Apologies

I apologize for missing a daily post a couple of times here lately.  Things have been crazy at work, at home, and at parts in between and I'm a little distracted.  

In addition to keeping an eye on Dad to make sure he takes his meds on time and making sure he doesn't over-do it outside, we've got a quasi-family reunion going on.  My cousin from California arrived Tuesday night and will be here for a week and a half.  Today, her son, his wife and their two little kids will be arriving this afternoon from their home near Purdue University and will be here until Sunday afternoon.  Tomorrow, my other cousin and his wife from Alabama will be arriving and will be here until Wednesday.  Fortunately, only my California Cousin will be staying here at The Compound; the rest will be staying in a hotel. 

I'll keep you posted, because I'm sure there will be drama.  In fact, we've already had a little drama even  before anyone arrived. 

Hogzilla Update

Last Monday evening, yours truly, aka Annie Oakly Junior, was on a stakeout looking for Hogzilla.  Sure enough, he came out and I was able to get a clear shot with Dad's shotgun, Old Thunder.  At first, we thought I missed him.  But as each day went by without seeing him come out, we got more and more confident that I did shoot him.  Well, that confidence was blown night before last when I saw him out in the back as I pulled into the carport after running an errand.  Damnit.  The hunt is still on.

Team Bud Update

Team Bud Update: 

I'm being honest - yesterday was a day I was both looking forward to and dreading at the same time: the day that Dad wanted to get the garden out. I'm going to admit I was a nervous wreck all day long at work - worrying about him overdoing it and getting out of breath or having some chest and muscle pains. Turns out the only stress today was the stress I had at work. I'm very happy to report that he and Mom set out 13 tomato plants, in addition so planting squash, zucchini, and peppers. He said he felt fine and was going to use the small rotor-tiller and get the other half of the garden tilled up to plant beans, but a belt broke on the tiller. He said that was his sign to stop and go in and rest. 

Never fear - as soon as I got home from the Bats game last night, I got online and ordered the belt and another part from the fine folks at Troy-Bilt. He wanted super-fast shipment, so they will be delivered on Wednesday, so you can pretty much bet that Wednesday afternoon, he will be out there tilling up the bean patch. 

Thanks again so much for all of your words of encouragement to/for Dad. It means the world to us.

Monday, Monday

Mondays have suddenly become crappy days, and today was no exception.  The day started out crappy with the old Blazer having a turn signal issue.  Of course, it wasn't something as simple as replacing the bulbs in the rear taillights; it involves replacing a module and a switch, all to the tune of $500.  But all in all, still approximately what some of my friends are spending each month for a car payment.  And I checked my records, and this is the first time that these parts have been replaced on my Blazer (which is a 1996 model).  So I really can't complain too much on that.  Then the day got even more crappy, with me having to move up a deadline on a mega spreadsheet project for my boss.  Add to that the fact I was worried sick all day about Dad -- he and Mom were going to plant the garden today and I was a nervous wreck, worrying about him overdoing it and having problems.  Well, that was useless worrying.  He did fine, other than admitting that he did get tired.  But hey - he's 82 years old and just had quadruple bypass two months ago. 

But the day took a turn for the better and ended great.  I went to my first Bats game of the season.  And Monday games are Baseball Bingo.  The first person to get a bingo wins a $50 gift card to Meijers.  And guess who won???? Puddin!!  I plan to use the gift card to buy a new pair of New Balance tennis shoes this week. 

So Monday wasn't so bad after all.

Happy Day After Derby

It's the Day After Derby.  I don't have much else interesting to post.  We had a great Derby Day, and also had a great Day After Derby, and we're all resting here at The Compound in preparation for setting out a bizillion tomato plants tomorrow.  I have to work, so I won't be able to oversee what's going on at The Compound.  I just pray that Dad will know when to stop if he's feeling too tired after planting the said tomato plants. 

Happy Derby

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy Derby Day.  A lot of people in Louisville hate this day, but it is what it is.  
Yesterday, Dad made a very pretty lemon cake, pictured here, to celebrate the Derby. I wanted to put a little plastic horse on the top of the cake but my idea was shot down. 

I hope everyone is a winner today.  

Happy Derby Eve

It was a very busy, but awesome day.  First of all, I was off from work, so I got to sleep in this morning.  Then after a great breakfast with the 'Rents, we puttered around and then went out for a marathon session of errands.  Dad did great, thank the Lord.  For the record, we went to Kroger's, got gas, went to the bank, then to the shoe repair shop, then to Lowes, then to Aldi's, and then to WalMart.  I'd say we did our part to help stimulate the economy.  Later on in the afternoon, I went to a cancer fundraiser and had a blast.  Now it's time to settle down and have a cocktail or three at home and enjoy not having to go to work tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we will put the finishing touches on getting the back bedroom cleaned up for my cousin's visit,  and then we will enjoy watching the Kentucky Derby.