Let the games begin...

So, it is now 12:30 a.m. on Saturday the 22nd of December...I am pretty proud of my accomplishments holiday-wise. Just about all of my wrapping is DONE...odds and ends here and there..no more than a 15 minute job that I am procrastinating on til I feel like doing it. Furthermore, all my most important shopping is DONE! The boy will have a good Christmas afterall, even without an official balsam fir in the living room this year. I only need two gift cards and two bottles of cheer....problem with the gift cards is they are at Borders, and that means a last minute Mall Madness Trip...my niece Kristin said she would love to help me with any last minute things, so I just may take her up on it...we can at least chat while we wait in traffic!!

All my cards are out, and actually did that before the surgery, so that was a relief. I got some very nice photo cards this year from dear friends and of course my lovely nieces and handsome nephew! My house is modestly decorated ala Super Sib #1's and my newest creation NO-el!!! As in we are having a "lite" Christmas as opposed to overdone reindeer that move, multitudes of annoying twinkling lights, tacky blow up figures on our lawns, and definitely NOT the light up soldiers (sorry Ken...just can't do it....). I feel a stirring of holiday spirit that I really thought would not come this year with this damn ankle b.s. I am glad...I always loved it, and don't want Kyle to feel cheated. He has been working very hard for three of our neighbors, shoveling them out...more damn snow than the last three winters combined, and me on crutches. He gets paid rather well, so he finally has some cash in his pockets...and bank account. He bought a PS-2 from James D'Amico (yes, Tami and Chris' son) and has borrowed a few games from friends...he is pleased with his purchase, and awaits any surprise games as gifts from dear ol' Mom as she said NEVER in a million years would I have one of those consoles in my house....Alas, he bought it, and it CAN be used as leverage should he screw up! heh heh

The Scrabble is made...oh, Mom said she is making some...I asked why if I am. She informed me the kids LOVE hers....Ok, not going there....dying to tell her we rebake it after doctoring it up some when she isn't looking, but I bit my tongue and held my ego in check this time. Hey, it's a learning curve and I am trying!

As for the ankle...got the dressing off...scar looks the same...BUT, I have no feeling, no sense of touch, as in TOTALLY NUMB. I do have some pain....in fact it is unbearable and makes me scream outloud sometimes when I straighten my leg or bend at the waist stretching my hamstrings...like someone was raking my nerve endings with a garden fork...excruciating! He thinks he might have hit/nicked/cut the nerve that runs from the back of the ankle around the outside and down the foot....GREAT! Now what? He was quite concerned when I said I couldn't feel anything...So, Super Sib #1, I need your expert opinion as the Ortho. Nurse...cause Mom could only give me her "uneducated opinion" (her words, not mine).

I need some sleep I guess....Chris and I are going to go get Andrew at the bus station, drag him to lunch and put a smile on that boy's face! Sounds like he is in DOWN mode...hey, try it on crutches in the snow and ice Baby....more like FALL DOWN MODE! haha Actually, I just got some ice grips for my metal legs today....deadly things....I will try to remember to flip them up at Gretchen's house so I don't leave holes in her hard wood floors!!! hahahaha

Kim

Quick, call the guards!!!

Yes, I got out of the house today...sssssh, don't tell MOM! This time I didn't call the office to see if I could drive, I merely assumed, based on what they told me. It was fine, clutching etc...the hard part this trip is watching myself on the snow and ice with the crutches...I REALLY have to pay attention...even in my own kitchen. Kyle walked across the floor with his wet sneakers and my crutches slipped on that, which hurt....

So, got some milk, vodka, a lime, a card for someone, and that was about all I could handle....tiring. Tomorrow, my trip might be to Walmart (if I dare)....no matter which door you go in though, you usually have to maneuver your way across the store further away than you parked..and on crutches, every step counts. So, will plan that trip on where things that I need are located in the store.

My neighbors got a great Christmas present...actually TWO....early. Their 2 new grandchildren were born yesterday morning (C section twins) who were not suppose to arrive for a few more days, but what the heck...they wanted out. Brandi's water broke early in the a.m. so they went in, and both the babies are healthy, not on ventilators or anything, and are beautiful. Jeanne sent me the first photos of her new grandbabies via the internet....a cute pair-one boy and one girl, Addison and Trent. I'm happy for them.

Getting some wrapping done...actually didn't do any today-work related things to do from home instead (ugh), but will try to get some more done tonight. Not the easiest thing to do on a bed...hard to get a smooth wrap job that way....haha

Okey dokey kids....I see that you are both pretty busy so thought I would "regale" you with MY news (ok...so Deed went and blogged today, but it had been a while).
T.T.F.N.
Achimmes Libbey (get it?)

TGIF!!!! AND HOW!

Well, it had to happen...I have reached the limit here, and the little woman is headed home Saturday...not a moment too soon.
Things have been ok, no major blow-outs til tonight, just before bed. I fixed a nice dinner for us as Kyle was out, and I was feeling up to it. We sat around and really didn't have much to talk about at this point after spending so much time together already....finally, I am downstairs turning off lights and hear a loud BANG. I come up, thinking she was just taking the stool I use in the shower to sit on out of there so she can shower...I look, it's still there. Curious, I head down the hall and she says, 'this bed is having a problem with its headboard'...Ok, the whole head board is now between the wall and the frame and on the floor at this point... "A PROBLEM" you say? So, I try to fix it, only to hear her tell me I shouldn't be doing this, and she will sleep on the couch, blah blah blah. Of course, I am on a mission now, and squeeze in between the bed and the wall to discover that the slats keeping the box spring in place have also fallen to the floor, and the whole mattress is in jeopardy of slipping through. The other brace at the head of the bed is also coming apart...So she says, 'Well, it' s worse than it was last night, but not much.' HUH???? I asked her why she didn't tell me before now...Do you all remember when she used to break stuff and not tell Dad til it was too late or after she did some flintstone fix it plan? NOW I know how frustrated he was about that...I go on to fix it much to her dismay...she actually said "oh go ahead Kim, and break your other leg too while you're at it!" Now I ask you....is this helping me any??? Jesus!
She finally assists and we get it put back together but she decides to sleep on my couch...as I go to get a clean sheet for her since we sort of put the bed back together and I didn't want to have to deal with stripping it tonight....as I am getting one and TELLING her not to take it off the bed, she goes ahead and does it anyways...giving me a smart alecky tone when she tells me 'too late I already did it!' I was not amused...told her if she was TRYING to piss me off, she had succeeded....which only made matters worse of course.
Anyhow, I hope she has a nice night's sleep on the sofa...whatever! She is impossible sometimes...but I guess we all are. Bring on the weekend...

OUCH....AGAIN!!!!

So, here I sit, or rather lie....once again in my bed with my foot up in the air, throbbing! I think it hurts more this time than last but of course Mom thinks I was in more pain last time....I am only letting her think that if it helps me get her on her way home quicker, but she is wrong. I really do ache more this time, but I guess that makes sense in some ways....after all, I just had it done two and a half months ago, and it was hurting badly before I went in again.

The process was not as smooth this time either. Well, as for the surgery it was more cut and dry being that no cadaver tissue had to be sewn in. The anesthesia process was not as good...I was not out by the time I hit the O.R. this trip like I was in Sept. This time, they put me under on the table there, and I thought I was going to suffocate in the process...my mouth got all numb and even though I supposedly had some oxygen on me (there was a mask, but my eyes were closed so I am guessing that is what it was) I couldn't breathe. I told her, and she said to relax I would be under soon....RIGHT! I was panicky before going under which was not reassuring. Then, after she had told me she would use the same treatment as the guy did last time, I was sick to my stomach all day and night yesterday. Massive headache too...which actually started before I went in, but got worse as the day wore on. So, I couldn't eat, was all drugged up with pain meds while I was still there, and was still in great pain! It sucked...TO SAY THE LEAST! It was not the same as last time...

Mom is losing it here too...tried to re-medicate me within 15 minutes of me just taking something for my headache...which she handed to me and watched me take! It was weird, after I had taken it, she says, you know, that tylenol would help your headache some...I said I had just taken it, and she gives me this "you're out of it look" and argues that it's ME who is wrong!
I was thinking, ok Kim, you better keep track or she will be drugging you up good!!
Then she tells me she will shower downstairs because the "new" shower head looks too confusing to her...it's one of those with a hand held option which I have ALWAYS had here, and she has used before. You don't HAVE to hold it, or adjust the spray type...just turn on the water and get in for God sake! She looked at me again like I had lost MY mind...I'm lying here in bed thinking is she for real???
You guys should see the looks she gives me when I am questioning her...with good reason I might add! I am seriously worried about her frame of mind...Oh, and for the record SHE DID HAVE A STROKE....it was not some "migraine" thing! She keeps telling me the stroke occurred a while ago, but Ed Gilmore referred to the recent loss of eyesight AS the stroke....not something from years ago! You can't tell her that though...I know the stroke might have come from years of migraines, but she really doesn't want to admit that was a stroke, plain and simple. As for being over-medicated herself, she may well have been, but she isn't any more lucid now than she was before by my measure. It worries me...if she wasn't in such denial about it all it would help but she seems to just want to argue the point instead....I give up I guess.....will just stop trying.
Ok, that's all for now from "sick bay"...I really DO need some more pain meds now!

