Kindred Hearts

Today Mom was assessed by Kindred Hearts. The director said there's even a couple current residents with the same behaviors as Mom's. Late afternoon I was called with the pricing and it's less than Willow Pointe - not much - but I just think it's a better facility. So tomorrow I will decide on a room and place a deposit. And give our 30 day notice at Willow Pointe.

Trinity

Today Mom was assessed by Trinity Senior Community. I think it went very well. Amber was able to quote me a monthly fee and it’s only $115 more than I’m paying now. It would be doable but I sure like Kindred Hearts much better. Here’s hoping that their assessment tomorrow goes well and their price is comparable.

This and that

Took my car in for an alignment today to a different dealership as Graham’s doesn’t provide alignment service. I was told my brakes needed replacing – which I knew and am saving up for. I was told the rear struts need replacing – which I knew and will get a quote from Graham’s on that. That car is the bane of my existence!

The Boy Scout Troop had position of responsibility elections tonight. John remains a patrol leader and Neil volunteered for the scribe position. Good for him!

More visits

Today I visited Kindred Hearts in Cottage Grove and was very happy with what I saw. I set up an assessment with Mom for Thursday.

Nice day

Recap of today.

Steve continues with the painting and drywall repairs. He seems to be finished upstairs for the moment.

The boys and I went to a friend’s (and fellow troop member’s) Eagle Ceremony. It was very. Our state assembly representative presented a plaque. The scout’s mom said some very nice words expressing how proud her and the dad were their son. Brought tears to my eyes. There was way too much food but it sure was nice. Sandwiches, fruit plates, veggie plates, cake and desserts. Afterwards the boys and I went to Kohl’s to get some things for Grandma Sharon’s birthday.

A very warm day! I’m sure it hit 80. We had late afternoon/evening severe weather but really nothing here except some wind and a very little bit of rain.

Got lots done

 What a productive day! I had the boys thoroughly clean the living room and vacuum well throughout the rest of the first floor. I went grocery shopping. Steve’s painting the upstairs hallway and stairway, so we had to work around that. I took the boys to a different neighborhood to sell their Boy Scout popcorn. They spent an hour and will each glean $50 profit. I hope we get more response via emails and from my work. After lunch, Neil and I sorted through the boxes of “stuff” that came out of his room. We also did a little rearranging. We just have stuffed animals to go through tomorrow. After dinner the boys and I went to Target, Gander Mountain and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Our main goal was to find a good, affordable sleeping bag for Neil – which we did at Dick’s. Target was a good stop – picked up a lamp and tote for Neil, a passport/money pouch for John, a pair of hiking boots for Neil…clearanced out at $9! It was all good.

Summary of the week

 This week has flown by.

Monday after work I went to the Dorf Haus in Roxbury to sit at a fundraiser for John and the other students traveling to Germany. We are raffling two of Mom’s quilts and also sold German Christmas ornaments and German chocolates. It was ok. I was there before 5pm and left about 9:45pm. Each of the participating kids made $32.00. Guess its extra spending money.

I got home about 10:20pm and was exhausted. I crawled into bed, put my head on the pillow and was wake awake! I’ve decided that I just can’t drink caffeinated soda (Diet Coke) at night anymore. I had three fountain Diet Cokes at the fundraiser. I probably got a couple hours sleep, so Tuesday morning I decided I just couldn’t go into work. In fact, I drove Neil up to the bus stop in my jammies. LOL

I’ve decided it’s time to begin looking for a new home for Mom. In two and a half years, her current home has had five directors and I’ll tell you – this current one has zip for personality. I was there for a good hour the first time I saw her and she never came to introduce herself. I had to search her out! She appears to be a hard worker but doesn’t have the administration skills to deal with family representatives and residents. The lack of continuity in directors is almost more concerning than the staff turnover. Also, one of the main reasons for placing Mom in Stoughton was to be most convenient for Dad. That obviously isn’t a consideration any longer. So I’m searching in the Sun Prairie and surrounding area. That’s about halfway between my house and my younger brother’s house. It’s also convenient for me during the day when I’m at work.

I toured two facilities on Tuesday. One was similar in size to where Mom is living now, a sixteen resident unit. Except there’s only five residents there currently. The other place is an actual house in a neighbor and they can support just five residents total. I was impressed with both facilities and arranged times for them to visit Mom and perform an assessment.

Tuesday night I emceed a parent meeting with our Boy Scout Troop. We covered all my topics. I think it went very well.

Wednesday was a fairly productive day at work. I visited Mom over the lunch hour. She was amused when I told her Paul Slogin (former mayor and activist) has been voted back into the office of Madison Mayor.

Thursday I finished up a project at work which was involved and tedious. (Although changes came back today. Nothing big thankfully!)

Today was the assessment with the smaller five resident facility. When all was said and done, the calculations yielded a monthly cost just over a thousand dollars more than what Mom is paying right now. So we keep looking. Curious to see what the other facility comes back with next week. And I’ve added another facility to my list to visit.

Tonight – I’m relaxing. Maybe working on a grocery list. TGIF!

Positive!

Thank you to Dr. Phil for this one!

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Snow

It snowed for a couple hours this morning. It certainly must be an April Fool's Day joke...

April Fool's day!

Did you play a prank on someone today? I didn't. But here's a bunch of good ideas for next year! http://aprilfoolzone.com/

Guess I've missed a couple days. Not much to report. Still busy at work. The boys are still on spring break. John uploaded his Memphis pictures to Facebook but it doesn't look like I can get a public link to it.

I did find out some news when visiting Mom on Wednesday. Apparently, the gal that oversees both facility locations suddenly quit earlier this week. Of course there's rumors among the staff but the words "shut down" were used and I've decided...enough. The facility isn't bad, but it was chosen to be convenient for Dad. I called my elder care advisor yesterday and have a list of 12 facilities to check out in or near the town I work in. That would be half way in between my home and my younger brother's home. And on first glance, I'm seeing places that cost less than where Mom is now - and I thought we had a good deal!

