May 28, Sunday

Been running around like crazy this weekend. Errands to Walgreens, Publix, the bank, Winn-Dixie, Wal-Mart and Aldi's.

Friday, Petunia was picked up in the morning by her friend CH's mom and grandma and they all went to his graduation at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Lunch after at the Cheesecake Factory in the Town Center and then just goofed off at his house.

Saturday, DW picked her up and they went and bought material and a pattern and started making a shirt on the sewing machine. I went over in the afternoon and DW had fixed us dinner. It was very nice.

Today, ran to the last couple of places getting supplies. The weather is getting brutal again, so hot and humid.

Sharky updated me on his mom. She had the breathing tube removed yesterday. She's paralyzed on the left and cannot talk, but still is being maddening. Lol Poor Sharky, he knows it's fear and frustration to her predicament that is making her act out, but that doesn't make it better. He's had very little sleep and is so stressed out. Hopefully there will be better news tonight when I talk to him.

Bear is spending the holiday weekend at Bug's. Hope they are having a good time.

May 26, Friday

Surprise. Turns out M bought brother J a ticket to fly to CA too. He had never flown before, so I'm sure it was quite the experience.

Yesterday, Sharky got off work at 2 and came home, ate his lunch and packed. J & C showed up, picked him up and went to airport. C dropped them off and then went back home to GA. They got through TSA with only a toothpaste issue (J brought full size. He turned down the offer to check it as luggage for a $25 fee. lol).

I briefly heard from Sharky when they landed in Houston to change planes. They were doing fine. Shocked by the size of the airport there.

Got a text about 0455 saying they arrived in CA and were at the hospital. Sent M to shower and sleep; she had been by mom's side since she arrived. Sharky said that mom is aware enough to know that he and J are with her. No more info, he said he'd call later.

Petunia's boyfriend, CH, is graduating today. His mom and grandma are picking her up so she can attend. Most likely will have lunch too afterwards.

I still have to get ready for my trip next week. Have to go to Volde-Mart for stuff like a new charger cord and travel-sized toothpaste (haha).

Have to work out a menu for the next two weeks. Need to keep a simple, easy to use menu for Sharky and Petunia while I'm gone. Don't want them skipping meals.

Trying to budget and save as much as I can, without suffering of course. Lol I put the chops I had just taken out of the freezer back in and Petunia and I had burritos from Tijuana Flats for dinner. (Thursday special: burrito chips & soda for $5.99. Can't beat that deal.) That's our only meal out unless someone else takes her out.

May 25, Thursday

Sharky's mom and stepdad traveled to CA last weekend to visit the stepdad's son's family. After they arrived, mom got very sick and couldn't breathe. They rushed her to hospital where she was intubated and placed in ICU. We think she's in a coma. They did a test yesterday that determined that she had a stroke and most likely is paralyzed on the left side.

Sister M flew over yesterday and bought Sharky a plane ticket to fly there tonight. He's getting off work early to come home and pack. He'll be back by the 31st.

At guidance right now. I asked Petunia's new therapist to have her talk about her grandparents (her dad's parents). Mom will most likely pass away soon. They haven't give a prognosis yet (or if they have, I haven't heard) but situations like these usually aren't recoverable.

I feel terrible. Poor Sharky. At least his dad is doing a lot better. I don't know what to  say to him about this.

When it first happened, he called his brother to tell him and found out that his brother's wife's mother was still very ill and most likely dying. (That was the indirect reason for the MI trip to see his father was canceled.) I told him not to be concerned about that because he needs to focus on his own parents and he got mad at me for "not caring." I didn't intend to be mean and heartless, but wanted him to understand that he needs to prioritize things and frankly, not spend mental energy on other things.

I keep telling him that I love and care for him. I hope he knows.

May 23, Tuesday

Sunday was a lazy day. Sharky and Petunia went to Davey's and came home at lunch.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor's to get my blood test results. Everything looked good. My A1c went up a little bit, but nothing bad. Still anemic, but now she thinks I'm definitely pre-menopause and that is the reason. Prescribed iron pills for me to take.

Yesterday afternoon, DL (neighbor) came over with tea and oatmeal his Irish friend sent over that he didn't want.

Sharky came home last night all upset. His sister called and told him that his mom (on vacation in CA) was hospitalized with pneumonia & high blood pressure. She was intubated and unconscious. Sharky feels pretty helpless right now, I don't blame him. Good thing though, his mom's stepson is there helping out (her husband is old and rather useless IMO). We think Sharky's sister might be flying out there tomorrow.