Kimmie

Here we go again....

Tomorrow is d-day.....AGAIN! I go in at 10 a.m. and will hopefully be home by around 3...or earlier. I just hope it "sticks" this time....not for MY lack of trying! Stupid boot.......Glad at this point that it is tomorrow as my foot is swollen, bruised, and very sore today...especially after two days of rampant shopping to get things wrapped up (get it....wrapped...Christmas...!) Yup I can still find my sense of humor even despite the circumstances. However........gentle readers..........(ha ha)...........ALREADY she is driving me nuts! You KNOW who I am talking about too....the little short one, with the wispy hair.
True-she did come and made me some delicious chowder, but she bitched about my pepper grinder...after trying to teach her how to use it (twice), she got mad and said she was too old to be taught new things...well, you KNOW I couldn't pass up a comment....So, I said I hoped I would never be too old to learn new things!
End of discussion....for the most part.

So, tomorrow it begins. The waiting on me hand and FOOT hahaha Not sure how much a girl can take of that....tons if HE'S good looking, but this is my Mother, not some handsome, dashing, fawning male I would like to have wait on me! Oh well....I know she means well, and I appreciate her being her to help..I know she must have better things to do than sit here all day long. I plan to "release" her by the weekend-that's MY plan anyhow.

Going to bed...my last GOOD night of sleep for the next 10 days while I have to keep my foot above my head lying on my back (yuck). I can't think of anything good about this...well other than the good pain killers...which would have been welcome today!

Later Ladies!

Can it BE any colder???....

Ok...yeah it can, but I am not used to this....really, how does one get USED to this?

So, the new girlfriend is now shall we say, "in the past".....she decided to kiss some guy she used to date, then broke up with my boy via text message...NICE! She doesn't deserve him as far as I can see. Kyle took it all in stride...she has called and tried to text him a few times since to no avail. He is standing strong and has no use for her now...good for him I say. He actually came in and shared all this with me...made me feel good that he felt safe and comfortable doing so. Anyhow, she obviously "made a mistake" but he is not about to back down. His buddy Sheb said he would punch him in the head if he did....hahaha I love that kid!!! So, Super Sibs, don't mention her to him when you see him. Actually, he talked with Anna tonight and told her, but didn't tell her everything-was sort of privately vague.

Mother Dearest calls me..twice today. I was not here the first time...answered the second call...said "hello"....waited a good 5 plus seconds, and got no answer, so hung up. When I looked up who it was who called, I couldn't understand why she didn't call back....weird. So, I succumbed and called her back...she said something about not remembering how to use her DVD player, but Ty and Don helped her....she still can't look at the Italy pics of course as they are CD Rom not DVD's....oh well.

Bed time...thinking of following Super Sib 1's idea of "downsizing" my decorations this Christmas...tomorrow, I will put the candles in the windows and perhaps a few favorite items out and about...but not all the stuff I usually do....just not into it with this gimpy leg and all this year...thankfully Kyle understands. He better cause HE will be the one out there Monday morning snow blowing or shoveling, not me!!! Like I need a snow storm now too!!!

Enjoy your weekend Ladies

Anybody got a match???

So, the resident arsonist strikes again...get it "strikes"...as in matches! My word it is a good thing I still have a sense of humor about this....
It all started a few weeks ago when I was next door for about ten minutes, and come back to the odor of lighter fluid-like smells...I am panicking of course and Kyle is non chalant about it all. I immediately know what he did, but try to get him to come clean...he finally does as I literally badger him into submission. He did the ol' let's make a blow torch out of matches/grill lighter and a can of WD 40! IN THE LIVINGROOM no less!!!!! I was livid, and explained all the possibilities, including lighting the whole canister on fire and blowing off his hand or worse. Told him to do that stuff outside if at all!....Then a little while later, after I had been missing the lighter, I find a plastic bottle with burn holes in it...down in a closet in the family room....I immediately question this, and get an honest response...I think. So, he gets "burned" again by me and YES...PUN INTENDED!

Just when I think we are over the hump with this...he pulls two more good ones....I can't find the lighter again, and come upstairs from down after smelling what I thought was burning paper of some sort....he denies this and said he lit a match only...there was NO sulfur smell, just the paper....so I go looking, and he ends up coming clean again....was lighting notebook pages in his bedroom!!! How stupid is this boy sometimes, I ask you? Ripped him a new one, and moved on...Only the very next day, after he rakes up the rest of the leaves, I go into the garage and smell smoke....mind you, my Mustang is in there, covered in a car wrap made of cloth. He denies and gets mad because I do NOT believe him, then empties the trash which is not even full (DUH...gave that one away Jr)...in it is a bottle with a hole cut in it where he "made a flame bomb" out of leaves....to THROW!!!

So, I now have ALL the matches, lighters, etc. in my bedroom locked up....it's a wonder he hasn't wet the bed yet as the ol' wives tale goes!!! I can only hope this is the end of it.

On a better note, he made honor roll....good thing since he was tanking in a couple classes earlier. He also decided he was really regretting not trying out for basketball....I was bummed as well and suggested he speak to the coach and explain why he didn't tryout. He did so, and the coach was really great about it, but couldn't do anything for him as other guys had been cut already....he may manage and get to work on his game at the same time though...then try out next season. I had emailed the coach prior to Kyle talking to him because he was sort of unsure how to express his feelings...got a nice letter back today. So, hopefully he will think long and harder next time he makes a rash decision...I KNEW he would regret it, but he is at that age where he is always right and I am most certainly always wrong! Ah, the teen years!

Enjoy them Super Sibs....and remember, Briana will be there in just a few short years!!! hee hee

Kimmie

Back to reality...

Hope you all had a nice holiday. Super Sib #2 put on a wonderful feast along with the hubby! It was most excellent...even did the Black Friday shopping thing...always a good time!
Mom had a nice visit I think....and she made it home safe and sound, and in the light not the dark!
So, that was good too.

Put together a Thanksgiving feast here for the boy and me tonight...turkey breast, stuffing, potato, corn, gravy, etc....tasty leftover-like!

Back to work tomorrow...boring three weeks for me, but will be good for the ankle. I "get" to watch someone from the Y teach my girls swimming strokes, etc....while I just sit there for discipline stuff...YAWN. In three weeks I GET to teach them basketball...will be interesting on crutches/ankle brace! Really hurt it last Monday AND Tuesday...that stupid boot is slippery on the heel and I definitely SLIPPED!!! Twice! Pulled the heck out of the tendon...looks like I have been in a war zone it is so bruised now...sort of like if I sprained it...the blood just pooled down lower...OUCH! But, I have the new Orthotic AFO now....at $1168.00 it BETTER work!!! It will keep the pressure off the scar which the boot irritated, not to mention is not near as precarious to walk in....only drawback is the shoe issue...I can't find one to go over the strapping...even tried those hideous Crocs!!! So, relegated to an Adidas flip flop for now....gonna be cold and wet when/if the snow flies soon. I hope I get out of this soon though...that would be nice. Not ready yet though...obviously.

Ok....gotta go get dessert (cannolis) on the table....YUM! Jr. LOVES them! Will fill you all in on his "Arson tendencies" next time....as long as my house is still intact that is!!! :-}

Kimmie

Thanksgiving...etc

Ok...so I will in fact be "escorting" Mommie DREAREST (haha) to Super Sib #2's for the holiday afterall...cannot wait! Ok...maybe I can just a little.
We are looking forward to it though. It will be a nice change of pace, and I am in charge of bringing the "apps" and have made some bitchin scrabble, picked up nice cheese, crackers, artichoke dip ingreds., and some shrimp....I think some salmon may be in the offing as well...oh, and a bottle of bubbly too! YUM

Kyle got his report card yesterday...Honors. Good thing...he was in the dog house til I saw it...was failing two classes at the time of parent conferences only a few weeks ago. He pulled himself out of that hole, but fell into a couple others by not turning work in and thus dragged a couple grades down lower than they were back then....oh well, all in all a good card. Needs to get the Spanish grade back up though!
He went to a semi-formal with his new girlfriend...had a nice time I guess(?) He seemed to have had anyhow. Can't wait to meet this young lady soon.

I am getting a new very "hi tech" brace this week (hopefully) for my leg. The boot is irritating the wound and so I saw some folks at Hangar Orthotics who fitted me for something else...it should be here Monday...it will wrap around my shin but not actually touch the scar, yet still keep my foot at the neutral position while I am wearing it. I am not exactly sure how it works or will look...the Dr. couldn't even describe it...just said it was pretty specialized and made of black chromium steel....should be more comfortable than this damn thing. Maybe I can even wear pants again...not just sweat pants!!! THAT would be nice! I have to wear an open backed shoe or at sandal in it I guess as it won't have a foot bed like the boot does...Like I said, I cannot even imagine what it will be like, but I will see soon. Like to have it before heading to Deed's.

