Gigi's Day

Celebrating Christmas

2009-12-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

I am always interested in the "doings" and watch the blog postings for others--guess I thought mine would not be interesting and have not posted for a LONG time. What a great season I am enjoying! First, Patricia came in late October and we celebrated my 88th birthday! She is still in our area and has done so much for all her family while here. My house is beautifully decorated-Lori
changed her Christmas decor and shared with me. And my house has received deep cleaniing it has needed for some time! Sunday was a McReynolds original family celebration--however, David and Susan had other commitments and could not come. We had a lovely meal planned by P. and had our gift exchange--it was delightful!
Saturday evening, P. and I attended Oklahoma Christmas, given by our church, and it was beautiful. Sunday afternoon we went to the Conrad girls' piano recital with a friend then on immediately to Crossings Church and their choir (Marcia is in it) carol sing and program. It was a full day! Monday was our Dec. meeting of Academy of Senior Professionals--a nice meal and program. A reception at the SNU President's home followed and I had planned to go to that, but my body told me to go home and rest before the 4 p.m. dinner at the chuch followed by a chartered bus trip to see special lighting--we went to Kingfisher, Chesapeake Energy in OKC and Yukon parks--what a treat. Today is a luncheon for my small Bible Study group in a home, and tonight the Dawson tribe is getting together with Col. Joel Rayburn (Vernon's great-nephew, on Gen. Petraeus' staff) and will share info. on Afghanistan, etc. I will need to slip out early to sttend the Conrad girls' Christmas voice recital (Janis is the teacher). Sunday we are having a Vernon style brunch here with Janis and the Conrads--thanks to P.s help! I have not entertained in many years, and it is a joy to be able to have these special occasions--with a lot of help from Patricia!!
I know this should be titled "Gigi's Month"--Oh, yes, I had roof damage and thus damage inside from leaking. The roof has been replaced and the painter is here this week repairing the inside damage. Thank you, State Farm, and Aegis Roofing for all your help! I must finish laundry and get on with my fun! May each of your readers have a blessed and joyful Christmas season with your loved ones!
P.S. Scott and Adrienne were here for a Thanksgiving celebration at Fishers--a wonderful time--and, there will be a new baby Sprowls in June!!!

Gigi's week in Colorado

2009-06-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

This morning Melanie reminded me that I had not posted in a looong time. My brother, Charles, and family live in Grand Junction, CO. He graciously provided tickets for my sister, Eula Merle Simpson, and me to fly there for a week's visit! E.M. came here on May 19 and we left on May 21. I had been there several times, though had not been to their new home, but E.M. had never visited--not in all the 40 plus years they had lived there. It was such fun to be with her as we went to the Grand Mesa and to the Colorado National Monument--sort of a little Grand Canyon. We were royally treated. Their home is ao pleasant and adequate--and they have no yard work!
Theis son lives next door--bought the show house for the development--fully furnished, after the developer went bankrupt. His children spend alternate weeks with him and their mom and were with their dad during our visit. We saw a Johnny play baseball (ask E.M. about the sunburn--ouch!) We went to a nearby church--Christian and Missionary Alliance--on Sunday. The power had gone out and that made for an interesting time. People were friendly, but too young to suit our family. Sunday evening the whole family was invited for a barbeque and we got to see Charles, Jr., his new Ukranian wife, Elena, and her son, Roma. C.J. prefers to be a builder and developer and we drove through many of the areas he had built in before the construction came to a halt. Now he is working in the oil field near Parachute--such a hard job and terrible hours, but he is caring for his family. Cindy bought her folks house and is there several days a week. Her job is at Glenwood Springs where she works as a care-giver and loves it. She was ill and feared she might pass the grunge to us so we did not see her. Charles had several doctor's appt's in preparation for a knee replacement the week after we left. We came home on Thursday, were with David's family on Sunday and at Fisher's that evening. Frances, Anne and Ron came over on Sat. and E.M. returned to Memphis with them on Tues. It was a memorable, precious week for we had not been together in a good many years.

What a Weekend!

2009-03-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

I returned from a week-end spent in Tucson, AZ, for my grandson's, Scott's, wedding. It was most unusual in several ways--in an outdoor patio (lots of flowers in bloom), a Mexican theme, Mexican appetizers, Mexican dinner and Mexican cookies shaped like a cake and decorated in the wedding colors (bride and groom do not like cake). It was wonderful to see the Sprowls and Van Hoecke families and to meet Adrienne's family as well as the many young friends of the newlyweds. I had not seen Patricia in about 4 years--she was lovely for the wedding and we shared a hotel room. Stephanie and Marcia both took pictures and many of them have been posted.

A Happy Day

2009-03-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took two friends (who had been helpful to me before I was able to drive)
out to lunch and I picked them up! This afternoon, Marcia and I had our hair done at a real salon. I have gone to the Beauty College for so long that I had forgotten how comfortable it was to use a private facility. Now, if my hair will just hold until the wedding, I will be in good shape. Marcia had me do some "try ons" to decide on clothes to take.

