Tuesday, December 31, 2013

December 31, 2013

     Good morning. I am still sick. I had hoped that I would wake up this morning and feel better but that didn't happen. Cousin T is here with Mom, thankfully. I don't care how sick I am I am getting out of this house sometime today even if it is just to go to the convenience store to buy a soda pop. I just need to get away. I am planning on going back to sleep as soon as I get this wrote so I hope that I wake up feeling a little better. Tonight is the New Years Eve party at my sister's house. It is always a fun get together. But this year my husband has to work and I am not feeling well so I don't know if I will even go. We will have to see how I feel later on.
     Have a good day.

                                                   April Whitehair

Monday, December 30, 2013

December 30, 2013

      Good morning. Well I am sick. It started yesterday with a strange headache now I have accepted that I am sick possibly the flu not sure. Headache, head congestion, sore throat, all over body aches, fever, and upset stomach. Needless to say I feel like total crap. But Mom still needs taken care of so I am doing the best that I can.
     Yesterday cousin J stopped by and visited with us. I so hope my sickness was not contagious and I gave it to her. She dropped off a present from my prayer partner for Christmas. I must say that I am new to this prayer partner thing. I did it last year and I sent cards to my partner for each holiday and special day but I never received anything at all from the person that had my name. It really saddened me to think that someone had been given my name to pray for and send cards to, to show a special interest in their life but do it secretly, no one knows who has your name, and the person who had my name never sent me a single card. But this year I seem to have been given to a really great person. I have already been sent cards and now a present for Christmas. I never thought about sending a gift, wow. It makes me feel kinda special.
     Well I have wrote as much as my brain can handle this morning with this headache. Have a good day.

                                                             April Whitehair

Saturday, December 28, 2013

December 28, 2013

     Good morning. Yesterday my wonderful husband bought me the thing I needed to hook my new dvd player up to the tv, so now I can watch my Little House on the Prairie dvds. Oh but just my luck my favorite episode, the whole reason that I got the complete dvd set, doesn't work. But I called the company that I bought it from and they said they would send me a new one for free. I also tried out my new hand crank grinder yesterday on some popping corn. Well it didn't work as good as I had hoped. I think I need a stone grinder instead of a disk grinder but it will work on some things and it works good enough if I would need it to. 
     I got most of the Christmas decorations down and packed away. I still have the tree up but I think it will come down today. I am not a big fan of Christmas decorations probably because I don't like knick-knacks. When I first moved in here with Mom three years ago, she had like ten boxes of Christmas decorations plus the tree. To me that is way way to much stuff! I now have cut it down to four boxes and the tree. I have been moving away from the Santa-ish decorations and more toward Christ centered decorations. Isn't that the reason for the season anyway? Though I do continue to use the decorations that have sentimental attachment for my sisters and I even though they are not religiously centered.  And I did not get rid of the decorations of Mom's that I don't use I just keep it all packed away.
     My plan for today includes a lot of cleaning and laundry. Have a good day.

                                                         April Whitehair

Friday, December 27, 2013

December 27, 2013

     Good morning. Today feels like we are actually back to normal again. No Christmas prep, cleaning, baking, and shopping are all done. I do still have my tree up, I usually keep it up until the new year but yesterday my cat decided to climb it and knocked it down, now the tree looks strange and lopsided. I don't think I can stand looking at it for another day. I also hope to get back to taking my time writing this blog again. I know yesterday's post felt off to me but I didn't have time to rewrite it, now when I look at it I can see where there are things I was wrong about and lots of things I wanted to say that I didn't. Like I said all the family was here for Christmas lunch and that's wrong we were missing one granddaughter and four great grand kids. I tell you that it seems that everyone that is in this house in the mornings must think that when they see me sitting in front of the computer and typing that I am not doing anything and am free to have conversations. I can't talk and think and type at the same time and make any sense. During the summer it was easier because I could go outside and sit at the table on the porch and write but during the winter there is a lot less options to where I can write. I have given this some thought and you just maybe reading a post in the future that I have wrote sitting in the bathroom, it is the only room in the house that I can usually have some quiet time.
      Mom this year got mostly clothes for Christmas, she is very hard to shop for now days. She doesn't seem to get enjoyment from anything. I did get her a cute little nativity that I just think is adorable but she seen it she didn't even smile or respond in anyway when I showed it to her, other than disagree when I said it was hers' that she got for Christmas.
      My husband got several gifts for Christmas. I some how managed to get him three flashlights, oops! No, one I got him that is rechargeable and will be good do use around the house. The other two, well he needed a flashlight for work and I got him one but after I bought it I thought it was the wrong kind so I bought him a different one that I knew would work. But he said that both will work so now he has a back up anyways. He also got car seat covers and a new phone. My crazy sister M who I was talking to around Thanksgiving about my husband wanting one of those turkey fryer and I said there was no way he was getting one of those because you hear all the stories of men catching the house or  themselves on fire, well she decided that a turkey fryer would be a perfect Christmas gift for him, so now he has a turkey fryer. Thanks a lot sister M. LOL
     I told you some of the gifts I got in yesterday's post but I also got a tablet, a necklace and a dvd player. The necklace I bought myself at Kohl's during their black Friday sale. The dvd player for some reason wont work with the tv in the kitchen where I wanted it for. I got so upset last night when trying to hook it up to the tv that I called my sister A and had her bring down her son, a teenager, to hook it up for me. But he had to tell me that it wouldn't work unless I bought something else to connect it with, blah, blah, blah....... I don't know.
     Well I think I have said most of what I wanted to on yesterday's post. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. God bless.

                                                            April Whitehair

Thursday, December 26, 2013

December 26, 2013

     Good morning. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. My Christmas was very good. I received a lot of presents most of which I asked for and a few that were surprises. My husband got lots of presents and so did Mom. Mom this year was unable to open her gifts by herself, she didn't understand why we were asking her to rip paper. Most of the gifts I received were prepper related, I got a hand crank wheat grinder, hand crank radio/light, a dehydrator all from my husband and my sister M got me a book on water bath canning.
     All my sisters and their husbands and kids came to lunch. We all ate way to much and laughed and had a all around good time. My sister M got all her sisters a diamond candle for Christmas. They have a ring in every candle worth between $10 and $5000. I lit mine as soon as I got it and the rest of my sisters lit theirs as soon as they got home. Well none of ours were worth $5000. But the excitement of waiting for the wax to melt to see what you get was fun.
     Cousin T is with Mom today. I am going to go get out of this house. Not sure what I am going to do except go to the dollar store here in town. I just want out of this house. It is snowing and I hope the roads are not to bad. I need to leave soon before they get worse.
      Have a good day.

                                                           April Whitehair

Monday, December 23, 2013

December 23, 2013

      Good morning. I got my new washer yesterday. I was like a kid at Christmas. It is just the basic cheapest washer but it is new and it is mine and I love it.
      Well this morning has not been a good morning so far. Mom had taken her teeth out sometime last night and her dog broke them. I could take her back to the dentist to try to get new ones made but the last time I had her there he said there would be no use making her new ones, they would not feel right to her and she, in her mental state, would not use them. So I guess she will not have teeth anymore. These may still work but I just can't get her to try them to see.
     Also she would not stand up this morning, I worked with her for an hour trying to get her to stand she just wouldn't do it. so I had to role her around on the bed to get her cleaned up and put her in the wheelchair to get her into the kitchen for breakfast. Which she ate cereal somehow without her teeth.
     I have so much to get done today. I need to finish cleaning for Christmas. I am not as worried about getting everything done like I was at Thanksgiving. It is what it is. This house is well lived in.
Have a good day.

