and Rusty too....

This will be one of the saddest and hardest posts I put up. A week ago Monday, I had have my precious...loving little boy put to sleep. 😢 He hasn't been feeling really well for quite awhile, but he just kept going.. he was on lots of different pain meds for his arthritis and hip.  About a month ago he went to the Vet and he was diagnosed with diabetes. I started him on the shots for two days and he stopped eating. I tried everything. At first he would eat a treat or two, but nothing else. Then nothing, I took him back to the Vet, his sugar level was at 600. sad... She kept him over the weekend in hopes of getting him to eat and get his numbers under control. When he came home Monday he didn't look or act too good.  We got some lovin in..both glad to see each other..his face and eyes needed to be washed. I got a warm washcloth and rubbed his sweet little face and he pushed into it..so I knew he was lovin it.  I guess it was something we both needed. Within the next hour he had a massive seizure.  Oh my goodness it was horrible..I called the Vet, crying...asking for help...I had no idea what to do.. she said to get some syrup and get it in his mouth.  It was so hard as he was frothy at the mouth.. finally he was trying to stand and kept falling and he just cried and cried and cried. He never stopped crying... I called the Vet and said I would not let him suffer like this (as I knew it would happen again) and he was hurting so bad ...I wanted him put to sleep.  It was so hard to do...but I knew it was time. During all of this...there were times when I was crying out to God to help me help Rusty. And I believe He did. It has been so hard....the house is empty, just me left. Tom passed in 2016, Karen in 2017, and now Rusty in 2018. My routines continue to change. Sometimes it hard to go to bed...then there are times it's hard to get up.  Rusty had a specific time he went to bed (in his kennel), so I had to get up early. But, I know how blessed I am. And how precious life is. I give thanks to God our father each morning for it! 

The neighbor stopped by one day, as he had something for me. And look at it...I started to cry.. it is so beautiful. I put Rusty's ashes in it and will also put his dog tags in there. (They are hanging on the Christmas tree right now.) The neighbors kids used to come up and take Rusty for a walk and play with him. What a honor to be so loved...he was such a good boy and certainly made his mark on this world!

As I end this post I pray all is well in your corner of the world and that you are looking forward to CHRISTmas.

Bye for now....

Visitors and MS Walk

This was Rusty on April 18th! Yes, he's covered with *snow*... uggg  And my granddaughter Ashley and her husband Ben from Georgia, were flying in the next day!!! Ashley was hoping they'd get to see some of it, but by the time they got here, 99% of it had melted. ha! 

 

 The kids had come up for our MS Walk. Ashley always designs the t-shirts every year. I hope you can read the verse she wrote on it. Very beautiful and moving. ("feathers, cardinals and butterflies too, these are all signs your angels are walking with you." She did all the drawing and writing herself. The fonts are all her designs.

  

Saturday, April 21st was our walk. It was soooo cold. Everyone, well almost everyone had jackets, gloves, scarves, and ear muffs on. Poor Ben, who was born and raised in the south, certainly was not expecting these kind of temperatures!!! We were greeted with these signs.. My team was one of the top five teams last year (as well as this year!)

  

We were able to get a picture of our team. (One lady, her boyfriend and her Mom had already left before we had everyone gathered together. :( ) You probably can't really see it, but as I said it was so cold, and my neurologist was there and she covered my legs with a throw...which I kept on, all day! ha! What a blessing!!!

 



That night, we saw we were on the news! We didn't even know they were filming us! ha! Ashley was taking those first pictures of the sidewalk...leading to the shelter. She said the lady behind us was in a hurry, probably since it was so cold and there Ashley was stopping to take a photo...!

 

Here is Ben one morning..fixing biscuits and sausage gravy, plus Ashley made scrambled eggs. Yumm I could keep them around. Ha!!

 

Rusty loved Ben...see his little foot propped up against Ben's leg while he was sleeping!!

 

One day we went up to War Eagles Monument, they were looking over the interstate, river and city.

 

Ashley took this selfie of them when they were up there. (Great photo!!) 

We also went somewhere else, as I wanted them to see the Canadian Geese. They are so pretty!! Ben loves nature..

