Saturday - December 6

I exercised and Anne, Patrick and boys stopped in - also the gutter guys were here to clean out all the gutters one more time  Mark left around 10:15  for Prompt Care - he's coughing again and has the same old cold symptoms AGAIN.    He was there over 2 hours and the diagnosis is that either he never got over his earlier sinus infection OR this is a new one!    So, he's now on 4 new, stronger meds.   

 

We made plans a few months ago with 4 other couples (all former work friends of Mark's) to have dinner tonight.    Two of them have canceled (one is hurting with knee issues and having knee replacement this week and Mark's former secretary, Helen and her husband canceled as she had surgery this week for torn meniscus and still in a lot of pain.)    The nurse practitioner said Mark was fine to go out tonight and resume any normal activity!

 

I made a pot of chili for Mark to have tomorrow as I'll be celebrating with the Sublettians.  

 

Oh....a correction from yesterday's blog (we were NOT at the clinic for 12 hours.   Got that corrected to 4 hours total which was long enough)!

 

So....2 couples (Patty and Paul and Shelly and Jim) came for drinks and so fun catching up (Shelly and Jim have a brand new granddaughter, their first) - then to Baxter's for a wonderful dinner (LOVE this place)!   Now what was so strange and unusual???......after Henry and Helen canceled cause of their knee issues, Shelly and Patty came tonight both wearing big orthopedic boots (stress fractures and broken bone) - wow!   This getting older is just the pits - no doubt about it!!!

 

 

 

 

Friday - December 5

We were off to Meijer's for a few things this morning and then to the clinic at 9:30 for Mark's colonoscopy.    We didn't get home till 1:30 (doctor was behind schedule), but good report and will meet with the doctor on the 19th,

 

Quiet afternoon and evening - good to be in this rainy chilly day.    I got a bunch of things done, reading a good book, updated spreadsheet for Santa letter addresses and e-mails, and sorting thru all the many catalogs that are coming daily!   

 

 

Thursday - December 4

Exercised, Anne stopped in with a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (what a dear) and we gabbed and caught up on a bunch of things.   Mark and I left at 9 for a fun day in Peoria.   Mark had not been to Allie and Owen's new condo, so he got the grand tour and he and Owen talked "winterizing" and preparing our homes before we all enjoy the warm sunshine of Florida.    Then we were off to Sazani's Pasta and Steak House and met Jane and Joe.    So fun to all be together and catch up!    When we set this date back in October, did not know Mark would be having a colonoscopy tomorrow and didn't realize he was to be on an all-liquid diet today, so.......while the rest of us devoured our wonderful lunches,  Mark had coffee, water and sprite.   We had heard so much about Sazani's and wow....sure lived up to all the good things said about it!   Very friendly staff, nice decor and excellent food!   We will be back and let Mark experience it all

1

Jane - Pat - Allie

Owen - Mark - Joe

 

Said our good-byes and off to Costco to pick up a few things.

 

So happy that Mark's Mom is enjoying her new home!  

 

Patrick brought Liam and Connor over around 5:30

(he's singing at a Christmas party tonight and Anne is working till 7).

 

They've been entertaining us with the songs they'll sing at their school

Christmas program on the 17th.

 

Playing UNO with Grandma

Wednesday - December 3

Beautiful December day - cold, but clear and sunny!   I am not going to dwell on this weather and will stop griping about the gloomy, dreary days!    But the sun sure lifts the spirits!

 

Mark is home tonight after getting his Mom settled in along with brother-in-law, Mark and sister Nancy helping out    Lots of paper work, doctor visits and so many details to take care of.    But, the gist is that she is all moved into her new home and seems happy.    I talked to her tonight and she was very upbeat and looking forward to going to the dining room for dinner.

 

I was out the door at 8:30 with my list and had a good productive morning.    Off to lunch with Exchange Club and wrapped up our Santa letter campaign - 111 letters were written this year and now on their way to the North Pole for postmark!

 

Mark got home at 5 and we sat and yakked and then I had a 6:00 haircut.  Good to be back together but so glad he could be there with his Mom!

 

Philip, Annette and Luke have delivered Daisy to south Florida - we REALLY appreciate this!

Tuesday - December 2

Started out with some sunshine this morning, but didn't last long and then all cloudy and gloomy and cold.   Good day to stay put and that's exactly what I did and loved every minute.    Unpacked and put away all our stuff, wrapped a few more gifts, put out a few more decorations and enjoyed the Christmas tunes and some good hot cups of tea,

 

Mark left for Dixon around 10 - his Mom has made the decision to move to an assisted living facility.    We are happy for her and hope she will make the adjustment well and especially enjoy the companionship.    Tomorrow is the big move!