Ok...dinner needs fixin as it just doesn't get done on its own...or by any rats in the kitchen...I just saw Ratatouille this morning....Cute!!

Kim

New Maine State issued laptop....

Ok...so I am actually typing on my new toy from the great state of Maine...THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE!!! This is a cool machine, and I love being back on a Mac, but hope I don't lose my PC techniques that I just learned the past two years!!!

So, as for Thanksgiving...looks like the Matriarch will be travelling with the K-man and moi to Deed and Howard's for a few days....GREEEEAAAAAT! CAN'T WAIT to listen to the sighing throat clearing, and of course the grabbing of the door handle when she thinks we will be either crashing or a car will hit her!!! That absolutely drives me nuts!!! It's like I have never driven before when she gets in a car with me....

Oh well....will try to be positive...all the way up until the time she dumps on me or belittles me or gives me the bums rush, which will eventually happen as I will be with other sibs and she never fails to let me down this way....I hate that...we get along for the most part alone, but put me in with you guys, and I am shit sometimes...I don't get it. So...if it happens, Sib #2 has my apologies prior to my comment that I will no doubt feel I need to make. Maybe she will surprise me....One can only hope.

The new girlfriend is driving me nuts already....lets call Kyle every hour and talk for over 3 hours total WHILE he is doing homework...occasionally he hangs up, then she calls back....This better not affect his grades-I am thinking it has already though. I can't wait to meet her though.

Alright....time to get back to my Health Class! SUPERSIZE ME!!!

Kim

A four day vaca!!!

Yup, gotta love the long weekend! Between Veteran's Day and a day off for doing my Parent Teacher conferences, I got a great 4 day weekend!!! Wahoo! And that after a short 2 day work week...being that I was relaxing/working at the annual PE conference at The Samoset Resort in Rockport...ya gotta love THAT place...not a bad room there...always an ocean view! I actually opened my slider to hear the surf at night...woke to the seagulls...very cool.

So...Super Sibs...you didn't hear this from me, but "the boy" has a love interest. Her name is Megan (do not tell his cousin that please!) and I have yet to meet the young lady, but he talks to her all the time lately, and I guess they are "meeting up" at the Semi-Formal Dance this coming weekend....Hmmmm. This is his first I think "real girl interest" since the 6th grade...had his eye on a friend's woman last year, but obviously kept it on the up and up and they are just friends. So, this will be interesting for me for the first time......a little scared to be honest...guys his age and all...YIKES!!!! Gonna have to "chat" again I think....just in case, ya know.

A sad day today...after washing/waxing the black baby, I put the Mustang up for the winter today... : ( Put the cover on it and drove it into the garage for the next 5 plus months...hopefully an early Spring will see it on the road again. Of course, I will need some new tires before that! Always something...in fact, I have glass guys coming to the house tomorrow morning to replace a windshield in the Rav...Jeez!

Hope to go to the annual Veteran's Day parade tomorrow if the windshield is done by then. It's always very nice, and certainly we owe these ladies and gentlemen our respect. Kyle won't be going, as he is at his buddy's house for the evening. OH...get this one...after asking him where his bike was, and hearing that it "may be up at his friends up the road" I finally get the truth. While I was at my conference, he got on and biked to the bank to get some cash from his account to pay off a bet he made and lost (duh), he decided it was too cold to bike home and walked instead, leaving his wheels behind a dumpster at the Credit Union. Now come on!!! This was last Monday....Today is Sunday! Do you really think it would be there...Of course not!!! So after ripping him a new one, I start to call Brewer PD...to which Jr. says, what are you doing...Smartly, I replied calling the police to tell them what an idiot you are and see if maybe someone turned in your bike!!!!
Well...all is well, and his bike WAS there...can you believe this boy's luck!!! He thanked me profusely for at least caring (HA....I bought the bike, of course I want it back), and I just ragged on him for not being honest about it to begin with, and doing something stupid as well! Aye yi yi!!! These 15 year olds with their damn hormones screaming all over the place...they just do not use good common sense! Should be getting his report card this week....hope he pulled it together.
Lastly, the idiot he had for a basketball coach last year has officially ruined it for Kyle...he will not even try out this year! I am so disappointed...he says he really lost interest and doesn't even have the slightest desire to play now...I tried to convey that no one can steal that from him unless he lets them, but to no avail...he is not going to do it. Saddens me, as I enjoy the game so much, and really loved to follow him even if he didn't play a ton...he improved so much! I was very proud of the way he handled things last year, but that guy was a jerk!!! So, am hoping he might think about track...perhaps in the Spring he says.

Ok...all for now....cocktail hour has begun! Cheers everyone!

Kimmie

1 step forward and 2 steps back...

The title has to do with the usual subject matter here...my darn achilles or should I call it "a killin me" tendon....back on the crutches or rather on them still...was not totally "off" them yet anyhow, but was beginning to walk/limp in just the boot. Now, as per word of the Doc I need to baby this some more...not quite ready to take it on the road I guess. So, wearing the boot AND using the crutches at work, and a little around the house too, and it is sore. Pulls a little when I try to walk sometimes which was my first idea that it was NOT ready yet.
So, today I got some more pain meds just in case...yeah right...in case...already took one! Argh I hate this...largest tendon in the body does not heal fast...time to finally realize this!

Enough for tonight...looking forward to hearing about Italy soon!!! PHYSICAL EDUCATION conference this Sunday til Tuesday at the Samoset...nice little vaca.

Later kids,
Kim C.

2007 was a good year..also a strange one

YES!!! Success again...think about this...we start the season a massive 13 games ahead of the evil empire and only finish 3 above them, but they lost, so who cares, right?
Then, we take the Indians (ahem...cough cough, we call them COYOTES in Old Town now!) to all 7 games ala that Yankees series where we won 4 straight. Wow, what a finish just to GET there.
And then, when I am predicting at least 5 games, maybe more, we smoke...SMOKE the Rockies in a very classy fashion. We won with pure desire, guts, and a little bit of luck. How great were the rookies this year...and the "newbies" who finally came of age when it counted? Seriously, there was never a doubt in my mind...call me stupid, but there really wasn't!

I wore the SAME Sox tshirt every night of the series, and during at least two of the Pennant games...just now threw it in the laundry...Superstition is a BAAAAD thing! But, I couldn't take any chances. Kyle even has a lucky "Schilling shirt"...like mine, only mine was not working too well during the season, although it sure did in the post season! So, every night, I would don my red Red Sox shirt with the dates of inception of the team to the present....and every night I would bless it that we won again! It was a sure thing ever since I put it on!
I even texted Super Sib #2 twice in Italy to let her know we won game 3 and then the big one!!!I hope she can get them or at least that Italy has a decent news paper!!! Can't believe she is/was not here to experience it again...RATS!

So, I too, have "raised mine right" as he is as die-hard a fan as his Mom...NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! My Principal, the YANKEE FAN, is of course pissed....GOOD! Said to me this afternoon, "so, you going home to buy your new tshirt?" To which I replied Yes, plan to wear it tomorrow! He said I better not!!! hahaha....We have a great battle every year...makes it even more fun when we win and THEY DON'T!!!
So, I got my tshirt, and one for my neighbor who is also a die hard fan as he has done so much for me during this achilles thing...wanted to show him my appreciation...he loved it!!!

Now.......I can get some sleep!!!!!!


Kim
p.s. Busted three kids for the bomb threat...two girls...one who wrote it, one who knew about it, and the boy who "found" the note....CASE CLOSED

Kids.....are sooo stupid sometimes!

Today, last period of the day, the principal told all drivers of cars and walkers to "leave the building now"...so of course that leaves little room for doubt as to what was going on. Then he tells the bus students to go up to the football field and they will then get on their bus home..now mind you, this is NOT our standard protocol. Usually, we ALL go to the field, take attendance, have the busses lined up on Stillwater Ave, NOT IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL (duh), and then dismiss...usually telling kids they can't take their cars yet! I don't know what possessed the little man to do things this way...it was like we never had a bomb threat before. So, tomorrow will definitely be interesting as the note was open ended...as in "we won't know when it will happen, but it will be huge"...GREAT!
Supposedly we will have ALL students searched before they are allowed to enter the building...we will see. I hate this stuff!!!!

And then there's my son....the genius who thinks he doesn't need to study, and gets decent grades, that could be SO much better if he put even a little time into it. The worst part is I email his teachers and they tell me what is due, what is not turned in etc, but Kyle still wants to tell me otherwise....SILLY BOY!!! Mommy is a teacher and deals with this all day long....figure it out!

So, this day pretty much sucked from the get go...with a battle at home, then a very sore ankle all day today, then the stupid bomb scare...THE RED SOX BETTER NOT LET ME DOWN TONIGHT...I don't think I can handle it!

Kim

Bored................

Oh my God...I really am bored. Sitting here doing "office hours" for conferences and have had only one parent show up, and her daughter has a 97 average!!!
Calling other parents who won't show to let them know the scoop on their little cherubs. And this is only night one of this....still have two more to go! UGH.....Who decided that we do this in this manner instead of the usual one night or whole day deal???

