learned that Kim Mothershead had lung cancer. These are sad days expecially coming at Xmas. I will never forget that Harriett's dad, Oliver Goodin, killed himself on Dec. 15 after he had gone to Ragsdales and bought Samsonite luggage for Harriett and put it under the tree. We were sophomores in high school. We must live life while it is there.

A better day than yesterday

I got up yesterday and just felt lousy. Cancelled my plan to attend funeral for Fred Goodwin and I hated that. Just could not deal with stiff joints. Spent the day on the couch with a heating pad and Tylenol. Feel better today. I was hoping that I would not have bad days but at least I am moving around.

The day was spent watching television so little to report. Joan made our reservations to spend Xmas in Nashville so I need to take care of myself and get better. I need to resume life.

The trees are down

For two days I have watched the trees come down. One--in the front--and one in the back yard. The one in the front yard came down easy --done within a hour's time. One man in a bucket started at the top and worked his way down while the other 3 men used ropes and carried the tree remains off as they dropped to the ground.

But the second tree was leaning and huge and eaten up with rot and tough ivy. My cable cords attached to it and I was worried. Same procedure but the bucket went up so far to start the cutting that I lost sight of it. Gradually it came down -- feet by feet and the men loaded up the trucks and carried it off.

I went out and took pictures. It occurred to me that in one day people can tear down what took nature years and years to build. So like human relationships! So costly and so quickly they come down.

Death of Fred Goodwin

Short little note in paper today about the death of Fred Goodwin, age 80. Fred taught in the Speech Dept. when we came to SEMO and that is when we had all the camaraderie that life could offer in academia. He was the epitome of the Master Teacher--ran the debate program and made a name for it --He and Virginia have been such a great couple.

The funeral is Wednesday and he has been in Nursing Home for about a week. My heart and prayers go out to Virginia and the children: Debbie, Nancy and Mark. They were a wonderful family.

Sunday morning getting up

I can't believe that I continue to get better. I can get up and down without using my arms and legs to help. That is progress. Going out with Joan for party tonight at Judy Browns-- 35 women are invited. Judy is a wonderful cook and was married to Dennis Ray Brown in Charleston. The food will be wonderful.

Sara is planning the trip to St. Louis for a family gathering and she called Leigh and Julie both and invited them. We will see what we will see. I am watching an old Matlock. I watch them even when I know who the killer is.

I am also making a list for Liz to do tomorrow. She is so much help to me. Lindsay is playing the harp in Susan's church today and Betty Ann went up to hear her and bring her home.

An outside view

Can't believe it--Joan and I went to Pasta House for lunch--lst time I have been out of the house to eat in three weeks! She brought me a poinsettia which jazzes up the place. It was so good to see the outside view again and we stopped at the Church to replace my cookbook.

I have spent the morning trying to locate the article by Cary Hammond about "Right to Work". It was very good. Jordan went to the grocery store for me this morning. So now I am home in front of the fire watching reruns of NCIS and thanking my lucky stars that I can get up out of a chair more easier.

I am also going to blog Humpty Dumpty again and give a progress report. Life is much better.

Snow Time is show time!

I love to look at pictures of snow. From inside. This is a beautiful picture to me. but I can't get it to print out. Now I divagate (learned a new word --meaning to digress in speech). I talked to Sara, Catherine and Betty Ann and we are planning a family trip to St. louis on Dec. 18 to the Fox to see Mannheim. Sara is getting the tickets. I have sent an email to Susan (and left a message on her home phone), Leigh, Betty Ann, tried to FB Janice and Britten both. Julie is not on FB apparently.

I hope that this works. I will pray that whatever happens, happens for the best. I will talk to Sara also.

Jennie went to doctor today and they don't know if it is sprained or broken (her wrist). It is too swollen to make the diagnosis. She is on antibiotics and has a splint on.

I'm trying to snow pic again. So I will try a photo--any photo.Nothing will work.

Pandora's Box

Today Debbie was here to do my hair; I got dressed in good clothes and Layne and I are going out to lunch. This may change, however, because Annie just sent an email and said that she was down at Jennie's and Jennie had fallen and may have broken her wrist. Will we ever get all right again!

Annie called and said that Jennie had fallen, she would not go to hospital and that she had thrown up. She also said that Jennie told her that one day a week she gives herself the treat of being able to drink all day and she had done that yesterday. No wonder, she fell--I am sure that she was trying to get to the bathroom by herself.

It all opens a Pandora's box and we wonder why! Why did two of our family have a problem with drinking? It is as stupid to try to figure this out as it is to go to the Grecian myth of Pandora to explain why evil exists in the world. It is just there, stupid!

About frogs

I read the funniest quote this morning from Mark Twain, "Eat a live frog every morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day!" I have laughed repeatedly at that statement. This woman was using it to say that in housecleaning you should do the thing you hate the most first and get it done. I agree.

Layne came by yesterday twice (once with Greg) and we visited for awhile. I talked to Annie this morning and she and Jennie had been in doctor's office all morning -- Annie thinks she is going to have this vascular surgery but she isn't. She will have a major stroke. And it is her choice.

I am feeling better. They called me to go to Hall of Fame Dinner but I'm not going. Scared to sit that long and what if someone hugged me too tight, etc. I could hurt this again. Have to work on paperwork today -- Deferred Comp papers, etc. Liz will be here at 4:00 today and I will get her to help me. It is cold but it is sunny. Cold is okay. Sunny is even better.