                                                         April Whitehair

Saturday, December 21, 2013

December 21, 2013

     Good morning. Mom slept in this morning, now she is up eating her breakfast. Sister A stopped down and visited this morning. Mom may not be able to voice her enjoyment when visitors stop by but I know she loves seeing her daughters.
     Some of you that know me know of my aversion to condiments. Yes I freak out when ketchup or mustard or anything like that touches any one's skin. Well last night Mom was eating a hamburger and got mustard all over her hand and I had to leave the room. Yet again another reason why my husband is the most awesome husband ever, he cleaned her up and even washed out the dish rag he used to clean her with. I am not sure why I am so disgusted with condiments touching some one's skin, I can eat ketchup and mayo but if it touches my skin I have a mini panic attack. One time my husband and I were at a restaurant and they had the glass bottles of ketchup and he went to shake it up and the lid wasn't screwed on and ketchup went all over him. I just about died. He went to the restroom and cleaned off and every time he came out I would say go back you missed some. I think he went in and out of the bathroom 15 times before I could accept that he was clean enough. Oh my poor husband has to put up with me and all my issues.
      I am going to go try and get Mom to finish painting the ornament that we started painting the other day. Have a good day.

                                                   April Whitehair

Friday, December 20, 2013

December 20, 2013

     Good morning. Yesterday Mom went with cousin T to visit with aunt L. They had some girl time. Mom got her hair done and she looks pretty. I am so thankful for Mom having relatives like those ladies. She enjoys getting out of this house and hanging out with other women.
     Mom appears to be in a ok mood this morning, I may try to get her to finish painting her ornament that we started the other day. I hope she has a better time with it this time.
     Not much planed for today just cleaning, same old stuff different day. Have a good day.

                                                  April Whitehair

Thursday, December 19, 2013

December 19, 2013

     Good morning. Well yesterday Mom and I painted the salt dough ornaments that I had made the day before. At first I think I seen her smile and I was so happy that we actually found something that she could do and would enjoy doing. I began thinking of other things to paint. Then the next minute she was crying and I asked why she was crying and she said because she didn't know how to paint ...Then the next minute she was sucking the paint off the brush, good thing I bought non-toxic paint. She tried to paint for about 30 minutes and did not finish painting a 2 inch heart. I will try and get her to finish it tomorrow. I had so hoped that she would like painting, now yet again I will have to try and find something for her to do.
     Cousin T is here with Mom today. The weather is suppose to be nice and cousin T said she wanted to get Mom out of the house and visit with Aunt L. I hope Mom will cooperated and have a nice visit. I plan of going somewhere with my husband. Not sure exactly where but where ever he decided will be a good change from being stuck in this house all the time.
     Have a good day.

                                                    April Whitehair

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

December 18, 2013

     Good morning. I was able to finish Christmas shopping yesterday. I got everything I wanted to buy except for one thing I wanted to get for my husband but its ok he didn't ask for it anyway, it was just something I thought he might want. I got all the food needed for Christmas dinner and for the peanut butter pie I will be making. The only thing I can think of that I still need to do is get the money Mom gives to her grand and great grand kids.
     Yesterday I made salt dough ornaments that Mom and I are going to paint today. I hope that this will be something for her to do that she just may enjoy. I am not to sure though she doesn't seem to be in a good mood, I may wait a while and see if her mood will improve. I plan on wrapping the whole kitchen table with plastic wrap before we paint because I know we will get paint everywhere. I just hope she doesn't take it too seriously and cry like she did when I tried to get her to color in a coloring book.
      I have a lot of cleaning to do, I have been putting off cleaning because I knew that I would have to clean everything again right before Christmas. Now that Christmas is a week away I need to get started.
     Have a good day.

                                                        April Whitehair

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

December 17, 2013

     Good morning. Cousin T is here looking after Mom. Mom is being crabby and crying some this morning. Not sure the reason for it and neither does she, she says. Today I will be going and finishing up Christmas shopping, I hope, I need to get one more gift and food for Christmas dinner. Then I will be done hopefully. I need to go get ready to leave. Have a good day.

                                                   April Whitehair

Monday, December 16, 2013

December 16, 2013

     Good morning. It is a snowy, cold day. I am glad that I don't have to go anywhere even though I was sure there was something going on today, like an appointment or something but I guess not because I never got a appointment reminder call. So I thought maybe I was remembering, somehow, that today was my sister A and brother-in-law S's anniversary, I was really proud that I actually remembered their anniversary, but I checked her face book page and it says her anniversary is tomorrow. So now I am really confused, I guess there is nothing going on today. Anyway Happy Anniversary sister A and brother S, just in case I forget to say it tomorrow. I love the both of you and hope you too have many more happy years together.
     I got my seeds in the mail! I got Pepper cubanelle, Dill dukat, Cabbage charleston, Tomato delicious, and Endive broadleaf. I love seeds and every time I see that envelope in the mail box I feel like a kid at Christmas. I really don't know what to do with all these seeds. I will plant a few seeds of each kind and save the rest, I think.
     Mom had been crying some last night and this morning. I ask why she is crying and she says she doesn't know. She is good right now sitting at the kitchen table with me watching tv. She went with us to the church Christmas program on Saturday night. She did so well and I think enjoyed singing Christmas carols and watching the kids on the stage. She also enjoyed eating all the good food after the program.
     The church Christmas program was an interesting emotional experience for me. I decided not to participate or help with the program this year, I have been feeling stressed and didn't want to add to it. Also another big big reason I didn't want to participate was because I hate, hate talking in front of an audience. Even though I know everyone and am family with almost all of them, I still get extremely nervous. I have a hard time reading or just talking, I get all red faced and sweaty. No, I try to avoid speaking to an audience at all costs. But I must say sitting in the back of the room watching and not being apart of the program was very strange. I felt so left out.... I was sitting between my husband and my Mom and doing what I was suppose to do. I helped Mom stand when she needed to and sit when she needed to and find the right page in the song book and follow along when singing. I feel torn between taking care of Mom and being a church member. I just can't find the right balance.
     Another reason the Christmas program was emotional this year was because it was the last year for my niece and the other teens her age. They are seniors and will be adults next year.... There is a large group of teens all the same age as her and they have been such a blessing to the church. They now even bring their boyfriends and girlfriends to church and get them to participate in the program as well. They will all be missed greatly as they spread their wings and fly off to live their own lives. All hopes that they remember their home church and the lessons they have learned there over all those years of Bible school and Christmas programs and Sunday school. I hope they have hid in their hearts the songs and words that will help them when they need them the most. And I hope that they know that no matter how many years and events happen to pass, that they can always come home again to the little country church of their youth and they will always be welcomed with open arms and love that will never cease.

                                                              April Whitehair

Saturday, December 14, 2013

December 14, 2013

     Good morning. Mom is up eating breakfast, she seems wide awake this morning and in a good mood. I hope the good mood lasts at least until cousin T gets here to give her a shower for our outing tonight. Mom was a bit crabby yesterday and wouldn't let cousin T give her a shower.
     Tonight is the church Christmas program. It is always a fun time. The children and teens of the church put on a couple plays and always the nativity, readings are read and Christmas songs are sung, and last but not least Santa stops by and hands out candy and listens to the wishes of the children and adults alike, and presents are exchanged. Then afterwards we all head to my uncles for snacks and fellowship. A wonderful time is had by all.
     Some how I got talked into helping out with the program the last couple years, probably because I really don't know how to say no.... but really I enjoy helping whether it is cleaning the church or assisting in the play practices, sharing ideas and just joining in on the good times had by being around the youth of our community.  But this year I did it... I said no. I did feel very bad about it. With all the care Mom needs and the stress I have felt lately I just couldn't let myself take on anything else. I was going to help clean the church in preparation for the program but they did the cleaning after one of the play practices and I missed it. I do feel bad now that I didn't help at all. But I really wanted to just sit in the audience and watch like everyone else.
     The program is and has been led by my wonderful cousin J. She is such a role model for me. I will never become anywhere close to being a great Christian woman like she is but I try to follow her example.
     I need to go get things going. Have a good day.