It rained about 3 hours last night. Hopefully it will continue. There was thunder but it was before dinner and Tony Elliott got over it fast and had a good night's sleep.

Because of the rain overnight, Sharky took the car this morning.

I'm still debating on packing or not. Lol Only 9 more days!

May 20, Saturday

Ran a lot of errands today. Went to JHS on Beach Boulevard and got Tony Elliott's heartworm and flea medication. Then went to FCNMHP on Cassat and bought Rosie's flea meds. Came home and then went to both Aldi's and Winn-Dixie grocery shopping. I was exhausted by the time I was done. Sharky made cheeseburgers for lunch with the fresh hamburger from Aldi's. They were delicious.

Sharky and Petunia will most likely go to Davey's for a little bit tomorrow morning.

May 19, Friday

When I was getting ready for the Yelp party last night, I almost started packing for the trip. It's so tempting but I must resist. I'm starting to gather things up around the house and I'm making oodles of lists, so I will be prepared. My mom sent me a couple of bucks that I plan on turning into singles for possible trade. I'm so exited about all this. I'm freeing up digital space as well, to make room for pictures, etc. The closer this gets, I'm sure I will be hard to live with.

I cut my hair on Wednesday. I used a metal ruler and aimed to cut about 13" from my scalp all around. It was difficult to do. I lost from 4" to 8" from my locs. The relief from the weight was immediate. It was about a pound of hair. Yes, a pound. When I washed it yesterday, it was easy and quick, and no killer neck issues when I wrapped it up in a towel. I should have done this a while ago. I did wrap each end in a band just temporary to keep it knotted up.

Yelp's Caffeinated Deep Dive at Vagabond Coffee

Had a fabulous time last night at "Yelp's Caffeinated Deep Dive at Vagabond Coffee." Will (the owner), along with baristas Courtney & Mitch, threw a fantastic, fun, and educational bash for us. They were very organized. The bites were great (meat quiche, drool...) and the coffee fantastic. Following Will's advice, I tried the cold brew as is and really enjoyed it. The coffee cocktail was surprisingly good.

I've always been a fan and patron of Vagabond, and I knew they wouldn't disappoint us. I will continue to recommend this fab coffee to all.

May 17, Wednesday

Monday was Petunia's counseling. The 2nd counselor is leaving to take care of a sick child, so we met counselor #3. This one is a little older than me and Petunia seems to feel more comfortable with her. The first one (her fave) was my age and the 2nd one was in her mid-20s which, for some reason, Petunia didn't like. I think she prefers mother figures. Until they get to know each other, they will be meeting weekly. Thank goodness, the day that I'm on my trip, is a holiday week and they won't have an appointment.

Everything about my trip is slowly falling into place and working wonderfully. A lady I've known for a long time (a WGer and a FB friend) just happens to live in Quincy and offered to pick me up from the airport when I arrive and take me to lunch on the beach. SQUEE! I'm so excited.

I'm saving virtual/digital ephemera about the trip and will be posting it here as a scrapbook with it's own label (tag) to make it easy to find.

Phone Calls

Little known fact. One of my first jobs in the military was to update a guest list that was a big as a phone book. By the time you finished, you had to start over again. I vomited almost every morning. I hated making those calls, verifying famous (political) people's names, spelling of names, addresses, marital status, children, etc. I went from not having an issue, to having an anxiety attack when I have to cold call a person to this very day.

May 14, Mother's Day, Sunday

Had a lovely time today.

Got to the Cool Moose at 0802 am and it was already more than 1/2 way filled. They open at 0800 but I think there was a line so they just let people in early. Glad we got there when we did, within 10 minutes, it was packed and there was a line outside.

Afterwards, we came home and Davey arrived. He rode with us to the Zoo. So glad we have the membership. It rained for at least an hour and we all got soaked but it was still fun. We went backwards so we could see the tigers. Totally worth it. My feet were horrible because my shoes were wet, but I dealt with it. By the time we left, there was a line stretching all the way into the parking lot - perhaps almost 1000 people? Once again proving that while no one here are morning people, I'm always right. Best to do things first thing. LOL

We came home and all 3 of us crashed. Heard from Davey, he texted me to thank me and said he had a very long nap too. Petunia had leftovers from the dinner with Connor (her new boyfriend) so she had that for dinner. Sharky ran to Popeyes and grabbed our dinner. (Petunia isn't a big Popeye's fan.)

May 13, Saturday

Went to the new Aldi's yesterday. It was really nice, with a lot of great deals.