Made it through all my PE classes before the rains came at least...so that was a good thing about today...really missed all that warm sunny weather today though...My God it was beautiful here yesterday-in the 80's!!!

Absolutely crashed last night after being up late for the final two pennant games the Sox played....gotta get rested up for the Series now!

Nothing too earth shattering otherwise to report...YAWN! Did notice that Super Sib #2 FINALLY updated her Blog page...bout time! At least it was good for a laugh or two...loved the line about Mom ordering something "toxic" in Italy!!! haha

Ok...Kim Cadaver in the Gym is signing off...my aching ankle needs some elevation!

Later!

"Native American Summer..."

Yeah, gotta be PC right? Afterall, my team mascot is now the stupid Coyote...sorry, but I would rather be a Brave than a scavenger!

Anyhow, the weather is gorgeous today...and supposed to be 74 tomorrow...probably the end of it though, but I will take it! Even washed the car this afternoon.

How bout the Sox though kids?!! Hope Mom caught that game LIVE!!! ; ) Was good to get to game 7...beginning to get worried we were never gonna show up to the park again! So, hopefully, we can take that one more game....! Tune in girls, it's gonna be a good one.

So, missed the big b-day party by now...sorry, trying to play catch up here from being down for three plus weeks, and frankly, I am still a bit sore at times. Wonder who all went...I hope she had some kids her OWN AGE there!

Ok...off to bike! At least I can do that now too...keep my boot on and have to use only the heel area to pedal with, but it feels good to do something again. Glad he gave me the ok on that one...said I could swim too, but I would think flopping my ankle during a flutter kick might hurt some...hmmm. Well, we have a pool at school, so maybe I will have to try it.

Enjoy the "summer" weather all!

Kimmie "C"

Back to work....too soon???

Went back to school on Monday...perhaps too soon...it is HARD to go up and down the hill I have to just to get to my soccer field....my first class was sitting waiting for ME the first day! Coming up is killer! My arms ache, my hands hurt, and my ankle sure is sore too. The boot I am in irritates the hell out of the wound and the muscle area...ouch! I decided I might try Tuesday though as I only had to do that hill one period, the rest of my classes were Health, so in a classroom able to sit down and take a load off. Unfortunately, I have to carry this huge Health text, my laptop, and all my homework/worksheets on my back in a backpack. I thought I was gonna tip over backwards a few times!
So, I am beat up as well as just beat! I head to the Dr. tomorrow to see how I am progressing. I have tried and can actually put weight on it gently...even limp a little, but I am not sure I am supposed to yet...will see. It does feel good to get of the crutches even for a little bit of time though, so I am hoping it will be ok. I can't roll off the ball of my foot to walk normally as I do not have the full extension of that tendon yet, so it really is more of a gimpy limp! I think my calf is getting bigger though...with the isometric exercises I have to do, so it doesn't look so pathetic!!! Taking Friday off...tired!

Oh enough about that stuff already! How bout those Red (faced) Sox!!! Do we suck or what?
Better pick up the pace...

"Kim Cadaver"

Yeah, you know that Kim Possible series on Nickolodeon...I just may have to start my own show...episode #1 will have to include how to shower on one leg and not lose your balance and fall in your own tub! I got tired of the sitting on the bar stool routine, and figured out a way to get into my upstairs tub shower and enjoy my shower massage shower head again...great compared to the water saver model downstairs in the shower stall! It is a little tiring though...balancing on one leg. So, in this episode I will demonstrate how to shave both legs too...sitting down, no doubt. This will all be edited with those black rectangles covering my boobies and booty!!! hahahaha OMG, I am losing it here!!!!! hahahaha



Going back to work with the metal legs on Monday...could be interesting. I am hoping no one runs me over on the soccer field during class...a little nervous to be honest. We will see how that goes...

Yucky rainy day here....Homecoming tonight for Kyle...bummer weather-wise! I don't think I will be going to the game...not allowed to get the new boot wet, so will hope he plays and/or the team wins their first game. Should have gotten a win last week, but lost by one point in OT. Maybe the wet conditions will help.

Ok...got to get to these Health Tests. They won't grade themselves!!! TaTa

Kim Cadaver

My Kingdom for a new leg!!!

YUCKY!!! That is how it looks...my withered little left lower leg....VERY SAD!!! All that exercise for some good looking legs, and now they don't even match!!! haha Actually, it is only an inch smaller around than the right one, but it looks pitiful, really.
The Doc said I am a good healer though, said the incision looked really good and that most of his patients' wounds are red, inflamed, etc...so that was good. I got a new "boot" contraption too...has this little dial on it with angle measurements away from a 90degree flex...I am at 15 right now, so only 15 to go before "normal" flexion...a good sign, and that happens I think next Thursday at my next appt. There was this little allen wrench that came with the boot, but he took it away from me...I told him that was smart cause I just might use it too early! I was kidding, and he laughed...he knows I just might I think! (seriously, I wouldn't though...but you can tell Mom I would...that will send her over the edge I am sure!!!!) How evil I am getting in this dilapidated state...
So, I have a mere splint to wear with an ace to bed...in case I have some funky dream that makes me scream and flex my ankle too much...I WOULD be screaming if that happened. Am able to remove the boot and do a few...very few, exercises to start the rebuilding of the calf muscle and increase the flexion of the achilles tendon. Mostly, it will be in the boot though, especially if I am up and around...feels funny just swinging around at the end of my leg when it is not being supported, and I am scared to death to hit it on something, or step on it without thinking!!! OUCH...that would hurt!
So, I respect this much...I will have to take time...as hard as that is for me and my lifestyle. Sigh! The best part is...no work this week either! I just can't do it...don't dare to risk it, and I have a good sub who is more than willing to help me...so, I can get used to this new position the rest of the week, and hopefully the pain will subside a bit in a day or two...may need those pain pills again though...for a day anyhow, or at least to sleep. Will be great to sleep in any position again though...EXCEPT MY BACK! I hate that.

Ok...enough of the gory details kids. "wanna see my scar"....eeeeeeeeeeeew!!!! Grossed Sib 2 out with the description...threatened to send a cell phone pic of it...but I won't. She just is not strong enough...spleeny as Ken would have said! He would have LOVED this!!!! hahahahaha

Later Ladies.

"Kim Cadaver"
Oooo...I like that!!! Got the Curt Schilling tendon thing going!!! GO SOX!!! Enjoy the summer New York....L-O-S-E-R-S!!!!!

"Free at last...free at last..."

THANK GOD ALMIGHTY, I'M FREE AT LAST!!!
Oh, I feel a little bad now...that was a bit over the top, even for me! But, I do feel I can do what I want to do, and when I want to do it now...it is funny, Mom was her to help me, but I couldn't help but feel like she was still a guest and that I should be "visiting" with her every waking moment. I got over that somewhat, but got the "guilts" when I would get a phone call or email or whatever from a friend just checking in on me. She would get up with this...I don't know how to describe it...almost disgusted with me look, like I should not answer them, or should be somehow paying attention to her. I know that sounds selfish, but I DO have a life and friends, and did not expect her to stay for over a week here. I actually came drastically close to asking her to go home on Sunday after the driving and other sarcastic comments....but I am glad I bit my tongue afterall....
In any event, she left this afternoon after insisting on going shopping with me so I could re-stock up. I was exhausted after only 30 minutes in the store...these crutches are KILLING ME! She left shortly after we got home though...all weepy and teary eyed, and worried about how I will manage. It was touching. I am glad she can get back to HER own life too though.

As for the crutches...I have had enough of this shit! (sorry) It was one thing having surgery on a bad shoulder...I could walk, and carry stuff with my other hand. On crutches, you lose the walking AND the carrying thing! This stinks! Not to worry folks...I am NOT gonna screw this up for myself...and THAT alone ought to be enough to show you how much I hate this!!!! I can't believe I have to keep this wrap/splint thing on me for another week though. I cannot wait to see the work he did, and actually hear what he did.

Sue and Bob Goodwin came over for dinner and the Sox game (well, Robby went home after 4 but Sue stayed til the end). She made me delicious crab cakes, a lovely fresh mesculin salad, and flan for dessert! Good friends!

Kyle is home the rest of the week, so also a good time for Mom to go. Parent-Teacher conferences Thursday and Friday (we go on Friday). Not too thrilled with the grades/efforts of my honors-laden son. I know and he does that he can do the work, but he even admitted he blew some of it off, thus the lower grades in a couple classes. He will bring them up though, as we have seen this before.

Ok...to bed. I am gonna have a hard time once I do go back to school again...what with staying up so late these days. I don't sleep well though...awkward position with the leg up in the air all night-hard to get comfy, and kills my back. This too shall pass though.

Have fun Sib 1 in DC...say hello to Care for me/us. I will have to email her soon.

