Monday, November 8

Absolutely beautiful day - balmy-like and they are promising 4-5 days of this wonderful stuff!!!    Mark and I had breakfast with the Monday Morning Friends and I took treats for Mark's birthday from the Grove Street Bakery (assorted cookies ).   Took baggies for everyone to load up and enjoy later...

Then off  to my eye doctor for follow-up from 2 weeks ago.    After putting 5 drops in each eye (that's heavy dilation), and thorough exam by technician and then the doctor, I was told  (same as 2 weeks ago) that the floaters are there along with a a saran-wrap type coating causing a film.    He feels that will go away eventually - rentina is A-OK.   However, there is still the inflammation and small yellowish nodules and not sure what this is about, but ruling out possible TB or Sarcoidosis.    He sent me to my regular doctor for TB test and blood work and should know within a few days if I have either of these conditions.  He is almost 99% sure I do NOT, but just checking!    He will call with the results and I'm to see him again on 12/20.
This was certainly an "eye-opening" experience (no pun intended)!!!

Eyes are a bit blurry and after lunch Mark drove me around for a few errands including a short visit with friend, Martha who had surgery last week.     Back home and hopped on our bikes and hit the trail - what a great ride on this very pretty day (71 degrees).    Should be a good week for some outdoor chores - washing windows, digging up the flowers, raking leaves and more bike riding (not a chore - ha)!

Dad's nursing home is still on lockdown and no idea when it will be lifted!    Mark and I had planned to take him to a doctor appointment Thursday, but that's iffy!    Glad he's feeling good today, though!

Eight of the Monday Night Friends met at Panera for supper and chatter - so much to talk about...new grandbaby for Tamara (oohing and aahing over pictures), our Adopt-a-Family shopping and gift wrapping, going to Arcola for High Tea and our Christmas gift exchange, etc.....and of course, where to meet and eat next week!

Mark was home enjoying  leftovers from his birthday dinner.

Birthday Sunday - November 7

Great day for a birthday - sunny, breezy and pleasant 60ish temperatures!

Happy Birthday, Mark

We went to 8:30 Mass, Bob Evans for breakfast, did a Wal-Mart run and then home.  Mark enjoyed phone calls from his kids/grandsons, his parents and my Dad.   Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor came for dinner (sweet & sour meatloaf, baked and sweet potates, salad, veggies, and rolls.    Mark requested chocolate mahogany cake (his Mom's recipe and great choice) w/ice cream.   

Grandpa and boys playing "Sorry" which Liam won. 

Helping Grandpa blow out his candles 

Opening cards and presents 

Grandpa and silly Liam

Hugs for Grandpa before going home!



Saturday, November 6

We enjoyed a nice day at home ALL day long.   I got a lot of stuff done around here....made 2 ice cream cake rolls, worked on pictures (they seem to be coming out of the woodwork?), the blankets and wrapped a few more gifts.

Speaking of the blankets - almost have 3 finished.   Drew is getting the Carolina Panthers; Davis, the Cubs; Brady, Thomas the Train; Liam, musical guitars and Connor, Curious George.

Oh, I forgot to mention yesterday that I picked up Connor from school and we went to the craft sale at Westminster Village.   He had fun buying Mommy's birthday gift and we also got cookies and donuts.    We didn't get to see our friend, Donna Rae, but did go upstairs where Miss Candy operates the grocery store and said "Hello".

Mark is taking it easy - reading fast and furious (we've both finished the first 2 Stieg Larsson books) and he is now into the 3rd.   I needed a break from all that suspense and mayhem, so reading something much lighter - gotta get a bit of "fou fou" in now and again!

Mark's cough is hanging on - we were told it could be 4 weeks or so....ugh!!!   Sure feel for him and his poor lungs...

Friday - November 5

Blustery day here - felt more like winter (sunny, but strong winds)!   Only got to 41.    I wrapped a bunch of gifts this morning.   Mark had cabin fever and wanted to get outta here, so we went to Schooner's for lunch and then Meijer's for groceries and piddlies.   Brought him home and I took off with my list and had really good luck buying more Christmas presents!

Dad is still sick with the flu and nursing home continues on lock-down!   Wishing you a nice weekend and enjoy that extra hour of sleep!

Thursday, November 4

Happy Birthday to my Aunt Marian and good friend, Barb.    Strange weather today...started out sunny and breezy (chilly), but after lunch the clouds looked so ominous and then had some rain and hail...then more sun.   But sky darkened up again and little more rain!

Mark's cough is better today - yesterday the windows were rattling and his hacking was echoing off the walls....hope that cough suppressant (Delsym) is really going to do the trick!  I can't imagine how irritated his lungs must be?    Still lots of flu at Dad's nursing home - he had a rough night last night, too.    Scary...

Kay (Sublettian friend) picked me up and we met Jane and Marilyn (my cousins and fellow Sublettians) at the Busy Corner for lunch.   It was delicious and topped off with pie which is their specialty - over 30 different homemade choices!    Brought some home for Mark, Anne and family.   Kay and I stopped at the Ropp Cheese Farm for some goodies to take to NC at Thanksgiving!

Jane, Pat, Kay and Marilyn

Good night to stay in - supposed to 23 by morning!