I am actually doing some reading and thinking also and that is good.

i'M GONNA WALK THOSE STEPS

And I did. Made it up the steps twice -took two soaking baths --and slept in my own bed. Glad to have made the journey. I'm going to keep making progress but not too fast. I went out this morning to get the mail and the street was slick with rain. So my paper is still sitting. I came in and read it online. Simple tasks keep beckoning and I will not follow -- too scary that I may twist in the wrong way. Rainy and bad today.

What do I want to get accomplished today?

I want to get back to reading for Humpty Dumpty.

I want to see what the Doctor says about Jennie and Jordan.

I want to make phone calls to Commerce Bank about how to get an Account Archive -- CD rom

I want to call ron Hahs about my Deferred comp account.

I want to call Joan tonight and see how she is.

I want to call Betty Ann to see about Joker.

More pics of Thanksgiving and the "loot" that they got from me for Xmas.

There is life in the Old Broad!

I went upstairs after Liz got here and took a bath, got out and got dressed and came downstairs. I had no trouble and it was a major accomplishment for me and a hurdle jumped over. Liz straightened the house, put the decorations on the tree, and then did some errands.

I had a bank problem at Bank of America that I needed to fix and I could not get the loan officer to pick up the phone. She went over to get this done, get me some tacos that I have been craving and some orange juice and then she will be back.

It is a good day so far. A man came to pick up a check this morning and I had him take the trash out. I could not do this. I have to call about Jordan since he has to go to doctor today about a mass in his stomach.

This picture was made on Bryan's 24th birthday. The next was made when they all went to mall, with my credit cards, and got what they wanted for Christmas. Might be a tacky way to do things but they get what they want and it saves wrapping and shipping. Works for all of us.

Bryan and his 24th Birthday

When they came in, on Wednesday, it was Bryan Stacy's 24th birthday on Nov. 24. He called ahead and wanted me to order pizza from Imo's which I had waiting when they got here. On Friday they all went out with my credit card and bought their own Xmas from me. Here are photos My outfit with black brace is exceptional.

Thanksgiving is still available and needed

Today is the first day I have felt like I might be human again -- Sunday, November 28--Mark, Tina, and Bryan and Andrea have been here for a few days and they worked the entire time they were here. Tina and Andrea cooked Thanksgiving dinner and grocery shopped. Bryan whittled me a stick that made me something to pick up things from the floor and carried down the Xmas decorations from upstairs and cleaned out the gutters. Mark set up the tree, put lights up on the front and back and made the house merry for the owner and Christmas. I hated to see them pull out to go home but I am so happy that they were here.

Today I want to find out about Jordan --he went to hospital last night with stomach pains, and I want to go up the steps. I have fixed a salad for lunch and fried hashbrowns and am sitting here watching "Diagnosis Murder".

I am most thankful for coming through this ordeal and to all who have helped me.

seMissourian.com: Op/Ed Column: Thanksgiving memories (11/24/10)

seMissourian.com: Op/Ed Column: Thanksgiving memories (11/24/10)

A Slipped Disk keeps one from writing.

On Thursday, last week, my back gave out and I found myself on the floor unable to get up without excruciating pain. I finally got hold of Annie and she and her kids came over and tried to help but nothing would work. She called Dr. Mark Kasten who sent out medicine and then 911. Sirens of the firetruck and ambulance filled the neighborhood but the four of them put a soft gurney under me and got me back on the couch. They helped me go to bathroom, using a homemade bedpan, and i waited for Jim Stacy to come since he coincidentally was coming thru cape.

He did a yeoman's duty --even washing the pee towels. He left on Friday and Mark got the Visiting Nursing Association to come in. I had to sign a million forms but they showed up on Saturday and Sunday to help me--even going to Rhodes to get me a soda. Jordan came on Sunday to run some errands and got my turkey to cook.

So it is Monday. I am feeling better mentally and physically and mentally-I am always afraid that I won't get up and be able to move. I did my own shower today and washedmy hair and I felt I had climbed mountains. I can use the computer in the bed. I am sleeping downstairs since i can't get up the stairs.

Tomorrow, I will have the Nurses for my last day and Debbie will come to do my hair as well as Gloria will be here. Liz also came today and did my bills, made my phone calls, did errands -went to Kohls to get me some gowns with a long zipper and some standard flannel sheets for downtairs. It's nice to sleep in different rooms so you can check things out.'

Tim Seabaugh came with his crew andsaid that they would do the sidewalks on Friday. Bryan's birthday is on the 24th Wed. and he will be 24. I have his card already since he wants money.

When you don't want rain, it comes!

So much for Bristol. I'll try again for Ken.
Rain has not been evident in weeks but the day that I get someone to come pave my driveway, it comes. So they don't. Now another day of waiting and I am stuck here waiting.

I pulled two pictures off and hope I can share them on the blog. One is Ken Iman who died last week and the other is Bristol Palin--who is still on Dancing with the Stars! What a disaster!

Getting my driveway in shape

Couldn't help putting this picture on today. New Bethel Church on Easter Sunday. We had new dresses from Buckner Ragsdale and Mom had her new hat. It was a good time.

Waiting for the men to come today to do my driveway. Maybe I won't fall on the holes in the driveway now. I don't know how long it will take but I think that they should be finished in a couple of days. The men are coming Monday to put in a new sidewalk. My place will look great. I had the house painted last year and the leaves are raked to the street.