Kimmie

A better day...Vol. 4

Ok...so I guess I have #2 nervous about going to Italy with The Mother...NOT TO WORRY DEED...you are pretty much a favorite of hers anyhow, and she never argues with you or gets mad about anything you say to her...you'll be fine. Plus, it's not like she is doing YOU a favor by going like she is for me being here and helping me out...it's different really, cause you are doing HER a favor by going with her. You will be fine. I don't mean that to sound so matter of fact or mean spirited...more tongue in cheek really....sort of...heh heh.

I now understand why and how #1 feels frustrated with her more than the rest of us do...with all the tip toeing around she does to try to make things alright for us, only ending up messing it up in the long run when she just could have asked first...This morning, I did not prepare the coffee pot as I usually do the night before. I had already showed her how much to use per cup though, so I layed in bed figuring she could figure it out...WRONG! So, I get up, only to hear her say, "I'm not sure how you will like the coffee...I thought it was kinda weak." I asked her how much she put in after reminding her how much SHOULD be put in per cup, and she says 'I'm not even gonna tell you.' So I guess, and was right...she used half the amount, ending up with coffee flavored water basically...and a whole pot of it to boot! I just dumped it, said it's alright, I'll just make another pot...then told her again how much to use and that I figured she would have known...Why wouldn't she come and ask me....she told me she thought it looked like not enough when she was putting the grounds in....ASK already!!! A small irritation, but an irritation nonetheless...all the little ones that probably add up for Gretchen to make her so frustrated most of the time.
Today, I mentioned driving again and she said if I called my Dr. to see, she would consider it...I did and they, the nurses, said ok as long as I am not driving too long as my ankle needs to be up most of the day still....which it is. It's not like I was gonna drive to Portland for Pete's sake!

Tomorrow, I have to go in to work for a little bit...mid-quarter reports have to go out Wed, so I am gonna drag Mom with me to Old Town (I will be driving too!!!) to get those done...shouldn't take too long I hope.

Andy emailed me...he got tickets for the Red Sox game in LA on Sunday...$300 a piece! He said he got great seats though...hope so....seems like an awful lot of money for that, but I probably would do it too....well, maybe.

Ok...that's all from sick bay today. Sorry Gretch, but you get her back on Wednesday....I told her she has to go home. She has company on the weekend...get this...she was gonna tell Lisa and David that she couldn't come because of me...I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!!!

Later Kids,
Kim "Driving Miss Daisy" Libbey

Vol. 3....AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!

Ok...there could be, I say COULD be a homicide, if not a SUICIDE, in the Brewer area soon! If it isn't bad enough that Mom feels like she has to do EVERYTHING for me, driving me is going to drive me NUTS!
This morning before noon, Kyle and I had to go to church to meet with the new minister and the rest of the acolytes. So, as I volunteer to drive, knowing we will no doubt be late, or later, if she does, she says NO! It's an automatic...MOST PEOPLE USE ONLY ONE FOOT TO DRIVE THOSE....NOT HER THOUGH!!! J.C, so we crawl to Bangor, hitting every freaking light cause she doesn't dare to get too close to them for fear they might turn yellow on her...OH MY GOD! I am dying in the passenger seat, and Kyle even volunteers to drive at this point! hahaha And he hasn't even had a class yet! The brake thing still gets me...I am slammed forward, waiting to hit the passenger side airbag one of these times as she jams that brake pedal to the floor...WITH HER LEFT FOOT MIND YOU! Finally, we make it across the river in time..whew. How embarrassed would I have been if we were late for the minister...HOLY!

So, being as she has cooked for me just about every meal (I DID manage to do some for myself) I offered to take us all out to dinner tonight at the Muddy Rudder...my treat. She agrees, and I am happy for a few reasons...one because I can ESCAPE 17 Canterbury Road for a few hours, and two because I do want her to know I appreciate her help, even if I am getting edgy about her "extended stay".
We get home, Kyle and I eat lunch on the deck...while she refuses to come out and sit with us, whatever...too cold??? Anyhow, I go inside to clean up our messes, and she says, "You know, about dinner....I don't drive at night, and I can't have a drink, so why don't I get us some lobsters and we can stay here." Ok, so this TOTALLY kills my idea....on ALL levels. I tell her I can drive, which she only argues that I can't...so we keep going on that one, and she says what if you have to slam on the brakes...I am thinking and biting my tongue at this point considering oh, you mean like YOU DO EVERYTIME YOU STOP OR SLOW DOWN!....anyhow, I tell her most people use one foot in an automatic, it's actually safer. She continues to argue that I could hurt my foot...I ask how...mistake! I get nothing that makes sense, seriously...end up telling her I could hurt my foot ANYTIME...not just now! No satisfaction...so I give up and say 'forget it, it's your car, so never mind, but I can drive myself....' Then I tell her I don't want her to buy the lobster, because the point was I wanted to do it....I didn't even go INTO the fact that I wanted a night out of my damn bedroom! But she keeps it up, and we end up arguing with her little sarcastic comments flying around the kitchen ("oh excuse ME...but I DO know how frustrated you are, and I HAVE been on crutches before, and if you don't like asking for help good for you"...arrgh), I just go back outside on the deck, frustrated as all hell....and frankly pissed at this point.
Eventually, I come back inside and ask her if she is ready to go to get the lobsters, but that I really DO want to pay for them, and as I am trying to not get into anything else, she give me that sarcasm again, 'I KNOW you do...I'm not ARGUING with you...' I finally just said, you know, I am trying to smooth this over and this is what you give me....I think tomorrow will be her last day here....I can manage I think. Truthfully, I didn't think she planned on staying THIS long as it was. I have my neighbors who can drive me if needed, and/or Kyle can certainly help out with things more than he has. I just need to go slow, take my time and rest if needed. I DO NOT PLAN ON BLOWING THIS RECOVERY....like she thinks I am. Mothers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok...I hope you all had a chuckle at my expense, you're welcome. I know you were laughing about the driving thing anyhow. Man, she needs some work on that car too...she is gonna end up stranded somewhere-makes a terrible noise, but she said it's fine. Okey dokey.

Ok, so the Sox are winners again...you gotta love that! And the Yankees could only manage the Wild Card....we gotta see this one through Kids of Red Sox Nation! How bout that after party the other night...too much fun. Bet Don wishes he was at THAT game, but I know he was pretty happy with the one he did see.

Well, I have some school work to grade now...my co-worker Heather came by while we were gone...damn, would have liked to visit with someone else...I guess things are going ok on that level at least. Gotta be organized if you're gonna be out! I don't want to go back to a zoo and a boatload of work. Can't do my mid-quarter grades as it is...oh well.

Ciao for now,
"Kimfrustrated" Libbey

Vol. 2

Ok...so here I sit...or rather lay...catching up on emails, school work, crosswords, etc. Of course Mommie Dearest is keeping me quite entertained also! She is cooking daily, and TRYING to wait on me hand and foot...if only I would allow it!!! I know there are some things I should not be doing, and for the most part, I am not...but if I CAN do it, I need to try. Afterall, she WILL not be here forever....if I can help it that is!
So, today when she went for her nap....I snuck down to the shower where I had been plotting an escape for two days now...and actually TOOK a shower by myself. She was telling me she was going to wash my hair for me...come on! I can wash my own hair...even in a sink...So, it was just easier to do it myself. And I know what I can do safely or I would not try it (well, maybe I would have). Lugged a stool down to the walk in shower, and simply sat on it...my leg in a garbage bag. Felt AWESOME to be totally clean again too...then, after I managed to get back to my room, rested, and did my hair...that was when she discovered I had already finished! HA!

She roasted a chicken today....this morning...so at least it isn't frozen!!! I told her Kyle was not gonna be here for it...football game...but she cooked it anyhow. And, Super Sib #1, you will be pleased to know she will NOT be there this weekend....now who owes whom???!!!! hee hee I am not sure when she will leave...says this has been a vacation for her (right). All she has done is worry and wait on me, when I let her. She has cooked and cleaned (albeit in her own way) since arriving. I told her this has been no vacation for her, or me for that matter. She said she cooks all day at home too, and gives the food away...is that true??? I wonder.

So, I hope she will not be totally exhausted by the time she gets back to Sedgwick and goes to Italy with Super Sib #2. THAT will be a vacation....

Have a good Friday evening y'all.

Healing in Hell (just kidding, but it sounded good)
KymNOTinthegymnasium

Kymbedsium Vol. 1

Ok...so here I sit...or rather LAY! Bored out of my skull pretty much, and unfortunately in more pain today than yesterday now that the anisthetic has worn off. Hate to rely on pain meds, but if they work, I must I guess.

Everything went well I guess, but I have not spoken with the Doc, so I am sort of in the dark as to exactly what he did. I spoke with a nurse this morning and she couldn't tell me much either. So, Mom had mentioned that he spoke with her, but she never did tell me what he said....what was the big secret? So I asked her this morning and she said he told her he needed the cadaver graft because what was left of the tendon was not in good enough shape to just clean up and sew up. Said it was very odd the way it had split down the middle, so that is where the extra tissue was sewn I guess. I don't know, but I do know it aches like hell today!!! Thank God I don't have a hard cast though...just a splint on the back and some soft felt like wrap covered with a tape that looks like an ace bandage. I can scratch any itches this way, so that's good. Dying for a shower today...but will work on the details of just how to do that and stay elevated tomorrow I guess...all this muggy heat is not helping me feel refreshed though. Not complaining cause I love the weather when it is warm...ANY TIME!