Hopefully over the next few weeks I will find somewhere to move Mom to.

Nice!

Good day at work. Very productive. Second day of spring break for the boys. Neil escaped with Grandma to her house and John stayed home and enjoyed some alone time. I came home with a rotisserie chicken to pull apart for chicken noodle soup and found that my mother-in-law had made a casserole and gosh - it was going to be done in about 15 minutes! Nice!

Watching the premiere of "Body of Proof" with Dana Delany. I'm liking it.

"I'm Coming Home"

John has returned from his trip! He showed us his various souvenirs – baseball cap, books, t-shirts, guitar picks. And we relived his long weekend through his pictures. It all sounded and looked like a great trip. Afterwards I ask him, even though it was a busy, whirlwind of a weekend, would he recommend this type of a trip to friends in the future. He said “Definitely! It was a great trip!”

My mistake

I knew that today Neil was scheduled to perform acolyte duties at our church. I was positive it was to be at the 10:30am service. That's what I had on the calendar. At about 8:40am Neil asked if this was his last Sunday and I said "I'm not sure. Let's check the schedule." That's when we realized Neil was signed up for the 8:00am service! Whoops!

Neil took it upon himself to search out the intern pastor and apologize for getting it mixed up. What a cool thing to do.

It's Complicated

Neil and his friend were awake by 7am! So we made waffles and bacon for breakfast with assorted fruits. Then lunch seemed to come around rather quickly - spaghetti and meatballs!

I went to a friend's house for the afternoon to work on some scout stuff. We really accomplished a lot! Also saw many snowflakes falling - what's up with that?

Now I'm watching this movie "It's Complicated" and it's hilarious so far!

That's All Right (Mama)

"That's All Right (Mama)" is the first recording Elvis made at Sun Studio. John was there today!

Neil had a friend spend the night. Exciting way to start spring break!

"All the Way to Memphis"

"All the Way to Memphis" is what Mott the Hoople sang. And that's where John is headed off to tonight! This is the school's music trip for the year. They leave tonight at 10pm and will arrive in Memphis about noon tomorrow. Their stops include a tour of Sun Studios, dinner and music at BB King's Blues Club, private clinics with the Memphis University music professors, exploring Beale Street, tour the National Civil Rights Museum (located at the Lorranie Motel, assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), shopping at a mall, a performance at and tour of Graceland, tour of the Memphis Rock 'n Soul Museum, a quick stop at the Peabody Hotel to see the Peabody Ducks.....and then they arrive home Monday around noonish!

So I ended up taking today off to catch up on laundry and so some final packing for John as his suitcase needed to be at the school for check in at 4pm. Shhhh......I was able to sneak some shopping in today too!

Fine Arts and Boy Scouts

Neil had two exciting events tonight! First, it was his final Fine Arts Night at the Elementary School. This year's theme was Rain Forest.

Neil pointing to his Square 1 Art drawing.

Neil's clay mask

The decorated hallway outside of Neil's room

The library - great job in here!

Neil's second event of the evening was his very first Boy Scout meeting with Troop 113! He was very excited. This meeting also happened to be a Court of Honor night.



Neil in his new Boy Scout uniform



Neil was asked to participate in the color guard (John's behind the state flag)

John earned a couple more merit badges

Troop 113

Something positive

I accomplished a ton of stuff at work today and feel like I'm geting caught up!

At least for a day.

Karate Tournament

John, Neil and I spent the better part of the day at the spring karate tournament. John did not compete, but he judged and helped out all around. Neil competed in weapons, placing third in his division with his bo-staff. He also sparred. I helped out with score keeping and time keeping. It was a fun day.

Neil with his trophy.

John ready to judge.

Friday Flash

Here's something to wonder about. John drove me into town to go grocery shopping. We're trying to get in as much of his night time driving as we can now for his log. So he walks through the store with me and then drives me home. It's Friday night and he's going grocery shopping with him mom. Poor kid. LOL

Pictures

Here's some pictures from the past few months, showing what we've been up to lately.

Winter scene from our bedroom.

Winter scene

Winter scene - different day.

February 6 was Steve's birthday.

Also Super Bowl Sunday! The Packers won. Here's Neil, the cheddar head.

John being weird at the end of the night.

Neil earned the Arrow of Light award and was honored with his fellow Webelos at the annual Blue and Gold ceremony.

Neil and his friends admiring their Arrow of Light plaques.

Then there was basketball. We rooted for #13.

Huddling with one of the coaches.

All the Youth Basketball participants were introduced during a varsity basketball game.

#13 shooting a free throw during warm ups at the tournament - which they won!

Neil's team celebrating at Culver's after their tournament win!

Our most recent adventure - John's Eagle Scout Project. Here's one of the work crews from the first weekend.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May flowers always line your path
and sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you
every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you
in a sky that’s always blue.

And may happiness fill your heart
each day your whole life through.

John

This is the face of a student driver.

Peaceful

Lots to do at work, so I’m staying later. Well, at least until I need to go pick up the boys from their haircuts.

Typically I leave at 3:30pm. Today I visited Mom during my lunch time so I wouldn’t be in a hurry to get the boys at the end of the day. By 4:45pm everyone is pretty much gone. All those people that get here way before I do at 7am have already left. Even co-workers that roll in at 9am have left. It’s very quiet. Very peaceful. The phone doesn’t ring. I do begin to hear the cleaning crew filter in but they don’t really bother me too much.

There’s a couple big projects on the horizon that I will need to stay late for. If I could just stay until 8pm every night I would be able to put in an extra 17.5 hours a week. I’ll have to see how that pans out. I know there’s a couple nights a week it might not work out so well.

Out of here!

Neil got his tooth extracted today. He allowed them to use some numbing gel around the site but no shot. The dentist just pulled it out. So that's over.

John's cold is in full swing.

Enjoying the spring like day!

Light!

Yesterday we turned our clocks ahead and I must say - I sure do enjoy the sunlight after dinner time!

Some random items...