I am watchingMad Hungry on television and this woman is making linguini and clam sauce. I have never made it and never will since I hate clams. Why am I watching it?

What I accomplished today:

l. Sent out material to Southeast Missourian and University about the death of Ken Iman

2. Debbie came to do color on my hair and fix it.

3. Ron Seabaugh came by to say that they would start on my driveway tomorrow.

4. Tim Seabaugh bought the sidewalk estimate by.

5. Liz came to work --went out to get groceries and do errands including Garbers for Jim's Christmas present. Also got a Christmas wreath for Jim and Laurie.

6. Gene Skippers came to clean the yard after my call to him. Leafs will be picked up soon.

7. I made three receipes for the triple slow cooker I bought: dressing, green bean casserole, and cranberry casserole. All were good. I froze all of them.

It will be a day tomorrow with the people working on the driveway. I have found out that one should be here for things like this.

The Great Ken Iman

Gary Nichols called me tonight to tell me that Ken Iman died last night. His wife came home and he was in the basement dead. He was planning to come to Homecoming this year but he had to cancel. I can hardly remember my adult life without Ken Iman in it--he was in our wedding, came early to eat at Julia's for the rehearsal dinner. He was dating Phyllis then whom he later married. They had four children: Susan, Karen and Rob and I can't remember the other child's name. The marriage did not survive the Rams experience plus the Eagles experience.

Ken came back once and received an award on the field -- He was All-American here --on the same team with Bill Stacy and Gary Nichols and his brother, Norm. He announced on the field that he remembered me when I was Janie Cooper from Charleston and when I was thin. I could have killed that lug of a guy.

He came back once and they did an interview with him and I had to sit beyond the camera and translate for the interviewer. He could not keep his words straight. He said he had been hit too many times and I told him he was stupid from birth.

I feel a little lost tonight. I always knew, when he was a big football star, or when he was a coach for the Eagles that he would be delighted to see me and call me every name in the book. I loved the big guy.

Jim Stacy is coming home tonight!

Just talked to him and he was in St. Louis-- should be here by 6:00 so I took my bath and got dressed. We will go out to eat tonight.

What did I accomplish today?

Visited with Tim Seabaugh this morning and his partner about an estimate for a concrete sidewalk.

2. Visited with the man who is giving me an estimate to cut down two trees -- $1450. I told him to go ahead and do it.

3. Eric Gohn came to work and we went out to get violas from Sunny Hill to plant, took an old vacumn to Safe House for a donation, went to Dollar General to pick up some things and then came home and he cleaned out the beds in the front, even though it was rainy and they look good.

That took all morning and I have slept and watched tv the rest of the day. Tried to get the webcast of SEMO's football game but it never came in.

Friday, November 12, 2010

What I have accomplished today:

l. David Sailer has been here to inspect the roof, he said a raccoon was trying to tear it up but that he would fix it and it should last a couple of more years. Yeh!

2. I talked on the phone to Joan and to Sara and gave them the results.

3. I ordered presents for Bailey and Leah and sent them in the mail. Pots from Rachel Ray.

4. I have read thru Southern Living and have my menu set for Thanksgiving. I have bought a 3 deal slow cooker.

5. I have talked to Mr. McEntyre today about the tree trimming and will call D. C again at 3:00 today about the electrical work. Both are supposed to come by today. Have not heard from Mark Spinks about the windows.

6. Talked to Eric Gohn today about coming by tomorrow and cleaning out all of the beds. He needs the money--Joan's nephew.

7. Entered all my daily sweepstakes coach of the year, and answered e-mail and FB.

This afternoon I am watching NCIS until it is time to call about the workmen. I've accomplished something today!

Thursday, Veteran's Day

I need to get my hands busy on projects during November and December. Here are the projects I need to have done:

1. Get my fireplace fixed -- have this done. Called Gene Renfrow and he has it all done--even fixed the damper and replaced the part on the chimney to keep birds from flying in. Cost me $ 1500 but I have it fixed. Couldn't use the fireplace last year.

Here are the ones I have to do yet but I am making progress on all of them.

1. Replacing of eight windows --I ran into Gail Gunter Spinks at Homecoming and she gave me a card on her husband, Mark. She was talking about the need to get the rebate back on windows before the end of the year. So Mark is coming by this week.

I called Chris Hutson yesterday about the other projects. He just had his driveway done and he has rent houses so he knows hows and who to call. He gave me numbers and names for each project.

2. The first project did not come from Chris. When Rick Renfrow was on the roof he noticed that some time were coming up and he recommended Sailer Roofing. I called them today and he is coming by for an estimate. The roof is 20 years old.

3. Then I called D. C. at 573-579-1308 and he is from Charleston. I am supposed to call him tomorrow and he will come by to give me an estimate on adding four plugs to my lower floor.

4. I plan to call Mr. McAllister at 651-3784 or his mobile 270-0799 about removing trees from back yard and side yard.

5. The last project is repairing the asphalt driveway. I have called Gail Allen at Paving Plus at 573-266-0055 and left a message.

That should hold me and my pocketbook for a season.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What did I accomplish yesterday?

Mailed off packages to Andrea and Colin.

Gloria was here to clean house --Need a new vacumn. Stopped.

Went out to dinner with Bev Hickam.

Learned a lot about sweepstakes from net and entered some.

