Our Experiene with COVID - could be boring to read

Our first signs that anything at all was wrong, was on Labor Day, September 7, 2020.  We drove up to Door County and met Glatzels at a winery in Kewaunee that has outdoor seating and live music.  VERY enjoyable but Bob started to cough as soon as the music started.  We were all thinking this was his annual/usual Schneider cough.  We did not sit close to Paul & Betty and didn't go anywhere to eat with them.  We did drive to Egg Harbor to listen to Betty's cousin "Just Joe" perform Karaoke on his front porch.  We sat away from him on his lawn.

We had lousy rainy weather in Door County for our 3 night get-away but we weren't near anyone who seemed sick to us.  And Bob continued to cough.  We stayed in a private condo, talked to no other people, but we did wander/drive around the county wearing masks here and there, and ate only where there was social distancing provided.  We brought plenty of food along of our own in case we couldn't find outdoor dining.  By night 2 and 3 Bob started even wearing his mask to bed and said something didn't seem quite right.  We played dominoes at the kitchen table there, while he coughed.

We got home on Thursday 9/10/20 and Bob suggested we both sleep in separate bedrooms.  Friday morning 9/11/20 Bob called his doctor to get a test.  It was set up for Saturday 9/12/20 at 9:45 at Mercy Hospital nearby.  Meanwhile I was cooking fresh homemade chili and other recipes as I felt ok, but I did cancel helping Raina out Friday afternoon due to Bob's test possibly being positive.  I was going to watch the boys while she went to her job in Milwaukee for couple of hours.  

Friday night 9/11/20 is when I started with a cough and a low grade fever, so then I was really glad I didn't to to Raina's.  I started aching, headache, lazy, and that low fever on and off all weekend.  Neither one of us could taste the home made chili and I even added several more dashes of chili powder, to no avail.  We looked at each other and couldn't believe that we didn't taste (or smell) anything.

September 14, 2020

Monday morning I made an appointment for a test, and had to go to Aurora Kenosha's hospital for it. Later that day Bob's test came back positive and he spoke to his doctor's office and the County Health Department, answering questions.  I made a beautiful (if I do say so myself) pan of oven baked beef stew (which we were testing to see if we could bring it to share while camping in mid October).  Well, we couldn't taste a thing again. We are now both staying home and counting our quarantine days to complete recovery, hopefully.

I knew I had it now, as too many symptoms fit the virus description.  Wiped out, weak, not hungry, low fever at times daily, very bad cough.  My ribs hurt from my cough.  Can't taste anything.

Now the kids are calling and texting and suggesting things of all sorts and asking constantly if we are better, worse or the same each day.  It seems to take forever for my results to come through.

Bob has upper respiratory issues, is coughing and is tired.

9/16/2020 Wednesday

Called my doctor's office to get a prescription for some cough medicine to try to ease my cough.  VIRTUSSIN AC 100-10mg/5ml.  Started feeling nauseous almost immediately after taking it. 

9/17/2020

Received online results from Aurora that I tested positive.

9/18/2020 Friday

I'm nauseous (maybe from liquid cough med) and can't control my cough, ribs hurt, so Bob forced me to call my doctor again to get something else to help me.  Talked to a Covid Call Nurse (Kathy) first, then a triage nurse from my doctor's clinic, and finally my doctor's nurse.  They called in 2 prescriptions:  ONDANSETRON (Generic Zorfran) 4mg for nausea.  BENSONATATE 100 MG for cough.  Bob picked it up, curb side service at Walmart.  

Someday - ask Raina for date:  (19th I think) She dropped off on front porch (from her, Greg & Sarah) balloons, magazines, frozen ices, soup, gum (my favorite kind) 7-UP, ginger ale, wipes, crackers, shoestring potatoes, tea, and other items.  It was amazing!  She also chalked a "you got this" note out on our driveway and left a paper chain to countdown the days until we would be better.   She didn't come near us, she called me and I talked to her while she was on our driveway and I was in the house.

Tuesday 9/22/2020 My cough has lessened.  I'm still slightly nauseous and not tasting or hungry, but my eyesight has taken a dive.  So I looked up both new meds and sure enough, the Ondansetron has a side affect of blurry vision.  So I stopped taking that med.  Couldn't read very well.  I actually think I need new glasses, and from a proper facility, not ordering online next time.

Kathy the COVID only nurse from Aurora has been very helpful.

Bob is feeling better but coughing a lot!

Monday 9/28/2020 (My parents' wedding anniversary 9/28/1946)

I feel 90% better today, human!  My vision has improved!  Dealt with a few things around here this morning.  Just a little tired and out of breath when I walk fast around here or try to do something a bit physical.  Otherwise, I can taste food a bit now, no fever, very little cough, no nausea, very few aches and pains, no headache.  Hip Hip Hurray!  Haven't had a fever since Sunday evening 9/20/2020.

Received a box of 5 dinners from Freshly, gift from Pat P. and Emma.  What a joy~~~  Just pop in the microwave, healthy suppers, so fun.  I also had it in me today to make peach cobbler out of little plastic lunch size diced peaches that the Roeders gave us because they don't like them (from school lunches).  Bob loved it and I had to admit I enjoyed it also, with a little vanilla ice cream. 

Tuesday 9/29/2020

I feel 95% human today - that's amazing.  No nap needed, diced fresh garden green peppers for the freezer, organized my canned jars to go into the basement, talked to a bill vendor and paid the bill, worked for at least 3 hours on my Fantasy football team - ok that is WAY too long!  Also drove to the post office, masked, and went inside to mail an envelope to Grandma Charlie.  Love checking things off my list.  Bob is still coughing, dry hacking, way too much.  Sometimes it's the little things in life~~~put new earrings in, hung up laundry for our closets, brought in the garbage cans from the road.  Shooting for feeling 100% tomorrow.  

Wednesday 9/30/2020

Well not 100% at all.  Woke up to bad lower back pain.  Tried ice, then heat, X strength Tylenol, nothing helped.  So back down to feeling 85% because it hurt all day long.  Ponder what caused this and finally thought maybe it's gas.  Of course googled it and it could be that.  Geesh, caused by what I'm eating or not eating?  We need groceries.

Thursday 10/2/2020

Bob got a regular flu shot at Walmart while picking up some meds. 

10/3-7/2020

Some days Bob goes outside and cuts the grass and trims.  Other days he just gets up late, eats, and sits in the den with the TV and plays solitaire on his phone.  He coughs so much that I always know where he is in our house.