The devastation from the earthquake and tsunami last Friday in Japan is absolutely unbelievable. The living are existing in a nightmare. The nuclear reaction plant is sounding like a meltdown is bound to happen. The tsunami took away four train cars of people - no idea where those people are. It's absolutely incredible.

I got an appointment for Neil to have that tooth removed tomorrow at 2pm.

John is coming down with a cold.

People are still protesting. Now demonstrations in small towns in support of the teachers.

Teeth

Neil's left second molar from the front has popped through but didn't push the baby tooth out. The baby tooth is on the side of Neil's gum line - on the inside - and it's all swollen. And it's not loose enough to pull out. This would explain the on and off headaches this weekend. Sounds like a dental visit to me tomorrow.

Oh - scout pants did not get hemmed up today.

Mid-weekend

After being gone so many weekends with basketball I am finally feeling a bit more caught up. It's just been the usual weekend - cleaning, groceries, laundry. Neil and I actually organized a bunch of movies yesterday. We purged out all the Winnie the Pooh movies and a few others. They are all VHS. I thought the Thomas the Tank Engine ones could go as well as the Magic School Bus series. Apparently someone isn't ready to part with those yet!

John and Steve are on weekend #2 of John's Eagle Project. Looks and sounds like they have made quite a bit of progress.

My one goal before I go to bed tonight is to get Neil's scout pants hemmed up!

Observation

Why are the most breakable items (potato chips) always located on the top shelf of vending machines?

Morning news

Woke up this morning to the news that Japan was hit with an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. There is horrific damage. The earthquake sparked a tsunami headed for Hawaii, due to hit at approximately 7am our time. No reports yet if any damage. Maximum wave heights were predicted to be about 6 feet. Honolulu is protected by a barrier reef so wave heights were expected to be lower there. Low-level tsunami warnings were even issued for the west coast of the continental U.S.

Japan's earthquake was centered off the northwest coast creating a tsunami wave 33 feet high. Incredible! The city closest to the epicenter is Sendai with a population of about 1 million.

What's happening downtown

Just in.

Wisconsin Capitol re-opens as state Assembly takes up bill

Madison, Wisconsin (CNN) -- Throngs of protesters gathered in Madison, Wisconsin, Thursday, pounding on the windows of the state legislature one day after the Senate passed an amended form of a controversial bill that curtails the bargaining rights of most state workers.

Megan Nolan at the Capitol the evening of March 9, 2011

Their actions prompted Capitol police to close the building and forcibly remove demonstrators inside who refused to leave. Police later re-opened one entrance of the building.

"These arrogant actions are what I had a nightmare about last night," said Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, a Democrat, who called the lockdown an "outrage."

More protesters began filling up the Capitol building Thursday morning as the state Assembly prepared to vote on the new version of the proposal.

The Assembly was expected to convene at 11 a.m. (12 p.m. ET) to vote on the revised measure, which was left only with provisions taking away collective bargaining powers and increasing health insurance and pension fund contributions.

But placard-wielding demonstrators blocked the building's entrances, chanting "Let us in!" as police struggled to keep order. Shortly before noon, lawmakers were able to access the building through the one open entrance.

The Assembly is expected to pass the amended bill, which could then reach Gov. Scott Walker's desk later Thursday for final approval.

Walker defended the proposal as an integral measure that allows Wisconsin to avoid property tax hikes and public employee layoffs.

"It's about giving local government the tools they need to make reforms," he told reporters, saying it's part of an effort to address the state's impending $3.6 billion deficit.

While the proposal has a fiscal impact, he said, the new version of the bill does not have an appropriations component -- something that allowed Senate Republicans to approve the measure Wednesday night, despite the absence of Democratic senators.

Fourteen Democratic senators, who fled the state in mid-February to prevent the 20 votes necessary for a quorum on spending bills, remained absent from the state Capitol Thursday.

"The dirty trick is what those Democrats have played for the last three weeks," Walker said to critics' claims that the Senate had pulled a fast one.

Nearly 200 protesters refused to leave the Capitol after the Senate vote, sleeping on the floor of the rotunda and in front of the Assembly doors. Capitol police had initally allowed the protesters to stay despite a court order that prohibits people from remaining inside the building at night.

In announcing the vote on the measure Wednesday night, Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, the chamber's Republican majority leader, said, "Tonight, the Senate will be passing the items in the Budget Repair Bill that we can with the 19 members who actually do show up and do their jobs."

Senate Democrats have called the bill an attack on the negotiating rights of state employees.

Barca filed a complaint with the Dane County District Attorney's office, claiming Wednesday night's committee hearing on the collective bargaining bill violated Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law.

"The state Senate and the state Assembly violated Wisconsin's very strict Open Meetings Law, by failing to give proper notice of their intended activities," said Lester Pines, an attorney for a teachers' union called Madison Teachers Incorporated. "When you act in violation of the law to pass a bill, the bill itself is void."

Republicans were able to move ahead by voting only on the non-financial aspects of Walker's proposed bill, which requires fewer members for a quorum.

"The Senate Democrats have had three weeks to debate this bill and were offered repeated opportunities to come home, which they refused," Walker said in an earlier statement on the vote. "In order to move the state forward, I applaud the Legislature's action today to stand up to the status quo and take a step in the right direction to balance the budget and reform government."

But the move drew howls of outrage from outside the chamber, where pro-union demonstrators chanted "shame" and "you lied to Wisconsin" as the bill passed. Thousands more began to converge on the building, and a chorus of horns from passing cars echoed in the streets around the Capitol after the vote.

James Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, said officers with the Madison police department and Dane County sheriff's deputies had been placed on alert ahead of Thursday's protests.

Walker and GOP lawmakers are trying to close a $137 million budget shortfall with a plan that calls for curbs on public employee union bargaining rights and requires public workers, with the exception of police and firefighters, to cover more of their retirement plans and health care premiums.

Public employee unions agreed to financial concessions that they say will help meet the state's fiscal needs, but Walker has said the limits on public bargaining are a critical component of his plan. His original bill, which already had passed the state Assembly, would bar public workers other than police and firefighters from bargaining for anything other than wages.

