Hi everyone.  We have another repeat day of the last several, i.e., clear, cool and no rain.  We are to get into the mid-60's today.  I had a good doctor's visit yesterday.  My blood tests were good and my platlet count was even up 3 points.  I must have been the last appointment for the morning as the doctor stayed in the room with me and talked a lot.  While there they gave me the Prenair 13 pneumonia shot.  Apparently the pneumonia shot I had about 8 years ago covered 23 different kinds of pneumonia and this covers and additional 13. 

This morning I plan a quick trip to pick up checks at the Credit Union and stopping to get a birthday card for Christian, our Nigerian "Grandson's", 20th birthday.  He is in college in Southern Georgia.  He called us a couple of weeks ago and said he was really enjoying college.  He is just a freshman as he immigrated legally only a few years ago and was held back in High School a year because of the difference in the school system he had attended in Nigeria and that here in the US.  We met Christian at our church and befriended him and he asked if we could be his American grandparents, which delighted us. 

Pat placed are second Walmart grocery order online yesterday and I will pick it up after 3 pm this afternoon.  We expect Scott to join us for dinner this evening and then have Thanksgiving dinner and spend the day with us tomorrow.  Pat decided that rather than deal with a turkey this year we would have one of the Rotisserie chickens from COSTCO, which I got yesterday when I stopped to pick up my new glasses and a few other items there.  She has the rest of the menu for tomorrow planned and we will do whatever preparation we can today.   

Bubble, my screen on my Chromebook is not very large so I find a puzzle of 200 pieces or less works best.  I just searched the BigJig on the web as had never heard of it.  I am going to share the web address with Pat as she has a bigger screen on her laptop.  I will also give it a try on my Chromebook.  We have been using the Jigidi puzzles also.  Thanks for telling me about BigJig.

deAngel, what nice services your senior center provides.  I have never heard of that service being provided by a senior center before.  The creation of senior centers has certainly been an asset to the communities.

JeanneP, sorry to read you are not caring for the new bifocals.  Perhaps your eyes will soon adjust to the changed prescription. Unless I develop and eye problem I don't plan on seeing my eye doctor more than once a year.  Not good news to find your headlights are not working correctly. 

Mary Ann, I like to do a couple jigsaw puzzles an evening although the new site is more of a challenge and I think the site Bubble uses would be more so although I will try it.  It seems that one doctor visit almost always generates another test or seeing another specialist.  I was lucky this time as no new referrals and don't have to see my GP for 4 months.

Good morning all! Lovely sunny, but chilly day here.

I love the jigsaw puzzle game (called Epic) I have on my Kindle. I only do one hundred pieces because the screen is too small to handle smaller pieces well. Of course, I have to pay for any over the one daily puzzle and the occasional updates they do on some of the puzzle packs, but the price,on sale, is only 99 cents. The pictures are generally so nice that it is worth it to pay that little bit for the packs. I am getting quite an accumulation. I got away from doing the NatGeo jigsaws for some reason, but they are gorgeous, aren't they.

My favorite puzzle is the All Star because I can save it to work on at another time.  There are three choices - easy, medium and hard; I choose the medium which is usually about 50 pieces - plus or minus.  I prefer buildings but today they showed a scene with hazy trees and those are harder.  I like Jigzone but I have to do it in one try because I can't save it.  I have started the puzzle someone mentioned () which I can save.  My screen is just large enough to take care of all of the pieces.  I don't work on the puzzles all of the time because, like others, I do have other things to do!

It was raining earlier and may still be doing so.  I just heard the mail truck leaving our complex so I may go after the mail soon; it is not raining hard.  We are at a borderline of rain and/or sleet.  If it is sleet, I stay in the house and let Tom get the mail.  36 degrees.

Tom is going to Sheridan to pick up Annie's grandmother who is going to Northport to have Thanksgiving with her daughter, Tom's former wife.  Tom will take her to Holland she will go north with James and Alicia.  Annie, her friend, his daughter, Tom and I will have Thanksgiving south of town at a restaurant/grille ($$$).  Oh well, T-Day only comes once a year.

Tom just called about lunch and we are going to Boulder Creek Golf Course where we ate recently.  They are no more expensive than most restaurants and a lot quieter.  This is our usual Wednesday family luncheon.

Mary Ann

What a mess outside. Such storms and still raining. I had my large yard professionally done and looked beautiful. Now such a mess. Doubt will get done again this winter. I may try blowing the front part if we get a nice day.