Entered Red Robin and Target from the coupons they gave me.

Did Booksneeze and sent it in.

Talked to Barbara Rust about her grand-daughter and did some research for her.

What have I accomplished today?

Talked to Harriett about stuff at home, Joker, Rosalie, etc.

Visited with Ricky Renfrow about the chimney and he fixed it.

I found my home equity checkbook and paid him.

Called Doc at Port Cape and he doesn't do turkeys anymore

Called Mark Spinks about coming Friday and giving me an estimate on my 8 windows.

What else do I need to do today?

Call Sailer about roofing.

Liz -- get vacumn.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Yea, yea Gloria comes today to do housework so I am a bird out of a cage. I have sat here in the mess writing notes, doing FB and making phone calls so I am ready to do something else. I got packages in the mail for Andrea and Colin -- Christmas packages of films, stories, etc--and will put them in the mail today. I thought that they needed a break.

Yesterday I went to the meeting about medical retired and there were so many familiar faces. I was glad I had attended instead of having them send me the package. Then Barb Kinsey and I went to My Daddy's Cheesecake to eat. Her brother, Wes, owns it. I bought three cream horns and came home and ate all of it.

I'm praying for Rosalie Oliver LaPlant today. She has been so sick with cancer. I need to make a call today about her. When we were in high school, she had a 19 inch waist and could play Nola on the piano like nothing. We are wonderful friends. Both of her girls: Laura and Amy worked for me in the office.

mONDAY, november 8, 2010

I did nothing yesterday to amount to anything but I did it sincerely. I just stayed on the couch and barely moved. Today however, Debbie has already been here to do my hair, Liz is out to Target going to get the errands done, and I am dressed and ready to go to a meeting with Barb Kinsey comes after me. I am doing some work on sweepstakes. This woman said she did it all the time so I am working on it. I may as well do as much constructive as I can.

This meeting is about Medical benefits and the gossip is going strong. Now you can only go to Southeast and there seems to be a conflict since Limbaugh (above) and Spradling are on the Boards of Southeast and the University. They are doing everything they can to keep me from going on the Board but I am still pursuing it. I will stop some of this if I make it.

November 7, 2010

Then we went to Truman Library and saw the documentary. It was a wonderful trip and it brought back memories of when Bill and I went there to do his dissertation research. We went to a musem the Steamboat Arabian that afternoon to see a "dig". Interesting. We left the tour to come ohome on Saturday morning. Great trip!

Got back from trip to Kansas City. Joan and I drove by ourselves. We spent the first night there at the Elms. Truman went to sleep there that night and woke up to find he was the President. We saw the room where he stayed that night. Looks pretty much like an old room.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Hallelujah, the election is over. Democrats got trounced. Steve Hodges did win. Liz came this morning instead of this afternoon and we made some steps to get me packed to go to Kansas City. She took my mss to Frank Nickell and I am cleaning out files and packing. I will enjoy the three days in Kansas city. We will stay at the Elms tomorrow night.

Jim and Laurie called last night and they will not be coming for Thanksgiving but Jim is coming on the 13th to go fishing with JOhn Wyman and Bryan. At least I will get to see him.

Taking off for Kansas City....but not in this truck.

Elections, Gossip and More Gossip 11-2-10

Today is election day. First I went out to eat with BARB Kinsey and we talked about how terrible this guy Frank was and how she hated him. Then Margaret Dement came to pick me up and we went to vote--I voted no on the gaming and no on the puppy mills--Yes on Tommy Sowers and Robin Carnahan. Big group voting.

Edna Ruth Fischer worked the polls and Wendell Wyatt. Fun. Then Dean Loretta Prater called and we talked about her son going bankrupt, the Board of regents deal, and all kinds of things. I like gossip--I find it my fun than harmful.

Now I have to wait for results.

Election Day - November 2, 2010

It is election Day today and I am thrilled that I had my abscessed tooth finished and so far so good. Betty Ann played Nurse and went home yesterday. It was so good to have someone there all the time. I will be so happy not to listen to all the ads--who knows what to believe anymore. I am going to lunch with Barb Kinsey and then probably go vote with either Henry Sessoms or Margaret Dement --someone in the neighborhood.

Slept so well last night that I did not want to get up this morning and get at it.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

It's Halloween and Betty Ann is coming up to spend the night. I like to see the kids out trick or treating but if I am home, I keep the door closed.

I still remember the fun of HOmecoming yesterday and riding in a hay baled rig behind this white truck. Floats were beautiful and I was delighted that I did not have to line them up and all that.

I remember Mark screaming when we had Thanksgiving on Stokelan Dr. in Malden. He was petrified. Not Sara, she went for all the candy. One Halloween night I found her in her bed with a pepsi in the middle of the night eating all of her candy. Happy Halloween. I am ready to be tricked or treated.

Homecoming Weekend 10-30-10

Copper Dome Dinner. Three of the Alumni Merit Award Recipients who have Charleston ties; Smith Deline, me and Larry Ferrell (Bartley Ferrell's son). He lived in Charleston until he was in the 8th grade. Worked with the prosecutor's in the trial of Saddam Hussein.

Bill and Shirley Virdon came to the breakfast. Longtime friends--he was manager of the Astros. Live in Springfield.