Here we are the day they were getting ready to fly home. That was a thankful and sad day. It was amazing having them here. We did some other things too, Ashley got to join my Bible Study on Friday, we went to church Sunday, out to eat afterwards and to visit her aunt and uncle. Ben worked on my shower and deck.. They are such beautiful children, inside and out!!

And then it was over.... there they go... heading into the terminal and me heading home.

 

Now you see some of my busy time last month. It was just wonderful though.

 

Today was nice, it was 82 degrees! My son and DIL were here. He took me to do some of my running. (He's such a good boy!) I have my air-conditioner going with these high temps. And I finally got the pilot light for the fireplace shut off last week. I really believe spring is finally here..

 

Bye for now....

Christmas Candy?

I am so weird sometimes! I wanted to make this 'fantasy fudge' for Christmas. So bought all the ingredients, but never seemed to have the time to make it! The stuff sat on my kitchen counter just staring at me day after day! So I decided today was the day!! Of course, I remember making it years ago...it was always known as the 'No fail fudge' and that was what I needed. My mother always made homemade fudge, she would cook it on the stove, then just butter a plate and poured it out on it! It was amazing!!! I tried and tried to no avail! I'd be cooking it, and drop some in a glass of cold water hoping it would reach the soft ball stage. (One of my sister-in-laws even bought me a candy thermometer.) Even with that I couldn't get it to harden up. 😟 I'd usually use it as chocolate syrup in our milk ..ha!. But this fudge always turned out wonderful! Like all things...something has changed! The marshmallow cream jar looked smaller..but the sugar, butter and can milk seemed to be the same...as well as the chocolate chips. So, I got my 9x13" pan out and was ready to butter it...when I read the tiny directions on the jar..that said to use a 9" square pan, and to line it with foil. I figured it would be really thick! But it isn't much different! I don't have the old-original recipe, as I always took it off the marshmallows creme jar! Have any of you made it before?? Has the recipe changed over the years? (By the way, it tastes yummy...as you can see I had to sample it! ha!)

Tomorrow I'm going to make (with the help of my neighbor girl Krystal ) a batch of Taco Soup. I will share the recipe (if it turns out good!) ~smile~ It's called 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup! I love the fact it is mostly canned ingredients! I'm excited! Especially on a cold winters day! Our weather was warmer today! We were 21 above zero!! Yeah!! But....tonight it will be -6 below....uggg With a high of 9 tomorrow ! So, soup does sound really good!

I will say goodnight and leave you with this picture of Rusty all snuggled up with his new Christmas toy...

Bye for now ☃️

Rusty's Spa Day...

Rusty finally got to the groomers a couple weeks ago. She sent me this picture of him, having a 'bubble bath'! Isn't he the cutest thing?? It was a real spa day, that's for sure.. She also gave him a massage and I could tell it really helped his leg. (The poor baby has a lot of arthritis in it, and is on some pain pills.)

 

I think I need one of those 'Spa Day's'....how about you??

 

Bye for now.. 

Everyone Needs Prayers~Even the Turkeys

Last Friday was busy.. I had Bible Study in the morning.(This picture was taken prior to Halloween). Rusty was all dressed up in his Orange bowtie. He is our greeter you know. He loves it when the ladies come to pray, and learn more about the word.. Actually there are usually snacks, and I fear that is what he loves the most..ha! ha! We all enjoy this time together and have formed a wonderful friendship.

 

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

 

This Bible verse says it all. My thoughts and feelings exactly..

 

Now to end on a funny note, here is sort of a poem I wrote..and before you read this you must be aware that one of our local grocery stores has an advertisement, 'buy a ham and get a turkey free!' 

 

On my trip to the doctors the other day, I spotted some turkeys along the way. I thought, "Oh you silly little fools, only a week away until Thanksgiving Day." There maybe some who will spot you and think, "Oh yum, a free turkey and I don't even have to buy a ham!" You will grace their table, with stuffing galore, mashed potatoes, gravy and more. So....go hide my turkeys and save your life!! Fly away...fly away...fly away all... That way we will see your descendants next fall!!!

 

Ha! Ha! I don't think I'll ever make a poet.. Oh well, it was fun! And actually, Tom and others have seen people chasing the wild turkeys. We even talked to someone once, at the doctors office, I think. Anyway, he kind of let it slip that he or someone had shot them before. AND yes, they were tough. Nothing like the ones you buy!! So, maybe they know no one wants them.. smile...