 

But in the midst of everything, we still cook dinner every other night and this is Bob's first homemade lasagna.

And this is my first ever homemade frittata.  

 

 

We harvested many peppers this year, they are beautiful and Bob chops and spreads on a cookie sheet and freezes.  We have bags to use in our eggs and chili and other recipes all year long.

 

Thursday 10/8/2020

We had dentist appointments, but when I got there, he wouldn't work on us.  He asked if I had another test to make sure I'm not still positive, (that was not appropriate) but I told him Aurora and Mercy  wouldn't do that.  I had asked the nurses at both places about it and she said no, that as long as we have quarantined (I did for over 3 weeks) and then were symptom free of fevers etc., that we could continue our public lives by wearing masks, social distancing, being safe by not going to bars etc., and washing diligently.  If we were tested again, it would show that we still had COVID because some dead DNA, or whatever it's called, is still in our system being absorbed.  We are not contagious, but test would show we still have it.  But our dentist is an older small town guy, and doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the more modern facilities have.  So we postponed our appointments for another month.

Friday 10/9/2020

Bob's birthday and he is still coughing a lot.  Should I call his doctor since he won't?  I did call and they were very nice and prescribed a different inhaler and some cough pills.  We went for a walk in the Southern Kettles because it was a beautiful day. Must admit, darn it, we did stop for a really early supper at Fork In The Road because they had outside dining in the back, just a few tables spread apart, wait staff in masks, weather perfect.  We felt so guilty the entire  time, but we did enjoy a great supper and toasted his birthday.

It was a nice hike.  Bob did over 4 miles and I only did about 1 1/2 due to my left knee.

Wednesday 10/14/2020

He is coughing less and less, has energy and no other symptoms.

Friday 10/16/2020

I saw my regular doc for a checkup, got an EKG and got the heavy duty regular flu shot.

Tuesday 10/2/2020 

Bob was able to go to the dentist and get his front tooth repaired.

Friday 10/23/2020

He is still coughing a little bit, but taking his prescriptions and running that humidifier.  I still feel 100%.  Thank You!

10/28/2020

Bob's cough is minimal.  He drove me to St. Luke's for an appointment with my ortho surgeon who did my right knee replacement.  My left knee has been bothering me more and more lately.  So yes, after an MRI it shoes a really messed up knee.  Surgery is all he can recommend, no alternatives suggested.  He gave me a cortisone shot and now I must schedule surgery for at least 3 months after the shot.  

Guess I should schedule it for the end of January as we are all staying home anyway. 

And, we got a new desktop computer today from Milwaukee PC in Waukesha.  Ahhhhhh they copied everything over and it doesn't have that loud fan noise any longer. 

11/1/2020

Bob's cough is literally gone, knock on wood.

So I think I'm going to stop this COVID blog soon, with just a few general comments.  And we wonder if we are now immune or if we could get it again, no one knows.

I was told by a few people that once the election is over, that the whole COVID thing will be over too.  That it's all political.  But no!  It's real and people will continue to get it, give it to other people, have to go to the hospital, and die.  It's not just political, it's REAL!  It's worse than ever right now in Wisconsin and many other places.

11/8/2020

Al Kohls posted this on Facebook:

"I am making this post so it will show back up as a future memory on my timeline: Today is four days after the 2020 election. Gasoline is currently $1.80-2.10 per gallon. Interest rates are 2.65% for a 30 year mortgage. The stock market closed at 27,848, even though we have been fighting COVID for 9 months. Our GDP growth for the 3rd Qtr was 33%. We had the best economy ever until COVID and it is recovering well. We have not had any new wars or conflicts in the last 4 years. North Korea has been under control and has not been testing any missiles. Isis has not been heard from for over 3 years. The housing market is the strongest in over 20 years. Homes have appreciated at an unbelievable rate and sell within hours of going on the market, with multiple offers. I hope our new leadership can build on these things and can keep them going, but if I were a betting person I would bet that the only place we will see these results will be in this post. (Copied)

Keep a copy to compare later. 11-7-2020

We will compare this time next year!"

So I printed this off for myself along with our current investment totals.   

11/14/2020

COVID 19 is NOT over, it's bombarding Wisconsin right now.  Most schools are going virtual until sometime in January 2021.  The election DID NOT stop this pandemic in any way.  Bob and I canceled a couple more things and are staying home as much as possible, per Governor Evers' suggested proclamation this week.

---

50 years from now, I won't be alive.  But what I'd tell people about the pandemic is this:  wear masks right away, social distance right away, and respect direction from top people right away.  New habits I formed was to enjoy our yard, gardens, and eat healthy. It was extremely special to watch our plants, trees, bushes and ferns grow and mature.  Like we just sat and were amazed daily at how they changed.  We left our bird feeder up all year and turned our kitchen table so we could see the birds better.   Communicated with friends and family in ways other than in person.  Screen time definitely increased twofold. Zoom helped stay in touch with family and friends.  Loved playing Hearts online with family members.  Bob and I cook supper every other night.  Bob usually gets groceries with his mask on and I wipe things down when he gets home with it.  There are shortages of some things - toilet paper and wipes at first and things like tapioca and rice later on.  When we leave our home we had masks with us at all times.  We only tried to enjoy take out food, or outdoor seating restaurants.  We enjoy hiking different parks because we have spare time to do that now.  In the winter, Bob did more puzzles, I cleaned drawers and closets and went through old photos.  Our kids were on top of us constantly while Bob and I had COVID, checking in with us daily and asking lots of questions.  Most of everyone in our families do not feel invincible.  I personally have no patience for those who think masks are a joke.  Our hair did grow too long while we waited until it was safe to get hair cuts.  Bob looked like a 60's guy and mine was just a mess.  I stopped writing friendly emails to some friends because nothing changed and there was no news to share, except to complain about things.  We craved our friends and relatives to the max.  I craved playing cards, dominoes or games in general.  The holidays were very different.  They ran out of hams at Easter time. Obviously I kept reading and listening to books.

59.  The Housekeeper by Natalie Barelli (another nail biter)

60.  The Last Flight by Julie Clark (I could not stop reading this one!)

61.  The Guest List by Lucy Foley (recommended by Pat P. a true "whodunit"?)

62.  Unbroken Threads by Jennifer Klepper (slow start, but then interesting re: Syrian refugees)

63.  Labor Day by Joyce Maynard (I loved it, a short book)

64.  The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult (Hard start for me [Egypt], but then of course  hooked.)

