Saturday Update

This morning we're driving out to Mom and Dad's, and Jake will help Bruce move some heavy things out of their old house into their townhouse. He might head back to St. Olaf today, or maybe tomorrow, depending on if he can meet up with some old friends. We've been able to Skype with Katie some and she's been posting pictures on Facebook. She is going to have such an adventure in Seoul! And, Jessie seems to be more comfortable. I keep looking at her backside to see if hair is growing back, but it's probably too soon to tell. Sometimes I feel like I live in an animal hospital.

Poor Old Girl

Jessie's always been a bit of an itchy dog, but this past month she's been chewing on her rump and licking the hair off her back legs. I keep telling her that she's going to be bald if she doesn't stop, but she never listens to my advice. I've been giving her Benadryl and adding salmon oil to her food, but she's still chewing and licking. So yesterday I picked up a calming collar for her to wear, some bitter apple spray for her legs, and some hot spot spray to help relieve the itching on her rump. I also bought a new dog food for her, a grain free salmon one. After I first sprayed on the bitter apple to her back legs, she looked as if she was going to start licking, but then sort of sniffed and stopped. Yay! She seemed more comfortable during the evening and night, but it's anybody's guess as to what she does while I'm away at work.

I suppose there's always the cone of shame for her to wear, but maybe these things will work and we can avoid that. Poor thing.

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday

Katie made it safely to Seoul. I believe that she doesn't have to student teach for the rest of the week, so she should have a little time to get used to things. The time there is 14 hours ahead of ours, so she's probably waking up about now, or sleeping in, or maybe eating breakfast. I can't wait to actually talk to her!

Yesterday was a catch up day. I did laundry, put gas in the car, exercised, and made a trip to Michael's. It felt like Spring there with all the bright colors and flowers and it was wonderful to just wander around and soak it all up. I decided to try decorating the front hall with flowers, and since it's almost Easter, I found some lilies. Fake flowers will be good here as the cats love to chew on real ones. I think lilies are actually poisonous to cats so that would not be a good thing! And the vase has to be light weight and not breakable, again because of the cats. I think I found just the right one. As the seasons change, I can change up the flowers. Maybe some sunflowers or purple tulips because I love them so.

Almost Time

I woke up early this morning with a feeling of panic as I realized that Katie leaves tomorrow for Seoul. She'll be fine, I know, but eight weeks seems like a long time to go without seeing her. We've been shopping this weekend and trying to think of all the loose ends that need to be taken care of before she gets on the plane, but does one ever have it all figured out? Mom, Dad, and Mark came over this afternoon to say their goodbyes, as did Anna, Katie's best friend from forever. Anna told me about using Skype on my iPhone, which had never crossed my mind, and I was so thankful for that. I don't know when we'll be able to use it, with the time difference between here and there, but it gives me comfort to know we can. We'll get through this day.

Wordless Wednesday

St. Paddy's Day 2014

We had our annual corned beef and cabbage dinner, this year just Bruce and I. I've been trying to make it a little healthier each year, and this year the potatoes were steamed and the cabbage was roasted. It was Bruce's idea to crunch up Girl Scout chocolate mint cookies on top of the Key Lime Pie. The dinner turned out delicious! I'm thinking that maybe the two of us can start cooking together, kind of like another type of date night.  :-)

40 Bags in 40 Days

Recently, I read a blog talking about getting rid of 40 bags of clutter during 40 days of Lent. I'm not Catholic, so didn't grow up with the practice of giving something up during Lent, but what a cool idea! I do think (a lot) about simplifying my home, and purging it of all the stuff that has found its way in. Thinking about it is a start, acting on it is even better, I think I can do this.

So, the challenge began on Ash Wednesday and I started bagging up things to give away. I should have about 9 bags at this point. Do I? Nope, I only have 5. But I'm not giving up yet. I am determined to find 40 bags within 40 days.

We're not getting any younger. And although it can be overwhelming for me to think about just how many things we've accumulated over the years, it's also freeing to think of not having to take care of it all.

And, I guess we can bless others by sharing with them.

Anybody else up for the challenge?

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday at Mom and Dad's

  I think I will let the pictures tell the story ….

Good to Remember

Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.
Phillippians 4:6-8

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Fever

It's been ridiculously cold considering it's March already, and today I awoke with a serious case of spring fever. But there was nothing that could be done about it, really, other than just getting on with my day.  So I put together some turkey chili in the crockpot, made a decision to go to see a movie on my own, and then took a walk on the treadmill. I felt much better as the afternoon wore on, and in the evening we watched a few episodes of Downton Abbey. Tomorrow looks to be another cold one, but after that, the rest of the week JUST might get into the 20's. 

Settling In

Grandma Gloria seems to be adjusting well to her new home. She's been quite social again, too, walking up to people and introducing herself. (we call it working the crowds.) She's eating well and enjoying time with her babies. It's actually quite a relief to have her there as they seem to be taking good care of her and she seems more content than she has been in awhile. Plus it's such a pretty place. It feels good.