Travelling -- Through Life

I'm home.  I'm back from Spokane and it feels good!  But---I hate to not be with these adorables.

It is always so hard to say "Good-bye", especially when you know you aren't going to see them again for several months.  We're hoping they can come back home in June.  That's a long time!

Dee, Riley and Heath took me to the Spokane airport at noon on Sunday.  Riley cried and cried when I told her "Good-Bye" at the airport passenger drop off.  I HATE THAT!  I tried as hard as I could to hold back my own tears.  I hated to leave Dee, too.  We get along very well.  Both of my DIL's are like daughters to me.

I tried to think of the positive about coming back home:  I was going back to my hubby, parents, pets, and my other son and his beautiful family; I was getting back to my home that I love; I was looking forward to getting the Valentine and any lingering Christmas decorations put away; and I would be back on my OCD schedule.

I had one stop in Minneapolis, then on to Pittsburgh.  I wouldn't arrive in Pittsburgh until 10:30 p.m. with my hubby picking me up.  We then would have a three hour drive home from there.  Oh how I hate that part of any trip we take!  Years ago travelling was fun, and plane rides were exciting.  Not so much any more.

I was flying on Delta because that is usually the only flight from Pittsburgh to Spokane and vice versa.

 There is no non-stop flight at all.  There is always at least one transfer.  Delta has got to be the most boring airline.  I have never been on a Delta flight with any type of media screen.  No TV or movies at all.  And of course the regular peanuts, pretzels and soft drinks.  You must have to travel around the world to get this accommodation advertised on their web site.

I've never been on a flight like this with Delta.
And it's not like I was flying from Spokane to Seattle or Salt Lake.  I was going across the country.  Even from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh was a three hour flight.  This is the little puddle jumper that we were on for that distance:

Here is the fun part of the story.  I was waiting at my gate in Minneapolis and dreading this flight to Pittsburgh.  It's dark now, I'm getting tired, and I'm hungry because I didn't have enought time between flights to eat.  Then walking toward me is a lady that I think looks familiar.  As she gets closer I realized that it's a very long time friend of mine, Holli, that I had not seen in five years!  We have know each other for 47 years, since the first grade!  There were many years in between that we hadn't seen each other at all due to moving long distances away.  Now she lives in Pittsburgh and had been visiting her nephew at Purdue and was also travelling back home with a connection in Minneapolis.  We just couldn't believe it!  Here we were on the same flight back home.  After asking my seat mate if he would mind switching seats, Holli and I were able to sit together and talk non-stop for three hours.  I was almost wishing the flight was longer because we had so much more to talk about.  Now we're planning a visit in the next couple of weeks in Pittsburgh so that our mothers can visit.  They were also good friends all those years ago.

What could have been a miserable and long trip turned out to be so much fun.  I didn't even notice the cramped, dark and boring conditions!  The peanuts and juice now tasted good, and it was a bright and comfortable ride.  

Steelers, Baby Shower, and Spokane

A nice, cozy, lazy day at home.  It is freezing outside, so we're staying in.  I'm going to make a pot of homemade, well ---- semi-homemade, chicken noodle soup with some hard crust whole grain French bread.  One good thing that has at least temporarily come from our bad, ugly flu week is that we feel like we need to eat lighter and healthier.  If it feels too heavy or greasy it just is not appetizing right now.  As I said, this may be temporary, but I know my stomach feels much better eating like this.

It's also the football playoffs tonight.  I'm not much of a sport's fan at all, but since we live in Steeler country, you can't help but get caught up in the excitement around here when the Steelers get to the playoffs.  It will be crazy Steeler country if they win tonight.

(Sorry so blurry, but it was free clip art)

So I'll be watching the game tonight, even though I don't really understand football that well.  The commercials and half time are always good.  I understand they are expecting the temperature to be about 12-15 degrees in Pittsburgh tonight.  

Yesterday Mom and I went to the baby shower for my girl friend's daughter that is adopting 15 month old twin girls from Africa.  She leaves for Malawi, Africa, in about two weeks to pick them up.  She is a 29 year old single young woman that I have known since she was 6 years old.  She and my oldest son, Austin, were friends that met in Kindergarten.  Through their friendship, her mother and I became very good friends.  

The shower was very nice.  Here's the new Mommy (on the right) opening some gifts.