Raises would be capped to the rate of inflation, unless state voters approve. The legislation also would require unions to hold a new certification vote every year, and unions would no longer be allowed to collect dues from workers' paychecks.

Unions mobilized their supporters to oppose the bill, drawing tens of thousands of workers to rallies opposing Walker and supporting the fugitive Democrats.

Phil Neuenfeldt, president of the state AFL-CIO, said Wednesday night's maneuver "shows that Scott Walker and the Republicans have been lying throughout this entire process."

"None of the provisions that attacked workers' rights had anything to do with the budget," Neuenfeldt said. "Losing badly in the court of public opinion and failing to break the Democratic senators' principled stand, Scott Walker and the GOP have eviscerated both the letter and the spirit of the law and our democratic process to ram through their payback to their deep-pocketed friends."

But the Tea Party Express praised the developments, saying Walker was "holding strong" to his principles.

"Under tremendous pressure from union bosses, who have become irrelevant other than in their unquenchable thirst for power, Gov. Walker held fast and did what was best for the people of Wisconsin," a statement from the political action committee said. "This is a victory not only for the state, but for the nation, as many states now face their own budget battles, and will be forced to put a stop to union bullying that has become almost commonplace."

The vote in the Senate on the amended measure was 18-1, with Republican state Sen. Dale Schultz -- who earlier had floated a compromise that neither side bought into -- the lone opponent.

"The gig is now up. The fraud on the people of Wisconsin is now very clear. They are now going to pass a bill to take away people's rights," Barca said.

And Sen. Mark Miller, the Democratic Senate leader, said Republicans "conspired to take government away from the people."

"In 30 minutes, 18 state senators undid 50 years of civil rights in Wisconsin," Miller said in a statement condemning the vote. "Their disrespect for the people of Wisconsin and their rights is an outrage that will never be forgotten."

Ageless

Age is a funny thing. I’ll spill the beans and tell you this year I’ll be 49. Almost 50. I do not think I fit the image of a 50 year old that I held as a child. In fact, I think I look pretty damn good for my age. Sure there are a few curvier curves than I care to have, but I don’t have prominent wrinkles nor do I have that tired look that I remember "old" people having.

Even with my good self esteem, sometimes it hits me. Like yesterday when I was leaving work. I walked past a group of mid to late 20-somethings and realized they will be the ones in management positions soon. I remember when I was in that group, almost 30 years ago. It seems so long ago.

Spring snow

We had quite the spring snow storm today. The weather people were expecting 1-2 inches and by 6:30am we had 4 inches! And it was still coming down for several hours. School went on a 2 hour delay and then closed down for the day. The interstate was horrible, as if it wasn’t even plowed.

I was a very pretty snowfall. Large flakes falling down. The best thing about a spring snowfall is that is sure doesn’t last long. Big difference this afternoon already and warmer temperatures are on their way!

Done!

John has completed the driver’s ed classroom instruction and the behind the wheel driving – with the exception of one more behind the wheel session a couple weeks before he can take his road test in August. So now it’s practice, practice, practice!

Another Monday!

Not much to report on today. Work wasn’t anything special today. John had driver’s ed tonight. Neil had karate. I did a little more sewing of uniform patches. I sized up Neil’s scout pants so now I know how they need to altered. Tried to watch Hawaii 5-0 but couldn’t keep my eyes open!

Weekend wrap up

Friday night I was exhausted. I was able to pull together a grocery list. I watched “Who do you think you are?” which is a celebrity genealogy show. Lionel Richie was featured in this episode. Dateline was devoting a whole hour to the whole Charlie Sheen – suicide on TV story. The guy is just whacked. Anyway, as much as I wanted to watch, I struggled to stay awake for the whole show.

Saturday was John’s first work day for his Eagle Scout project. Actually, both days went well this weekend in respect to that. His Sunday afternoon crew even finished early.

I spent the majority of the weekend doing laundry, cleaning, getting groceries. I needed to run an errand Saturday night, so John got some more night time driving done. He’s getting better.

This is my favorite moment of the weekend. So nice to see that Neil understands the computer is for so much more than games.



The accounting of my day

About 6:30am I realized Neil hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. I went in to check on him and he said he felt sick. He did feel warm and said his stomach was upset. He looked pale also. So I had him stay home from school.  I called Grandma Sharon and she was able to come up.

I had planned on driving Neil to school, but this worked out nicely as I was able to get more things done before I left the house for the day. I stopped to make a bank deposit and then went through the car wash. The inside of my car was just getting nasty. It’s so hard to clean out the inside during the winter. I drove through the main post office to drop off a birthday card and then began my drive towards Stoughton. I stopped at Mom & Dad’s bank in McFarland to put some documents back in the safe deposit box. I got to Stoughton about 11am.

Dave and Debbie were not back yet from getting the moving truck. As it turns out, they had reserved the smallest sized truck. There was a mixed and the next larger size truck was substituted along with a 10% discount and some free blankets. They returned to the house about 11:30am. I made the suggestion that before we got too involved in packing things, maybe we should go over to visit Mom.

Mom was in a fairly good mood and behavior, which was nice for Dave and Debbie. Her agitation is nicely controlled with Lorazepam. She still uses nonsense words mixed into her sentences, but the calmness is a welcome change! We visited for about an hour and then stopped at the Family Diner for a bite to eat.

Dave had a proposal he needed to finish up by 5pm, so he worked on that while Debbie and I went through things. They had brought up from the basement the boxes that had been packed previously. So we decided to go through quilts. We went through the whole house and gathered all the quilts – big and small – and put them in a pile. We divided things up three ways, leaving some things for Steve and Danita. I also had Debbie choose which set of silverware she wanted to take. I took Grandma Schucknecht’s. Debbie decided on Mom’s set which leaves Grandma Ewald’s set for Steve and Danita. We ran across Mom’s wedding dress which I brought home. Also a silver serving tray that was a wedding gift from all the Quisling Clinic doctors Mom and Dad used to work with. Mom kept the card with the platter.