 

Hope you're looking forward to wonderful Thanksgiving week!

 

Bye for now...

 

Beautiful Spring Day

 

Tonight, when I was letting Rusty out...I thought I saw a reflection of the moon in the door window..so I turned to the east and there it was! Clear sky with the crest of the moon glowing in the sky! 

 

But then I looked to the west and this is what I saw!! The sun was going down, and look at all those clouds!! Our temps today had to be very nice..upper 70's I'm sure! I could hear the mowers going, kids playing, chain saws...and oh yes..birds chirping!! Actually, I've had the air going for the last couple of days. Summerspring (my new word) is here I think...as tomorrow it's to get to 88 degrees...ugggg It wouldn't surprise me if it hits 90! But it won't break any record, as it was 98 or 100 back in 1934!!!! Can you even imagine?? There was no air conditioning or fans... (at least not my family)  And they'd have to cook 3 big meals a day...and most likely on a cook stove.. plus run the oven too...Wow! Just think of how blessed we have it today.....

 

Friday, I got this package from UPS (from my daughter and her husband! 

 

This is when I took it out of the box, how pretty is this?? 

 

This is what was in it!! My early Mothers Day gift!! I had been complaining to my daughter how hard it is tonooen my cans! I've had an old hand one for years....and I'm not sure whether it's just getting worn out or I just don't have the strength anymore... So she listened...(smile) and sent me this one! I can't wait to try it!!

Time for bed...just wanted to share... Good night and God bless...

A Weekend in the Country with Rusty

 

While I was spending my days and nights in the hospital...in a room with a view, finally..(another story) I'm sure you are wondering where Rusty was! That Friday after I fell and the doctor sent me to the hospital I too wondered where would Rusty go? We have never left him anywhere before. If Tom and I went somewhere we'd either take him along or Karen watched him here at the house! But those options were out of the question obviously. I did call one Pet Hotel (I know that is funny to say...but I think it was called "Bed and Biscuit"...lol) They didn't answer, so I left a message... (much later they called back and said they were booked since it was Easter weekend!) I texted his groomer Shawn, who he loves to death, to see which kennel she would recommend ...but of course it was Friday and she was working. Decisions...decisions! Randy said he could let him in and out until I found a place.  (There were complications with his house...where he couldn't keep Rusty there) Anyway, later in the day Shawn texted me and said "I don't want him at one of those places, I'll take him home with me." Wow! I never expected that...what a relief... as I knew she and her husband who is as wonderful as she is...would really take good care of him. And since Rusty has known her all his life..literally....and loves her to death..he would be fine. As I look back on the previous week...Shawn and her husband had come over and set up a ramp for Rusty, here at the house. He's getting arthritis in his legs and it is hard for him to go down the steps. Anyway, in conversation she mentioned how Tom had said one time, years ago, "would you take care of Rusty if something happened to Gert or I?" And of course she said "yes". Well, I felt like here Tom was still taking care of Rusty and I even from the grave... I know that might sound crazy to some, but not to me.  

In the following days I'd text her to see how Rusty was doing and of course he was enjoying his mini vacation! 

 

On the following Monday when Shawn brought Rusty home, all groomed and pretty, I heard what an adventurous time he had had! They live on an acreage and have goats and chickens etc. They also have other Shih Tzu's , so they got to play together..in and outside the house. He was able to come and go as he pleased, the door was open. They also have a doggie ramp, so he learnt how to use it while he was there! It rained (as you can see by the first picture) so he got somewhat muddy...lol He met their cat (who is almost as big as Rusty). I guess he barked at it once...and then all was well. That was surprising as he "hates" cats...smile... It was so funny...as Shawn said you would not have recognized him...as he had turned into a regular farm dog...ha! But quickly became the city dog again after a haircut and a bath!! He looked at me when he got home...like "are you okay? Where have you been? Wait till I tell you all about my weekend on the farm..."

I hope you're all having an amazing SONday. We have chilly temperatures (41 degrees...with 20 mph winds, making it feel like 32!) and rain! They are predicting rain/snow showers tomorrow morning...ugggg Winter does not want to let go... What kind of weather are you having ?

My Week In Review

Last Saturday the 18th, my son took me grocery shopping and I picked up this Shamrock plant (which was on sale of course!). I just have to smile every time I look at it! In the morning, the flowers open up! Then at night they close.. Guess they know when to wake and when to sleep...smile...