                                                         April Whitehair 

Friday, December 13, 2013

December 13, 2013

     Good morning. I didn't sleep well last night, I just kept waking up. Mom slept through the night. Cousin T is here with Mom today. I plan on going somewhere not sure where but just out of this house. I have one more gift to buy for Christmas then I will be done so I may go try and get it.
     Christmas decorations are up except for the tree. I don't plan on putting up the tree till the day before Christmas eve. The cats love to play in and climb the tree. Last year they knocked the tree down at least once and broke several bulbs. Yes they are ornery.
     I need to get off here and get the day started. Have a good day.

                                                          April Whitehair

Thursday, December 12, 2013

December 12, 2013

     Good morning. Yesterday was a good day for Mom, cousin T got her up and out of the house and they went and visited with aunt L. Mom actually stayed awake and talked and smiled a lot while she was there. It is so good for her to get out of this house and do something. She gets tired of being around me all the time and needs a break every now and again.
     Today Mom has a doctors appointment, just a follow up from changing her meds. I am very happy with how she is doing on this new med and I hope that the doctor can see that it is helping her. It is so cold outside today, Mom and I both hate the cold, I plan on letting the car warm up for a long time before we have to leave.
     Not much else going on. Just got to get some laundry done. Have a good day.

                                                                    April Whitehair

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

December 11, 2013

     Good morning. Cousin T took Mom today to go visit her sister, aunt L. I am so glad to have cousin T here helping and doing things with Mom. Not sure what I will do today except maybe take a nap and maybe go to the store here in a little bit. Not much else going on around here so I am going to go try to find something to do. Have a good day.

                                                April Whitehair

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

December 10, 2013

     Good morning. Well maybe I should just say morning. Its snowy and cold out. My husband had to stay over at work which means that I had to take the trash out this morning. For some reason taking the trash out is one of my least favorite things to do and doing it on a cold snowy morning is even worse. When I have to take the trash out I will wait till the last minute like this morning I was finally putting the bags in the bin when the trash truck drove up.
     Cousin T couldn't make it this morning. She had an appointment today. Mom is up and already had her breakfast. She is so different now on this new medicine. Hopefully cousin T will be able to come tomorrow or maybe I will see if she can come Thursday and Friday. I have plans on Thursday to go help clean the church and I don't want to have to cancel and maybe by Friday the snow will be gone and I will be able to go and do something.
     I need to go get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                              April Whitehair

Monday, December 9, 2013

December 9, 2013

     Good morning. We had a very good weekend that I can now finally tell you where we went. My husband and I went to Pittsburgh for my husband's brother's surprise birthday party.  This is the first time meeting my new brother-in-law R, his wife, and their two daughters. We had such a good time it was well worth the drive. I hope we will be able to get these two brothers together again very soon.
     I could not imagine not seeing your brother for years and years. My family is thankfully so close in location and in heart. We seem to always be coming up with reasons to get together, holidays, family reunions, and birthdays, almost every month we will all be together.
     I also found out something, my brother-in-law R reads this blog. How cool is that! Hello brother R, if you are really reading this. I had never before this weekend met or talked to him but he had taken time to read my blog. But mostly I think he read it because he wanted to see who is brother was married to and also wanted to see how his brother was getting along. I do hope that by reading this blog he could see that I am a normal boring person. Just living my life the best way that I can and giving all the credit to whom it belongs, God.
     We had originally had planned to make this weekend a mini romantic vacation. Go to the party then get a hotel room and spend the night alone, relaxing and forgetting about all our responsibilities at home. Then driving home on Sunday. Well that did not happen as planned. My husband's aunt needed a ride and that changed our plans. Which I am now thankful for because we made it home just a little after midnight on Sunday morning and the roads were clear but if we would have stayed overnight in Pittsburgh and drove home sometime Sunday we would have been driving on snow covered roads. There was lots of accidents between here and there on Sunday. It all worked out and we made it there and back safe.   
     My sister M and brother G took care of Mom this weekend. Thank you guys for always being there for us when we need it. They both said that they could see a difference in Mom with the change in her medication. It appears to be working, she is sleeping at night and being nicer when she is awake. Hopefully no more mean Mom who spits and yells.
     I need to go get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                                April Whitehair

Saturday, December 7, 2013

December 7, 2013

     Good morning. Yesterday I could not get Blogger to load so I was unable to post anything. Thursday cousin T came to stay with Mom and I went Christmas shopping, I got everything I wanted to get except one thing that I will have to look for later. I met up with my cousin J and ate lunch at Denny's. We ordered way to much food and had to take some home. It was great getting together and talking. I barely made it home for cousin T to leave on time. Mom did better on her new med but refused to take a shower for cousin T. I was able to get Mom to stay awake to watch the live Sound of Music that was on tv that night, she ate popcorn and drank soda pop and watched tv till about 10pm. On the other med that would not have happened.
     Yesterday cousin T came down and was able to get Mom in the shower. We really wanted her to have a shower before she went to my sister M's for the weekend. They had a choir show to go to last night and they said she did good and was smiling and singing alone with the kids. Yet again an example that the new med is better than the old one. My husband and I was able to go out alone together yesterday. We ate at Hardee's and got a little shopping done at Walmart. My washer has been driving me crazy just one thing wrong after another. First the lid lock thing broke and brother-in-law S had to come down and rewire it then sometimes I notice that the agitator thing isn't working like I think it should then the other day I noticed that it wasn't spinning until I would start it by spinning the thing my self then it would take off and spin. So I decided I had had enough with that washer so we stopped at Lowes and picked out one. Did you know that most of the new washers these days don't even have an agitator post in them any more? I don't see how that would work. I did order the cheapest one and yes it has the agitator post but it does not have a liquid fabric softener dispenser but I decided that would be ok I will just use my Downy ball that I had from years ago. Now we wait for delivery. They were not able to deliver it till December 22, I hope my old washer can hang on that long. I wash way to much laundry to be without a washer.
     Today is going to be a busy day we must get ready for our trip out of town. I still can't say where we are going but I will tell you all about it when I post on Monday. My husband has been busy getting the car ready for a long road trip and hopefully the snow will hold off till we get back home.
     A special Happy Birthday to my sister H. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love you.
     I need to go get ready for a busy day. Have a good day.

                                                        April Whitehair
    

Thursday, December 5, 2013

December 5, 2013

     Good morning. Mom got a new sleeping medicine yesterday, it seemed to work she slept last night and was awake at 6am. Now she is already napping again. Cousin T is here looking after Mom today. I get to get out of this house. I am going Christmas shopping then meeting up with one of my cousins for lunch. I am so happy to have help with Mom. Even though I thought I could do it all by myself I finally realized that it is not possible. And that is ok.

