I'm back to being somewhat useful this week. I hope. It's still not much, but it's so much better than this whole year has been.
I was going to pick up the girls on Monday and take Katherine to soccer, but Ryan texted and said he would get them, and Emily would meet them there after work. Kate was disappointed that I didn't get to see her play, but I bet I will next week.
Yesterday I had PT and did fine. I'm sure it could have been better, but it wasn't worse. Emily came over and distracted Laura for a lovely 5 minutes, so that was a bonus time when she was kneading my muscles. I had very little time when I got home to pick up leotards and then pick up girls and get them to the gym - and then go through that confusion of changing clothes and putting up hair. I think I'll call next Tuesday and remind Ryan to pack the leotards so Jadyn can have them dressed. This was my first time picking them up by myself and my first time seeing J's little girl Sawyer since she was a little baby. Jadyn handles the 4 older girls' school schedules and chases Sawyer around a few days a week. Sawyer just turned 2 and thinks those girls are her sisters. She cried so sadly when I picked them up.
Katherine had her class first, and she did so well. She's a serious little thing. This is when she noticed that I was watching her and taking her picture.
I remembered to take a distraction for the ones waiting. They forgot their masks and had to ask for a throwaway one.
Graysen has learned the names of her classmates and had a great day too. Their group is too far away for me to get good pictures of them.
This is probably my least favorite thing to take them to, but I'm so lucky to get to spend time with them. The chairs or bleachers are hard to sit on for 2 hours, even with getting up and walking around. It's as noisy as can be, and there is always some little brother or sister having a meltdown in the waiting area. I'll have to ask, but I think I remember that we're not supposed to leave them alone - but maybe that's the very youngest ones.
I entertain myself watching what people have worn out in the middle of the afternoon. The gymnasts are pretty nicely dressed and groomed, but the siblings - oh, my. Lots of pajamas and slippers and various costumes. Many of the kids are brought by their dads, but the mothers look at you with that level gaze meaning, "Don't judge. We've made it through another day." Think messy buns and leggings and most of them juggling one or more other kids who are hungry/tired/sleepy/hyper. I hear a lot of, "Who thinks chicken nuggets would be good tonight?"
Luckily, I just have to drop off my apple-chomping sweeties and head home.
I love how they never forget anything! Especially Graysen, because Katherine was just a baby when the elk story happened. The herd was out on both sides of the road today, but they were starting to cross the road as we went past. Graysen said, "Do you remember when Daddy yelled at the elk?"
He didn't actually yell at the elk, but he did get out of the car and yell. At people. I had taken him to get his car worked on in North Bend with the girls along for the ride early one morning when we saw the elk all crossing the road. Unfortunately, one of them separated from the herd and started walking up the shoulder on the grass away from the others. That caused people to stop, not only for fear of hitting her - or her hitting them - but just to see one up close looking right in your window. After sitting there for probably only 5 minutes, Ryan got impatient to get home and started fussing about why people had to stop and sightsee. Finally he stepped out of his car and yelled, "What's wrong, folks. Move along!" Graysen was so shocked and embarrassed that she never forgot it. I guess she was about 3 years old. It's now one of those crazy stories that we like to laugh about. I doubt Ryan even remembers it.
He's coming along with the house remodeling. I always mean to take more pictures, but I forget. Here's the fireplace wall. To the left, that corner fireplace that they hated has been removed and a pocket door put in between the den and the mud room. This wall with be a center fireplace with bookshelves on either side.
This is in 2018 right after they moved in. The old fireplace is gone, and the new one will go where the bookcase was.
I know it will be beautiful when he gets it done. He's about finished moving the laundry room upstairs and changing out the office door and wall. I'm not even sure what else they have planned.
Today was what Katherine deemed as the most exciting day EVER! There are a lot of those.
First of all, this happened pretty early. She's had to wait a long two years while Graysen lost tooth after tooth and got visits from the Tooth Fairy.
She got her expander in last week, and already it's changing her mouth. Graysen is out of her expander and is using retainers. It sure makes eating tricky.
We played a few games of Slapzi. I wasn't that familiar with it, but it was lots of fun. Katherine refused to play with us but only dealt the cards for us. She has a hard time with speed games and a harder time with losing. Later on, when Graysen was doing her piano lesson, I talked her into playing just with me, and we went slowly. She won both games and loved it. I think it's the reading that holds her back right now, but she's getting there.
They enjoyed the sunshine while I talked on the phone and texted a little bit. Sharks and trucks and playing in the fairy garden.
We had time to walk over to the park for only about 20 minutes, but they met some friends and really didn't want to leave. Katherine asked her if I would leave her there while I took Graysen home for piano, but she does not know her Mimi well if she thinks I would do that! You can imagine how I have to struggle to sit there and watch them on that swing!