65.   The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (recommended by Liz). Listened to it and enjoyed it lots.

66.  Breath by James Nestor (recommended by Greg).  After I read half of it, Greg said I could stop.  Very interesting NF about breathing (though the nose instead of the mouth).

67.  The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty (Betty G. book club selection).  Lots of characters and slow read for me, until the end.

68.  I'll Be Seeing You by Elizabeth Berg.  Well, I absolutely loved every word of this memoir, nonfiction book.  Finished it in less than a day, doing nothing else fun in between normal life (no TV, outside, etc.).  Just sat down and embraced her every word.

PS: I received this email from a very good friend today 11/14/2020 and post it here for a reality check:

"So glad to hear from you Barb.  I've been meaning to write.  Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, ugh.  People who won't stay home and won't wear masks. 

So, Chris and Jackie have COVID.  They've been home a week now.  Christopher was fine one day and lost his taste and smell the next and has cold symptoms. Jackie just has cold symptoms but both tested positive while Sebastian is negative and they are not snuggling, etc.  They both are working some from home and have to stay home 14 days. C says that if his taste/smell isn't back, he has to have a doc excuse to go back to work.  Jackie's dad had a heart attack the day after they were tested and had 3 stents put in. He's doing ok, but C told me today now he has COVID. 

My sister's boyfriend has not been so lucky 3 trips to the ER, IV fluids, pneumonia.  He is down and out. His pneumonia is finally better and he finally ate something yesterday. He's 65 and this is his 4th week being sick. My sister tested 2 x, negative.  Her son had COVID as well.

One of the girls I went to HS with lost her husband this week to COVID. I have not seen her for years but my sister and even my dad do and they live in Clinton. He was at the clinic getting tested when my sister did and a week later he was dead.  This is no joke and not political.  God help us all. I think we are much worse than we were when we were on lockdown and were told to stay home.  Every day at school we contract trace and send more home. It amazes me the people who send their kids to school and they are positive!  How STUPID.  I had 7 teachers out today, not all COVID-related, but we aren't letting subs in the building and it's hard on everyone who is constantly filling in for others.

My dad's phone needs updating and I don't want to be around him. He goes everywhere and I am in the cesspool of germs.

I booked flights in Feb for AZ, but we will see. Geoff's sister and husband were here last weekend and we did not go see them or get together. They flew home for the other sister's 70th birthday. I did not go to the party they had the weekend before either. They were going to have 20 people in an 1100 square foot house. I said I didn't feel comfortable coming and I hoped they understood. You are not supposed to gather with people outside of your home.  I know it is hard because it is family. I am so disappointed in people in general who care nothing for other people and refuse to wear masks or social distance. It's not about your rights, it's about doing what is right for mankind.

RANT OVER.  Thx for listening.

It's our anniversary today. We were going to get take out, but places are packed on Fridays so we are going to get food from Someplace Else tomorrow at the odds mid-afternoon time. I will get a salad and Geoff wants pot pie so I think I can buy one not cooked and bring it home. 

I had a check up a month ago and then started feeling funny in the female area (ha!) a couple of days ago.  So I called the doc and of course, I had to go in and get ANOTHER pap smear. Gross!  Ends up the start of a UTI.  I knew all I had to do was pee in a cup, but noooooo.  Anywhoo, my PA is retiring and she wasn't there this week so I saw a new DOC, Brigette Kampman and I really liked her so I asked if she would take me on. I need to schedule a bone density exam.  My hips have been hurting.  They did xray one, and it had a bit of wear, but not much. She thought maybe I had more like bursitis. I stand all day and it's fine, it's when I sit at night is when I get to hurting. Exercising helps.

My dad is doing well. He has found a "companion." She is a widow and has lived in the area as long as he has. She is 76 and we went to school with their kids. Nice family. They go for rides and lunch, etc. And visit at each other's homes. I am glad he found someone to do something with.

I can't wrap my head around Christmas. I will get something for Sebastian and not sure what to do for Jackie and C yet.  They've been working on projects being home together. I got a picture of their office set up, and they cleaned and organized the laundry/back room and basement. 

Work is going okay. I can't believe these kids are doing sports, especially wrestling.We only allow 2 tickets per family into the games and we didn't even have our last football game because the other team was out with COVID.

I hope your families are doing well. Geoff has been on vacation last week, this week, and next week.  He has been leaving at 7 and getting home about 9 or 10 so I have not seen him at all. He watches TV in the basement. He makes a great roommate because he's hardly ever here (ha, ha).

My niece is AZ is due on 11/27. Scary bringing a baby into this stuff right now.

Take care my friends. I hope someday we can get together and maybe even do another trip. Keep in touch, even if it's a rant or rambling.  It's always great to hear from you two!  

Cori, my pilot friend is doing well. She was getting her flight physical this week and will be going back to train on a different airplane. She hopes to fly soon.  I have not seen her either, but I text her each week to check up on her.  I haven't seen my friends I went to AZ with since then, which has been a month already.  Chellie, is aging.  She is having trouble with her knees. She works 4 nights at Duesterbeck's Brewery and works sporting events at school.  She is constantly working. I think she is trying to build up to retire. She is taking off a day in Dec and didn't say why (which she usually does) and I think she is going to see about her retirement. It will be a sad day when she is no longer at school  I can't see her retiring because she hates to be home. She will likely continue working part-time and different jobs. It scares me that she works the brewery because she is around people who aren't wearing masks and then comes to school. Our desks are a bit apart, but we share all the equipment and space all day.  

Have an awesome weekend!"

 

 

 

 

 

Grandchildren...August 20, 2020 and continuing on...

So there you have it!  We probably all cook and serve them the wrong way, but hey, there's nothing like a Johnsonville Bratwurst, forever...I had to develop a taste for them after we were married.  Then especially, when we moved to Sheboygan, and darned if they don't have a Bat Fry somewhere outside YEAR AROUND. 

Trying Randy's brine above.

Pickled beets from our garden, using Grandma Laverne's recipe, via Virginia.

Salsa.

Bob's watermelon plant at the garden plot, still growing.  It has seeds, but was delicious.

Can you see the cantaloupe?  They are/were amazingly delicious.

Refrigerator Pickles.

Waiting on the porch, and many yet to pick in the garden plot.  Delicious!

 

The Doorway Effect - Phenomenon 

Greg mentioned it to me this week, so I researched.  Yep, it's what happens to me every single day, I forget what I was going to get or do, and we have lots of doors or doorways in our home.