 

On our way to the store, look what we spotted... traffic stop!! "Why did the turkeys cross the road?" "Because the chickens did"!! LOL (they were probably going over to my house!!) I have lots more pictures of them, which I will share in another post!

 The next day, it was 79 degrees! I sat out front on the porch for a change. I just had to let Rusty out too. I hooked his leash handle to the leg of my chair. Well, it worked really good, but he wasn't able to go very far, so I don't think he was too happy with it.  I'm sure he'd have like to have gone over in that grass!!

Monday I went to physical therapy. I'm going to see if I can get some exercises, that I can do at home (by myself) that can give me more strength in my back. Tom and I used to try and exercise me everyday. Most of them I can't do anymore. Even though I have the table you need a therapist to help. (Tom was a therapist too...smile..) He wore many hats.. But anyway...I'll be going back again this week.

By Tuesday, it was snowing...so figure!! ha!! But it didn't last and was gone by the afternoon.

My friend stopped over this week and gave me some supplies and ideas for a craft project that I plan to make for Christmas this year!! I, hopefully will get them done, that is 9 months away...ha! ha!

Wednesday's are normally always my day to get my hair fixed. Which I love!! She stopped over to do that, and we had a nice visit!! Then another friend came for lunch and we had a lot to catch up on!

Thursday was a catch up day....just doing a little of everything around here.

Friday morning we had Bible Study. Did I tell you I was having it here?? What wonderful fellowship. There are only 6 of us...which really is just perfect. (fills my front room and my heart!) Then in the afternoon, a friend went with me and I had to get my yearly mammogram!! Ugggg... But it's done and just got the good results in the mail yesterday!! (big smile) Do you get one every year?? It seems like I've done it forever.... I was surprised when I recognized the lady who did it. I believe she did some of my first ones I ever had. (I know she didn't recognize me...why would she?? I'm sure she sees lots of women in a day!!) Anyway, I was asking her about her son, I remembered he was in the military, if he retired or was still in. She said, no, he was out. But that the last tour they sent him on was bad. (So, I didn't push it...sounded like he was having a hard time...so ...sad..) My prayers are with them.

Well...it is bed time and I will do another one, hopefully tomorrow and tell you all about this week...then you'll finally be caught up on my life!! smile...

Blessings and good night..

"Oh Rusty Boy" (not Oh Danny Boy...lol)

Look at my grumpy boy!! ha! ha! I said "he looks like a grumpy old man.." 

But look at him, once he got home, he was a happy camper.

Sorry this was from last year, but couldn't pass on it. smile... You did deserve to see him in all his glory!!! He did go to the groomer last week, but she didn't get his pictures put up and after all it is St. Patrick's Day today!!!

So sorry I have been among the missing...life has been hectic or maybe a better phrase is "delightfully busy"! I had been so busy working on the quarterly newsletter and finally got that out!! Yay!!! It always feels so good to finish it all up and sent off!! (Wouldn't that be terrible if they ever ended up shutting down the postal service???) I'm always signing petitions to keep it going!!! I love sending and receiving letters and cards-what a sad day that will be if it ever happens.

I've been having Bible Study (The 40 Acts) here every Friday, that has been such a joy for me!! I miss the fellowship, which is so important for a person. 

Afterwards my son came over, I had some errands to run. We were busy returning another dog bed, that didn't work for Rusty. I got a different one 'again', I just think it would help his arthritis if he'd lay on that during the day instead of the floor. But it's going to take some persuading I'm afraid.. Lots of treats maybe??

 When we finally got home Randy thought he lost the keys to the van...

I would never have found them...but he did!! Do you see them?? As he brushed by the bushes they pulled off his pocket and stuck in these bushes. Do you see the round circle (must have been a shadow on my camera lens), well their hanging just up and to the left. Their black and silver!! smile...

 I had a list as long as Santa's of things for Randy to do when we got home! (Mommy do's, as I call them.) Take stuff downstairs, bring stuff up stairs, change a light bulb, water a hanging plant, change the time on a clock and hang it back up, dump garbage, dump papers...and pick up Rusty's poop!!

 What a blessing he is. God has been so good and blessed me so much!!