A Second Red-Letter Day

2009-03-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Janis took me to my doctor this morning and I am now released to DRIVE! My first trip was to the Salvation Army Center for lunch. I think I may even go to prayer meeting tonight--have not been since Thanksgiving! What a blessing it is not to be dependent on others for my transportation. Bless each of you who has assisted me in this long stretch!

A Red-Letter Day

2009-03-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

I had my evaluation at Mercy Therapy this morning and am storing my walker!!! Yea! I have been using it since Thanksgiving and it is great to be rid of it an free to use my cane. The therapist also felt I was strong enough to drive, but I likely will wait on that until I see my doctor next Wed. Friends and family have been wonderfully helpful during this long stretch. I am having a house guest for the week-end. Sophie is coming this evening and will be here until Sunday. Oh, yes, Sophie is a sweet little dog--Marcia's and Tim's--and stays with me when they need to be away.

Plans Crashed

2009-03-12T11:44:00.001-07:00

I have planned and worked for our March S.S. Class luncheon for WEEKS! Of course, the theme was St. Patrick's Day with all things Irish. I had history, songs, jokes, limericks and a menu in line with the theme. After weeks of lovely weather, it was drizzling and just cold enough for ice to form. At the last minute, it was decided we should cancel. Last Sunday, we were informmed that 3 of our members had sustained injuries in falls. I certainly understand that! Teacher suggested we could have the same program next month. But, of course, it will not work in April. Oh, yes, I am the interim class vice-president (ours is in Africa for nearly a year) and am responsible for luncheon plans. We had the greatest number ever sign up to come. So I have been working today on plans for my missionary chapter meeting on Monday. Soup and crackers was not exactly what I had hoped to eat for lunch!

Twitter

2009-03-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have had my first contact with Twitter! I heard about it on the TV but had no idea what was going on, other than it had to do with something new-fangled! I just read a post on it from Stephanie! Grandma is slow, but then, she is old!!!

Twitter

2009-03-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

Lovely Afternoon

2009-02-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

What a lovely afternoon I have had! Melanie brought Jacee, Dawson and Mikaya about noon and spent several hours with me. She brought a delicious barbeque lunch then the children and I played! It was the longest visit I have had with her in a long time--if ever. While I was occupied with the children, she browsed through photo albums. It brought great joy to a grandmother's/great-grandmother's heart!

Doctor, Doctor!

2009-02-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

It is just Wednesday and I have already had 4 doctor's appointments this week. First was my new primary care physician (Jeannie Klabzuba), a classmate of Jeremy and maiden name "Smith". I really like her. Blood was drawn. Then to cardiologist--made no change in treatment--says I will likely fall and break something again at my advanced age! Lighten up, Dr. Lybrand! This morning to the hospital for a laser treatment to reduce pressure in left eye. Stephanie was a gem to give her morning for that. This afternoon, with Marcia to my "hospitalist" from my last hospital visit to determine the best course of action to take re. osterporosis. Result: I will have a Reclast injection soon, good for a year and covered with insurance. I still have a few appointments: orthopedic surgeon (check up), dermatologist, gastrointerologist. I am staying busy! Thanks much for prayers and concern.

Freedom!

2009-02-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

My Home Health Care last week was quite useless. So I have been dismissed--which means I can go wherever I can get someone to take me. I had been restricted to church, doctor and beauty shop. Dave has come bringing lunch once a week--a real treat. Perhaps I will soon be able to drive again. I am able to manage the walker alone. Your interests and prayers have been so helpful and much appreciated.

Getting Out

2009-02-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

I am still with Home Health Care but should be dismissed soon. Meanwhile, family and friends have been great about getting me to church, etc. I was able to go to Bible study yesterday--great to be with my group again as we study Esther. I got permission to have a friend take me out for a brief shopping trip--my first in ages. Perhaps I will be able to drive again soon. My calendar is sprinkled with appointments for various doctors. I am enjoying my "new" bedroom and bathroom--thanks to grandchildren and children.

For my grandkids

2009-01-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Busy Day

2008-11-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

I am wondering how I ever found time to teach, keep house, cook for my husband, etc., etc. Wednesday I had breakfast with ARMM (association of retired ministers and missionaries), left before it was over to go across the street to my dentist (routine cleaning, etc.). Made an appointment with him to have repair on a front tooth this morning. Then it was off to a quick stop at Target then Dollar Tree to shop for about 40 Thanksgiving cards for my S.S. class. Nert was a nursing home stop to visit a friend and deliver a card--had a lot of news to share with her. Had lunch with retired teacher's group from the Jr. High in Putnam City (now a middle school)--great Chinese lunch. Next was an appointment with my ophthalmologist where I learned that I will have laser surgery next month--hoping to reduce the pressure and limit the results of glaucoma. Whew! After I went to prayer meeting in the evening, I was ready to crash! The Thanksgiving cards are ready to mail to our shut-ins and those who have moved. Seems I have inherited the job of "co-president" of our class while the real president is off for 6 weeks caring for her husband. Think I will relax a while! Honestly, it is great to have the energy and ability to help with these activities that I really enjoy! I hope that the day tomorrow will not be worthy of a blog entry!