After 5pm, Dave helped with the loading of the truck. I guess the bigger truck probably works out ok as they didn’t have to stack anything. About 7:00pm we headed down to the Mainstreet Pour House. As incredible as it sounds, this place has the absolute best martinis I’ve ever tasted! Good food, quaint décor, just a nice place to hang out. We stayed until about 8:30, then it was time to go. I drove Dave and Debbie back to the house and headed home myself.

Debbie said the next time Dave goes out of country for work again (perhaps March 19) she would fly in so the two of us can get some stuff done in the house so we can get it on the market. I think the next thing we need to concentrate on is gathering all the quilting material scraps, tools, machines, etc. and calling Mom’s friend Louise over for advice as to what we should do with all that stuff! There are boxes of material squirreled away in every corner of the house!

Visitors

Dave and Debbie are arriving this evening about 6:40pm. They are renting a truck and taking what had been boxed up before plus some furniture for Josh. I will be meeting up with them for dinner tonight and then heading down to Stoughton tomorrow to help load up the truck and just hang out with them.

We received our bonus letters today. I’m quite happy with mine. The payout isn’t until March 11, but that’s ok. After so many years of getting a pocket calendar or chocolate for a Christmas “bonus”, I really appreciate the cash bonuses we’ve been getting the last few years. The dollar amount wasn’t too great last year, but this year makes up for it.

Long day

I woke up at 3:30am thinking about the fundraising activities for the Germany trip and couldn’t get back to sleep. The expectations put on us parents is unrealistic. It’s very upsetting to me.

After I arrived at work, I began my follow up assignments from the parent meeting the night before. No problems on the medical insurance – fully covered, but you have to pay the costs upfront and then submit for reimbursement. I was able to set up John’s bank account so I can link to it and feed money into it. The reason for this is I want him to take a debit card with him on trips instead of a lot of cash. He can test it out on his Memphis trip over spring break.

I caved on the fundraising activities. I signed up John & I to bus tables for two nights at a local establishment. There was mention of perhaps holding a silent auction, so I offered to donate one of Mom’s quilts. I also signed up to make taco or BBQ meat for a concession stand – and help out at the concession stand. Lastly I signed up for two bake sales. Made me feel better, like I’m contributing and helping out. That would be my positive for today!

We had our quarterly all hands departmental meeting today. B-o-r-i-n-g!

John had behind the wheel driving with his instructor immediately after school. He drove himself home and got there about 5:00pm. Neil had his pizza party with his basketball team. That sounded fun. John and I had to go to his Boy Scout Troop meeting. The next few weeks will be busy there – National Youth Leader Training selections, Board of Reviews, Court of Honor, a parent meeting, getting folders ready for the “new scouts”.

Taxi Mom

Another day at work. I am very busy, which is a good thing. Just can’t stand the unrealistic deadlines.

The evening was more interesting. Neil walked to karate after school. John came home on the bus. John ate an early dinner, then I drove him into town for his 5:30pm driver’s ed class. Then I went over to karate to wait for Neil to be done at 6:00pm. I took Neil home. Grandma Sharon was waiting for him. She took over Neil’s dinner and homework and I headed back into town for a 7:00pm parent meeting regarding John’s upcoming trip to Germany. The meeting was interesting to say the least. They are offering all sorts of fundraising activities – almost too many in my opinion! Steve did arrive at the meeting from work just as things were getting started. Thankfully at about 8:15pm when the signup sheet for fundraisers began circulation, I had to leave to go get John! I was able to leave without committing to anything! That would be my positive for the day!

Basketball tournament

Today was Neil's 5th grade basketball tournament at the Sports Enhancement Academy in Stoughton. First I must say that this facility is truly awesome! Privately funded also. Neil's team was in a four team tournament - so each team played three games with the most games won being the champions. Neil's games were at 9:15, 11:45 and 2:15. And they won all their games! It was truly a great day for them! They played well and were rewarded with trophies! 

The Lodi Team

Neil and his cool trophy

 I know there can be a lot of running around associated with sports like basketball, but I do it for Neil. And I really enjoy watching him and his teammates play together. They are so much better than just a couple months ago. I will miss this time. (Not sure how basketball will fit into Neil's schedule next year. Hope we can make it work.)

My Day in a Nutshell

Went grocery shopping. Back home by 8:30am and put everything away.

Neil and I drove to the Scout Shop to get his Boy Scout uniform. Picked up a properly sized pair of shorts for John.

Neil and I hit a money wall, found him a pair of pants for his John Hancock costume, filled the car with gas and got back home by 11am.

John and Steve had returned from Solo & Ensemble/Lake Mills.

We all had an early lunch. And it started to snow.

I began laundry and then went out driving with John. We left our dead end road and ventured out on other rural roads. John needs to work on his turns. Otherwise he's doing well.

Worked with Neil on some of his homework. Then him and I began cleaning. And I'm still doing laundry.

Now that break is over...I need to vacuum upstairs. I will make mashed potatoes for tomorrow. I need to start the casserole for tonight. There will still be laundry to do. Neil and I will get food/snacks together for his all day basketball tournament tomorrow. I will need to make alterations to his shirt and vest for his John Hancock costume.

That's a full day!

Cruising

Took John out for his first behind the wheel driving time when I got home today. We spent about 20-30 minutes driving up and down the road in my car, getting him use to how it feels. He's doing well.

Positive comment

Feeling good about what I've accomplished at work today! Got another big project off my desk.

However, the last big project I completed has returned to my desk with changes. Job security, eh?

Breathe

I always need to remember to rise above others negativity.

Lorazepam

Not much happened today. I went to work. I visited with Mom. Her Lorazepam seems to be working. What one of the staff is recommending is to just give Mom the .5 mg dose every morning just to keep the edge off. Because once she starts looping and getting agitated, it’s near impossible to get her to take any type of medicine, let alone something that will help to break the looping. The staff will talk to the Hospice representative next time she’s in to see if the Hospice doctor can change the prescription to “every day” instead of “as needed”.