After piano and Emily arriving home, Ryan was to take them bike riding, so I wandered off home to rest! It makes my day for them to beg me not to go home and say I'm the best Mimi in the world. I'll take that. I just wish I were a little younger and more energetic for them.
Biking pictures tomorrow and maybe some greenery Friday. Emily and I plan to ride to North Bend to check out the Senior Center plant sale after we drop the girls off and see what tomato varieties they have for sale. And maybe get some advice on growing them here in this short growing season.
We've loved the sunshine and the beautiful flowers and fresh air this week. I haven't been outside as much as I should have, but there were good parts of every day.
Tuesday was my only medical day, and I was dreading it somewhat. I was ready early and was going to go through Fall City, the "back way," since all the construction has been finished. I don't think it takes much longer, but it's slower paced, and I don't get as tense. On the interstate, I'm expected to hang in there with the 70- and 80-MPH drivers, but on the back way, it's so hilly and curvy that it's impossible to drive fast.
Something happened at the last minute that made me run a little late, and then I had to buy gas. I drove up to the pumps at our nearby Chevron station, and the pumps were surrounded by strips of plastic that said, "Do not enter." I don't usually get up really close to pump gas, so I wasn't sure if that meant just go about your business as usual or not to use the pumps at all. There were two trucks parked in other places, but no one was in them or near them. Not wanting to embarrass myself, I just cruised right on by and went across the street to Safeway. After losing that bit of time, I just headed to the interstate and got there with only about 10 minutes to spare. I realized about that time that I had forgotten to take my ibuprophen that I always try to take about an hour before therapy. I'm not sure if it really helps or not, but I don't see any reason not to help myself where I can. This was not a good day to forget that!
It turned out to be okay pain-wise, and Laura was for the most part complimentary. I even got a "beautiful" one time. The time passed pretty quickly, and then it was table time. I can always tell when it's getting serious when Laura asks, "What are your plans for the rest of the day?" She wants to get me started talking so I won't notice what she's doing to me. Sometimes it works and sometimes it's enough to make me silent and other times enough to make me say, "Okay, that's it. No more!"
I had 30 minutes between that appointment and the surgeon's followup, so I went on and checked in. Luckily, I got in 15 minutes ahead of schedule, and that was a good visit too. Dr. Marshall looked at the x-rays and said they were perfect with no signs of avascular necrosis. I hate that term. I hope I never hear it again. He said, "If the measurements Laura has sent are correct, you're doing wonderfully." I told him I could vouch for her measurements - every one of them. He held my arm above my head and praised my range of motion and asked if it hurt. I told him it did not but that I probably couldn't lift it there on my own. He invited me to try, and I actually did it. Over-achiever, that's me. Emily says that the doctors that ask her how her mother is doing are surprised when she tells them how much progress I've made. Supposedly, that's the most painful and longest healing injury, worse than hips and knees and ankles, and lots of people never get back to their former strength and range of motion. I might not either, but I still have a chance. Six more weeks of PT and then a final x-ray, and I might be done. I'm going to have to start visiting the clinic every once in a while because I'll miss it so much.
I did take the pretty drive on the way home though. I felt like I deserved it.
Nothing is ever perfect though. This was my first drive on the newly configured Issaquah-Fall City Road. Before, I had it all figured out - when the lanes merged from 3 to 2 and vice versa - which lane to be in for which turn. Etc. All the planning I have to do nowadays that I didn't used to have to do. If there's anything I dislike almost as much as interstates, it's roundabouts. I have two of them closer to Snoqualmie, but I've driven them enough to figure out what to do when, and there's usually very little traffic on them. Imagine my surprise to find out that the new road has no fewer than 3 roundabouts, one right after another. I see the yield sign and then see the road markings with all kind of squiggly arrows on them. Help! I just slow down and probably irritate the people behind me who are used to these. It's going to take me a few tries to get comfortable with these.
Noreen and I had our Wednesday morning coffee by the pool, and I just love that time. Sunshine but not hot, very quiet except for the birds singing. The fence hides us, so at this time of year, we have our own area for sharing our week and venting and laughing. I'm not sure how the summer will go, because I imagine the pool will be busy, but we'll have our warm patio and balcony by then. We're not sure how often we'll be keeping grandchildren either or whether they'll be allowed to play together safely.
Wednesday afternoon is play day with the girls, and we decided to work on a kit of cats that Graysen got for her birthday. Wow. A little more than I bargained for.
This is the one Graysen was in love with. The first thing to do was sew the front to the back through the holes all around the edges. I can't say it was easy, but after a bit, they stopped unthreading their needles and making knots and carried on like big girls.