Need to go out to a appt. by 2:30. Thank goodness don't have to go out of town.
Lights now fixed on car.  Think need one tire looked at Friday. I curbed it the other day.

In case I don't get back here tonight, and I probably will, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. 

Mary Ann

Just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanisgiving

Hi everyone and Happy Thanksgiving for those of us celebrating God's generosity and safe keeping today.  We have an overcast morning but it is a bit warmer than the past few days.  We are looking forward to a nice day with Scott as we celebrate and of course there is football to watch this afternoon.  We will eat sometime between two and three this afternoon.  Last evening we had a nice time with Scott as he had dinner with us and we visited. 

Yesterday as I went to pick up the groceries we had ordered online at Walmart I stopped at our Belk's Department store to get a new watch battery as I had bought the watch at Belks.  I was advised they do not change watch batteries only sell the watches and adjust the bands.  The store, which is like a Macy's, was so stuffed with merchandise and there were so many people shopping that I determined not to set foot back in the store until after Christmas.  One of the things I am thankful for this year is Internet online shopping.

MarsGal, that sounds like the ideal puzzle for your Kindle. 

Mary Ann, I sure hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving dinner.  It has been years since I last ate at a country club dining room but always enjoyed it. 

JeanneP, I hope your weather has improved for today.  Glad you got your lights fixed. 

Joan, are you having your Thanksgiving with your son today?

Yes Larry, son takes over my kitchen every T Day and Christmas and he cooks.  Darn good cook too.  LOL  Taught him well.

  Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!   

Larry, we ate at the country club yesterday.  Today we will be at the Firehouse Rock, having what I understand is a buffet.  I'm going to try to rein in my appetite because I don't need to overeat. 

I found out our local Meijer store does not replace batteries in watches, too.  Fortunately, we have a jewelry store up the hill from us and I've paid anywhere from $6 to $10 which I consider reasonable. 

Today is to be cloudy but not rainy.  At present our temperature is 43 degrees and I can see it getting to 50 degrees before the day is over.  That's a lot better than the last few days of rain and chilly temps.

Tom is visiting his lady friend but has assured me he will be back before 1 pm as our reservation is for 1:30 pm.  We have a frozen turkey breast in the freezer and will use that for leftovers when we fix it maybe this weekend.  That's the bad thing about eating in a restaurant.  This is the first year, I think, that we have all gone our separate ways and Dot is happy that she will be with her family for the first time in over 20 years.  They were always in Florida at Thanksgiving time and a couple of years I flew down to share the day with them.  Sometimes we ate at one of the churches and sometimes Dot fixed the dinner and asked friends to join us.

I hope everyone eats well today and celebrates being thankful.

Mary Ann

Storms have ended here and left such a mess.
Now our Meijers not even closed today.  Macy's has been open since 3pm and most the other stores will open at 5pm or 6pm. Some with then stay open until 1am Saturday. Close and open up again at 8am. Then will keep open until Christmas. Talk about a Materialistic time of year it is.  Children must be tired of seeing Santa already. Been here 2 or 3 times and will be in the parade on Saturday down town where they light the tree.  Use to do that about December 14th.
the news just said that there will be 60% of people out tonight. (thursday) Christmas shopping. Suppose the leave the men just full up on food and watching the football games. Not even knowing they are gone. Things have changed.

W.Joan, I was so happy to read that your son made a good Thanksgiving feast for you both. I was well taken care of here at Rowntree Gardens...good food and good friends. I am thanking God that you have a good and caring son. We are both blessed in that.

thanks June.  it was so good I ate too much and am suffering for it now.  I never learn.

W.Joan, you have lots of company that are over-stuffed tonight.  ::)We will mend.

I just returned from helping to prepare, serve and clean up our annual Thanksgiving meal. We had a packed house with many coming and leaving throughout the afternoon.The turkeys, hams, and sides were wonderful as well as a wide variety of salads and desserts. We have this woman who is Korean, understands English but doesn't speak it so you can tell her something but are never sure if she understands you.

At the meal, she would go through the line, set her plate down and in a few moments return to the line again. Finally, after the third time, one man got this bright idea, and each time she set a plate down at a table, he would take it to someone in a wheelchair or walker who was unable to maneuver in the crowded room. Finally, her daughter came in and was able to get her to sit and eat for a few moments before taking her mother and her food to her apartment.