Here we go!

Today the Wisconsin DMV granted John a Learner’s Permit for driving. His “temps”. I’m so thankful he was able to pull it off. He’s had just a couple classroom driver’s ed session – well, really just one. And he didn’t even crack open the book provided by the DMV until after I picked him up from school to go to the DMV! Mental note to self – when it’s time for Neil, sign him up for the late fall session – not the winter session.

Typically, any DMV business I need to do, I take care of in Madison. But it seems like a lot of people go to Portage. It is smaller and more personable. However the building is very dated (late 70’s/early 80’s) and tired looking…as are a lot of the clientele. It’s a “people watcher” buffet!

John and I didn’t get a chance to go hit the roads. By the time we got home there was just 10 minutes before I needed to leave to get Neil. I’m sure we’ll find time soon enough.

Catch up

I’ve missed a few days! Here’s what’s been going on.

Neil felt horrible Tuesday when he came home. His nose was all stuffed up and he said his throat hurt. Lots of coughing. He skipped basketball practice that night. I had decided Neil would be staying home Wednesday. Grandma Sharon came up to stay with Neil. Neil never ran a temperature. We could have considered sending him back to school on Friday, but…

Another event was going on – no school! Our Republican governor, Scott Walker, introduced a “Budget Repair Bill” designed to deal with Wisconsin’s upcoming budget shortfall of $136.7 million. However, the bill went a lot further than just some fiscal issues. According to one newspaper: “Walker is looking to remove collective bargaining rights except for salary for roughly 175,000 public employees, from school teachers to garbage collectors — although local police, fire and the state patrol are exempt. Any requests for a salary increase higher than the inflation rate would have to be approved by a referendum. … The bill also makes union dues optional for state workers; requires an annual vote by union members to maintain certification and eliminates health care or pension benefits for any limited term employees.” The protests in response to this radical proposal began last Monday. Hundreds of people testified to the Joint Finance Committee about the bill. College students left class. High school students walked out of school. Teachers called in sick. School districts shut down. Police and firefighters — union members actually exempt from the bill’s crackdown — showed up for support. More than 10,000 people converged on the Capitol to voice their dissent.

However, Walker and the Republicans in both the Senate and Assembly refused to negotiate on most provisions of the bill. On Wednesday, Senate Republicans amended the bill, but the changes still left the substance — eliminating collective bargaining for public employees — in place. Walker threatened to fire 1,500 people and take 200,000 children off Medicaid if the bill does not pass, alternatives that are not legally possible but designed to scare people. After the Joint Finance Committee passed the bill, it seemed like a relatively quick path through the Senate and Assembly and on to Walker’s desk to be signed.

But then, something crazy happened: Democrats in the Senate didn’t show up for the vote. And without them in the chamber, the Senate didn’t have a quorum, and the bill was delayed. The Senate did a “Call of the House,” and sent the Senate Sargent at Arms to look for the missing Senators. After checking their Capitol offices and discovering they were, in fact, not in the building, the search expanded. Rumors abounded that state troopers were called in to help find them or that these Senators could be handcuffed and forced to return. It appeared they were just over the border in Rockford and Freeport, Illinois, where Wisconsin law enforcement can’t get them. As of today – they are still missing.

So the boys did not have school on Thursday and Friday. Worked out good for Neil.

Saturday John participated in the 20^th Sun Prairie Jazz Festival with our school’s jazz ensemble. It was an all day ordeal –competition and clinics – wrapping up with a 7:00 p.m. concert which we attended. It was wonderful! I spent most of my day (along with Neil) at the high school helping with the boy scout troop’s dress rehearsal for the next day’s Arrow of Light ceremony.

Sunday was just plain overbooked! Steve and John were at the high school by 9am for the Arrow of Light ceremony. Neil and I went to his second and final First Communion class. We then went over to the high school to help out however we could. Neil’s Blue and Gold Banquet began at noon. (The Arrow of Light ceremony is part of the banquet.) We happily close the book on Cub Scouting and now Neil wants to move on to Boy Scouts. Neil and I finished up there about 2:30pm and headed over to DeForest for Neil’s last regular season basket ball game which began at 3:45pm. As if all of this isn’t enough, we had “weather” – sleet, freezing rain, snow!

Thankfully I had today off. The boys had a two hour late start due to snow. I’ve cleaned and worked on laundry. I need to pick up the boys at 6:00pm from karate and then head over to the elementary school for Neil’s parent-teacher conference.

I will be happy to put my head down tonight!

Foggy weather!

It's Wednesday! Let's see...

Neil has a pretty bad cold - stuffed up and sore throat. He stayed home with Grandma Sharon today. Hope he's feeling better tomorrow.

Sunday, Mom began her prescription of Lorazepam and I think it's making a difference. When I visited her today she just seemed more calm without being exhausted. I told her I had talked to Audrey Schucknecht last night and Mom said "Where did you run into her?" She fluently put a good sentence together rather than her usual "yes", "no", "I don't know" answers. We'll see how this pans out. 

Temps were pretty warm today - lower 40's. It's melting all the snow we got, but it's also producing a lot of thick fog.

Follow up

Checked out the acai berry juice and colon cleansing deals on www.oprah.com and I guess there's really not a lot of truth to the colon cleansing and the acai berry has lots of anti-oxidants, but so do a lot of other foods.

So...no quick fixes here.

Weight loss

Yes, I realize it is Valentine's Day and I just put "Weight Loss" in the title. Don't worry - plenty of chocolate being eaten here!

I have to make this comment though. When I read about these Acai Berry juices coupled with a Colon Cleansing pill to boost weight lost, I'm all over it. But the Colon Cleansing pill scares me. It just sounds like a lot of time spent in the privy. Just saying... And I really want to give this a try. Anyone try this that can comment on it?

Happy Early V-Day!

Not only will we be having a heart shaped pizza tomorrow night, but a heart shaped cake!

What a night!