                                                               April Whitehair

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

December 4, 2013

     Good morning. I was awake earlier this morning and ate a muffin that my husband made and drank two cups of coffee and was still so tired and decided to go back to sleep. Mom is still sleeping, she was awake a couple times last night. That increase in med made her sleep all day yesterday maybe her body will adjust to it soon.
     My car got fixed yesterday. It now has a new water pump and timing belt. We are planning a trip this weekend that I can't go into detail about till afterward and we are wanting to make sure my car will make it there and back safely. My sister M will be taking care of Mom this weekend. It will be a good mini vacation for us.
     I need to go try and get Mom up. Have a good day.

                                                                               April Whitehair

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

December 3, 2013

     Good morning. I didn't post yesterday and I got a couple calls checking in on me. I was ok, Mom just didn't sleep all that night so neither did I and I had to get up and go with my husband to take the car to the mechanic then I came home and went right back to sleep till it was time for cousin T to leave. By then it was already to late in the day to make time to post anything. I called Mom's doctor's office to ask about changing her sleeping med since it is not working and all they told me to do was increase the dose. She did sleep last night but I still don't like how the med makes her behave all hateful and mean. I will call the doctor's office again today and see if they will change it to something else.
     We had a nice visitor last night. Cousin J stopped down and talked for a while. I was so happy to see her. We sat around and talked for a few minutes. Mom also enjoys having visitors, she may not know who you are but she likes to be around people other than me.
     Well today I plan on working on Christmas cards. We have already received two. I need to get busy. Have a good day.

                                                            April Whitehair

Saturday, November 30, 2013

November 30, 2013

     Good morning. I have been very busy the last couple days and have been unable to post. Wednesday cousin T was able to get here, thankfully, and I was able to make my apple pies and get the last bit of cooking and cleaning done. Thursday was Thanksgiving and the whole family was here except for two of my great nieces and one great nephew which were spending the day with their dad. We had a lot of food and a lot of good laughs. Even though this house is small and there are a lot of us I love when we all get together, it is so good to see and talk to my nieces and nephews that I don't get to see very often. They are all growing up and becoming such fine young ladies and men.
     I believe I have said it before that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a holiday not based on receiving gifts but celebrating the gift of family, of being together, and being blessed with never having to walk this life alone. It is a holiday to reconnect after a long year and hopefully show each  of us that no matter where the year has taken us or where the year to come takes us love in this family is real and will remain for each and everyone of us. No mater how many miles may be between us we will always be together in our hearts.
     The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, my sister A and I have went shopping together for years. We both love the excitement and the savings. We get the sales papers on Thanksgiving and after we eat we sit around and plan out our shopping trip for the next day. Well we both agree that the stores opening their sales on Thanksgiving has ruined the black Friday experience, so we decided that we would not go this year and instead we would just go out to eat. We would usually shop early in the morning the eat breakfast before going home. Well we went to eat around 9am and I said we should at least stop at Kohl's and look around even though we would have missed all the good sales. After we ate we went to Kohl's and we found ourselves in a the middle of a great jewelry sale. We couldn't help ourselves and we bought several pieces. We both got Christmas gifts for a couple people and ourselves. We could not believe how good the prices were and that there was so much to choose from even with us showing up so late. I think we may have stumbled upon a new black Friday tradition.
     Well I need to go. Have a good day.

                                                              April Whitehair
    

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

November 27, 2013

     Good morning. I have so much to do today. Thanksgiving is tomorrow and the family comes here for dinner. We always say we eat at noon but we actually don't get all the food on the table till closer to one. We have a bunch of good cooks in this family. Everyone is in charge of something, my 17 year old niece makes the mashed potatoes my husband is in charge of baking the turkey, all of us make or bring something.
     Cousin T was unable to make it here this morning because the roads are slippery and she has bad tires on her car. I am hoping that she will be able to get here later. If she is able to come she can give Mom a bath and keep her occupied while I get some cooking and cleaning done. I was able to get a lot done yesterday. A special thanks to my husband who has done so much to help me get ready for Thanksgiving day. I don't know what I would do without him. Right now he is putting rolls in to the pans so they can start to raise, so I can have time to write this.
     I need to go. Have a good day.

                                                              April Whitehair

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

November 26, 2013

     Good morning. Wow I had a wild crazy lady on my hands last night. Yelling, running around the house naked, and throwing things. She finally fell asleep on the couch I covered her up and she slept till around four then she woke up and I was able to get her to lay in bed, dressed and she slept off and on till around ten this morning.
      I got a lot more cleaning done yesterday than I thought I would. But I still have a lot to do over the next two days. I hope I can get most of it done but I have decided that I am not really concerned if I don't get everything done that I want to. The basic areas are clean and that is all that matters.
     Well if I don't get off here and get started I will never get anything done today. Have a good day.

                                                          April Whitehair

Monday, November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

     Good morning. I woke up this morning with a small headache. I took some Ibuprofen and I hope it works soon. I have my cleaning list made and I need to get a lot done today. Only three more days left till Thanksgiving. I have not even set out any decorations yet. I am running so far behind this year.
     Mom is awake and already driving me crazy. Questions, questions, questions. Cousin T will be here to keep an eye on her on Wednesday, which is good because I will be cooking and baking all day. Hopefully she can keep her from being under foot while I am cooking.
     Oh a new thing that Mom is doing, she has done it twice now. She will sit on the floor and crawl or crab walk or just scoot around on her but. Not sure why she does it maybe she feels safer crawling than walking or maybe she thinks she is suppose to. My husband says maybe she is going through her second childhood.
     I need to get off here and get started with my to do list. Have a good day.

                                                                   April Whitehair

Saturday, November 23, 2013

November 23, 2013

     Good morning. Didn't get much sleep last night. Mom woke up several times and now she is sleepy. Not much happened yesterday. My life is so boring but I guess it is better to have a boring life than one full of drama and trouble. Why is it some people seem to live under a cloud of drama? And when ever you go near them their drama cloud rains down on you. I try to avoid drama cloud people as much as possible.
     Not much on the agenda today. I will try to get some cleaning done. I am slowly getting this house ready for the upcoming holiday.
     Have a good day.

                                                     April Whitehair

Friday, November 22, 2013

November 22, 2013

     Good morning. Yesterday cousin T stayed with Mom, Mom was acting crabby and stubborn. I hope Mom treats cousin T nicer or I fear that she wont stay around for to long. Everyone sees nice sweet old lady when they are around Mom very few people see her acting mean and crabby. But cousin T said she would be back next week and I am thankful and hopeful that she will.
     My husband and I went out to eat at IHOP yesterday morning. My niece C had told me that the cinn-a-stack pancakes was very good and told me to try them. It is very difficult for me to get out of my comfort zone, regular pancakes and bacon, but I made myself try something different. The cinn-a-stack pancakes was very very good. But they were way to sweet and I could only eat half. I think they would be good as a shared plate at your table, something that everyone could eat a piece or two from but it is way to sweet to eat the whole thing for one person.
     After breakfast we went Christmas shopping. We actually got a few things and can mark a few things off our list. Plus I had my husband show me some things that he would like. He is so hard to shop for. Now I have ideas of what to get him and I will have to go back without him to get those things.
     I need to go get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                       April Whitehair

Thursday, November 21, 2013

November 21, 2013

      Good morning. Yesterday Mom had a visitor, her baby sister came and seen her. Mom may not have remembered her but I know she was glad to have company. It was also nice for me to have company also. Today cousin T comes and takes care of Mom. My husband and I are planning on going out together, that doesn't happen much. We are thinking IHOP and some Christmas shopping.
      I actually started cleaning yesterday. I may get this house clean before Thanksgiving after all.      
      Last night there was a bad accident here in our town. My thoughts and prayers go out to all their friends and family.
                                                 
                                                                 April Whitehair

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

November 20, 2013

     Good morning. I sure feel better now than I did just a couple days ago. Cousin T, the lady that is coming to help take care of Mom, was here yesterday. Her and Mom got along so well. Though Mom was very tired and napped most of the day. Cousin T also cleaned my stove top and the outside of the fridge and swept the living room floor. I didn't expect her to do all that but I am grateful. I had neglected the stove top for a long time, it sure is shiny now. While she was here I was able to leave and go to the store and I actually came home and took a nap. I so should have hired someone to help a long time ago. I seem to mentally feel a whole lot better and have more energy and desire to actually do something. She will be back again tomorrow and my husband and I are planning on going out and doing something, maybe getting some Christmas shopping done.
     I need to go. Have a good day.