Jeanne, Meijer has always been open on Thanksgiving.  They have long advertised that they close only on Christmas Day.  It has nothing to do with Black Friday; it's always been that way.  I don't shop on those busy days anyway, in fact, I guess I don't shop any day now.  If I need something at Meijer, I know Tom will take me, but he does all of the grocery shopping; I just pay for it!

We had a nice meal at the Firehouse Rock today but I got to thinking about something else I missed - besides leftovers - sitting around with the family talking for an hour or two before others leave.  There's more to Thanksgiving than just eating.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone on an overcast but warm Friday morning.  We enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving Day and dinner with Scott yesterday. 

It was in our tradition except for the baked chicken rather than turkey and I think that will become a new tradition for us.  During the last stages of the dinner preparation Pat accidentally turned off the oven rather than the timer and was wondering why the dinner rolls were not browning and the a couple of other things in the oven not getting hot.  Fortunately the problem was found and no damage done.  I did eat plenty but small portions as just don't have the appetite that I used to have.  I won't need to cook anything but Pat's breakfast this morning as there are enough left overs for our evening meal plus we sent another meal home with Scott.  We did use our Lenox fine china for the first time in several years and that added a nice touch to the dinner.

Pat has always wanted one of the old Singer Featherweight sewing machine.  I was able to locate one that was owned by a friend from our previous church and bought it from her.  Other friends of our that go to the same church and have a son and family that moved to Augusta for his military assignment at Fort Gordon.  I arranged with them to bring the machine over when they came this way for Thanksgiving.  About 5 pm last night he called and gave me the address where they were.  It was about 15 miles from our house so I asked Scott to go with me, which he did, and we found where they were with the GPS (another thing I am very thankful for) and picked up the machine.  Scott took it home with him so Pat won't see it before Christmas.  It is going to be her gift from both of us. 

Today will be a relaxing day with only the laundry to take care of a little later this morning.  I have no plans to go anywhere today.  The dishwasher has been emptied and I have things ready to fix Pat's breakfast.  I am going to start another project to create a cross-index of a large number of recipes Pat has printed out but are hard to find what you want.  I have an idea that I think will work. 

Joan, it sounds like your cooking lessons for your son has paid off big time.  Glad he could fix the nice meal for you both and spend time with you. 

Sandy, thanks for the Thanksgiving greeting and I hope your Thanksgiving was very enjoyable for you.

Mary Ann, your dinner at the Firehouse Rock sounds like a feast.  I hope I don't have to pay $10 for a watch battery.  The jewelry store we had where we moved from charged around $2 as I recall.  I see we have several different Battery Plus stores in this area so will probably go there for the battery.  It is nice to recall pleasant memories on these holidays. It is the basis of our family traditions. 

JeanneP, I agree with your comments about how materialistic the Christmas season has become as have other special holidays. 

June, glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal at Rowntree Gardens. 

Patricia, I see your day was spent in the giving spirit as you helped with the Thanksgiving meal.  It sounds like the Korean woman was trying to help everyone else but herself. 

Larry, yes and dinner was great.  He even got some of his homework done online last night.  Good thing I have the spare laptop.  This term is a toughie for him and he is having problems with it.  PTSD can sure hinder these guys who have served our Country..  A real shame.

I got showered and dressed up ready to head out to get a few things I needed. Then it dawned on me.  Its Black Friday. No way am I heading over to the Mall area of even driving through town.  Will wait and do the running tomorrow.
Did go on line and order a fruit cake. Just a one pound one this time. Went up in price like all other things.  Also got a couple of other things that look like they will not ship until Jan. 1st. No hurry. just something for the bird cage.
Sort of dark and dreary here so will just relax and stay home

Hi everyone.  It is another sunny morning and we expect to get to at least 68 degrees today.  Yesterday got up to 80 degrees in our area.  Not much on the schedule for today.  I do plan on making a quick trip to Aldi's to get eggs and a couple of other items.  I will watch some basketball games this afternoon.  Yesterday I did make the sausage muffins and as I was turning them out of the pans one got away from me when splosh onto the floor. It was not a pretty site and I ended up with only 11 muffins rather than 12.  We did get the washing done yesterday but got a very late start.

Joan, we have an older man who is in our Sunday School class and he told me a few weeks ago that he is having a hard time with the PTSD and it has been years since he was in the military.  I am sorry that your son is having to go through this and hope he is seeking help.

JeanneP, you were wise to not tackle the roads or crowds yesterday.  I wonder if today will be any better?  I haven't had a piece of fruit cake for several years but don't really miss it. 