What a night last night! Initially, things went as scheduled. Picked up the boys from the bus, got them fed and we were out of the door by 5:10pm. I dropped Neil and Dominic at basketball practice. John and I went to the grocery store. Then I dropped John at the library while I ran the groceries home. I was back at the library by 6:00pm. At 6:30pm I took John up to the high school for pep band and then headed back to the elementary school to get the boys from basketball practice. Practiced ended at 7:00pm and we headed back to the high school since John said he would be done at about 7:15pm. I checked my phone at almost 7:30pm and saw a message from John – they were running a little late. Finally he came out at 7:45pm and we were on our way home.

We walked in the door about 8:00pm. I noticed the light flashing on the answering machine. It was Willow Pointe. Apparently Mom had taken a fall. The first thing I did was to mention to Steve that he needs to check the answering machine when he gets home. His excuse was that he had just gotten home. He never checks it. I am the only one. I called Willow Pointe and the Hospice nurse had been there about 20 minutes and had determined Mom was going to need stitches. I talked briefly with Hospice nurse and it was decided that it would be a good idea for me to come down since I have Power of Attorney. Steve is offering to drive me down. I looked around the house and said “Someone needs to be here for the boys.” So off to the Stoughton Hospital I went at about 8:20pm.

It had been mentioned to me that Danita was there visiting Mom also. My first thought was “Why is Danita visiting at around 7:30pm?” Apparently that’s where she hangs out during or after Ryan’s basketball practice.

From the initial phone conversation and conversations afterwards this is what happened. One of the aides was with a resident on the A side of Willow Pointe. The other aide was on the B side, where Mom was. However the aide went to the bathroom. During this time Mom fell out of her chair. She must have been leaning or reaching forwards and out she went, hitting her forehead on the hardwood floor. At the same time Danita arrived, entered through the A side, walked over where Mom was and found her on the floor in a “huge pool of blood” (yes, head wounds do bleed a lot.) By that time the aide was out of the bathroom and everyone began to take action.

On my drive down, my younger brother calls my cell phone. I didn’t hear the phone ring, but saw it light up. I called him back and asked why he was calling. “Because Mom is going to the hospital.” He had no idea why Mom was going to the hospital. I commented about Danita not telling him – he said he was working at Home Depot and was in a dead area but thought he needed to leave since Mom was going to the hospital. I told him Mom fell, had a gash on her forehead requiring stitches and that’s all it was. He repeats that he’s on his way to the hospital – sort of like he’ll take care of everything. I have to tell him I’m halfway there – he says I wouldn’t have to go – I tell him I have Power of Attorney, I need to be there. That shut him up!

I got to the hospital about 9:00pm and of course Danita was there holding Mom’s hand and the Hospice nurse was right there too. Mom had already gotten 5 stitches and the ambulance transport was on its way to take Mom back to Willow Point. Steve showed up about 5 minutes after I did and immediately puts his face right into Mom’s face and starts this baby-talk about what’s happened. That really frustrates me. I signed some papers, etc. Mom was home by 10:00pm.

I had a good conversation with the Hospice nurse (and with the ER nurse for a bit also). First I asked if there are any other wheelchair options where Mom wouldn’t tend to fall out, since a belt is considered restrainment. Mom has fallen backwards, forwards, and even sideways by leaning, reaching, even hopping out of the wheelchair. Neither nurse seemed to have suggestions for that. Another point of conversation was Mom’s agitation. She was very agitated, looping her nonsense words and slapping her right hand constantly. The Hospice nurse suggested Lorazepam (brand name Ativan) which I have heard mentioned before. Mom’s regular doctor is reluctant to prescribe anything like that. The Hospice nurse is going to discuss her observations with the Hospice doctor today. We’ll see what comes of that.

I got home last night at 11:00pm. I got to work this morning at 7:30am. It’s going to be a long day.

Take your pick

We seem to have a lot of things happening all at once.

We are making arrangements for John to get his learner’s permit. Since his half birthday is on a Saturday and the following Monday is President’s Day (DMV closed) we will go on Feb. 22.

Plans for John’s Germany trip are in full swing. The kids are busy organizing their fundraisers. John and Jake will be coordinating a concession/bake sale.

Today John gets his class ring. I can’t wait to see it. And last night John heard from the District Eagle Scout Counselor. He will approve John’s service project with a few minor changes. Now we need to get some funding for that!

Neil has a couple of projects to work on for school. One is an alphabet book about the Revolutionary War. Another is a biography – Neil was assigned John Hancock. Poem writing and dressing up as John Hancock are parts of the assignment.

And then there’s always basketball for Neil. Three games again this weekend. Yikes!

Wednesday already!

Yikes! How did it get to be Wednesday so quickly?!

Sunday was a crazy day of running. John helped at the Optimist’s Super Bowl breakfast from 7:45am-10am. Neil had Sunday school. When we all got back home about 10:30am we had Steve open birthday gifts and cards. After lunch we headed down to Stoughton for Neil’s 2:30pm basketball game, which they won! After the game we hustled back home to change into our Packer attire and gather our food, then headed to Pete’s house for his Super Bowl party. The Packers beat the Steelers – final score 31-25.

I took Monday off to catch up on cleaning and grocery shopping. I drove the boys to school. I decided on rotisserie chicken for dinner and as it turned out I was heading into town as school was letting out, so I picked the boys up and gave them a ride to karate. Spent a better part of Monday evening discussing John’s class scheduling options for next year. It sounds like we have a plan.

Tuesday brought Neil’s basketball practice. I had to pull him about 20 minutes early because the Webelos were visiting John’s Boy Scout meeting. I think Neil liked it. And I don’t think John disliked it that much!

It is very cold this morning - a fur coat sort of day. Right now its 10 degrees with a wind chill of minus 3, but I know the actual temperature was below zero before the sun came up. Lots of drifting on the road I take to get to the highway. Almost drifted shut in a couple of spots!