                                                                April Whitehair
     

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

November 19, 2013

     Good morning. I sure didn't get any sleep last night. Tossed and turned all night and now I am so sleepy. The lady is here that will be here helping with Mom. We shall call her cousin T. So far she is doing an excellent job and Mom is responding well to her. Mom has already had a bath! I can tell already that I will feel better and less stressed with this help.
     I will get out of the house today not sure what I will do except I am going somewhere or I might just go take a nap. I love being able to do something anything and know that Mom is safe and taken care of.
     I need to go help cousin T and show her where things are around the house. Have a good day.

                                                April Whitehair

Monday, November 18, 2013

November 18, 2013

     Good morning. Well I must tell you I finally mentally broke. Friday night I started crying and couldn't stop. My wonderful husband made me go to bed and sleep and he took care of Mom. I woke up Saturday morning and started crying again and couldn't stop again. Two of my sisters came down and my sister M took Mom to her house for the day and night so I could have a break. I slept all day  and all night Saturday. We have found a relative that will come in a couple times a week and look after Mom so I can get a break. What do I think was my problem? I had been saying for a while that I am just tired but I do get sleep I don't think I am sleepy tired I am just over stressed and some what depressed. I think that most of my issues began when my husband was away for those six weeks training for work. Though my sister M came down every week to let me get out of the house I was here every minute except for those times. I just over extended myself and I have never been good at asking for help. To me asking for help is a sign of weakness showing everyone that I can't do everything all the time. Or at least showing myself that I am weaker than I want to be. My sisters think I need to go see a doctor and see about getting antidepressants. I am not completely sure that I need them but I will go talk to a doctor and leave it up to him/her. I think I am just over stressed and with the help of the lady we have coming in to help it should decrease my stress some so I wont be over stressed so then I wont need medication. But I can see where medication may help me deal with the stress better and more productively. Like I said I will go see a doctor and talk to them about my life and how I have been feeling and see what they suggest.
     I need to go. Have a good day.

                                                                   April Whitehair

Friday, November 15, 2013

November 15, 2013

     Good morning. Last night I went to the local college for one of the lectures. This lecture was a pictorial history of Salem. The lecture was very nice though a bit long. I loved seeing all the old pictures and hearing the history of our small town. I learned a lot and I think more people from this town should learn what happened in this town and how it shaped and transformed our current lives. I was surprised to see that not as many people came than what I thought would have. I guess most people are not that interested in history. The major turn of events in the history of Salem was an oil boom, wonder what we could learn from the past that may help us during this current oil boom....
      Though the lectures are nice to hear I think myself and my teenage niece C, that also goes to the lectures, really go because they also have a very nice dinner afterward. And by nice I mean cloth napkin and several forks kind of dinner. I for one was definitely out of my comfort zone. Though I try to be lady like I just can't pull it off. My cloth napkin on my lap kept falling on the floor and my area of the table cloth seemed to be the only one covered in crumbs and spilled food. But the food was excellent. I almost tackled the waitress who missed our table when offering cool whip topping for my nieces pumpkin pie. If my niece wanted cool whip she was getting cool whip!
     The fellowship with my cousins and niece was wonderful. Actually getting out of the house and being apart of conversations with people who could carry a conversation was wonderful. Talking about things other than Mom was great though I seem to be out of the loop in regards to the outside world. Also I found it difficult to keep up with three different people talking. I think I am out of practice socializing in reality.
     A special thanks my sister H and my husband for looking after Mom so I could go.      
     I need to go. Have a good day.

                                                                      April Whitehair

Thursday, November 14, 2013

November 14, 2013

     Good morning. I did not sleep very much at all last night. Mom slept good but I had just got into a good sleep when she decided to wake up. Mom responds so much better to my husband than she does to me. But that may be because I don't respond a nicely as he does. I try to be nice and sweet but after the fifth time saying the same thing I get irritated.
     Tonight I get to get out of this house!!! I have been invited to go to the local college to hear a lecture and eat a nice dinner. They do these lectures a few times a year, I went a couple times last spring/summer. I always have a good time no matter what the lecture is about. My husband will be here with Mom and my sister H will be here hanging out with Mom also. I am so thankful for a great family who understands that I need to get away every now and then.
     I think I am most excited about going to the lecture because I will be around other adults that can have a normal conversation with, other than my husband. Don't get me wrong I love my husband and we talk all the time and I am grateful for our good relationship but I need other adult conversations also. I miss having girlfriends. Though I don't intend to get into the details I will say that I went through a difficult time a few years back and had to walk away from all my friends. Those that know me know what and why. But now I have been thinking of trying to reconnect with some of my lost girlfriends through social media, not in person. I just hope those that were real friends will understand and honestly those that don't understand weren't real friends anyway.
     I need to go get something done today. Have a good day.

                                                        April Whitehair

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

November 13, 2013

     Good morning. Mom is doing well, eating good and slept well last night. She is sitting at the table eating Cheerios right now. She keeps asking me if she is doing it right.
     Yesterday I cleaned and seasoned another one of my cast iron skillets. This one is quite small, not sure what I will cook in it but it is so cute. Only four more skillets to clean and season to go. I probably wont keep all of them, I wouldn't know what to do with all of them.
     I went to the Dollar Store last night, my husband stayed here with Mom so I could get out of the house. Boy, there is something wrong at the Dollar Store. Why are their lines so long? Only one register open, they are acting like Walmart. Make sure you plan being there an extra 30 minutes just to wait in line.
     Only two weeks till Thanksgiving, I have got to get this house cleaned up and ready for company. I usually deep clean the whole house before Thanksgiving then it is done and good for Christmas as well, except for the usual daily cleaning. But this year I am just not feeling it. I am so exhausted physically and mentally from taking care of Mom that it is hard to even do the regular upkeep let alone a full deep clean. Though I will hopefully make it look presentable just don't look in cabinets or behind doors or under beds, you might not like what you see.
     I need to go get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                      April Whitehair 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

November 12, 2013

     Good morning. I am very sleepy this morning. Mom was up off and on through out the night. My husband came home from work this morning and made breakfast. He is such a good husband. Now it appears that Mom is sleeping in, I must admit that I am a little jealous.
     So a couple months ago I had bought some cast iron skillets at a yard sale, I had put them away and did not do anything with them. Yesterday I decided to try to clean one of them up and season it. I must say I think I did a good job. I made cornbread in it last night for dinner and it was very good. I plan to clean a couple more of them and start using them also. 
     It snowed last night and it is still snowing right now. It looks very pretty outside, as long as you are inside a warm house looking out at it. I am hoping that I don't have to go outside for any reason today.
     My plan is to clean out the deep freezer and organize everything when I put it all back in. I never can find anything in there when I need it. The other day I was making meatloaf and when I was cutting up the onion to put in it I was thinking that most things only take about half an onion then I put the rest in the refrigerator then toss it in the garbage on garbage day. What a waste! Why don't I just cut the whole onion up use what I need and freeze the rest to use later? Even though they will be mushy when they are thawed they can be used in soups, meatloaf, fried potatoes, and etc.. There are only a couple things that require unfrozen onions that I can think of like hot dogs and topping for soup beans. So now with the chopped up onions and the chopped up bacon from the other day and the chopped up sweet banana peppers from the garden this summer and all the other usual stuff plus a giant turkey for Thanksgiving all shoved in the freezer it is getting to be a large mess.
     Well Mom is up and requiring my attention. Have a good day.