Mom is hovering a bit...sort of driving me nuts...just sort of so far though, nothing over the edge. I did have to go re-wash some dishes that still had spaghetti sauce all over them...greasy stuff. I figured that out when I saw my counters still covered with food stuff, and awash in water everywhere...I think Gretchen was right when she said Mom just wasn't a "cleaner" like we are. I always thought she was, but maybe it's just her vision now...who knows. I don't want to offend her by mentioning it either since she IS here to help me afterall. But, we all get comfortable in our own homes, and like things done just so...So, I sent her to the store this morning so I could clean things up MY way, and have some time to myself to fix my own breakfast. Actually, I think she enjoyed going out too...

Sent my buddies at Old Town High School a note yesterday letting know that all went well. Even mentioned to Marty Clark, Mr. Basketball while I was in high school that maybe I got some good cadaver tissue from a former hoopster so I could block his shots during our intramural games. He replied that no one from MDI could block his shots...Fred Berry tried it once and it forced him into refereeing!!!! Cracked me up... I also got this one reply from an English teacher who I always really liked...she is sweet. But, she sends me this long email about how bad her day and year has gone so far...WHAT A DOWNER! I didn't know what to think...was I being too sensitive? I read it to Mom and she was shaking her head as well...it was weird. Folks are strange they say....I guess so.

Ok...have some reading to do..if I can keep my eyes open. Not getting a ton of sleep as I do not usually do so on my back, but since I have to keep the foot up, I have to learn fast! Actually found a way to sleep on one side fairly comfortably and still keep it elevated...

That's it from here...not too exciting!

Kim

The Kymnasium Is Closed For Repairs....

Yep, that's right...I am officially out of commision here...and I wish I knew for how long! Looks like at least 2 to 2 and a half weeks of a cast and crutches to deal with to start...YUCK! I am

gonna HATE this...will not be much fun to live with here...already informed the boy of this, but not sure he really comprehends yet...alas, he will. I hope I handle it with grace though...

So, The Mother will be here to bring me home from this surgery, and also informed me that she will be here to, how did she put it...."drive me crazy" or something to that extent...HOW DID SHE KNOW??!!! I just told her I will let her know when to go home....and my friend Mary will be here to visit either ME or MOM...depending on what I need her to do...she offered to take Mom shopping or to lunch if that is what I need...GOD BLESS HER!!!

Seriously, Mom is a good mother in this respect, and many others, I know she cares and wants to help, and Lord knows I am gonna need it...I hate asking for help though...not my strong suit I am afraid...but on occasion I do.

Talk with you soon....



So, the Kymnasium will be closed...but the blogs will go on...Hey, what else will I have to keep me occupied...I will have to share the "Mom News" from 17 Canterbury Road afterall!

C'mon GrEEEEEn! C'mon GrEEEEEEn!!!

OH MY GOD!!! And this is especially for Super Sibling #1...how can anyone be more annoying than that lady sitting beside us cheering for the MDI boys soccer team as they played Ellsworth on Saturday???!!! I am STILL trying to get that little sound bite out of my head this morning!

The game was a good one to watch....ended in a tie, which was sort of fun for all of us, as I still can't help cheering for the ol' alma mater...at least until Tyler hits high school...then I will, of course, swing over to Ellsworth for 4 years...in some sports anyhow. At least Brewer is not in their league/class, so they can also cheer for Brewer at Kyle's games...makes it tough when we play MDI, but of course blood is thicker than water and I have no problem rooting for the black and orange!

A good weekend overall..all things considered. Ended up with a new pair of clogs...on loan only, until my achilles is healed anyhow. MRI on Monday to finally see what is going on in there. The clogs are extremely comfy....thanks Gretch!

And so, I have a ton of work to correct today, as I played yesterday instead...oh well. At least I can do some while, hopefully, watching our boys of summer hammer the Evil Empire yet again!
Enjoy the week you guys!

Kymmie

Feeling every bit my age...

Yep, turned half-way to 90 yesterday...ugh! Am beat after a second week of school....the first few weeks are a bitch really...it will calm down in a bit, but for now I am, as Bob Marley would say, RIGHT OUT STRAIGHT!....and exhausted to boot.
Had a nice day yesterday...Sue Goodwin had us over for dinner for my b-day and prepared a delicious meal....along with a homemade key lime pie that was fabulous! She is a good friend, and I adore her hubby Robby too. Got two nice texts messages from Sibs 2 and 4...and Mom called me tonight (I didn't answer...it was after 9 p.m.....not up for THOSE kinds of calls, if you know what I mean)

Kyle is still out tonight and it is almost tomorrow now...long bus trip to S. Paris, ME...he told me not to go, I was not displeased, believe me. Probably would have fallen asleep on the drive home anyhow...so I am waiting for the "pick me up call" somewhere around midnight to 1 a.m.

So, yeah, am feeling a tad "old" this week....my achilles tendon is REALLY bad what with my work responsibilities and all...not sure how much longer I can keep that up, but am working on seeing an Orthopod to have a look-see....it is killing me though...gimping and limping along here tonight...NOT good for a Physical Educator, and I really HATE to be injured...ticks me off!

Ok....lovin these nice hot steamy days we are enjoying...keep em coming. I am not ready to give up on summer just yet.

Rock on, Y'all...

TGIF...TGIALWE...TGIPD!!!

Ok...the first one is pretty clear...Fridays are always good as they lead directly to Saturdays. As for the TGIALWE....well, that would stand for Thank God It's A Long Weekend!!!! Oh, and the last one....Thank God It's Pay Day!!!! All three are good things....VERY good things!



Been a L---O---N---G week at school this first week back...remember the good ol' days when we didn't start til AFTER Labor Day...actually, Kyle doesn't start til the 6th even, but the bright side is that I will be out earlier when it really counts...in June! Of course the weather has been fabulous, and I have been inside all week with meetings the first two days, Freshmen the third day, and all the kiddos yesterday and today. No actual activities outside as we must do the necessary class rules and regs, etc...It has been a pretty good week though. We have a new computerized grading program...just as I was finally getting used to the old one. I HATE CHANGE! Getting it figured out though...as we all are. At least I am not alone in this.



Then, of course the idiot in our State House and his moron of an Education Secretary decided that we high school teachers need new I-Book lap tops now...what a ridiculous waste of money!!! The theory is that the kids in middle school got them, so they learned on Macs....the PROBLEM is that most high schools have PC's!!! I like the Mac, have one here at home, but am currently blogging on my school model PC! I am finally learning Microsoft, Windows, Excel, etc...and now they are gonna throw me to the wolves and have me learn how to "cross-utilize" both systems with the new special hard/software that works for both Macs and PC's. Don't get me wrong...if someone wants to give me a computer, that is nice and I do appreciate the thought, but I am fine with what I have, really. I would rather see my taxes drop than worry about a new lap top when the one I have works just fine! I can't tell you how many "initiatives" and ideas and assessments and other educational programs/ideas that have come down from Augusta that have already fallen by the way-side. I am all for the consolidation idea for the most part, but it is NOT going very well for a lot of districts, and for a lot of good reasons! Someone is NOT thinking everything through, as usual, down there, and if they would just take a little more time with things to get all the possible bugs out, then maybe everyone could be happy. As Fred Nutter would say, "that's our opinion, we welcome yours." hahaha



So, a long weekend awaits...GREAT! I have no plans whatsoever, which is not such a bad thing as I am exhausted. Being the night owl that I usually am, it is difficult to change gears and go to bed earlier and get up at 5:30 a.m. No one pities me, and that is fine...do not expect it. But I am tired...Also, Kyle has had this horrible infection he was battling all week...SEVERE headache, seriously high fever...102.8 more than a couple times, chills, aching, vomiting, etc that all goes with it...needless to say I was up half the night because of it too...I felt so bad for him and yet I HAD to go to work as it was the first week...called him hourly, and had my neighbors on call to help if he needed. He is a trooper when he is sick though...always has been. Thanked me for taking care of him...how sweet is that? I told him that is my job and I hate it when he is sick...he said he knew that, and was sorry...made me cry. He is a good kid. Today, he is MUCH better. Eating again, up and about all day, no fever or headache. But, he was not able to go to the first football game in Skowhegan...the Coach told me last night that a bunch of guys have been out. Some had this or something similar, and others have pink eye...so, glad Kyle has not been exposed to that!
Ok...time for night night....early on a Friday....GOD I NEED A DATE!!!! Hope everyone has a great weekend...LONG weekend that is!

Kimmie

School is a "dirty word"

Yep....back to work this morning...up at Odark hundred as Jimmy Buffet would say, and back at it. Two staff days, then Freshmen only, then all the little cherubs!
Can't say I am happy to be back...but, whatever! Today was a fun day for the most part...tomorrow more work with meetings, etc...