Look at these stuffed animals she got for the girls' new American bedroom to remind them of Africa.

I finished the twin baby hats for her, along with a gift card.  I forgot to get a picture of the hats when I had them both finished.  Here's one finished.

The other one was just like it except the flower and trim was purple using the purple yarn you see here.  They turned out cute.

I also finalized the ticket purchase for Spokane for DIL, Diana, and myself.  I'm going back with her to help with the two kids on the plane and then I'll stay about two weeks.  We'll leave on February 1 and I'll come back on the 13th.  Travelling is so difficult any more, and especially with a 20 month old and a 5 month old.  This would be almost impossible for Diana to handle on her own.  Besides, you have to have two laps for them to sit on or you would have to purchase another ticket anyway.  Of course, there is no direct flight from Pittsburgh.  It's not an easy trip, so I'm glad I can go to help.

Renew With the New Year

I love the Holidays and November and December are my favorite months, BUT --- I'm glad it's over!  I enjoy the decorations, the songs, the snow, the food, all my family, the house filled with five grandchildren,

travelling to Cincinnati to visit the relatives living there, sitting by the blazing fireplace with the Christmas tree lights on in the evenings, the whole nine yards!  BUT --- I'm glad it's over!  When it's over, I'm done.  I don't want to hear one more Christmas carol or look at the big Christmas tree and stockings over the fireplace for one more minute.

I made my favorite New Year's meal of pork, sauerkraut, corn and applesauce on New Year's Eve instead of the customary New Year's Day since Brandon and Dee would be leaving on New Year's Day.

 I just love that meal.  Dee made the best desert, too.  It was an ice cream cake with layers of vanilla ice cream, crushed Oreos and Butterfingers, with caramel sauce.  Oh My! It was so good!

  Once the New Year hits, I'm ready to clean, organize and start new.  I was so tired on Saturday after all the family had left and Hubby was gone for the day to take Brandon and family to Pittsburgh.  Brandon was catching  the plane back to Spokane and Diana and the kids are staying the week with her family in Pittsburgh.  She and the kids will be back here next week.   I was tired and the house was quiet so you would think I would rest or nap all day, but I just couldn't bring myself  to do that.  I could not look at that tree any longer and if I would have tried to take a nap I wouldn't have been able to sleep knowing that tree was still standing.

Here's the before and after.

Awww!  That feels better!  I loved the "before" up until December 31.  Now I sit at night in my big comfy chair and knit.  

I spent Sunday getting out my new calendars and making sure I had all the birthdays written in.

 This last calendar was a Christmas gift from my kids.  My DIL Melissa put it together.  Each month features different pictures of my grandchildren and highlights the grandchild whose birthday it may be for that particular month.  I just love it.  I've requested that she do this each year for me with the current pictures of the kids each year.  Won't this be so fun to look back on in 20 years?

We were so fortunate this year to have all my kids home for Christmas.  I know that it's not going to happen every year, so I will treasure these memories in pictures.  2010 was a very emotional roller coaster year for us.  I lost my mother-in-law, my grandmother and my grandfather all within six months.  I gained two new beautiful grandchildren; Leanna, now 6 months old and Heath, now 4 months old.  No one can predict what 2011 will present, but I think I could go for a  little smoother ride this year.  

Happy and Good New Year to all!!

Long Catch Up - Part 3

Still catching everyone up to date from my trip to Spokane, the birth of my newest grandchild and so much more.  Currently, things are settling slowly and some new rules and changes to our lives are being implemented by me.  I just can't live at this pace comfortably.  I want to get back to Bob and me enjoying our good life and actually becoming a little more selfish with our time.  I believe we all have the power to create the life we want and should not feel guilty about making it good.  Learning how to say "NO" more often will go a long way in accomplishing this.