                                                   April Whitehair  

Monday, November 11, 2013

November 11, 2013

     Good morning. So this morning the electric went out. My husband had only been home from work for about a hour and I had only been awake for a few minutes. I thought ok a chance to see how my preps will work. Percolator found coffee made, sitting at kitchen table drinking coffee and listening to battery powered radio, these were my thoughts and concerns. Water, I definitely don't have enough potable water on hand. I have a little over a gallon, but my plan was to get fresh spring water from a source close to home. This plan was made in the summer when it was warmer and also before Mom needed such close attention paid to her. I would not have been able to leave her alone to walk and get water if I had needed to. Also when I planned for water usage it was before Mom needed extra water every morning for personal bathing. So I need to come up with a new plan for water. This is good I find out now where the areas are that need attention and correction before we have to be with out electricity for a long extended period. So back to when I was setting at the table, percolated coffee in hand and listening to the battery powered radio. I realized that I need a better radio than I have, I was using a small alarm clock type radio. I could only find two stations and one was K Love which is national and the other station may have been more local but I am not sure I didn't listen long enough to tell, I would rather listen to K Love anytime anyway. So another area on concern and needing correction is a good working radio and I also need to find out what station is local so I can tune in to it if needed. Ok yet again back to me sitting at the table drinking my percolated coffee I hear something, like a machine running in the distance. How could anything be running with the power out? Hum... Well I guess the next lesson I learned this morning was to check and see if the electric was really out or if just a fuse had blown. Yep the deep freezer was running. The fuse that ran the rest of the house had blown but not the one that works the laundry room. Live and learn. But I did learn a lot this morning. I guess that is why a lot of prepper sites urge you to shut off all your electric for a period to test yourself and your preps.  
     So the stomach bug that I had over the weekend is now gone. That was one nasty bug. My husband is such a great help with Mom. I couldn't ask for a more caring, loving, and understanding husband.
     I need to go get this day going. Have a good day.

                                                    April Whitehair

Saturday, November 9, 2013

November 9, 2013

     Good morning. I got more seeds yesterday! I know I am crazy that I get excited over seeds. The seed club that I am in usually sends 4 packs a month but this month I got an email from the club owner that said that one of the seeds did not get to him in time so this month I would only get 3 packs and next month I will get 5 packs. Anyway I got Squash Burgess Buttercup, Brussels Sprouts Liberty, and Basil Cinnamon. I am excited about all those especially the Brussels Sprouts, we love those. I am not a big fan of Squash but the pack says this kind is good baked and served with butter and brown sugar. That sounds good. If I had a small counter top aquaponic system I would grow some of the Basil in it.
     My husband is home for good. It is wonderful have him here. I have been sick the last two day with a stomach bug and with him here I was able to actually take a nap. He is like a filter for my Mom when I am trying to nap, he filters out what she wants to wake me up for and only wakes me up when it is important. Unlike when I had a headache while he was gone and I tried to take a nap, she would wake me up to ask if I was sleeping or if I wasn't feeling well.
     Like I said I have been sick today will be three days. The only thing I can drink or eat successfully is coffee. I am starting to feel weak and yucky all over and I had a temperature last night. I so hope it will go away soon.
     I have lots of house work to catch up on today and I hope I feel well enough to get it done. Have a good day.

                                                          April Whitehair

Friday, November 8, 2013

November 8, 2013

     Good morning. I was finally able to log on to Blogger. Sometimes websites just don't work no matter how many times you refresh. Oh well, I was able to get on today. Didn't miss much, my life is very boring.
     Yesterday my sister M came down so I could get out. I told my sister I only needed to get a few things but came home with the trunk completely full. But like I told her I can justify everything I bought. Plus I needed to get some things for Thanksgiving dinner, I would rather just go ahead and get it and know I have everything I need just in case something would happen and I can't get out again before Thanksgiving.
     So I seen somewhere where you take a pack of uncooked bacon and chop it up into small pieces, then put them in dry ice cube trays and freeze them. Then put the frozen bacon cubes in a Ziploc in the freezer to use anytime you want bacon in potatoes, beans, or anything you would want a little bacon in. Like it would be just the right amount of bacon to fry and put into an omelet, on homemade pizza, or to top a salad. Oh so many ideas. I will be totally be freezing some bacon today.
     My husband comes home today for good. He will be graduating and not have to go back out of town. I am so proud of him. They say the training that he went through was very hard and I am so proud that he made it and did so well. It will be so good to have him here everyday and he can help me with Mom. I wont be alone anymore.
     I need to get this house cleaned up before he gets here. Have a good day.

                                                                April Whitehair

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

November 6, 2013

     Good morning. Last night was a bad and frustrating night, I caught Mom trying to give her medicine to her little dog. Thankfully I was there to knock him away or he would probably be dead by now. She didn't just try it once she tried it twice even with me sitting right next to her and she did it in a way that he thought his mommy was giving him a treat. Some of her meds might not kill him but they probably would damage his kidneys or liver irreversibly. This scared me deeply.
      Today's goal it to get up into the attic and mount a thermometer so I can check the temperature up there this winter. I have seen that a long long time ago people would use their attic like a root cellar but it would have to stay in a certain temperature range. I plan on seeing how my attic does this winter to see if it would could possibly be used next winter.
     I have a lot to get done today. Have a good day
                
                                                 April Whitehair

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

November 5, 2013

     Good morning. Not much going on around here. Mom is up eating breakfast, crazy as ever. She slept well last night. I on the other hand woke up often for no reason.
     My wheat plants are growing but now I have to transplant them outside, I hope they do well over the winter and come back in the spring. I really don't know if they are winter or summer wheat, I am just going to roll the dice and hope they are actually winter wheat. We shall see in the spring.
      My birdhouse gourds are not going to make it. They did not have enough time to mature before they got frosted on. I will take that as a learning experience and plant them a lot earlier next year. I seem to have found a great place for them to grow and will plant them there again.
     I am already excited about gardening next spring. I have most planed out. This winter can't be over soon enough.
     I need to go get something done. Have a good day.