My daughter and her husband have been vacationing in San Francisco this week. She sent a text this morning that they were taking a ferry to Sausalito, but first they had to take a trolley to get to the pier. She sent a picture too, (but I can't figure out how to save it on my computer), anyway, she said they were packed into the trolley like sardines...and by the look of the picture she was right!!!! Unbelievable!!! 

Hope everyone is well and that you had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!!

More to come...I promise!!

High Temps, Journaling and more...

Here was our sunrise yesterday morning..the 16th. Beautiful as always. As the day progressed our temperatures rose..to an almost record high of 65 degrees.

This was the sun setting...after a gorgeous 65 degree temperature high!! No one could believe this for February in Iowa!!!

So, I decided to get out and take a short walk! At first I tried to have Rusty come with me. But he just got all tangled up in my walker..sad... I felt so bad, as I know he loves to walk. But since he isn't able to very often, he just can't control himself... Like a kid going to Grandma's...lets go...hurry up!!! (since I was taking these selfies and looking into the sun..I certainly wasn't smiling...lol)

 

I always love taking a picture of the shadows.. Don't I look tall and skinny with a little head...lol

 

Do any of you journal?? My daughter sent this to me for my birthday. I had been trying to figure something like this out. I was about to order the ARC system from Staples, when this came in the mail... (her and I are way too connected...even though we live miles and miles apart!)  This is not a spiral book per say. Those are disc, thus letting a person put in and take out pages and move them around. Sometimes, if I have lots going on in a day, and there isn't enough space to write everything down, I can add another page in the middle of a week. Really cool... I actually did order some files for the back, where I can have one on my health, on Rusty, or on the house, maintenance upkeep etc. I am so excited, as I had a calendar, a journal, books for maintenance etc.... Now everything is in one book!! And each year, you can get new pages. A lot of people use all those cute stickers that are in the first picture. I will show you more one day!!! Let me know if you do this and how you like it!!t

 

Today was another beautiful day, with a high of 66 and very little wind. People were all out walking, lots of dogs...and you could smell them grilling... I so miss my Tom. He could have handled Rusty (and me) as he always made sure I was okay and didn't go too far. I could almost feel his presence yesterday...like his spirit was with me.. Oh yes, and the grilling...no one could grill like he could..smile.. Aren't we blessed to have memories??

 

My son, had some laser surgeries today at the burn center, on his scars. Prayers that they heal well and he won't need too many more would be greatly appreciated.

 

Blessings and I will write more another day...

Happy Valentines Day

I hope you all had an amazing...fun filled (with chocolate)...flowery day! I took this picture a couple years ago, my plant has not been blooming for awhile. But I'm sure it will again. I have Randy bring it down and water it every week. I think I need to mix up some feed (Miracle Grow) and give it a drink of that.

 

We took Rusty to the vet today, it was that time of the year for his shots. He had gained a half a pound (sad). I figured he had, since he can't get out and exercise much. But he still gets his treats..smile.. How can you refuse??? She wasn't upset, so I figured it could have been worse. His heart was good, as well as his ears and sight. But he has a tooth that is bad and probably will fall out. I asked her why he has had so many teeth problems over the years. She said it was the breed. They have a small mouth and sometimes too many teeth. He has always been on hard dog food and I think that helps.

 

This is going to be short, as I got up way too early this morning after getting to bed way too late last night. But, just wanted to check in and let you know I'm still here.

 

Until the next time...

MEMORIES

Today would have been my mother's 99th birthday! Oh, how I wish she was still here with me. What a time we would have had!! But, I do believe she is here in spirit... She would have been so...excited to see how her grandchildren had grown and what wonderful adults they had all become! She saw most of them marry, and saw a few of their children! She loved being a grandma and a great grandma! But..wow being a great..great grandma would have been such a thrill for her. She always referred to them as flowers in her garden of life. Each beautiful and unique in their own special way. Smile... She was the true essence of what a Grandmother should be. She was the age I am today when she passed away. Hard to believe, and yet to think that my Tom has been gone a year now and his sister just passed about 3 weeks ago. We never know when God will take us home, so as they say, it's what we do with our lives while we're here on this earth that counts. They all made wonderful, loving memories for those of us who are left behind. I don't think I can have a conversation that I don't speak of my Tom. (Such as: he would have said this or he would have done that.) I still grieve for him, but he is still a big part of my life...if only in memories. He left so many memories for us to remember and share, as did his sister and my Mom.