Hate that my son doesn't even make an appearance til the 6th of September (happy birthday to me)!!!!! Oh well.....he will be suffering through it in June when I am all done!!!!! ha ha

And of course, the weather is cooperating nicely for everyone who is on "vacation" this week...like Super Sibling #1. I am glad for her....but she does need to drive to D.C. too, which has GOT to stink....been there, done that!...a long drive.

Ok...catching a movie with Jr. here, then to bed early again...not used to that yet.

Kym is now OFFICIALLY in the Gymnasium again

My son...is NO Davey Crockett!!!

Yeah, so you are wondering about the title...another fine story to regale you all with from Brewer!
I leave to run some errands, and Jr. finds Ken's old hunting knife in the garage...he later tells me he didn't know where it came from but it has been in there for years now, and he must have seen it before this. Anyhow, he decides to try out his marksmanship by throwing said knife at the huge oak tree in the front yard. Of course it would take too much common sense to realize one should be sure NOTHING is behind the tree.....just in CASE he missed! (here it comes...)
So, he does in fact miss....and throws it right into my downstairs window(s)....yes plural! Goes through the screen, storm window, and the inside double paned window! Glass everywhere down there! He calls me to inform me he broke a window...I am at Walmart and just simply hang up and head home, not knowing what to expect....although I half expected him to break this newest phone I just got to replace the one he trashed earlier this week.
I get home to see the lovely mess in my family room, though luckily, most of the glass stayed in between the closed windows.
So I ask you....how does a fairly intelligent young man NOT have any common sense???!!!! I think I may need to invest in a BABYSITTER for when I am gone....this is getting way too costly for me...he now gets no allowance for yet another month while I try to pay for this one. Chris is gonna come take a look at it for me first though...thank God for my little house husband!!!
I told him I might have to sell his guitar if this keeps up....he will have to lose it for a while as punishment I think...it seems to be the only thing that means anything to him these days...if he thinks I will let him drive one of MY cars soon, he has some serious work to do in the"respecting other's property" category! YIKES!!!!!
I am gonna have to get a part time job if this keeps up....actually....HE WILL!!!!!

Kym (who will be glad to be in the gym now) nasium

Movie Gallery..."this is a good place to start movie rentals" as Ken would say!

Ok...so I finally use my free movie rental at Movie Gallery from when I donated a pint for the Red Cross...I get to the counter only to discover that it's only good for older movies...not new releases! So, I go back, pick out one I have yet to see, and get it home....ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT I HAVE DISC 2, WHICH IS THE MAKING OF THE DAMN FILM!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is no disc 1!!!! Now of course, this is NOT the Red Cross's fault, I realize...but I am NOT a happy blood donor tonight....SHOOT!!!!



On my last week of vacation...which I know will please some of you...but it does NOT please me! And a friend asked me to babysit her two kids on one of my days this week, plus I have to go to a computer training session all day on Thursday!!!! SOME WEEK OFF!!! Sorry.....just had to vent there for a sec.

Kyle has his first scrimmage game tomorrow at Edward Little...a long haul! Not going, but hopefully he will do fine...will only get a down or two as it is. He raised some good money for the team with a liftathon fundraiser...was thinking of not playing the other day, but changed his own mind....good thing after I had just shelled out an activity fee, picture money, and some team shorts and a tshirt funds as well. I was not happy about his late decision, but told him to speak to the Coach, which he did not. He came home and just said he didn't know what he was thinking and that he DID in fact want to continue...he talked to Sheb as it turned out...his best friend. I love that boy!!! Doesn't matter to me if he plays football or soccer or runs XC, but I was disappointed after putting up some hard earned money initially, only to hear him say he didn't think he wanted to play. So, his season begins.....I DO hope he enjoys it.

Ok...gonna try to watch the other movie I rented now....I HOPE!!!

What is up with this wind...Dean is not even close to us!!! "Ahhh, Toto, looks like we're not in Kansas anymore!" Can the Red Cross help out with shutting that Mother Nature of a fan off or what???!!!

Kym-soontobebackinthegym-nasium

Red Sox Win!

Yep, we DID get to see a "rare" (these days anyhow) win on Monday. Wakefield actually was dealing a no hitter through 6 innings before giving up just two hits. We had a blast, even though Varitek, Crisp, and Pedroia didn't play...Did get to see Paps close out the game too!



We did some bar hopping and appetizer tasting at a few bars and pubs in the vacinity, the best being Eastern Standard...a restaurant/bar with THE BEST drink menu and raw bar I have ever been in. I tried a cocktail I never would have before...mighty tasty! We were so full that we walked all the way to the Pru and then went up to the Top of the Hub for more drinks, entertainment (a jazz trio) and desserts....I swear I ate ALL weekend long! It was great fun though.



Our room was delightful...if you ever get a chance, 1750 Beacon Street Inn is a wonderful little secret...only $99 a night, and it is an old brownstone converted to an inn. We had a room just inside the front door, and adjacent to the little check-in desk and continental breakfast set up. The room was very large, with an attached bathroom. It couldn't have been nicer...and none of that sterile Holiday Inn feel to it, more like a B&B really. The T was right across the street outside the door which made things easy too.



On the way home we stopped in Kittery for some outlet shopping, and lunch in York at a little deli style cafe. Route 1 was, of course, crowded so we hopped back on 95 as soon as it was in sight. On the way home, we came upon that black Rav that was mentioned in the paper this morning with the two people who abducted the two kids...they had just taken them out of the vehicle when we were stopped for a bit...it was funny cause I knew the two troopers there who had made the arrest...and while we wondered what was going on, it was cool to see it in the paper and on the news last night. So we were right in the thick of things...



Kyle has started double sessions of football practice, so I see him in between, then for a late dinner. He is tired already...no more late nights for him! Reminscient of my life with his Dad...



Ok......counting down the rest of my vacation with great chagrin. I hate this time of year...sorry, but you do sort of get used to having time off when it has been a couple of months since you last worked. I know, no one feels sorry for me, and that is okay....just voicing my opinion...for what that's worth!!!



Kimmie

Boston Here We Come...Look Out!

Leave Sunday morning with the girls, Penny Sargent (my surogate Mom), and Sue Goodwin who is a close friend of Penny as well as me...Sue has never been to Fenway and is so excited...I am SURE we will have a great time. The game is Monday night and our seats are in the right field corner near the visitor's bull pen. I think we will be making a sign or two...saying hello from Brewer, Maine or something silly. Look for us...

Will head down early, stop in Kittery at a couple outlets, and hit Boston Sunday afternoon and evening, then Monday do the Fenway tour, hit some bars, do some shopping, whatever...I cannot wait! Hoping to maybe coax Super Sib #2 out to lunch with us on Monday...

Kyle starts football practices Monday, and is staying with his buddy Sheb who also plays, so that worked out nicely. Double sessions...and a step up from Freshman ball to JV this year...gulp! I think he is excited to get started.

Have a good end to the weekend all...and a good start to the new week ahead.

Kym

Shoes, Cell Phones, and Car Keys........

Ok....so you are wondering what the title has to do with....well, with ANYTHING!!! Alas, only Super Sib #1 and I REALLY know!!! After an hour plus spent in the shoe aisle of Mardens in Brewer, we, or rather she, decided on a pair of sandals...so we make our way to the check out lines and escape the dirt, filth, dust, and "bag ladies" that make up ANY Mardeen's trip, only to discover that Super #1 left or lost her cell phone in the store! So, thinking I will just sit in the cool car, I stuff my purse under my seat, then we decided that we will need to call her phone to find it if it is in an aisle somewhere....so, I will need to help inside. So, I shut off the car, and as I listen to the ding ding ding of my car reminding me "HEY IDIOT, YOUR KEYS ARE STILL IN HERE", I slam the door shut.....LOCKED!!! Shit! And of course, it can't BE any hotter outside...Uh, can you say Triple A!!! So we go inside to take surveys of how long they will take to come "rescue" us....Oh MY God....it was too funny really! We set up "shop" at the cheap tables out in the lobby pretending to be doing something productive of course, as Gretchen inquired of some pre-K student just when he thought Citgo would show up....And then there was the old white haired lady who panted in her face..."Hot out, isnt' it?"...BRILLIANT!!!! I am still laughing about it....
Finally, Union Street Citgo shows up, and we head off for lunch....of the NOT FROZEN VARIETY!!! What a good day it was! And I DO mean that really. Have not laughed so much in a long time.
The two boys have kept me entertained as well....playing their guitars, and just acting like, well, like the teenage boys that they are. Took a hair raising trip out in the storm of the century to get take-out even....t'was fun! They get along so well....it is nice having Ty up here for Kyle.

Big plans next week it sounds like....Mommie Dearest has it all scheduled in it seems....she even invited me to stay at Gretchen's....or at least that is the way I figure it, since she has no place for me to stay, when she asked if we were staying over, she must have meant somewhere other than her place....CAUSE I AIN'T SLEEPING ON HER COUCH!!!! Whatever!!!!! hahaha Or is that "Everwhat".....hee hee

Kimmie the Keyless

Red Hot Dogs cont.....