 

Well this is what I get for asking Sydney some questions via snail mail.  She responds with questions for me.  These were at Uncle Greg, Aunt Liz, and Syd's parents' prompting, except I was told that Sydney thought of the very first question herself. 

Who is your favorite grand child?

Charley is my favorite because he is my first and he always loves to come to our house. When he was small, he would run to see me when I first arrived and give me a big hug.  When he was two, he and I tried lamely to manipulate the Wroblewski's can opener.  He sat on the kitchen counter and I stood next to him and we worked on it for a long time, we both looked so sadly at each other, because we failed.  He would come home from school and say many "Mom, you know what?" statements.  

But ooops, no, Henry is my favorite because he's quiet, and so helpful, likes to fish, and always is the first to say "Hi Grandma" out loud when we get together.  He is the grandchild who is most excited about Christmas.  He's a great bike rider.  He loves potato chips!!! 

Oh no, though, Eli is my favorite because he had to stay in the hospital awhile after he was first born, in the ICU.  He grew into a boy who loved to play with trains, and then loved dinosaurs, and reading (he finished the Harry Potter books before me), catching frogs and other critters, and building Legos too fast.  He is a whiz at math.

 But then I thought again, and have to say, Sydney is my favorite grand child because she is a pretty GIRL and also not a boy 😀.  She is a beautiful dancer, loves some of her dolls, keeps up with the boys, fibs with the best face I've ever seen, is learning to cook and sew, and is a great swimmer.  She is full of spunk and is a whiz at slime.

Wrong, it has to be Hughie who is my favorite grand child.  He is so easy to be with as he talks a blue streak.  He enjoys life to the fullest like no other boy I've ever seen.  He has great dance moves, loves to read graphic novels, and remembers facts and people for a long time.  He learned to play dominoes and then recited the rules verbatim out loud and blew me away.  He wonders about many things and might be an inventor when he grows up.

Oh my goodness, no it's Crosby who is my favorite. He could bounce a ball for many counts before he was 2!  He is into sports and I can't wait to sit in the stands and watch whichever one he plays.  He is good at everything and keeps up with his brothers.  He enjoys napping, like his mom.

But wrong again, it has to be Ellery who is my favorite because he has curly hair and reminds me of  his father (Greg) when he was a boy.  He is the best FaceTimer of all the grand children, so we get to talk to him more often and he is a very verbal fellow who loves diggers and playing outside.  He sure enjoyed his Grandpa Bob's little red convertible and tooting its horn. when he visited.

Now maybe, just maybe, there will be another grand child born, and if so it will be my favorite because it will probably be my last, so very special, and no doubt I will spoil him or her the best chance I get.  .

That was only my answer to question one.  I'll come back later for the other questions.

 

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."  Angela Schwindt

My biggest accomplishment will never be money. It'll be who I raised.  It was my only job for awhile and then I worked part time.  Love our three kids so much and am proud of each one of them.  They are loved by their spouses and family, what more could a person ever wish for?

 

46.  Second Skin by Christian White (an Audible I enjoyed).

47.  Alone With The Stars by David R. Gillham (Audible original re: Amelia Earhart)

48.  Certain Woman of an Age by Margaret Trudeau (another Audible original)

49.  Luster by Raven Leilani (It was on a bestseller list so I downloaded it for an Audible listen, and I didn't really care for the story, but I finished it anyway.)

50.  The New Husband by D. J. Palmer (a suspenseful thriller that kept me awake.  I will try this author again.)

51.  Girl Underwater by Claire Kells (I loved it)

52.  Where the Missing Go by Emma Rowley (good)

53.  Summer a Hideaway Key by Barbara Davis (a nice read, typical women's fiction)

54.  Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb (kind of unbelievable, hard for me to get into, but well written)

COVID continues

From an article in The Atlantic:

By funneling our anxieties into empty cleaning rituals, we lose focus on the more common modes of COVID-19 transmission and the most crucial policies to stop this plague. “My point is not to relax, but rather to focus on what matters and what works,” Goldman said. “Masks, social distancing, and moving activities outdoors. That’s it. That’s how we protect ourselves. That’s how we beat this thing.”

"Take a break", I am!  And it makes me think, think, think too much!  ...what is important...I have an emptiness in my stomach and heart, like I'm hungry for social or restaurants or anything normal...I fear it will never ever be the same again...I fear for the future of school for kids...I really fear for the amazing teachers out there who must change up their methods coming this Fall.  I am reading more, enjoy that...I'm biking the neighborhood more, enjoy that...Making new recipes, enjoy that...keeping up with our harvest this year so far, enjoy that...Bob won't wear a mask in public as often as I do, so I worry about that...Are we strong enough to beat COVID if we test positive, I worry about that...I want to get togetherwith friends, make plans but then I cancel my thoughts and chicken out...What is right and what is wrong?  I put on a necklace the other day, hadn't touched my jewelry since our 50th wedding anniversary.  My makeup sits dormant almost every single day also.  I think I want to get one of those "instashields", plastic like visor that hooks onto a cap and comes down over the nose and mouth without touching them.  I fall apart more easily these days, while at the same time appreciating so much.We can't go to a bar, or church, or a restaurant and eat inside...There are no concerts with many people in attendance.  Now they canceled Fall Badger Football and will return ticket holders' their money.  Bob can still go fishing with a friend for an entire day and sit in the boat with the wind blowing, fishing, or daydreaming, looking at the big houses on the lake or other boats.  One of my silly greatest joys these days is playing Hearts online with our kids.  It's all quiet, sitting in my recliner, game moves quickly and we all try so hard to win.

39. The Suspect by Fiona Barton (Raina, Betty G & I read up at cottage 2020.  Tense thriller that I loved)
40. The Mountain and the Sea by Kwame Dawes (an Audible original, island widow found naked black man on the road)
41. Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (I loved it!)
42. Ruthless River by Holly FitzGerald (a true adventure to the max, loved it)

43. All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin (I enjoy this author and chose this book for Racy Readers) 

44. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell.  A slow start but then grabbed me hard.  Have to say I loved it. 

45. The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin, enjoying but a slow read.

Mari sent me a box of books she has read and enjoyed.  It was like an amazing gift and joy to receive this.  In it was another book by Emily Giffin "Heart of the Matter".  So for 2020, I may have to say that this is my favorite author of the year. 

I loved this text from my friend Sharon.

"At my library for my 11:00 reservation.  As exciting as finding a Cabbage Patch doll!" 

(Then she shows me a pix of several books she had reserved and was picking up for Jim and herself and their trip out to visit Lauren.)