So I lived through the weekend --went to the dinner on Friday night, did the breakfast this morning and rode in the parade with the former Alumni Presidents -- Mike parker, Mike Richey, Joan Gohn and I --had a great time! But I was cold! It was okay after the Parade started--sun was fine. Dobbins had to pass by me so he had to speak. Shad Burner, the new alumni director, made a few mistakes but they will survive.

After the Parade Joan and I went to drive-in (Sonic) to get a sandwich and then we decided that we would forego the game. Too cold and you could watch it (as I did) on the Webcast. I was really frozen. Thought I would turn on the fireplace but it did not work. Called Gene.

Glad I did all of this. It did not make me sad at all. Made me happy to see everyone and they acted like they were delighted to see me..

Homecoming --Merit Award Dinner 10-29-10

So I went to the the Merit award Dinner --talk about dead. Shad Burner, the alumni director, never was alllowed to say a word --It was Dobbins show all the way! Dobbins never came to speak to me. But Dick Davidson talked abbotu Board of Regents, so did Gene Munger, Mary Sharp, Norm Braasch, I saw Jane Stephens and Kim Mothershead and I am sending notes to him. Also saw Jim Limbaugh. Good reception. I sat with Smith and Mary Ann Deline at their table and that was good. I will include pictures in the blog for tomorrow but did not want to forget any of this. Also saw Bill and Suzanne Burch and Larry Swindle. It was good to see them all. Saw Shirley and Bill Virdon, Doug Greene, Don and Gloria La Ferla, Mike Lincoln and on and on. Fun to be back.

And the Beat Goes On 10-28-10--

And the beat goes on. So it is not the tombstone of May and A. B. Cooper but it is some mother's tombstone and I am trying to remember them. Had to write a guest editorial about Thanksgiving memories and I did it last night and sent it to Lucas Presson at the Southeast Missourian. How ironic that he would be the grandson of one of Mama and Daddy's best friends, Bill and Edna Thompson and his mother, Janet Thompson Presson, grew up in Charleston and will remember that game. Don't know if I can put this on blog or not but will try. Can't figure this out but I sent it out to everyone late last night.

Mark and Leigh just sent emails saying that they loved it. Hope Luke likes it too. It was fun remembering. Wish Rose Marie would read it but she does not do attachments. At least, her kids will read it!

Thanksgiving Meal Planning -- Oct 27, 2010

Now that I know that Jim and Mark are both coming for Thanksgiving, I need to start looking for recipes that I want to make. For many years, we went to Mama's for Thanksgiving. Then we went to Julia's. She was famous for her rolls and her dressing. I cannot begin to do either one to her standards. Mama would always have celery stuffed with pimento cheese (with olives and nuts) and black-cherry salad. We also had sweet potatoes and marshmellows and pumpkin and mince pie. I remember all this because I don't like sweet potatoes or pumpkin if I have a choice. But I loved the dressing. Julia would sometimes fix brussel sprouts and little onions which was delicious and we always had green beans. It was a lovely time.

Velna would always bring a dish -- I remember a cranberry dish which was good. Our dining room at the old house seated 10 and the men fixed their plates and ate first. I thought nothing about this. I was obsessed with going to the football game between Charleston and Sikeston and coming home crying since I never saw Charleston beat Sikeston. I would fix a plate for supper and eat the things I liked again. Julia used to say that her secret for making dressing was to use the broth of a chicken. She was the master of rolls. Betty,not known for her culinary ability, was not big about bringing a dish. In fact, I don't ever remember her bringing a dish for Thanksgiving. But she was good about washing dishes and she did that well.

After the meal and the football game, we played cards. We always played cards if Jennie was there and Warren was in the game. They played for blood. If Joker got into the game, money went down fast as bets were made. He was the born loser!

I will think about all these things as I prepare my lists for a meal. We have to have turkey and dressing, cranberries. The rest needs decisions.

Rain finally comes in --Homecoming week10-26-10

When I was Alumni Director I used to love for rain to come in early Homecoming week so it could get finished and we could be dry (Only had to cancel one Homecoming -- my first and biggest one); I got wet once though. It has rained a good part of the night. My good deed for the day: sent email to the Springs family about death of Doris Collins --old and dear friends since college days. It is good to be able to send notes to families on email now.

Wrote HB to Catherine and Emily today on FB. Hope they see it. Gloria will be here to clean? today so I am doing cleaning beforehand. Why do we do that? After Liz left yesterday, I took a nap and did nothing else. I think Bristol Palin will be on Dancing Witht he Stars forever. They will probably sent Kurt Werner home tonight and give her another week. Jennifer Grey is my choice to win but she keeps messing up!

No bonfires for this Homecoming! Burn order has gone out. Land is too dry! Must get back to cleaning.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

What a blessing to feel good! I slept all night --only took 2 Advil yesterday and can't believe how much better I feel. Swelling is no longer a knot in my jaw and is going down. I want to scream with joy.

Today I want to get some things in order. I have my list done already and it is 8:23 a.m. Liz is coming this afternoon so I try to get a list done and then I work on it until she gets here. So many things are little tasks I have not taken care of during this ordeal.

I read the paper today and read an article in Parade Magazine I liked called "The Lists that Keep on Giving". She and her husband live in different parts of the country and they keep the relationship alive by making lists of things that happen during the day that they talk about at night on the phone. Lillian Hellman once called these things "the daily mess of life". The author, Connie Schultz, says "The nice thing about list keeping is it makes you cherish the world around you." She goes on to say that the last thing you want, at the end of the day, is a list of nothing to share. So you are more observant about yourself and the mess of life you live ordinarily.