Good day

The day went pretty well. Neil's basketball team played a good game at DeForest, but not quite good enough. They lost 28-17. After the game, Neil, John and I did a little Super Bowl shopping down by the mall area. After a Culver's stop, we headed home. Dinner. Got my chicken wings marinating. Steve made cut out cookies for tomorrow - star shaped. Called them "Bart Starr cookies". The boys and I banished Steve to the upstairs so we could wrap his birthday gifts. So everything is in place for tomorrow and the Big Game.

Positive Friday!

I finished up two lingering projects at work today!

Neil's basketball team won 26-17!

After the storm

When it was all said and done Madison got 18.7 inches of snow from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning. The wind pick up Tuesday night and we were under a blizzard warning. Literally the whole southern part of the state shut down. No school. My employer closed for the day. The interstate by Kenosha and Racine was closed for quite awhile. Over 900 cars were abandoned on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. Cars and trucks were driving into drifts and getting stuck. Bitterly cold temperatures are following the storm. You certainly don’t want to spend a long time outside today.

The winds are still whipping the snow around tonight and drifting continues. At least the township was smart enough to send a plow out earlier this evening!

It's official

Posted sometime in the last hour or so...

Lodi Schools will be closed Wednesday February 2, 2011 due to inclement weather

All After School Activities and Practices after 5:00 p.m. are Canceled. All scheduled games are canceled on  February 1, 2011

No school = no getting up and going to work for me! Whoo hoo!

Storm threat continues

It's been windy all day. Doesn't appear to have snowed much more.

Many of our regional offices have closed.

• Itasca Office closing at 2:00 p.m. CT due to inclement weather
• Indianapolis Closing at 2:30 p.m. ET Due to Inclement Weather
• Linoln NE office will close at 2:30 PM CST due to ice and snow
• Overland Park, KS office closed at noon due to snowstorm
• Freeport closing at 3 p.m. ET today due to inclement weather.
• Springfield Closing at 1 p.m. ET Today Due to Inclement Weather

This is from http://channel3000.com/

A winter storm that moved through on Monday already dropped 6 inches of snow near Sheboygan with lesser amounts elsewhere. Travel is slow for morning commuters in Milwaukee County, where spinouts and a rollover were clogging the freeways.

However, another blast of winter weather is slated to arrive later on Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for southern Wisconsin -- from Fond du Lac to Madison to Dodgeville -- through Wednesday. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected with nine to 16 inches of new snow. The blizzard watch for Tuesday and Wednesday includes southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and northwest Indiana and includes the cities of Milwaukee and Chicago.

Snowfall totals could reach more than 2 feet in some areas by the time the storm system has moved through the region. Forecasters said this blizzard will be similar to one in January 1999 which produced 14 to 18 inches of snow and four to eight foot drifts.

Storm snowfall totals are expected to be about 4 inches to 7 inches from Wisconsin Dells to the northwest. Six to 10 inches are likely northwest of Dane County to the Dells. Eight to 14 inches are possible near a Platteville to Madison to Beaver Dam line and 10 to 18-plus inches are possible south and east of Dane County.

Waiting for the storm

Good bye January - Hello February!

Madison's total snowfall yesterday to this morning was 5 1/2 inches. We are told we are in a lull right now with the peak/worse of the storm beginning late this afternoon/early this evening. The boys' school had a two hour delay - so that means I had a two hour delay also! I can see light snow and it's windy. Bundling up and preparing to hunker down!

Monday...later

So we had a light snow all day long. Guess it accumulated to a couple inches. During the day tomorrow we may get another inch and then the "Big Storm" will arrive later in the afternoon.

I'm so hoping for a snow day on Wednesday.

Weather is the news

Now to see what comes of this. I would expect early release on Tuesday from schools and everything shut down on Wednesday.

-------------------------------------------------------

Issued at: 4:27 AM CST 1/31/11, expires at: 12:30 PM CST 1/31/11

Winter weather advisory remains in effect from 9 am this morning to 3 pm cst Tuesday, winter storm watch remains in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon, A winter weather advisory remains in effect from 9 am this morning to 3 pm cst Tuesday. A winter storm watch remains in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

Timing, a prolonged period of snow will arrive this morning into Tuesday. Stronger system arrives for later Tuesday into early Wednesday which could bring heavy snow and blowing snow.

Snow accumulations, 4 to 7 inches today into Tuesday with potential for 6 to 10 inches later Tuesday into Wednesday.

Winds, northeast winds 15 to 25 mph Tuesday will gradually shift to the north on Wednesday. Gusts of 25 to 35 mph are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Impacts, visibilities under a mile with slippery roads today into Tuesday. Significant blowing and drifting with near blizzard conditions in open areas Tuesday night into Wednesday. Visibilities down to a quarter mile with 2 to 4 foot drifts.

Precautionary/preparedness actions:

A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

What I like

I like that it's 5:15pm and the sun hasn't gone down yet.

Excitement in town

Neil and I actually entertained ourselves in town for three hours today! I dropped Neil at karate for sparring. I went to the meat market to pick up a few items. We ate lunch at Subway and then headed to the middle school to catch the end of cousin Ryan's basketball game. His team won. Then we drove to the Pig to get groceries. After a quick stop at the car wash we headed on back home. A nice time with Neil.

Food

Decided to make Grandma's brownie recipe tonight. Smells good and looks good. Won't cut and try one until tomorrow!

Also....today is Day 5 of no Diet Coke. 

Positive Thursday

I actually got out of work by 3pm so I could get home and get some laundry going. John's leaving for the weekend and needs clothes! Neil has basketball practice. Run! Run! Run!

Finding the good

Trying to think of something positive I either did or experienced today - personally. There's really nothing outstanding. Arrive to work at 6:30am. Meeting from 9-10:30am. Left at about 11:30am to go visit Mom. Returned about 2:00pm. Left work at 5pm. Took John to his first driver's ed class - 6:15-8:00pm. Now I'm home.

MIL made her wonderful manicotti - it has such a great taste! I had a little bit after I got back with John. Yum!

So John had the big positives today - first day of driver's ed and his passport arrived!