                                                            April Whitehair

Monday, November 4, 2013

November 4, 2013

     Good morning. My husband and I had a great weekend alone. My sister M took care of Mom at her house so we could have a much needed break. The weekend was way to short but we enjoyed every moment we spent alone together.
     We went to the Memorial Dinner for my Uncle who passed away last week. Though we were all together to morn the loss of a loved one it seemed to me that it was a celebration of his life instead. I must say I do prefer the gathering of family and friends at a potluck than a funeral. My Uncle did not want a funeral and I was glad that the family respected his wishes. Though there were tears there was also a lot of good memories shared.
     At Mom's doctor appointment last week the doctor prescribed her a sleeping pill. It does work and help her sleep but it also makes her more argumentative. My sister M and brother G said they didn't notice any difference except she slept better but my husband and I can see how crabby she has gotten. I am hoping that after her body gets use to it the crabbiness will go away. If not I don't think I will be able to handle her like this for very long.
     I need to go get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                          April Whitehair

Saturday, November 2, 2013

November 2, 2013

     Good morning. I sure did sleep in this morning. With Mom spending the weekend at my sister M's and brother G's I did not have anyone yelling at me to wake up. Yesterday evening my husband and I was able to go out alone together. Oh course we went out to eat. Not wanting to wait in a long line before getting a table we ended up at Garfield's and let me tell you we were very pleased. We both ate way to much and left very satisfied. After eating we went and stopped at Kroger's and picked up some things I needed to make the rolls and cheesecake for the Memorial for my Uncle tomorrow. We also got the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
     Today I will be baking rolls and making cheesecake after that is done I hope to be able to get up on the hill and cut some more trees. But with sleeping in so late this morning I don't know if I will have enough time to get all my plans done today. Especially if I don't get started soon.
      Have a good day.

                                                        April Whitehair

Friday, November 1, 2013

November 1, 2013

     Good morning. Wow we had a good/bad storm roll through here last night. The wind was so strong that it shook my bedroom so much that it woke me up. Out of some sort of instinct I ran and stood in the door way between the kitchen and living room. I heard a lot of crashing and things falling outside but it was to dark to see anything. This morning I must say that we are lucky compared to my neighbors. My aunt/neighbor had a large tree fall in her yard, if it was over a little it would have taken out her car port. My sister H/neighbor had a tree fall on her van and break her windshield. The only thing that happened here at this house is a cabinet on the front porch fell over. So I can say that we were very lucky.
     Yesterday I went out with my cousin, I had such a good time. We went to an old 5 and dime, there was so much stuff that I would have loved to have bought but I controlled myself and spent a little under thirty dollars. Then we went to a very large antique store, there was so much stuff there it was hard to see it all. I seen several things I would have liked to buy but I didn't want to splurge to much. I am hoping to be able to go back to both places some time in the future. I had a good time spending time with my cousin. It is so nice to talk to someone who can carry a conversation with you. And she is such a sweet person, she treated me to lunch. I hope to be able to get out and go other places with her again in the future.
     Thank you to my sister M for staying with Mom while I got out yesterday. I don't know what I would do without you. You are such a blessing. Also she and brother G will be picking up Mom today and taking her to their house to spend the weekend. I love having weekends to spend alone with my husband every now and then. I think the alone time is a much needed thing in a marriage.
     Today is going to be a busy day. My husband comes home from working out of town all week and Mom leaves this evening for her weekend away. I need to get this house cleaned and Mom packed and ready to go. Have a good day.

                                                          April Whitehair 

Thursday, October 31, 2013

October 31, 2013

     Happy Halloween and good morning. Today is going to be a good day. My sister M is coming to look after Mom and I get to get out of the house and go out with my cousin. She has somewhere she wants to take me, I think it is an old 5 and dime, not sure but I am so excited to get out of this house and do something. And the good company with her is much needed. I am so grateful to have a friend/family like her.
     Yesterday I noticed that my wheat seeds that I planted the other day has sprouted. That is so exciting to me. Now as long as I don't kill it and it makes it to harvest next year.
     Mom's new sleeping pill appears to have worked last night. She is still sleeping and she slept through the night. That may be why I am in such a good mood this morning, I actually slept last night.
     I need to go get ready for the day. Have a good day.

                                                            April Whitehair









Wednesday, October 30, 2013

October 30, 2013

     Good morning. Mom had a her follow up doctor appointment yesterday. We finally was able to see her regular doctor, we haven't seen her since before Mom's fall and fracture. It was so good to see a doctor who actually knew Mom and me and the progression of Mom Alzheimer's. She, Mom's doctor, had been out of the office for over a month, not sure why. She is such a good doctor, she actually listens which means so much to me. My main concern was Mom not sleeping. When Mom doesn't sleep neither do I. New sleeping med prescribed with an increasing dose. Started last night with the smallest dose and it didn't work but I am hopeful that as the nights go by and the doses increase it will work. Also a follow up on Mom's UTI, she still has it so new antibiotics ordered.
     Not much else going on around here. It was nice to get out of the house yesterday. I may try to get us out of the house even if it is just to drive around town occasionally. Just the change of scenery was a nice change, better than being stuck in this house all the time for the both of us.
     Have a good day.

                                                                  April Whitehair

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

October 29, 2013

     Bad day yesterday and it looks like it isn't gone to be much better today. I think I am gone to loose my mind. All Mom does is ask the same questions over and over. I have tried everything I can think of to get her to stop, answering, yelling, crying, and ignoring, nothing helps.
     Very short post today. I am going to go make the best of the day that I can.
                      
                                                                 April Whitehair

Monday, October 28, 2013

October 28, 2013

     Good morning. Mom is up and driving me crazy! Questions, questions, repeat, repeat... I so wish I could go back to bed. My husband left for his week away at work, now I am here alone with Mom. I pray for patience, kindness, understanding, compassion, and love. All of which I seem to be short in supply this morning.
     My uncle that I told you about the other day has passed. No more pain and suffering for him. Mom took it hard. She didn't remember that he had been sick or going to visit with him a couple times in the last several months. She cried for about a half hour, now I don't think she remembers that he passed. I am not going to remind her, that would in my mind be just cruel, until we go to this memorial.
     I realized while watching the shows on you tube that I should have plant the wheat seeds in September or at least 2 weeks before the first frost. So I have decided to experiment and start them in the house and transplant them here in a couple weeks if they start. We shall see if that works.
     My husband bought us a new heating stove and put it in yesterday and so far it is working great. I still think the old stove would make someone a good stove, someone with better gas lines than us. I am hoping some one that needs it will stop by and buy it.
     I need to go and get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                      April Whitehair

Saturday, October 26, 2013

October 26, 2013

     Good morning. Last night was a good night here, my husband carved the pumpkin he grew in the garden. The pumpkin is rather large and it has the thickest walls I have every seen. The three of us set around the kitchen table and laughed and talked. Mom seemed to be having a particularly good time she kept saying things like, "I am so glad you two are here." and "I love you guys." She made fun of my husband and laughed and talked more than I have seen her do in a while. The jack-o-lantern turned out good. I think the pumpkin should have matured on the vine a little longer, its not uniformly orange, but the frost made that decision. So I set and picked out all the seeds and with the pumpkin being so large the seeds were huge and a lot of them. This was the first time as an adult that I ever roasted pumpkin seeds and for some reason they didn't turn out like I thought they should. My husband didn't like them at all, I think it was the first time he had ever tried them so I wish they would have tasted better. But I think with the pumpkin being slightly immature the seeds were not as mature as should have been either. 
      So as I said the other day the living room heating stove has not been working right. Though it is working ok right now, I still don't trust it. My husband has went to the store to buy us a new one, hopefully it will work and take care of any of my concerns. I still think the old stove works just not with the amount of pressure that is in the gas line. So if anyone needs a heating stove I will have one to sell, I am not responsible for any accidents that happen if you use it. We just bought it last fall, it is still fairly new and has not been used much.
     I have to go get this day started. Have a good day.