I do this with Blog. I am far more observant about the menial tasks that I do each day and wish I had kept better notes. George Will said: 'It is extraordinary how extraordinary the ordinary person is." God did not make anyone ordinary. We should all remember that!

Zonta Women of Achievement Friday, Oct. 22, 10

I went to this Zonta Achievement Luncheon today and now as I look at the photograph, you can see the swelling in my face over the abscessed tooth. I could do no more smile than this. But had a good time, saw lots of people and had people coming up all morning to speak to me. Can't beat it.

At my table, I had Bev Hickam, Debbie Bickings and Joan Gohn and I was so happy that they could all go. It wasn't something that I would have wanted my kids to drive down here for. But they sent flowers! I came home beat and tried to sleep. Feel better.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The infection is back and I am back on antibiotics. The swelling has come back but it is not too noticeable, says Debbie, unless I mention it. Yukko! I hate to go to that luncheon tomorrow and that party tonight like this but I have no choice. Maybe it will be better!

I have a few things to do today and Liz is coming to work this afternoon, I think, so I need to shut down the blogging and concentrate on something besides this blasted tooth. I have talked to Mark and Sara both on the phone and Jim has sent an email. I will get to feel better soon, I know, and my mind will be active again. Right now, I am lethargic and unenergetic.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

It is Adam Dyer's birthday! I can't believe it has been so many years since Jim Stacy and I rushed up to the hospital to see his face for the first time. I sent him a card and a Lowe's gift card. I pray earnestly for him today as he makes his way forward in his career and in his life. He is a good boy and that is the highest compliment (according to Daddy Cooper) that anyone can say of anyone else.

I was on FB looking at the great letters from Charles Wiles, Judy and Bill Arnett, and Mike Price and then I saw one from Mike Finnegan. It flashed before me. I have no idea why he would write me. Strange.

I feel better this morning. I was useless all afternoon yesterday. Just laid on the couch and watched television. Hope I do better today. I need to make phone calls but this Regents position has kept me curious and thinking about something positive that might happen in my life. I have worked too long and have no talent for the things that other women my age are doing. I will not be painting pictures or playing bridge. One time we were all supposed to give Mama Cooper something we had made ourselves and I gave her a check. And she took it---quickly. I still think she liked it the best!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Susan's birthday. Can't wait to call and sing on her phone. She was such a darling little girl who could run on her toes through the hall. I always felt she was Mama's child but she was really our child more than all the others except Pam and Harry. We had constant care of all three of them. By the time the others came along, their parents were more settled and more able to cope. Pam, Susan, and Harry were lucky to have such a big dose of Mama Cooper in their early lives. Every child needs that nurturing!

Daddy called Susan "Mouse" and it would infuriate Velna. Not that he cared or noticed. "Mouse" it was! He had such a way of ignoring what he did not wish to see. Wish I had inherited that.

Had no trouble with mouth last night. I think that Sara realizes that things have not been easy here with all this infection, and that I no longer am willing to be any kind of family punching bag!

The bottom line, to me, still in all of this is that for whatever reasons, Bailey came into Cape Girardeau, spent four days, and saw me less than 10 minutes. That is hard to take for any reason. Sara told me Bailey spent all this time cooking food at Annie's while I was hiring someone to go to Crackerbarrel each day to get me some vegetables that I could eat. I live with the bottom line of all this and they, I am sure, all feel that they have a different bottom line. I am still so sadly hurt--even though I understand that all kinds of things play into this --the pain of Betty Hearnes and her actions, the simple fact that I feel a sense of betrayal by Annie and her kids --and Jennie--the situation with the N. Carolina visit when I ended up worried about the situation when I had nothing to do with creating that situation--when I asked Jordan, after paying him all summer to do errands, to be certain that he picked me up to get groceries when he picked his grandmother up each week--6 houses away--and I have yet to see him. And the infection from the abscess and the female parts which ransacked my body and spirit. All of this has made me want to push away from everyone involved with family, except my three children, Jim, and Velna's children and my dearest friends. I want to put this back together but I cannot hurry it along and patch it up in a way that will do anything but keep the bandage on until the healing is over.

So, I will turn to the positive things at hand (forgetting what lies behind and forgetting that the dental trip still looms ahead of me next week.) I have the luncheon on Friday -- I can say truthfully I care nothing about being named the person--being a nominee is fine and serves the point I need it to serve; then I go to Homecoming with the expectation that I will be so happy to see everyone and Ken Dobbins will be tearing his heart out that I did not run off and hide somewhere) and then the fight and the strategy planning for the Board of REgents position. Robert Cox called me today and the Pikes are writing emails in my support. There are many who are sending beautiful letters--Many St. Louis women are writing in to say that it is time to appoint a woman after so many years of all men!

The best thing about all of this is that the throbbing and itching pains are gone and I can sit on a couch or put my head down without being frantic. Nothing else matters quite so much!

October 18, 2010

Sara is here and most of the day was consumed in fixing the abscessed tooth at Dr. Freeze's office. It still is not finished --have to go back next week but the hard part is over. Still infection there so he had to put in temporary filleing.

Fun news is the stuff about the regents and writing all these emails. They must be beseiged with letters -- great letters. Now we are watching dancing with the Stars. All I feel like writing.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Sunday, Joan Gohn picked us up (Sara is here for my oral surgery tomorrow) and we went to Marble Hill for lunch at Jer's and then went to her farm to see her horses. We had a great time out in the peaceful farm area. Joan has 5 horses and cats. It is an experience to eat at Jer's.