 
" Taking fewer clothes to Lauren's and more books :-)   Gave me a lump in my throat to be there at the library.  Better than any restaurant!"

Then another couple of texts from Raina.

First a pix of all the 6 books she's bringing up North to Conover as well as a pile for the boys.

"Sooooo excited.  Just read all my book covers to Andy hahahahah.  It was so fun.  Then I asked which one he'd read first.  And told him how exciting a pile of books is.  He picked "The Playground". 

That's a thriller.

Raina grew up loving the library from early on and I can still picture her sitting on one of our couches in Sheboygan surrounded by books, or that big 'ol brown recliner too, books galore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gary and Mary visited us last week and it was so good to just beeeeeeeeeeee with someone to chat with, hang out with, drink and eat with, play cards with.  Drove them to show our garden plot, the lakefront and boats and crazy people launching and taking out their boats, our cemetery, and a garden of my dreams in someone else's yard.  So that was a little social to last for awhile.  [Hey Mary & Lori, are you reading this blog post?  If so, why don't you comment?  Better yet, do you each have a blog and if so it's only fair that you would share the link with me, right?]

 

I want to age like sea glass.
Smoothed by tides,
but not broken.
I want my hard edges to soften.
I want to ride the waves
and go with the flow.
I want to catch a wave
and let it carry me
to where I belong.
I want to be picked up
and held gently by
those who delight in my
well earned patina and
appreciate the changes I went
through to achieve that beauty.
I want to enjoy the journey
and always remember that if
you give the ocean something
breakable it will turn it into
something beautiful.
I want to age like sea glass.

~ Bernadette Noll ~

Quarantine 2020 and what it means for us...

 In a time of destruction, create something.
— Maxine Hong Kingston

Some excerpts from When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan:

 "To Do:
1.  Spend more quality time with your children.
2.  Spread goodness.
3.  Execute numbers 1 and 2 without getting a brain tumor."

"Remember that people are more valuable than accomplishments."



On February 21st we returned from a fantastic 17 night cruise through the Panama Canal, from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.  Bob and I were both ill though, he with a virus type cold and cough and me with acute bronchitis..  We were diagnosed on the ship toward the end of our cruise.  So when we first got home, we had to lay low and get better and it took me two more trips to the doctor here in Walworth County and 2 more antibiotic prescriptions to shake it.  My ribs were so sore from coughing hard.

Then the beginning of March things started to happen in our United States.  People were slowly coming down with Coronavirus especially if they'd been traveling in Europe or other countries or even just passing through airports.  Schools closed, first for a couple of weeks but then indefinitely.

Mid March was the end of normal life.  We were told to stay 6 feet apart from each other and no more than 10 should gather in one area together.  No hugging or shaking of hands.  Then March Madness was canceled.  We were being told to wash our hands better and more often.  Churches stopped having services.

Then the order came to stay home from March 23 to April 24th.  Bars and restaurants closed except for take out food or delivery of food.  More and more masks were being worn all over the world.  President Trump is on TV every day talking about this and answering questions from the Press.  Our Sentry store is open from 6-7 am just for seniors.

People started having game nights.

Then Zoom gatherings.

Then worrying about each other, so more phone calls.

"Health Benefits of Playing Games

Everyone knows that board games are fun and provide unplugged family time. But, did you know that games many games lower your blood pressure, grow you immune system, and strengthen your memory and cognitive skills? In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2003 linking the playing of board games to decreased incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Board games are also often used in therapy to build verbal and social skills. Doesn’t it feel good to play games?"

3/27/2020
Zoomed with our kids pm and played a game where we had to guess which celebrity or character we were.  It was fun and Bob gave me a very hard one "Olive Oil" from Popeye.  I failed to guess it.  I gave him Pioneer Woman/Ree Drummond and he guessed by question #10. Straightened out our spices that Bob messed up and cleaned underneath the kitchen sink.Bob made home made loaded baked potato soup and grilled cheese for supper.

3/28/2020
Started a 1,000 piece puzzle.  Finished binging on a couple of Netflix shows.  I made burgers for supper with frozen/thawed baked beans etc.  Texted and emailed.  Sent letters to grandchildren.


3/29/2020
Cleaned 2 cupboards and reorganized pans, platters and bowls.  Reorganized spices that Bob got all out of order.  Texted and emailed with kids and friends.  Made a new recipe of Amish Cinnamon Bread which was delicious and made the house smell so great.  Then roasted a turkey and made gravy, while Bob made potatoes and veggies to go with.  More great aromas in our home.

3/30/2020
Caught up on my blog a little, finished the book Winter in Paradise, made enchiladas for the first time, for supper.  Did one load of wash.  Sat outside in the lawn chair for a 1/2 hour.  Disinfected all of the groceries that Bob brought home from the store.  From the basement, put an old suitcase, bag of old papers, and black garbage bag of stuff out on the curb for garbage pick up tomorrow.  Watched TV and put 12 pieces into a 1,000 piece puzzle.  Texted and emailed with friends.  Bob went fishing on the piers.

Out of date order, but Bob made his first ever home made Apple Pie with homemade bottom crust and crumble top crust.  Delicious!

He also made yeast bread that turned out great. 

April consisted of staying home, watching the news, and hearing sad stories.  Did puzzles, watched too much TV,, but did go through several boxes of photos and organized my recipes.  Extended the stay at home rule to the end of May, but mid May Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that our Governor didn't have the right to close businesses so bars started to open and other businesses.  Unfortunately people stopped staying 6' apart and didn't wear masks.  They didn't practice safe measures.  This provided tons of anxiety (and I was very disturbed), plus the fact that so many tourists would pour into our county, especially with the nicer weather.  Each county it seemed was to decide on the stay home/open business rules.  Most people wear masks in stores, but also many do not!  I cringe at this.  I keep reading and listening to books.  Bob seems to like that nothing is on our calendar.  He fills his days with may things.  Going outside and working in the yard seems to be his favorite, besides walks in Kishwauketo or on the lake path.  He put air in my bike tires and I've gone on a couple of great rides in our neighborhood, I love it!

May 11, 2020  Chatted with Uncle Ed Roberts today.  He always makes me smile at what's going on in his life and this time tho he made 2 statements:  "This virus has brought our world to its knees" and
"I think China did it on purpose, they don't respect life or care how many of their own they lose".  WOW

Bob planting in our garden plot.

My strawberry/rhubarb pie.

Ate outside six times in May.

Our magnolia bushes are crazy beautiful this year, or did I just notice for the first time?