The first thing I would complain about is the scissors. You don't want sharp ones, but I've cut with children's scissors before that will at least gnaw through thread. These would not! At all. The other thing was the decals, and there were bunches of them. They wanted every stripe and every spot punched out, but when you went to punch them out, half the time the adhesive back separated, and you were left with just a useless piece of felt. And they were attached so firmly to the background that pulling them off resulted in torn whiskers and noses, so you needed to cut them. And back to the useless scissors.
We managed to avoid disaster, because these girls are creative, and Graysen was working on her nose with a Sharpie, and Katherine was making do with cat being put together facing the wrong direction.
I didn't get a picture of Graysen's yellow kitty, but this was made pretty much alone by an almost-6-year-old, so maybe I was hasty in my judgement.
They see no problem with them and have held them constantly whenever I've been around them.
We have 10 more cats to go. I'm not sure whether to hide them or just put them away for one day when we have absolutely nothing better to do.
The girls have outgrown their bikes, so Emily and Ryan got them some new ones that they hid in my garage. They came over and tried them out that evening, and they were perfect. Pink, of course.
The garage is once more a mess, but it's not all mine!
They were so thrilled and rode around and around the alley area, getting braver and braver and faster and faster. I was glad to know they had gone to the bike trail to try them out. There are too many cars parked in my alley for my comfort - including mine!
Thursday was a do-nothing day, but I did go over to stay with the girls for a bit while Ryan went and got his second vaccination. Emily got home from work, and he got teased a lot about making up enough symptoms to let him take a long nap, but I think he was feeling fine when I left. There are some new cases in our county, so we can't relax completely, but I'm so thankful we've all been healthy for this past year.
Speaking of healthy, Em and Ryan discussed what to eat last night for a long time. There are pretty good choices here of vegan or plant-based meals, but not right in town, and I think they're tired of them. They love cooking, but last night was not the night for it. They finally decided on some of their tacos or pizza or something that they love, and Emily brought out a treat for the girls. I tried to be excited about it, but - hmmmm. It looked like frozen olives.
So much in this video.
New-to-me round popsicle maker. "Why does she get twooooo?" Smoothie pops: Spinach, frozen banana, mango, blueberries, maybe soy milk? So thankful these girls have adjusted and not only tolerate healthy foods but embrace them. I wish I were like them, but I'm not sure I could enjoy that thing.
I went to bed early last night and woke up around 3:00, ready to get on with my day. The windows were open, and it was getting cool, so I closed them and gave this sweet boy a happy 15 minutes or so in his favorite place.
Getting ready to sleep hard in his cozy spot.
Elise has discovered flowers lately, and these are some of her creations. I have purple tulips in my room.
My week, and it was a good one. Now we have cold and rain for the weekend, but that's okay. The sunshine will be back soon.
I know it's not going to happen overnight, but I'm so ready for life to somewhat resemble what it did a year ago.
Although it's been unreal what we've had to get used to, we are so thankful we've all stayed healthy - except for my one pretty significant blip there. Emily and Ryan have balanced work and childcare and school the best they could, and, looking back, it could have been much worse. I've been on the outside looking in on decisions, and that's been a good thing. I would hate for anyone to ask for a major decision on my part in the last few months.
But now we have sunshine and school starting back for the girls hopefully in the fall. They have had so many experiences that lots of kids their age never have during this year, and all the time together has a family has had a positive effect on them.
I've been inundated with pictures lately that I have to sort through and post and write about and calendars to update since we've zeroed in on a plan for me for the rest of the school year.
Today I have to concentrate on a pretty busy shoulder day. I see Laura before lunch for PT. I'm up and down on meeting my goals but had stiffened up last week. My latest pain is grabbing the back of my head with my right arm and stretching my whole arm backwards. That is NOT fun. I know I'm going to be asked to do it today, and that makes me a little tense.
After that, I'll take a break and then go downstairs to see Dr. Marshall. This will be the last x-ray before he releases me - unless there is something wrong - and then it will be up to me to see how far I can get in my rehab. Looks like I'll be going to PT once a week for another month or two.
For the good news, I now have a schedule for the rest of the school year with the girls. Up until now, I've just waited for someone to say they needed me for this or that. Now that I have booster seats and car seats set up, I'll pick up after school 3 or 4 times a week and deliver somewhere.
Monday I'll get Katherine into her soccer things and head for North Bend for her practice and/or games. She had her first practice today and enjoyed it. Graysen played two years ago and decided it wasn't her sport. That's the year she was the only girl on an already-established team for the first half of the season, and no one let her touch the ball - plus she had little coaching since the boys already knew what to do.
I think she's ready and tough but with a feminine touch.
Basketball is Graysen's chosen sport, but she's on a wait list for that. Scheduling might get a little interesting when that opens up.