I am working on my stuff for the Regent's appointment. Al Sullivan called yesterday to say that he had talked to the Governor about it and he said it might be nice to get some more letters and emails in.

I think it would be great if I could get it. It would give me something to get out of the house about and keep my mind functioning on something useful.

Saturday, October 16,2010

Saturday morning--Sara is here and we are doing projects and waiting for Betty Ann to call and say when she is coming up. Sara got here about 1:30 and we went to Lowe's and got a carbon monoxide detector and some yard furniture coverups. She is outside looking over the yard now and doing some stuff out there. Then we drove to Sikeston where her in-laws, Harold and Frances Dyer, had stopped on their way to Carthage for a family reunion and we went to Throwed Rolls to eat.

I finally remembered the name of Jenny Lerew who works for Dreamworks. I got acquainted with them when someone did a scholarship in her mother's name, Loida Farrow Lerew and I visited her and her brother, Michael, in LA. I went thru the web and found her and her email address and sent her an email about Colin doing an intership there. Wouldn't that be something! I think she has to be well into the field but what do I know about it. Colin would know something.

We will just wait and see.

Friday, October 15, 2010

It's 5 oclock in the morning and I got up because I need a cup of coffee. Joan went with me to the kickoff party for Zonta last night at Diane Howard's and it was fun to be in the land of the living. I have known Diane and Tom for many years. I met Kaycee Strohmeyer who is an optometrist here and met the other nominees. Grace Hoover was out of it. Ellen Dillon is my ambassador. I met Kathy Swan's daughter, Maria Childress and Nancy Jernigan, another nominee. It was good to see so many familiar faces--Janet Brunton, Cheryl Mothes, Amy Lincoln, on and on. Real fun time.

Monday I get this root canal and then Friday is the luncheon. Then on to Homecoming festivities. Then Joan and I go to Kansas City with Frank Nickell and a tour. Then Thanksgiving. I need to continue to get out and visit with people. I have been behind the 8 ball with this book and now I need to be like the old serial of Joe McDoakes and get out from under it.

I need to call Lucas Presson back today and tell him I will write a piece for him for the Southeast Missourian about Thanksgiving. He called last night. I have my ten things that I need to do today all written out already. Heck, I got up so early, I could have these done by 10:00 this morning. Then I could just sit and wait for Sara to get here.

We made arrangements for Sunday to go to the farm and eat at Marble Hill. I think Sara would love to do that. Joan will pick us up after going to church.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

It had to happen! Just when the world was cheering on the saving of the 33 Chilean miners, the press begins to report what was really happening on the outside world watching! It has been widely reported that these men were all going to be rich from signing contracts with media for their stories. In fact, they said that they agreed that they would all share equally in any profits! They had signed that down in the mine.

However, poor Yanni Barrios! His wife and his mistress both showed up. But his wife went home when she found out he had invited the mistress also. And one man had a wife and 4 mistresses show up. Television does that for people. Be sure your sins will find you out! See the picture of one of the mistress --Yanni Baby, your goose is cooked internationally! Why don't you get back in the tube and hide out for awhile!

Getting my stuff ready to go to Safehouse. I have two sacks of stuff that I have gotten from hotels--soaps, lotions, etc. Then I have recycled cell phones and pajamas. I need to get all this to their Outreach Office at 1810 E. Plaza Way as soon as I can. I try to do this at least once a year because I believe in the program. We need to wear purple in October to stop Domestic violence.

I sent the money to Feed the Hungry here in the county for 30 meals for Thanksgiving. I pick my causes and these are two of them.

I love Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday. My house says it all over.

Dancing with the Stars --October 13,2010 I

It was a long day yesterday. First, Gloria was here to clean and I kept adding to the list. Then the bug man was here to spray and then Ricky Renfroe was here to fix the fireplace. Sounds simple. Ha. took all day! The fireplace is now fixed with new insert, new remote and it works. I couldn't use it last year and I was determined to get it fixed. It will probably cost me $1000 but why have a fireplace if you can't use it!

It was almost 5:00 when they all left. So I sat down, looked at my clean house and sat down to watch "Dancing with the Stars". I am pulling for Jennifer Grey --she is wonderful and has danced all her life. Last night the 4 in trouble were Bristol Palin, The Situation, Kurt Wehrner and I can't remember the last one. The Situation was sent home. I hope that Bristol is off next week. She is a non-dancer and not a star at all.I always wanted to be a good dancer but I was terrible!

The Chilean miners are coming out. No. 16 came up today -- there are 33 down there and they have been trapped for 66 days. What a wonderful story! It could have been a terrible set of news.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

It' s Tuesday and Gloria is coming to clean. My house is more than clean already but it needs the vacumn run and my bed changed. The rest is overkill.

I want to be able to watch the miners who have been stranded in a mine in Chile for 66 days come up in this tube and be rescued (Thanks to American ingenuity). It will take all day today and tomorrow. They have to come up and be in a tube for 20 minutes to reach the top. First, a doctor will go down with them. Talk about paying for a house call! Families are waiting outside for their loved ones to come up. All I can do is watch and pray for all of them. And I am doing that!

