Thank You, Veterans

I heard today that someone on Facebook posted "I'm dreaming of a white Veteran's Day." I only dream of a white Christmas, and then I want snow on Christmas Eve - just a little bit, but it can melt the day after Christmas. That's all the winter I need!  Unfortunately, I think snow on Veteran's Day indicates that we are in for a long winter.  

We visited my father-in-law this weekend, as well as my mother-in-law.  Father-in-law looked good, better than he has the past few times we've been there. He was alert, holding his head up, and even looking up at us without us trying to get him to look up. But he appeared angry, and probably confused. Hubby tried to get him up so we could walk with him like we usually do, but he strongly resisted and Hubby had to let him ease back into his recliner. My father-in-law promptly tried to kick Hubby. I guess that was his way of saying "leave me alone".  It was a very long hour and 15 minute visit. He did say a few words, something about "left-handed" that I couldn't make out. And when he kept scooting forward in his chair like he wanted to get up, I asked if I could do something for him - rather than asking if I could help him up, since he didn't like it when Hubby asked him that. He responded that no, I couldn't help him with what he wanted to do. That was the most I've heard him say in months! We don't know if they decreased his meds, or what. It was encouraging to see him more alert, but disconcerting to feel his anger and frustration. 

It was my mother-in-law's birthday the same day. We had a nice visit with her, and did a few things around the house for her. She seems to be doing fairly well out in the country on her own. I do worry about her being out there, but she seems happy. She will soon be watching my new nephew when my sister-in-law goes back to work. I hope it's not too much for her. 

Today was a happy Monday. I officially learned that a co-worker is leaving for another job. I know I shouldn't be so happy, but I can't help it. And I know if you can't say something nice, you shouldn't say anything at all. So let it be enough for me to say that I hope she finds what she's looking for. I think it will be a good thing for her, and for us. 'Nuff said. 

It seems like a number of people I know are going through difficult times, for one reason or another. My thoughts and prayers go out to them and I hope they all find answers or solutions to their individual situations. I am grateful for each and every one of them.

As today is Veteran's Day, in spite of the snow, I would like to thank the veterans for all they have done and continue to do for us here in America. God Bless them all. 

November Already!

I didn't realize I've been away for almost a month. Life has been busy!

Early October saw us busy with soccer games. Unfortunately, we lost our regional championship game to a team that has been a pain in our rear ends for all four years of my sons' high school career. I can feel my blood pressure rising just mentioning it! So now I'll move on.

We've visited my father-in-law at the nursing home. It seems like each visit gets shorter and shorter. The last time, he had just finished lunch. We walked around the nursing home with him twice and then took him back to his room, since he seemed tired. We no more than got him settled into his recliner and he was out like a light. No point in staying to watch him sleep. I know the medicines they have him on are a big part of how he behaves, but it's still very hard to see him like that.

My sister-in-law delivered a small but healthy little boy on October 1! He's a preemie but so adorable. Lots of dark hair. They were able to take him home after only 2-1/2 weeks instead of the 6 weeks they were warned might happen. Two weeks ago, when we visited my father-in-law, we also visited the new arrival. I got to hold the little guy, so I was happy to have my baby fix! The rest of the family might have to fight me for him at Thanksgiving...

This weekend, we visited my parents. Dad is having a rough time lately - for whatever reason, he seems to be dizzy a lot, and very argumentative. Mom is still doing very well without all the meds she was on, and I am thankful for that. My brother had his knee surgery at the end of September and seems to be recuperating well. He did make one trip to the ER and had to have fluid drained off, but seems to be doing better now. I hope he is able to get back to work soon.

We also attended Daughter's racing awards night, where she was presented with a plaque for her 9th place finish in points at one track. Last year she finished 17th, so she improved overall. I think she learned a lot this year but she still has a lot more to learn. I hope next year brings good things for her.

Hubby and I also took some much needed time for ourselves and went hiking. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining. We saw quite a few deer, and enjoyed listening to the sounds of nature.

With Thanksgiving come up soon, I am thankful for so many things in my life: family, good friends, and good health, to name a few. I need to make it a point to let the people who are important to me know how thankful I am to have them in my life. No better time than Thanksgiving to say it. So to those of you reading this, thank you for being an important part of my life. :)