Won a free breakfast at the Cool Moose for Mother's Day, so we are going there tomorrow morning and then to the Zoo afterwards. I invited Davey to come with us.

Petunia is going out to dinner with her friend Connor and his family and then to Target. Hope they have fun.

Finally got some rain this morning and it looks like it will rain again soon. Thank goodness, we need it badly. The West Mims fire up on the border of GA is still burning and we see and smell the smoke from it daily.

May 12, Friday

Still making lists for upcoming trip. So excited. Received my plane reservations yesterday. Going to have to arrange transportation to airport with Davey.

An Aldi's opened yesterday up on Normandy, so much closer than the Inge in the Avenues. Going shopping there today.

May 10, Wednesday

Sharky's trip to MI is officially postponed. I'm sad because I think this is the perfect time to go, but I'm not the one planning or paying for this trip.

I'm so excited about my upcoming trip. Slowly getting things together, it's in 3 weeks. Can't spend any money, need to save up for incidentals and a couple of meals.

Haven't heard from Bear in a while, found out his phone was stolen and he just got a new one.

May 8, Monday

Had a fasting labs doctor appointment this morning. Saw a new student doctor. He was very nice, but had a super strong Haitian accent - kept saying diabetee. That was annoying. Lol

Swung by Walgreens and picked up cards for Mothers Day to send out.

Sharky's trip to MI with his sister might be post-poned due to BIL Jim's wife's mother having a stroke. (Which has nothing to do with them visiting my dying FIL, but when I voiced that, Sharky looked at me like I was being so mean. Honestly, who gives a shit? My SIL hates her mother and so does everyone else.) I think my FIL's visit should be given precedence, but I'm not the one paying for the trip (Sharky's sister is.)

Speaking of trips, I might be going on an impromptu train trip with a friend. More on that later.

May 6, Saturday

Went to the Riverside Art Market's "Arf Barket" day. Had a nice time seeing all the dogs and walked on the North Riverbank walk from RAM to the old firehouse. 

Had lunch at home and everyone took a nap. I went grocery shopping by myself at Winn-Dixie. I hate that store. So depressing.

May 5th, Friday, Cinco de Mayo

It's Cinco de Mayo today. Budget doesn't allow going out, but we're going to have Tex-Mex for dinner anyway.

Yelp sent a large coupon for a grocery delivery service, so I'm taking advantage of it. Ordered necessary items and stuff to make dinner nachos with.

Storm last night was a let down. My 'hood didn't get much rain, but other parts of town did. Didn't help with the drought much. We need daily rain to deep soak in.

Sharky took the car today but he could have rode, in hind sight.

Petunia is being picked up at noon by DW. He's taking her to lunch and then will show her how to use the sewing machine.

I have some plans for the weekend. Probably go to RAM and walk around. Sharky has to get stuff ready for his trip to MI with his sister to visit their dad.

May 4th, Thursday

Had a good time last night at Art Walk listening to the Symphony. Was extremely difficult to walk, so didn't go far. Tried to go to library but upstairs was closed. Went to MOCA but the exhibit won't change until 2 weeks from now. Walked about two blocks south then came back. People watching was good. Saw my friends Susie and her kids. Petunia met up with a friend and spent time with him.

The long-awaited rainstorm arrived this afternoon. Short and quick and now its gone. Rather disappointed and not enough to help with the drought. Tony Elliott did his whole dog-gone ape-shit act again. Not cute or funny.

Sharky ride his motorcycle to work. I tried to get him to take the car but he refused. I had an appointment this morning to go over my mammogram results, but I cancelled because I have to go in Monday anyway. No reason for 2 appointments, especially when the imaging place already sent me a letter saying nothing was wrong.

May 3, Wednesday

My hip is still wonky. Walked around the neighbors yard and found some more of the almost dead begonia to try and save. Hip kept slipping. Got worse last night when I watered the outside plants. Then, finally, I fell in the kitchen last night. Scared me. Trying to take it easy today so we can go out tonight.

I don't want to do the exercises the orthopedist recommended because that is what messed up my knee in the first place. The best cure is exercise but exercise is what hurts me in the first place. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. 

Art Walk is tonight and the Symphony will be there. Can't miss it.

May 2nd

Ended up not doing anything last night. Had a very bad pms day, cried at everything. Totally miserable. Had to run to the bathroom every 2 hours (or less). I go back to the doc on Monday for labs and I'm going to ask again that they run the blood test for menopause because if I'm not pre-menopausal, what the heck is going on?