Bob has been experimenting on lots of new recipes. Love it.

Lo Mein Chicken.

21.  The Retreat by Mark Edwards (a horror story)
22.  Little White Lives by Philippa East (I read it quickly - girl missing for 7 years)
23.  What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand (2nd in a trilogy and a fun read)
24.  Fingersmith by Sarah Walters (old book, long, liked it a lot)
25.  Wingshooters by Nina Revoyr (Kathy Kolbe read on cruise, very good, but sad)
26.  When Life Gives you Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan NF (recommended by Kathy Larabee.  A very moving book that touched my heart and soul and was very good for my current anxiety in life)
27.  The Other Daughter by Lisa Gardner (her books are all good)
28.   If You Lived Here You'd Be Home By Now by Christopher Ingraham NF (family relocates to small town in upper Minnesota from Baltimore)
29.  China Star by Maurice Medland (Interesting about subs, boats, and China wanting to attack)
30.  The Getaway by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen (An Audible Original so shorter & scary)
31.  The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley (timely pandemic topic but published years ago, suspense for  sure.  Good.)
32.  The Silent Daughter by Claire Amarti, just ok
33.  Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand (Joy's choice, very good)
34.  The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica (I loved this thriller, but then I'm a sap for them.)
35.  Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain (loved this story about 2 women and a mural).
36.  You Can't Catch Me by Caterhine McKenzie (2020 thriller I enjoyed, but not theend)
37.  American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins (very good and moving, but a hard to the heart story)
38.  Stories from the Tenth-Floor Clinic by Marianna Crane (interesting)
39/  Tell Me Lies by J.P. Pomare (good but an Audible original)

My favorite author, Elizabeth Berg, posted this on her Facebook page today, 5/25/2020 Memorial Day:

" I zoomed with some friends yesterday, and naturally the "How are you doing?" question came up with the kind of earnestness that question carries with it these days. Silver linings, we talked about at one point. It helps to remember them.
Here's one: Yesterday, I was out walking and I saw a cardinal land on top of chimney and start going through his repertoire like a feathered jukebox. I tried whistling back to small effect. Well, to no effect, if you must know.
It was lovely, standing there listening to him and knowing that I could do that, that there was no invisible hand pushing on my back, exhorting me to hurry, hurry, hurry along. It's funny; it's only now that that sense of urgency is gone that I realize how much it was there. I was always in a hurry. If there is any lesson I hope I can keep from having been through this, it's the worth of slowing down. It's how a human can become like a flower, releasing the tightness of the bud into the loose glory of the blossom.
That bird sang and sang, and then he suddenly lifted off and flew right over my head and I got to see his underbelly like he was a little airplane. I watched him in flight for as long as I could, and then I started walking again, wondering how much the Wright Brothers owed avians. I also thought about a composer I read about who transposed notes from birds right into his compositions. Maybe a lot of composers did that. And there are the birds with no royalty checks in their mailboxes. But of course they are smarter than we and they don't care about money. In gifting others, they gift themselves. Sometimes I think they know it, too, all of them with their puffed-out chests, singing.
I see that the pink peonies have opened in my garden, those hussies. I can't wait to bring them inside. If it wouldn't kill them, I'd fill their vases with champagne. "

She expresses how I'm feeling this spring/summer.  I'm noticing all of our bushes and ferns and trees blooming, blossoming and growing to their hearts' content.  We are always gone this weekend Bob said.  The birds are crazy and we saw orioles twice, and some are living our bird house too.  The cardinals are singing tunes.  We rode past our beach and boat launch.  A policeman is monitoring traffic so that BIG boats being pulled behind big vehicles don't just park in the bike lane on the side of the road waiting their turn to launch.  Our bay was mobbed with party boats and others in the water, people just just sitting there embracing everything in life, whether wet or dry.  There is an urgency in these boat people...hurry, hurry to enjoyment.

May 2020
After my positive comment on "Will" Navis' Facebook post about the coronavirus, I called him Bill.  Someone else asked "did she call you "Bill"?.  His reply:

"

Will Navis Tim Linton Mrs. Schneider (out of respect I will never be able to address her by her first name) has known me since I was 5 or 6 years old, maybe longer. She's seen me at my best and my worst, heard me praised and scolded, fed me more times than I can possibly remember, and put up with my bullshit with grace. Her son was my best friend growing up, and while life has led us away from one another, I will always consider Greg Schneider-Bateman a brother. She can call me whatever the hell she wants.  "

OK, it's July 7, 2020 and I'm going to end this post and start a new one.  This is too long.  COVID is still heavy on our hearts and minds and so many things continue to be canceled.  NFL and college football schedules are hanging by a thread with the possibility of no fans n attendance.

I will end with my text back to the kids after the 4th of July weekend when we all hoped we were safe.  "You are all doing fine.  Yesterday dad and I were so hot, stir crazy and down.  We took a ride finally in the A/C Audi to Sharon, about 15 minutes away.  Drove thru farm country to this small town that has an amazing ice cream shop.  People lined up distantly and employees came out to take orders.  My supper was a kid size hot fudge sundae and dad had a strawberry shake.  Then popcorn later.  It's hard for all of us and we are all making good decisions to stay safe, happy and sane.  Bonus, we have some very happy grandchildren these days."

"Mom's" Memories

Following are some blurbs from letters that I wrote to John & Mari about our kids.  They love/loved our kids very much and loved hearing about everything and anything.  Good friends  :-)

Sarah, Greg & Raina, please forgive me if you don't like some of these words, I've always loved you three so much and treasure our relationships still.

I may have posted this before, and I'm sorry if I did, thus it could be a repeat.
Love, Mom

"10/31/86  Happy Halloween - Raina is eating waffles and just said: 'Gosh, John sent me 3 letters and I only sent him 2.  I don't think he likes his new house because he only sends pictures of everything else'."

"11/86  Raina wants to know if there are Chinese people in heaven.  And what does the gerbil do up in heaven (he died).  Also - why can grownups do everything better than kids???"

"1/29/87  Hi - So we're sitting around today - canceled afternoon kindergarten because of blowing snow storm - Raina cried - now what should she do?!  So we read a story together; fold sox (she's great at folding them into balls); play a new game called Stratego (new to Raina); and out of the blue Raina says 'Mom, do you think it's anybody's birthday today?'  I say - 'I don't think so' and I check the calendar and sure enough - I say 'how did you know? It's John's!'  So she says, 'well, I'll have to write him a card'.  Sorry it's late but she thought of you on your day anyway.  When I told Bob about this and wondered why she thought it might be someone's birthday, Bob suggested that Raina, since a young age, has been conditioned to having cake and ice-cream celebrations and subconsciously is missing these."