Tuesdays are gymnastics for both of them. I'll pick up early from school and deliver to the gym where we have two hours of fun - for them. My job is entertaining and/or feeding the one who is waiting for her sister's class to be over. I love every minute with them now though, especially at this age where it's more conversation than activity and fussing about snacks. I don't believe I've taken one picture at the gym this year. It's quite busy, and they always seem to be pretty far away from me. I've watched them on the balance beam, and they both look great - to my unpracticed eye. They don't fall much anyway. They love the trampoline and are doing more flips and tricks and stuff than they have in the past. I'll try to zoom in and capture them in action soon.
Wednesdays are early pickup at 11:00, but Noreen and I are enjoying our morning coffee on this one free morning we both have, so Ryan will pick up, and I'll join them for the afternoon. That's the only time we have to play and do some activities. Graysen has to stop for her piano and ukulele lessons at 4:00.
Thursdays - we don't know about that. I might need a day off or that might be basketball day. We'll just have to wait and see.
Emily is off on Fridays, so she will be picking them up then.
The summer will change completely, and we'll have to see how much energy I have for keeping them longer every day. They'll have tennis during the summer along with maybe some of these other activities. They like going to the park and riding bikes and skating, but I want some days where we just have nothing to do but play. The library is now open, so I know there will be some activities there plus the farmer's market with their story times and plays. And the apartment pool will open this summer too.
Hopefully, it will work out for a ground-floor apartment to become available by July, and I'll have moving to add to the list. There's no chance of being bored, for sure.
The family went to Anacortes to the Tulip Festival last weekend and sent so many beautiful pictures. I'll try to get them sorted out, but here are a couple.
In 2012 when we came up for a visit, we visited these gardens and were amazed at the beauty. Our day was rainy and cool and really muddy, but we still couldn't believe our eyes. We just didn't know how much better it could get. This beautiful day with these two added blessings must have been extra special.
It's now time for making that grocery list and preparing for this busy week. Too bad the sunshine is going away for a while, but it will still be fun.
Overall, these sunny days are perking me up a little. I have not complained a bit about the "heat." As we drank our coffee yesterday, Noreen asked if I wanted to move to get out of the direct sun. I declined and just enjoyed it. After my shower last night, I saw that my neck area was red and figured the water had been too hot. An hour later, I still had it, and it occurred to me that I have my first suntan in 4 years. Just a little V section, but it's so strange to me to see it.
Until the pool opens, the fenced area with the hot tub and pool are a perfect place to drink coffee and catch up. The chairs are comfortable, and no one knows we're there because of the fence. Tom the maintenance man did discover us after a while and came in to visit. Noreen and I realized that we are now in the stage where Medicare and health things take precedence over our favorites - grandchildren and politics. Grandchildren will be on top soon, but politics - we've had a time of it, just trying to comprehend the total insanity that the last four years have been. Unfortunately, there are enough Trump worshippers and conspiracy theorists to keep the corruption going. I have a little hope when I read about the ones who have a little backbone and are not allowing him to dictate their thoughts and actions. Good for Beth Moore. Too bad Franklin Graham has gone down the Trump rabbit hole. Those who influence the innocent and gullible will have a lot to answer for one day.
And that's all the thought I'm going to give the former twice-impeached president.
I stayed with the girls yesterday afternoon, and it was a slow-moving day. We stayed outside the whole afternoon: Digging in the dirt, playing Cinderella, tossing a ball around, playing in the fairy garden, and then going to the park for an end-of-the day meetup with all the neighborhood kids.
They told me about a Harry Potter expression, Pigs in Wigs, and that described the looks of them by 6:00!
I'm not sure about those planted seeds. They found some cantaloupe seeds on the kitchen counter, and I'm not sure if they were ready to plant or not. I'll work on getting them some more reliable seeds and their own little place. Emily and Ryan worked hard on the garden plot Tuesday, and it's all smooth and ready to plant. I'm still trying to decide what I want to contribute. I'm ready to go find my summer herbs for the balcony.
We found some beautiful cherry blossoms in Snoqualmie at the depot on the way to gymnastics. My photo grabbed from the car.
These photos were taken by Suzan Zoey Jacobs along the Snoqualmie River in Fall City. Such beauty without having to drive in a lot of traffic and crowds.
The elk have been out the last few times I've passed by, but I've not been able to grab my camera fast enough. This was posted by Orsi Homorodi. I hope this is the correct way to give credit to photographs taken by others.
I'm not sure if I have anything I'm needed for today. It's nice to have a day off. The girls don't get out of school until 4:00, and since Emily has Friday at home, their weekend starts when she gets home.
I need to go do my exercises and get that over with. I wish I had this at home. It's my favorite.
Unfortunately, if it doesn't hurt, it's not doing me that much good. So rolling a huge green ball up the wall should do me a LOT of good and raising a broomstick-looking thing over my head also.