(Continued from previous post):
Went downtown Spokane yesterday and walked around the beautiful Park. Bob proudly pushed the kids in the double stroller. The babies were very good. Ate dinner at P.F. Changs. Was so good.
September 14 at 7:51pm via Mobile Web

(Outside of P.F. Changs)

At the Spokane airport waiting to board to Phoenix and then to Pitt. Awfully hard leaving Dee and the babies. Have to say quick good-byes so as not to get emotional.
September 15 at 10:41am via Mobile Web

In Phoenix. Waiting to board for Pitt. Then the 2-1/2 hr.drive home. Miss my house and dogs. Nephew Kyle now living with us for a while. Hoping all is under control as well as can be expected with me being gone for 3 weeks.
September 15 at 2:46pm via Mobile Web

Got home late Wed. night. Logged onto computer on Thurs. night and a virus shut it down. Another week computerless. Kinda getting used to it. Don't think I like computers anymore.
September 19 at 10:17am via Mobile Web

(Sunday evening, September 19, I had a 23rd birthday dinner for Kyle.  I know he enjoyed and appreciated it.)

(From Sunday, September 26 through Friday, October 1, I went to my other kids' home an hour and a half away to help Austin with the kids while Melissa was away at her week of Reserve's training.  Of course, Austin was home in the evenings, but at work during the day.  Thank goodness he was able to drop off and pick up the boys from school and was able to help with bath and bed time at night)

Not so tired today. Leanna, my beautiful 3 mo. old granddaughter, and I are getting used to each other. With both boys in school all day {Pre-K and Kinder.} I can handle it pretty good. Also fixing up my little mother in law apt. here at Austin and Melissa's house. Making it cute and cozy.
September 29 at 12:44am via Mobile Web

On a sad note - my grandpa not doing well at all . He'll be 95 on 10/28. He's not going to make it. He's had a good life and because of him, so do I! He's tired now and misses Grandma. It's been 6 mos. since she passed on.
September 29 at 12:52am via Mobile Web

‎3 kids, 2 dogs, cooking, cleaning and laundry is a lot of work! How did I ever raise two boys and work a full time job? I know what you're all thinking: I was a lot younger then. Back home - Bob's "Kyle Project" as we have come to call it, still happening and Grandpa still barely with us. No relaxing in my near future.
September 29 at 11:10pm via Mobile Web

(From my niece in Cincinnati) Love you Aunt Nina.. thinking about you and your grandpa! Remember to take some time for yourself while you are helping everyone else! How is Kyle doing??
September 29 at 11:16pm via Facebook for Android

Gross!! I just ate an Entenmann's choc. chip multi grain cereal bar and bit into a chunk of black plastic. I feel sick to my stomach just because of the disgust factor.
September 29 at 11:18pm via Mobile Web

Melissa's home, kids are in bed. Austin making a hot dog run to Sheetz. I told him to get me one too. What the heck! I would never think of doing such a thing at home.
September 30 at 9:40pm via Mobile Web

(On Friday afternoon, Bob came to pick me up along with the two boys to go back home.  Melissa now has to be away for the weekend for Reserves.  Austin is coming to our house on Saturday along with the baby and the two dogs so he can attend the wedding of one of his best friends from high school.  They all left on Sunday.  I don't know how much more of this I can do!)

Long Catch Up - Part 2

Continuing with my Facebook Catch Up:

Brandon is bringing Diana and Heath home any time now.Can't wait to hold him some more.For those not aware of the name origin-Diana's maiden name is Heath and her dad's and oldest brother's first name is David.I don't know how to put pictures onFB via my phone.If I figure out how, I will.Making a turkey dinner for Dee'...s homecoming per her request.BTW-Heath is built just like a wrestler! (Long line of wrestlers on both sides of the family)

September 4 at 3:12pm via Mobile Web

We're all tired today. Espespecially Dee. Heath didn't sleep good thru the night. And a little jealousy is hitting Riley, I think. So we're just laying around today taking turns holding babies.

September 5 at 4:05pm via Mobile Web
 

Today is Dee and Brandon's 2nd anniversary. They've had a busy and productive 2 years.

September 6 at 2:59pm via Mobile Web

Baby Heath finally had a good night. Night before not so good. Brandon back to work today.  The start of their new normal routine.

September 8 at 12:15pm via Mobile Web

Nephew Kyle [age 22] has arrived at our home in Pa. Bob picked him up over the weekend from Cinti. He'll be with us for a few months. Bob will be joining me in Spokane on Sat.

September 8 at 12:22pm via Mobile Web

I can't believe I only have 5 more days in Spokane with my beautiful kids. It's going to be hard to leave. Bob will be here tomorrow night for 4 days, then home together on Wed. morning.