"8/87  Raina says (after asking what the Kendricks will name their new baby) 'what happens if you plan to name him Jimmy but he looks like a Todd?' Later that same day Raina says 'since we have so much work or business to do at home maybe we should just move.'  We had been talking about things like wallpapering, painting the house, a huge bees nest that we'll need an exterminator for etc."

"8/87  Sarah's friend Amy (from Minnesota) came to spend a week.  She's just that much more mature to make Sarah seem younger.  Amy is into soap operas, movie star magazines, seeing most PG-13 movies with her folks, and talking about boys and who's going with who.  We're glad Sarah is Sarah - she'll grow up fast enough.  Sarah lately has been into riding her used 10-speed bike, swimming and reading ~ and still playing house and school.  I did take the Girls to see the movie LaBamba which we all enjoyed and it opened Sarah's eyes on life a bit."

"8/87  Greg doesn't seem to keep any fat on his body even though he eats.  I guess it's because he is always on the move.  Rob would be proud of his 'ol friend Greg on his skateboard ~ of course his knees are interesting looking too."

"March 1988  Driving in the car one day, Greg said: 'If I had one wish in the world it would be that our whole family would live forever.'

"March 1988  Raina came skipping in the house from school one day, convinced that we had a new puppy!  She said 'I know we have a dog or puppy Mom, I just know it, where is it, there's dog poop out in the driveway, so we must have one.'  Getting a dog is one of Raina's big wishes these days."

"March 1988   Sarah is very logical these days.  After Greg requested we get a magician for his birthday -- one that we saw at his Cub Scout blue and gold awards night -- Sarah comments:  'now why would the boys want to see him again after just seeing him at that Cub Scout thing?'  OR one morning while I am taking off all the labels of our Campbell's soup cans (Raina's school collects them for free items and she couldn't see why we must wait to eat the soup to take the labels off, why not write on the can what kind of soup it is)  -- Sarah states: 'I hope you're awake Mom and don't mix them up while you do this.'

"5/88   Now -- speaking of Raina -- she came home the other day (this may be a part you'll have to rip out of your keeping file if you're really doing it)  saying the world was going to end on May 14th -- the Russians were going to bomb us and what were we to do?  I of course remember some of John's statements and passed on to her that it was no problem, we'd all be gone together so don't worry.  But -- she says: 'But MOM! I WANT TO HAVE SOME BABIES.'  She moved me."

"Jan. 1992  I knew I wouldn't stick to handwriting ... always want to say a lot quickly and it's just much easier to sit down at the keyboard.  Thought I'd dump about the kids for awhile since you asked about them.

Raina is ready to blossom but doesn't want to really.  She is popular at school with the girls but has a problem that some of her friends like boys and the feelings are mutual and Raina thinks no boy will ever like her.  I discovered this one night when I saw her putting a worry doll under her pillow and I asked what was wrong.  She carries around a picture of the TV/music star Will Smith (star of the TV show Fresh Prince of Bellaire) and tells all of her friends that he is who she likes.  Her locker and bedroom walls are also full of pictures of him (a handsome black fellow in case you don't know).  The phone is always ringing for Raina and some friend or another wants to do something with her.  It seems she is nice, tactful and fun to be with.  She is not taking any dance lessons this year because no one else wanted to and she didn't want to do it alone.  So far so good with the trombone.  Raina plays some sports.  Her very favorite thing in the entire world is reading.  She reads before she goes to sleep, when she gets up and any other time possible.  She still enjoys reading out loud and loves to go to the book store and library -- especially the bookmobile where the ladies are extra nice and discuss books with her.  Raina does everything in a rush.  I wish so that she would slow down just a bit so that things would be done just a bit better.  She gets a great report card and all the teachers love her.  What can I say?  I'm not bragging, but I know that you guys wonder about the kids and know them pretty well yourselves and I think you're really interested -- otherwise I wouldn't type this.  Raina stands up for herself with Greg and Sarah and sasses right back at them -- but also tattles which drives them nuts.  She's our best letter writer and keeps a very comfortable MESSY bedroom. 

With Raina this year we went thru the big question about whether Santa was real or was it us.  It was hard.  She doesn't want to believe that it's us.  She and I hugged a lot and Sarah tried to butt in and say things like -- 'oh Raina, don't worry, Christmas will still be special' etc. etc.  I tried to be gentle about it all.  Santa still came with a bang and Raina can't imagine that her parents could afford all of that.  See we always gave the kids each a gift too so it was hard for them to figure out.

Do you still have that goofy file I once talked about where I asked you to keep info about the kids?  Maybe someday this will all be interesting to them.

Greg is a typical middle school boy whose feet are too big for his body!  He's ready to blow up one minute and friendly the next but always an air head.  Can't remember most things and never really knows what's going on or what's supposed to happen next.  This week he has a concert.  I had this on my calendar and asked him about it and he said he didn't know a thing about it and didn't think there was one (he plays baritone in band mind you!)  So I called the school just to check if there really was a concert and yes, there is one Thursday night.  So Tuesday night he comes home with the info.  Now when the rest of the class found out Greg must have been in La La Land.  He didn't realize that they've been practicing songs for this concert.  Now what gets me is that when we get there he'll do just fine and be very proud.  Life is a roller coaster.  You guys can quit laughing right now.  I think you asked about the kids so you can laugh at us and say 'I told you so'.  Oh well.  So we must go thru this.   Hopefully we'll stay on top of things, not give up and end up all sane.  Greg doesn't want to put forth any extra effort in ANYTHING.  He only does what's necessary.  He doesn't want to stand out in front of any of his classmates as being too good of a student either so he has stopped participating and raising his hand.  He's heard kids call other kids school boy if they do that.  So his grades have gone down, his handwriting stinks and he does the minimum at the last minute.  BUT... HIS FEET MUST ALWAYS LOOK GOOD!  The most important thing in life is all shoes.  It's what the biggest topic of discussion in life is all about.  No kidding!  Greg is also very understanding and doesn't like kids who tattle or act hot or two faced.  He can see things in certain kids now and it's sort of neat to see him understand what's really going on.  He has a girlfriend ... Katie.  When he was in 6th grade a lot of girls liked him and asked him to dance at  dances.  Then he sort of stuck with Katie and now none of the other girls bother him.  They just write notes and talk on the phone, etc.  But it's sort of cute.  They exchanged Christmas gifts and Greg had the hardest time trying to decide what to get her -- ended up with a stuffed Donald Duck.  She gave him 3 singles on cassette tapes.  As the kids say, they are going together but there is really no going involved.