According to reports, the men have been arguing about not who will go first but who will go last! What a theological lesson that is to the rest of us! Donald Miller says that character is only molded in conflict, and if you want your characters to bond, you have to put them through hell. He has some good thoughts about dealing with conflict and writing about it. I aim to do this.

Today, I want to accomplish these things:

1. Man is coming to spray the house at 1:00

2. Gloria is coming at 11:00

3. PDQ is printing a copy of my book and will call when it is finished. I am to call Liz then.

4. I need to call Ricky Renfrow again about my fireplace.

5. I need to email Terry Begley about my taxes.

6. I need to contact Frank Nickell when the book copy is in hand.

7. I need to send photos back to people who sent in.

8 I need to find information out about the Zonta party on Thursday night.

9. I need to work on appliance workbooks in closet.

10. I need to locate plastic covers for my outside furniture.

If I do that today, it will be plenty. And I need to pray for the safety of the Chilean miners.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Starting the week off. Debbie came to do my hair. I stayed at home yesterday all day and never heard from anyone by phone --that is strange. It was okay. I wanted to rest and I did that. Today, Liz will be here to finish the book and Julie will be here to use the drill so I will have some company. I think I am doing better but there is still some swelling in my jaw.

Debbie had a garage sale and they sold about $150. Very few people came. She is most disappointed but she is saying that she cleaned out her house. She said people came but they wanted free stuff. This is a bad economy.

I will be so happy to get this tooth fixed a week from today. Didn't think I would ever say that! But I will.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

I can't remember much about Halloween when I was a child. I don't remember costumes, or trick or treat or anything like that. Maybe we had no one come because we lived out on the highway but nothing else. It was not a major holiday in the Cooper house to my mind. I don't remember ever carving a pumpkin or anything.

I do remember once getting Mark and Sara dressed in costume when we lived in Carbondalel and we took them to Charleston. Mama and Daddy came out with treats when they rang the doorbell (Bill and I stayed in the car) Finally they told them who they were and Mama and Daddy laughed and laughed. That was a fun memory trail.

i have my house ready for the Fall and decorations are everywhere. It lifts my spirits to see it done up and I hope to have friends in and be more sociable. Finally got the book finished and yeah, I hardly know what to do with myself. I will find my way to something that is meaningful to me.

Happy Sunday. Happy boring Sunday with no book to work on!

-Saturday, October 9. 2010

Slept till 10:30 and then Julie came with lunch and with some purchases. She did some errands for me today and I spent the rest of the day counting and recounting my pages for my book. Look forward to tomorrow when no pressure.

Friday, October 11, 2010

THE BOOK IS DONE! We finished it today. I will number the pages this weekend and then Liz will take it to printshop on Monday and then we will take it to Frank Nickell. HALLELUJAH! fOR ONE YEAR, i HAVE KEPT AT THIS! i Feel like I have been in a cave like I was here at Ste. Genevieve with Shad Burner and Nolan Brunworth last summer!

This is a good thing! Liz, Julie and I all celebrated together and then they stayed and finished decorating the house for Harvest, put up a new back splash in the kitchen, moved furniture around and made a list of other things we needed for tomorrow. I cleaned up all the book stuff and the house looks incredible. My tooth still aches but I don't care as much!

I cleaned the washing machine, ran the leaf blower on the front and the back and we are ready for the Thanksgiving holidays! yeah --yeah!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Yeah! I slept for three hours at a time and I feel better. Swelling on abscessed tooth is still there but it is better. I am taking medicine faithfully and have hired both Liz and Julie to work today so I can get finished. Julie finished section 2 and 3 this morning and all we have left to do is for Liz to finish 60's and 70's today and tomorrow. Monday, we number all the pages and take it to printing and then to Frank Nickell. Then it is out of my hair. I have actually cleaned up my family room.

Julie is decorating with Thanksgiving. She put a wreath up out on the outside of the house and it looks terrific. It lifts my spirits! today she is going back to Cracker Barrell and getting me two vegetable plates for today and tomorrow. One is chicken and dressing --my favorite.

Then she is mailing back my QVC stuff that was not what I ordered and going to Lowes for: new burner bibs for stove, filters for furnaces, fireplace starter set instructions, a pole to keep anyone from getting into my patio door, wood restorer, Tilex, degreaser, and etc. That will take some time for her.

Debbie came and got the stuff for her garage sale and it is out of the house this morning. I am cleaning a little at a time. I cleaned the guest bedroom closet last week and Debbie has already loaded that up for the garage sale.

So I am making progress. I think I actually care about seeing to things again.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Julie Sharp is here working today. She went up in the attic and got all of my Halloween decorations and is putting them out. My computer is fixed but my printer is not so I'm doing the best I can do. I am trying to do the Giants section , the 80s and the Bios and I am making progress. That way when Liz is here on Thursday and Friday, she can do the 60's and 70's. We can take to printer and be thru with this thing.

I am not going to the Perry County trip. Don't feel like doing it so I cancelled this morning and I will get my money back.

I have to do an interview with David Deline at 3:30 this afternoon for one of his classes. I hated to turn him down so I didn't. His mother called me. I am into the Harvest decorating -- I think I have 28 sets of pilgrims -- I love Thanksgiving. Rather than go up to my attic, I just buy new ones every year. Julie went to grocery store for me, Macy's to pick up makeup and then to get us some lunch. She will come back and finish decorating and printing book pages. Well worth the money. And she is broke without a job so I can help her!