Rosie has become a voracious huntress again. Palmettos come into the house during heavy rain and, ironically, during drought. Every day, we wake up to new dead bugs. Her fave place to leave her killings is in the kitchen. She prefers to leave them in front of the freezer and in front of the stove, This morning, had one in each place, plus one by the table and one in the living room in front of the couch where Sharky sits.  Really funny, I go outside to feed Cammie and she's pushing her empty food dish up to me and there's a dead palmetto bug inside her dish. She does a happy dance in front of it, showing off her kill. Petunia was grossed out but I told her we should be grateful it was a bug and not a bird or squirrel, etc.

Just heard a crash on the porch, the collared cat (I think lives behind us) dumped Cammie's food dish and was hunkered down in her sleeping box. First time I've seen that cat in a while and first time on the porch.

Thinking about running next door and checking on the plants. Need to get an ivy clipping and see if any begonias are left running wild, going to clip a piece off of one of those as well. All the plants have been abandoned, and Sam did say I could take a clipping off of anything I wanted. I only feel guilty because Ms. Ivy's dead. I know if she was alive, she'd let me - she'd probably give me any plant I wanted. I just miss her so much. Even when I didn't see her, just knowing she was there was a comfort.

May 1st, May Day, Beltane, etc...

Reading on FB about a friend's desire to resume "journaling" prompted me to get off my ass and try to get back into it myself. I feel guilty about not keeping up after so many years of blogging. Not having my desk to sit at, along with other things, kept me from remembering to do so. And laziness. Let's not forget that.

Lots of stuff has happened. I do plan on going back and doing recaps, at least for my own sanity.

I'm rather spazzing right now. I'm not sure if its a new coffee (more caffeine) or hormones or what, but it's annoying.  I do have a lot more energy and started my period today which should have canceled out the first. My periods have become rather insane compared to how they used to be. Less cramping, super long and oh so bloody. Ugh. But every blood test the doctors do say there are no markers at all for pre-menopause, so I don't know wtf is going on. At one point, I had 3 periods, each 10 days apart and 8-10 days long. That was awful.

I'm trying to cure my brown thumb again. Picked up some annuals last week (2 marigolds, 2 celosias) and planted them in the flower box on the front porch. I had two mums there but they died very fast. Even though the instructions said they'd thrive, they didn't like me and died. My hibiscus is doing fantastic. I have a couple of plants on the windowsill in the kitchen. Some are doing well, others are struggling.  I want to get some more cuttings of Ms. Ivy's ivy and try to get them to root. I know once her house sells, whomever owns it (or buys it to flip, etc.) will rip out most of the plants. Also, my friend TB (Artefacts Redux) wants morning glory seeds from the vine on the garage roof. I read up on it but am unsure if this will work.

Last weekend (April 29-30), Petunia stayed the night at her friend Hannah's house, along with Mikaela. They had a great time. Went to RAM on Saturday morning and watched movies, etc. the rest of the day.

My brother-in-law came by with his truck and took Bug's Ford Ranger back to GA with him. That was a huge clusterfuck. He brought his wife's brother (a real troll) and that guy's grandson. Tony Elliott went berserk every time he heard the kid's voice. There was just something about it that drove him crazy. They ended up blocking the street trying to back the truck and trailer into the driveway. About 10 minutes after it was loaded and left, Sharky realized they still had his keys. Luckily, he was able to get a hold of them and retrieved the keys back before they left the city limits. The backyard looks naked without the truck. Sharky did an excellent job of raking all the leaves, ended up with 5 bags for Friday's yard waste pick up.

Bear was down for "Welcome to Rockville". We saw him a few minutes Saturday morning, but he swung by Sunday morning and took Sharky and I to breakfast. We wanted to go to the Cool Moose, but it was super busy so we went to Golden Corral instead. It was good. It was better spending time with my son.

Today is Beltane. Nothing planned. Wish I could have a little fire in the fireplace or a fire-pit in the back yard, but the chimney still needs to be repaired and I'm not burning anything without a proper set up. My chiminea is on the porch, but I doubt it's usable anymore. Too heavy to move off just to burn stuff once. It has cracks from it's move here and may not be able to be used.

Honestly, I haven't celebrated much of anything in a long while. Just don't have the heart to do it. Every time I try to plan something, disaster strikes. I want to put some things back into my life, but I just don't know how to. I feel so empty sometimes. I've never been the obsessive type, or a fanatical devotee, but I love the organization and rituals it brought into my world. It tamed some of the chaos and made me more at peace.

Maybe I will do something, later by myself...