                                                             April Whitehair

Friday, October 25, 2013

October 25, 2013

     Good morning. Well we got a hard frost last night, hard enough to take down the pumpkin vines. Not sure how the birdhouse gourds fared, I will go check them out later today.
     My husband comes home today! I miss him so much. Only two more weeks left of him working out of town then he is home for good. But before he gets home today I need to get this house cleaned up. But Mom doesn't help this goal at all. She is currently in the bathroom pulling things out of dresser drawers and dumping her jewelry boxes. She doesn't listen when I ask her to stop and she gets angry and yells, so I have decided, at least for now, I would just let her do what ever she wants and clean up the mess later.
     I have found some very interesting shows on you tube. I have been watching shows about experiments where they send people to live like they were in the 1800's. Learning the farming and cooking aspects of their life is very interesting to me. Also interesting was watching the children ages from 4 to 16. They came into this experiment not wanting to do it and missing the video games and computers and phones and friends and came away completely changed, matured people. Once they returned home they were so bored with the norm. This may be some of the reason why teen pregnancy and teen drug use is so rampant, put a shovel in their hands and cows to milk and they wont be bored enough to try and find things to do...
     I have lots to get done in a short time. Have a good day.

                                                          April Whitehair

Thursday, October 24, 2013

October 24, 2013

     Good morning. Mom slept great last night. Me on the other hand woke up extremely early with a headache, went back to sleep then woke up to a cramp in my calf but with the headache gone. Hopefully this isn't how my day will go. Mom may have slept well but she wouldn't spit out her gum when she went to bed and woke up with it all over her. I have definitely learned a lesson, no more gum for Mom, ever! 
     We got some bad news yesterday evening about one of Mom's brothers. He has been battling cancer for a while and now he has gotten to the point where he has maybe a couple days left. There is so many thoughts and feelings around this. Mom, with her Alzheimer's, isn't able to deal with the news. I have chose not to tell her, whether this is the right decision or not I am not completely sure. Her reaction to this news would be deep sadness, understandably, she would either focus on this repeatedly to the point of distress or completely forget that I told her and I would have to explain it to her again later. Either way it will not change the inevitable. Now in regards to my sisters and me this is a particular difficult situation, of course no where near as difficult as it would be to his sons, but we do know from experience what they are going through. We watched our Dad die slowly and painfully from cancer ten years ago. Though each of us would like to go spend time with him during his final days we are mentally and emotionally so not wanting to bring up those memories. It is a very hard thing for loved ones to watch a strong, super hero type man suffer so. Though it my be selfish, our avoidance of directly dealing with the issue at hand is purely out of self-preservation. Our thoughts, prayers, and tears go out to our Uncle and all the family. Thank you so much to those who are standing by him during his greatest time of need. We love you all. I must add here a sort of a disclaimer that I have not spoke to any of my sisters about what I have wrote in this post, for all I know they may have decided to go see him last night and none of what I said pertains to any of them except for me. I may have projected my own thoughts and emotions on to them. Though I must say that there was about a thirty minute discussion between my sister A and myself last night where we were going to go visit him, I actually got dressed to go, but both decided against it. Purely speaking for myself, I didn't want to go because I feel these last days should be reserved for his immediate family and those who have been at his side every day when he needed them the most. He should not be treated as if he is on display for the curious to see his suffering.
     With all that said I must go. Mom is needing me.

                                                               April Whitehair 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

October 23, 2013

     Good morning. Wow Mom is very off this morning. She won't get dressed, she is very argumentative, broke Dad's picture frame, wants to call her Mom and Dad, and is just all around crabby. Also she says I am not her daughter and to not call her Mom anymore. I really try to be kind and patient but sometimes she just hits a nerve and I have to walk away and come back in a better frame of mind.
     My sister M came down yesterday and gave me a much needed break. My mission was to find blue jean skirts for this winter. The consignment shop that I was going to go to was no longer in business, at least not where I thought it was. I found a long blue jean skirt at Good Will, it is a little tight but I bought it anyway. I will use it as encouragement to loose weight. I went to Kmart and Walmart and looked but neither place had one. Actually Walmart had a short blue jean skirt, why are they selling short skirts in the fall? At least I got to get out of the house for a while and that is all I really wanted to do.
     I need to go see what I can do for Mom. Have a good day.

                                                April Whitehair

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

October 22, 2013

     Good morning. I am so sleepy this morning. Mom is already up and driving me crazy. I so hope that my sister M shows up today so I can get out. Not to sure what I am going to do, I might go look for some blue jean skirts for winter. I seem to be having trouble finding them anywhere.
     It is a rainy yucky day. It has been so cold that we have to keep the fire lit for Mom. She is always so cold. The heating stove in the living room doesn't work correctly so I am to afraid to use it. The gas pipe under the house needs changed, I think. That may be a project I get my husband to do when he is home from working out of town.
     I haven't been able to get back on the hill to cut down more trees. I am unable to do it while I am home alone with Mom. Hopefully this weekend when my husband is home I will be able to get up there and get something done.
     The pumpkins and gourds fared well with the light frost the other night. I looked it up and the pumpkins will be ok and the gourds, well some people just leave them out all winter to cure. But I really don't think mine were done growing so they probably won't make it. I will try to grow them again next year but plant them much sooner.
     I need to go. Have a good day.

                                          April Whitehair

Monday, October 21, 2013

October 21, 2013

     Good morning. Well it is Monday and my husband has left again to go out of town for work. He has been gone for three weeks and has three more weeks to go. Today he will have to be pepper sprayed, actually I think it is called something else, for training for his job. He is so not looking forward to having that done but I believe he went through something similar when he was in the Navy. I will be worried about him all day and hope he survives.
     Yesterday my sister A came down and spent time with Mom so I could go to church. I hadn't been to church since Mom broke her hip almost two months ago. It was so nice to get to fellowship and hear a good sermon. I love going to church. It puts me in a better frame of mind and kind of lets me put my life in context. Though my church may be small the love felt is great.
     So it frosted last night. I am not sure how that will effect the pumpkins and gourds still on the vine. When it warms up some I will go out and check on them. I need to do some research on what to do with the gourds. I hope the frost did not hurt them.
     I have so much cleaning to do. I don't do much house work when my husband is home on the weekends. Plus I try not to do much on Sundays, only the things I absolutely have to do to provide care for Mom. With all the dishes and laundry stacked up waiting on me I will have a busy day.
     Have a good day.

                                                                 April Whitehair

Saturday, October 19, 2013

October 19, 2013

     Good morning. Some how I am awake before everyone else in the house this morning even though I was woke up several times by Mom last night. I really need to talk to her doctor about getting her a sleeping pill. I honestly wouldn't mind her waking me up if she needed something but when she wakes me up to say "I want to go home." or "When are they going to be here?" it drives me crazy.
     My husband came home yesterday. I love having him here with us. I love being able to go to him with my thoughts, concerns, and issues. He is good to talk to. Some how he knows the difference between, "Man, she is driving me crazy!" and "Man, she is driving me crazy!" Looks the same but he can tell when I mean I need two minutes, you go deal with her, or I just want to vent.
     Mom's UTI is getting better, at least she is showing signs of getting better. I am so glad because they had said it this antibiotic didn't work she would need IV antibiotics. Which would mean spending time in the hospital and we definitely didn't want that.
     Even though it is getting to be late October I do still have a few things going on in the garden. My husband has a very nice sized pumpkin and a couple small ones still growing on the vine. And my bird house gourd plants are still producing baby gourds. There are two gourds that are nice sized ones. I just hope the frost will hold off till the get a little bigger. Next year I will have to plant these much earlier than I did this year.
     I need to go. Everyone is starting to wake up and I will be expected to do something other than look at this screen. Have a good day.

                                                             April Whitehair