Greg still plays basketball, baseball, soccer and tennis.  He likes tennis best and I think that's because he's an individual competitor versus a team person, at least right now.  He's in boy scouts and it's a very good troop but sometimes I think Greg would chuck that too.  He always has a good time on the outings though.  This Christmas I enjoyed one statement he made and maybe if I put it down on paper I'll remember it.  About December 15th, when things are really hectic and he has none of his gifts yet and what he does have he hasn't wrapped, he states:  'Oh, I just hate Christmas.  Let's see though, it's only 10 days until Christmas. Oh, I can't wait!'

One more paragraph about Greg before I go on.  Just so you know I'm not just bragging here ..... he has a terrible temper and can't stand losing.  Sometimes something is built up inside him and he takes it out on us -- any family member.  Are these his hormones??  I'm assuming it is and that when he's oh maybe 21, that he won't be like this anymore.  It is hard to kick back and let him grow up.

Sarah's knows everything and knew even more when she was a freshman!  I mean, 'did you realize that there was this stuff out there that you could put on your legs that would take the hair off so that you wouldn't have to shave?'  Even though I said what any mother would, she had to try it.  She doesn't wear sox most of the time and her dad has about had it, but he's pretty good about it and says that as long as she has a pair in her back pack in case of emergencies, then it's ok.  However, I wonder if she really does have a pair in her backpack.  Sarah would rather look just right than be warm.

She's really a pretty good kid though.  She continues to work hard in school but doesn't always test out the greatest.  So the college she attends will be on grade point average and not on SAT test scores.  This year she is taking English, Geometry, Biology, Gym, Band, German and Social Studies.  She takes private flute lessons but that still didn't help her test scores for this one test where he decides which chair you'll sit in.  So Sarah gets an A in band but sits in the second to last chair in the flute section.  The only way she could move up a chair was to challenge the next higher chair.  So she got up enough courage (she couldn't do this last year because she was a freshman) and challenged the younger girl next to her.  Mr. Conger gave them both a piece of music to practice for a week.  Then they both had to go into a room and one by one had to play it where he could hear but not see and then he had to determine who did the best job.  Well Sarah had no problem with that and of course played the best.  So she moved up a chair.  Then she decided to just keep on going and challenged the next girl too.  That girl was too scared even to attempt the challenge and just gave up her seat to Sarah.  So Sarah is moving up the flutes anyway -- and feeling pretty good about it too.  The band teacher is proud of her.  He himself can't understand what's wrong with her test scores.

Last summer Sarah passed a Lifeguarding class.  It was difficult -- and she did the physical part better than most kids in the class (because she was on the swim team).  But she had to take the written part twice.  She was very excited to pass this.  Maybe it will help her out when she goes to that Y camp to work this summer.  She also thinks she'd like to lifeguard someday.  Swim Team was great for Sarah this year.  She received an award at the end for most improved sophomore which she was proud of, especially because the kids themselves voted on it.  Sarah didn't win any events but better her times every meet.  She is probably going to go to a swim camp this summer and now she and a friend are going to Nautilus at the Y to work out a bit and try to get stronger for swimming, as recommended by the swim coaches.

The most exciting thing going on in Sarah's life right now is Driver's Education -- much to Bob's dismay!!!  He keeps asking 'when is Sarah's 16th birthday again?'  Wish us ALL luck!  So far she is just doing the classroom part.  Here in Sheboygan a person must take Driver's Education privately.  It costs $150 -- choke, choke!  Most of Sarah's friends have taken it already but we were sort of dragging our feet and hoping not to rush into this.  I know you are probably laughing again.

All in all Sarah and I get along pretty good.  She likes to come home and tell me everything about her day and she hangs around with a really nice bunch of girls this year.  Most are involved in one sport or another, play in the band or are cheerleaders or on the poms.  They are not the most popular bunch in school.  Some of them are starting to date but several aren't yet.  Boys is a very big topic of discussion though.  Since Sarah has that one date last summer under her belt, she's much more relaxed about the boy situation I think.  At least the girls all know that a cool boy liked her (he has since gone to college -- was a senior last year -- I don't remember if I told you all this already -- if not, they went to play tennis once last summer).

Sarah spends a lot of time in the bathroom which bothers several people in this house.  It must take an hour to get her hair just right and I can't seem to get her to move into her room after she's done with the wet part.

Sarah wants to experience lots of exciting things in life.  She's our only one who will ride all the rides at Great America.  Since going para sailing in Florida, now she talks about bunji (bungy?) cord jumping all the time.  She is going to try downhill skiing next Sunday with a bunch of girls, going with the church group.  She used to say she wanted to go to college in New Mexico but now she says she'll go to UW-Oshkosh, being more realistic, and she'll live in New Mexico or Colorado someday.  She really wanted to go over to Germany for 6 months and have a girl come here and we were all almost convinced it was actually going to happen.  We were even going to move bedrooms all around upstairs to make it work out.  All of a sudden though, lots of things entered Sarah's mind and she realized she couldn't do it (actually Bob and I were worried about the girl coming here part of it, but we didn't let on about that.)  Sarah instead wanted to: be confirmed with her class next year; take driver's education; go to a swim camp; and a few other smaller things.  She thinks she can go to Germany in some way, maybe in college.  Maybe this whole idea will pass too, who knows.

Sarah's room is usually a mess and she keeps her door closed but she's pretty good at cleaning it up when it's to her advantage.

Am running out of room.  Maybe in 10 years we can show these to the kids, but before that they'd probably kill me for telling you some of this."

	Well I can't seem to delete this table so I'm leaving it here, sorry

13.  Home by Harlan Coben
14.  How to Walk Away by Katherine Center (Book Babes, Jamie's choice) Very good
15.  The Girls with No Names by by Serena Burdick (enjoyed a lot)
16.  The Girl Thy Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos (Racy Readers, Lee's choice).  Very good!!!
17.  Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer.  I didn't like the subject matter (drug addiction) but wanted to see how it ended.
18.  City of Thieves by David Benioff (coming of age during WW2, in Russia & Germany - I loved this book and the friendship between 2 guys on a search for 1 dozen eggs)
19.  How The Light Gets In by Jolina Petersheim (takes place in Mennonite area in Wisconsin)
20.  Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand (a fun read, but a trilogy so have to wait for the next one now)