In the 5 weeks of this year...my emotions have been all over the place. From happiness, concern, loved, sickness, tired, amused, excited, blessed and most of all sadness over the loss of my sister in law in January. I thank God for my friends and family who have been there for me, with love and concern. Rusty, is my rock. He keeps me busy, which is good..smile... He watches over me like a hawk. He reminds me of a kid...if I'm on the phone, he needs attention.. If I go to the bathroom, he either pushes the door open or scratches at it (uggg-that's one of the reasons I don't normally close it tight.. ha!) and he comes in, and lays there until it's time for me to come out!!! If you have a pet, do they do these same things??? Some may call it a nuisance, I call it LOVE!!

"The Lord remembers us and will bless us." Ps:115:12

Celebrations and More...

Here is my grandson Jesse, who was home for a few days after the first of the year. 

 

 We all gathered for a  wonderful dinner. These was taken that night! He is so handsome and we all miss him so much. But he does love Colorado! And what I've seen in pictures, I can see why!! smile...

 

Remember my birthday celebration? I wanted to show you who actually got a LOT of attention... Rusty of course!! His dad (Tom) taught him all kinds of tricks. One he especially does, is sit up and patty cake. Well, of course, all the girls love having him do it! Their Meme was showing them how only one at a time should ask him.. Otherwise, Rusty was like....wow! look at all these kids, with all those treats just for me. But which one should I do a trick for??? Okay...I'm watching the adult...ha! ha!

 

That evening, my granddaughters in Georgia, Facetimed with me. It was just like sitting in their home, catching up on all that they have been doing! That was just the perfect way to end a perfect birth-day!! 

On the 15th of January we were threatened with a major ice storm. They were predicting it for at least 5 days prior to the storm. They put a lot of fear in a lot of people. (myself included). I made sure I had food and water. Matches to light my gas stove if the electric went out (for heat) even though  they say you shouldn't do that. I had warm blankets upstairs and a weather radio available!! And then it happened...it rained and soon temperatures dropped and our world turned to ice in the night...the driveway, steps etc. were coated with it. Not many got out in it. Poor Rusty...the steps off the porch (even though they are carpeted) were ice covered. He had to make a run for it, to get back in the house. BUT, thankfully I can say it wasn't as bad as predicted!!! (thank goodness) These photos show some of the ice and how it hung from the trees and on the Yucca plant below my window! (As you can see the droplets froze in time!)

 

 

Even though the morning started with overcast skies, the sun seems to be breaking through a little at a time. Just getting some sun make me smile!! Who doesn't love, blue skies and sunlight in the middle of winter?? The world here in the Midwest seems so black and white for most of the winter. But....soon I will be getting a whole lot of "SUNSHINE" as today is the twins 4th birthday and there will be a party to celebrate it! So...I must start to get ready soon, as I can not be late for this very important date!!!!

 

Blessings to your day!!

Deep Freeze

Yes, we are defiantly in a deep freeze this weekend. I hated to have to put Rusty out, he stands out there lifting his paws. I know they hurt. sad.. We had a little over 2" of snow last night. I was woken this morning by the noise of banging and scraping..my snow guys were out there busily taking care of the driveway, sidewalks and "porch"...thus the noise I heard.

 

As the day progressed, the temperatures plummeted, I think they are talking of wind chills of forty some below tonight. I don't even understand how cars can continue to work! I would fear going out in this..never knowing if you'd get stranded. I think that is old age speaking..smile..

 

I did get some laundry done today and made some 'Turkey and Noodle' soup. We had our South Bottoms Christmas potluck the other night. It was too cold for me to go out and I don't like to leave my SIL for too long. So, some of the people sent home some goodies. One lady sent me a whole pumpkin pie! It is soooo good, she is an amazing cook!! And another sent some turkey home to me. My friends brought it all over a couple days ago. I've been munching on the turkey...making sandwiches etc. So today, I thought why not make soup out of it!! It turned out amazing. Tasted really good on a cold winter's day..(actually, it's still fall..) but feels like winter!!How is your weather are you effected by this 'deep freeze' too??

 

Time for bed..have a nice SONday!

 

Gert