Things were quiet here yesterday although we did do some minor shopping for Tom's friend who had 50% off coupons from the Ace Hardware so Tom, a friend and I did Tom's friend's shopping.  Other than that I was home all day except for going after the mail.  I just got the mail today, too, and there wasn't much, not even worth going after, but we never know what we'll get until we open the mailbox (we have locked boxes).  Now I can pay attention to Christmas, however, I don't do any shopping any more unless it is online and even that is not big any more.  A check suffices.  I notice because I have cut down on online ordering, my supply of catalogs has dwindled!  Whoopee!

Mary Ann

Larry, to my knowledge there is not much they can do for PTSD.  One learns to live with it tho.  Just hard trying to learn new stuff.

Good afternoon, all my lovely friends

JeanneP, The police closed the mall here, the crowds was so large,  the race track, had parking with a shuttle bus to the mall for $20, and that also was full.  I think some people set on the brains, to go through all that, fight the crowds when you get there, and the item you went for is gone. On Rt 58 the main road by the big stores, were at a stand still
One road by our park is a short cut from the South Shore, we went out for dinner on our courner, and we were in shock to find that we were in a line of traffic just going to the corner. The light must of changed 5 times before we got to make our turn into the resturant.

Hi Joan and Larry, also MaryAnn, glad to read you had a nice '
Thanksgiving.

Gloria, I think there is no way I would want to shop in the conditions you describe.  I am not much of a shopper anyway, I guess since I left the downtown area where I could go out on my lunch hour and shop.  But those days are gone forever!  I do like to have a little something for everyone at Christmastime, especially the women, but my "big" gift is money and I'll  have to take care of that soon.

Tom so often buys apples, then forgets we have them.  I have discarded many rotten apples because I don't care about eating them myself.  We had six apples in a bowl, headed in that direction, so I cut them up and made applesauce.  Yum.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone.  It is another clear and cool Sunday morning here in South Carolina.  Today will be our typical Sunday although as of last night Pat was talking about trying to go to church this morning.  If she decides to do so she won't try to do both Sunday School and church.  I have to decide whether to go to Sunday School and then leave about 15 minutes early to come home and get her or to skip Sunday School, which I really hate to do.  If she goes to church we will probably stop somewhere for lunch on the way home.  I watched the football games yesterday and was sorry to see Georgia lose to Georgia Tech.  Also South Carolina lost big time to Clemson, which really wasn't a surprise as Clemson has probably the second best football team in the country.  I will watch some of the pro football games this afternoon and also listen to Don's radio program.

Mary Ann, like you we seldom get much in the mail toward the end of the month.  However, I did get two checks from Blue Cross and Blue Shield related to a couple of medical and dental bills, which was a pleasant change from what I normally get almost daily from BC/BS.  We haven't seen any dwindling of catalogs as Pat does a lot of shopping over the Internet. 

Joan, I have seen where trained dogs are helping some people with PTSD.  The friend I spoke of from Sunday School is a veteran of Viet Nam.

deAngel, I don't understand the mentality of wanting to get out and into masses of people.  Each year it seems to get worse and this year I read of two or three murders connected with these types of crowds.  I heard yesterday that Internet Shopping over the weekend was something like 3 billion dollars worth and they are expecting as much or more tomorrow.  That was good use of those apples.  I eat apple almost everyday and have started cutting up two of them into bite size pieces and storing in a plastic bag so that I don't have to prepare them each day.  It has worked very well and the apples seem to keep until I get them eaten.  I have also started making two or three sandwiches at a time and then have a ready made lunch for another day.  Guess I am getting lazy.

Larry, I had not heard that about dogs and PTSD.  Will mention it to my son thanks.

Larry, I do get some catalogs where I ordered long ago, but most of those I get now are from companies I have ordered from two or three years ago or less.  I have two companies, related, where I get a catalog a week.  I hate that!

Our usual Sunday morning - church then OTB at Mr Burger.  We both got burgers today, accompanied by a sweet roll to enjoy while waiting for the burgers.

Mary Ann

Good Morning Everyone,  from the cool but pleasant,  rocky
coast of Maine.   

All is well here:   

Sandy

MaryAnn.  that is known as "Eat dessert First". That is what they now tell us.
I just don't know why but I have never eaten a Hamburg out at any restaurant. Not often at home.  Same with Hot dogs.  Just have to try them. 
I didn't realize that your Condo buildings were that big a area if your SIL is street away from you in it.  Nice though to have her that close.  Now she does still drive you say? Handy also.