September 10 at 11:17am via Mobile Web

Brandon left this morning to go out in the woods for 5 days to instruct a survival course. Bob gets here tonight. They won't see each other this trip. Even though Bob is coming to meet Heath and see Riley, I know he also misses Brandon. It's too bad the scheduling worked out this way.

September 11 at 11:09am via Mobile Web

(From my mother to me): Kyle went to Church with us this morning. He says he is going back next Sunday. Went to Perkins after Church. There was 7 of us. Kyle enjoyed himself. He said he was going to go for a walk this afternoon. Corey (a friend we hired to tutor Kyle in math) was there early this morning. (Kyle says) Elle May is not problem, but you know how Fergie is. (My dogs) Can't catch him, won...'t pee. All the doors are closed and he keeps checking all the rooms. I'm staying in touch with him. He loves Bobby. I'll be glad when you and Bob are home safely. Love you

September 12 at 3: 00

Took day trip yesterday to mid WA to Banks Lake and Coulee Dam. Very little population but beautiful country. Think spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and majestic purple mountains.

September 13 at 12:10pm via Mobile Web

Long Catch Up - Part 1

I'm back.  It's been a very long and tiring six weeks.  Good things, not so good, very happy, very sad.  So much has happened that there is no way to even remember it all, let alone write about it all.  I did manage to post  updates almost daily on Facebook via my phone,  so I thought what a good way to put it all together.  So here we go., starting August 24:

I leave tomorrow for Spokane and so far baby boy Knox is waiting for me. I really don't have the time to be sitting at the computer right now, but wanted you all to know why you won't hear much from me for 3 weeks. I hope Bob, my dogs, and Mom get along OK without me! LOL

Sitting in Denver airport. Baby boy Knox is still waiting for me to get there.

August 26 at 12:12pm via Mobile Web

I'm in Spokane and all is good. Dee still pregnant, Riley still adorable, and Brandon's 28th birthday is today. Going to Couer d'Alene to Texas Roadhouse for dinner

August 27 at 11:21am via Mobile Web






Still no baby. Great dinner at Texas Roadhouse. We thought last night Dee was feeling contractions but she thinks she just ate too much. I'll hang Riley's curtains today.

August 28 at 11:17am via Mobile Web

No baby yet. Made french toast for all for breakfast. Put roast in the crockpot for dinner. I am also now Brandon's official gardner. Got a hose & sprinkler as yard is completely burned from hot summer & no rain. Also trimmed the bushes. Think I need another hose for back yard.

August 29 at 1:31pm via Mobile Web

(From my mother) Didn't realize you would be on facebook while you are away. I see you are sitting around with nothing to do.ha ha Everything is quiet here except for Bob's car problems. Might have to take him to Indiana tomorrow to take back Austins car. Brad will be here tomorrow. We think Grandpa will be in a wheelchair soon. His legs are giving out. (so are mine) It's a beautiful day. Someone should cut the grass. I love you and miss you.

August 30 at 10:32am

No, not yet! Dee and I just taking it easy today. My guess is Wednesday is going to be the day. Doing a little cleaning today just because that is what I do on Mondays!

August 30 at 3:50pm via Mobile Web

Going w/ Dee to Dr. appt. Should give us an idea of how this baby is coming along. Then if she's able we're going to Target, lunch and grocery store.

August 31 at 10:13am via Mobile Web

Dee's dr.appt. yesterday went well. All systems ready and good to go for baby's birth. Dr. estimated within 48 hours and that was 24 hours ago. I think maybe we'll take a walk today and maybe a session of jumping jacks. If nothing happens she'll be induced on Friday. He is now officially going to be a Sept. baby.

September 1 at 11:50am via Mobile Web

Looks like baby will be induced tomorrow. He just doesn't seem to want to come on his own. Dee didn't want to be induced but now doesn't care. It's a beautiful day so I think we'll go for a walk. Still watering the grass and just hung the American flag on the front porch. Dee and Brandon's little house is so cute.

September 2 at 12:59pm via Mobile Web

My 5th grandchild was born at 12:25 this morning! Didn't have to be induced. Yay! Heath David Knox weighs 8 lbs., 19-1/2" long. Diana & baby are great. Riley & I are waiting for Brandon to pick us up to meet baby brother.

September 3 at 12:19pm via Mobile Web