A Big Day

2008-11-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

November 4--My big day started with voting, walking a half mile at our family life center, delivering a batch of brownies for Bible Study goodies, going to Bible Study with a group os great friends (I am the eldest by far!), then to the retina specialist for the second of 3 shots he is giving me to halt the progress of macular degeneration. The vision in my right eye is hazy now, but it will clear in a day or so. The vinal shot will be Dec. 16--hooray! Now I am just waiting to hear some actual results from the election. This is Marcia's birthday and
David and I will celebrate with her tomorrow at lunch. How wonderful to have them nearby! Thank the Lord for family and friends!

Special Friends

2008-11-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

I first knew the Edlin family in Lawrence, Kansas, in about 1964. The eldest, Glenda, became a math teacher in Bethany, married, had 2 daughters, and has been with OSBI for 17 years. She retired yesterday and I was invited to the celebration at OSBI. Her brother, Steve, and her mother were there as well as G.'s 2 daughters. One of them lives only blocks from me, invited me to a surprise party for her mom at noon today. About 30 friends and family were there--it was great! Brother Jim and his family surprised her also. Glenda will be with SCOPE, a Christian counseling ministry, Steve is with TEAM, a missionary sending organization, and Jim is head of the Religion Dept. at MANU in Olathe, KS. What a family!!! What do people do without precious Christian friends? I am blessed!

Election--a week away

2008-10-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

I will be glad when the election is over--wonder what will be on the news then. I plan to vote early, go to Bible Study, take Marcia out for a birthday lunch then get my second shot in the eye (to control macular degeneration in my right). I pray that voters will be able to separate truth from rhetoric that has little basis in fact! I attended a ladies' prayer group this morning and all of us are very concerned, then we remember that the Lord is still in charge--no matter how the election turns out. So, I plan to sleep well!

Country Birthday

2008-10-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

What an evening we had on my birthday! McReynolds and Woods came to Fishers for a wonderful dinner and great visit. Adelyn and Jillian were just precious. Tim built a roaring fire in their fire pit, we bundled up and sat around the fire roasting marshmallows and visiting. It is quiet and peaceful--a great place to relax! Addy and her Pa-pa had a great time--such fun hearing him tell stories to her about his boyhood on the farm! Conrads and Janis were detained at the ball game so late that they did not come out--so I had no one to drive me home. Earlier I had thought of taking an overnight bag, then dismissed the thought. Marcia had cozy p.j.'s for me and I had a wonderful night's sleep. I made it fine without a toothbrush and my p.m. medicine! What a blessed time with loved ones--I need to take advantage of all those opportunities!

It's Gigi's Day--Honestly

2008-10-24T12:16:00.001-07:00

I can scarcely believe that this is my birthday--my 87th! What happened to all those years? I am so grateful that I can still remember them, even though I do not dwell on the past. When I see so many of my friends who need assistance in walking and/or are in care facilities, my heart is touched with gratitude to the Lord. I have done nothing to deserve such blessings. Stephanie and Janis hosted a birthday dinner on Wednesday--15 of us had a great time. This evening, I am to go to Fisher's (Marcia and Tim) for another great evening with McReynolds and Wood families--Shawn, Kennedy, Reagan and Janis will come later. It is chilly, but we plan to sit around an outdoor fire and make s'mores--isn't that a great "birthday cake"? My fall activities (and responsibilities) are in full swing and it is great to have something to look forward to--somewhere to be. I am so eager to meet Melanie's and Jeremy's newest--Mikaya Rose is just over 2 weeks old. Melanie is keeping pictures, etc., on her blog--Fullingim Family Fun. My days are blessed and I pray that yours are also.

This 'n That

2008-09-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

It is exciting to read updates from family and friends. I fear I do not have much to contribute but will try to keep you up with anything significant in my life! My ability to see to read has deteriorated in the last 3 mo. and I cannot read the computer screen with my glasses. So I saw the ophthalmologist thinking I would come away with a new prescription and would get new frames this time. Not so fast--a test showed I have a "leaking" retina and some swelling. So it was off to see a retina specialist. Praise the Lord, I am in early stages of "wet" macular degeneration and can have periodic shots to stop its progress (90% success rate). I had my first on Tues. The eye was numbed so there was no pain, yet I had do look at the needle coming into my eye (right). Cecil has had shots for some months and was worse than I--he has improved a lot. I hope the next posting will not be about me and my ills! I had a call this morning from an agency that serves the !aged! asking if I needed a call from a nurse. Gratefully, I do not need anyone---yet! My trip to the Salvation Army Senior Camp near Tahlequah was a joy. I attend the Salvation Army Senior Center near me for lunch when I am not otherwise occupied. It was a moving experience to have a tour of the U.S. submarine (WWII) the Batfish. I am so grateful for our service men and their gift to us!