Ok..this is the LAST time I will even mention those disgusting things...I worked with someone who spent his summers working at Rice's where they make those "tube steaks" as Howard likes to call them....anyhow, he told me that when some of the "meat", and I use the term loosely, fell out of the vat, they simply scooped it up from the floor and threw it back in to be made into hot dogs....YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure this happens with other foods as well, but if someone tells you that first hand, you no longer find an interest in that particular food do you??? I sure lost a taste for them...if I ever had one to begin with....I prefer ball park franks....ANYTHING but those red skinned snappy dogs.

Severe thunderstorms today/night they say...someone asked us to go to the Fair with them....I HATE THE FAIR! Biggest ripoff going if you ask me...and I do not feel like getting rained on if the weather is supposed to be what they say. No thanks....besides, they sell those red hot dogs there too!! hahahaha

My friend Sue Goodwin who is going to Boston with me for the Red Sox game in August is SO super excited....she was just bubbly last night at dinner. Oh, by the way Super Sib #1...she said I should be sure to ask Don about corporate bowling night in Rhode Island!!!! She still has the shoes she walked out of the bowling alley with that night I think, but she said Don was a riot!!! I cannot wait to hear that story...

Another scorcher here...LOVE IT! The Friday night cocktails and dinner crowd could only complain about it, but Sue and I were the two who kept saying keep it coming! I live for this kind of weather...what am I doing in this state???

Chris called me to let me know it's official....he is finally FREE of that ball and chain of a wife he married! Seems relieved, but still said it is weird. Who cares, as long as she is out of the picture permanently...of course Bryce is still with Chris, but he barely talks to his mother anymore...I wonder why (NOT)?!

Ok Sports fans, that is all for now....think I will go try rollerblading today....biking was way too hot yesterday. Stay out of the hot sun..haha...oh, and stay away from those awful red dogs!

Kimmie

A GOOD WALK IN THE WOODS...

I had a blast caddying for my "sister-in-law-in-law"....that is what I came up to introduce ourselves to the rest of the field at the Womens' Tourney....Kathi thought it fit....too confusing saying my brother-in-law's sister, or my sister's sister-in-law....anyhow, it was fun!!! I wish I had done all three days...so did Kathi, as it turns out. She called me last night and said, "man, did I miss you today"....a rough back nine. That is a beautiful course, but very tough! I imagine the heat took a heavy toll too....was hot enough the first two days! Next year the tourney is up here at Bangor Muni, so she said she would stay with me this time....or her place...wherever.

Glad Gretchen is enjoying the summer heat....glad we ALL are! Bet the Deed is hot down there in Mass. though.

Kyle had a fantastic time at the concert and of course, with his number one cuz, Ty. He loves to hang with him....we MUST get him up here for a few days so we can reciprocate the favor!!! Let's make a plan Super Sib 1. I guess the concert was a blast...AND the kids got home in one piece....also a relief for Super Sib 3!!!

Going to Boston for a couple of nights next month to take in a Sox game with a couple of gals...Sue Goodwin who worked with Donnie, and Penny Sargent, my "alter-Mom"...we will have a blast, and I cannot wait!!! Sue is a HUGE Sox fan and has never been to Fenway...she is sooo excited!!!

Ok...all for now....need to eat and head to my favorite massage therapist for some kneading after carrying the bag for two days and some 10 miles...some lady had a pedometer on, and was riding a cart and logged 5 a day she said....Kathi and I thought she had it set wrong though...but who knows!

Kimmie

Tour de Garage

Ok...so I am NOT Lance Armstrong!!! Since my running has been halted lately due to these darn achilles tendons, which are not any better (worse if you ask me) since the cortisone shots, I have decided to bike for my daily workouts. No problem, right? WRONG! Yesterday, after a rainy ride, I pull into my driveway and enter my garage slowly as I begin to pull my left foot out of my toe clip. I did not however loosen said toe clip first...yes, you can all say "DUH" now. So, as I begin to stop, I also begin to fall sideways! Luckily, I was able to reach the wall of the garage on my way down and slowed my crash somewhat. Once I finally hit the floor, I ended up with major bruises on my right shin, how I don't know since I fell to the left...think it was the seat though....and a small red mark on my left knee. As I lay there, the worst was yet to come...while struggling still to get my friggin' foot out, I started to get a cramp in my left arch. OUCH!!! It was so bad, I ended up just taking my sneaker off and leaving it in the toe clip...a sad looking sight if anyone saw or heard me screaming! Hoping for a better outcome today...Howard would NOT be impressed, needless to say!

So, Kyle is going to his first concert this Sunday with Care and Ty. What do kids have to look forward to these days??? I didn't go to a concert til college...Earth Wind and Fire was my first I believe. That was a fun one....then there was the Neil Diamond one where I was yelling out to play a song that was not even the right title....DUH! Anyhow, he spent his allowance on the ticket, so I hope he enjoys the show. Hopefully Caroline won't have any "travel issues" on this trip....heh heh!
Looking forward to caddying for Kathi...Ironically, one of her playing partners on Monday is one of my high school arch rivals, Julie Treadwell....the one woman I always tell Kathi she better beat in this tournament! Julie is a great athlete, and always was...I remember rooming with her at the U of M basketball camp one summer...we had a lot of fun. Once we hit the court during the season though, we were as competitive as could be. She will probably think it is sad that I am caddying and not actually good enough to play in this tournament, but that is ok.....I am NOT a great golfer, not enough practice. I will enjoy watching GOOD women golfers play instead. Looking forward to it....hope I don't embarrass Kathi. Been brushing up on caddie etiquette here beforehand.
Ok...I am off to go make flight reservations for my Feb. trip to St. Maarten....eat your hearts out ladies!!! hee hee I can't wait to go back, seriously. That was one of the best vacations I ever had...just wish Ken could have gone too. Oh well........

Kimmie, The Bruised and Battered Biker

Shocked...Shocked I am!!!

I cannot believe Super Sib #2 has the absolute NERVE to suggest I, Super Sib #3, should go out and get glasses!!! Shocked....! I will fight it til my arms aren't long enough as I hold my books, etc. further and further away! Of course........this could be a new look for Kimmie....hmmmmmmm. Perhaps I should think on that.

Furthermore, however, I am getting deathly tired of reading about Fifi being released from her prison cell....Would it kill you to blog us SOME detail of your, obviously, overfulfilling life down there Deed!!! Just a tid bit would do....an ort really....come on....BLOG ALREADY! ; )

I am hoping Super Sib#1 is feeling better about the weather...it is warm here at least. You can always haul the new couch up to my place and we can do the boat drinks on my back deck!!! hahaha

We went "duckying" down the Saboomic this week...that would be like white water rafting, only in single inflatable kayak-like vessels. It was a blast....a bit scary at times too, but once we got the hang of it, it really was fun. Kyle really gained some self-confidence on the trip, as there was one drop he was really scared to try...I went before him so I would be there if he capsized, but he handled it nicely, and had a huge grin on his face when he hit the pool below. It was about a 3 mile paddle down river, so it took a good few hours to do, as we all did this surfing thing,where you turn into the white water and ride the waves, every chance we got. And there were 18 of us who went. Anyhow, I would recommend it highly....very fun!

Just saw Harry Potter tonight...good show as usual...lots cut from the novel as it was a long one, but still good.

TTFN

Losing my sight...or is it my mind?!

OH DEAR GOD...SAY IT AIN'T SO!!! They told me it would eventually happen, but NO I said...not to ME! My vision is too good...one doctor commented to me once that he wished all his patients had my sight! Alas Brothers and Sisters (especially the Sistas), I am officially becoming
(sigh) FAR SIGHTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CRUSHED...CRUSHED I am.

I discovered this today...or perhaps I acknowledged it just today and actually really guessed a little while ago. Nevertheless, I realized things were blurry up close and personal...had to move them a distance away to bring them back into focus...then of course they were too far away to actually see the small details I was looking for. And reading....forget it! Blurry until I hit 9 inches...9 bloody inches I tell you...!!!! Yes, I actually measured so I can see just how rapidly I will continue to deteriorate. I am sooooo forlorn...I never thought this would happen...stupid I know! Everyone but the California Boy and I wear glasses....SHOOT! So...what to do now? Do I just buy some cheap reading glasses to keep the distance as is, or should I actually see an eye doctor, just in case??? HELP my contact-wearing Super Siblings!!!!
I always prided myself on my vision...even had nightmares about NOT being able to see in my dreams, and woke up sweating! I realize this is trivial in the big scope of "things" but I am not happy...even got a headache testing it out today...DUH!

Ok...Super Sib G, please tell Caroline I finally watched HAPPY FEET tonight, and loved it! Very well done if you all have not seen it yet. Al Gore has NOTHING on this penguin!!!!!

Ok...going to watch tv....FROM ACROSS THE ROOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Far Sighted Kim

From The Observation Deck

Ok...it has been too long, I know. So, here are a few thoughts and observations I have for today.

My Super Niece #1 makes $100 bucks a night, and my Super Niece#2 pulls in $50 bucks a night on their summer jobs....and I say GOOD FOR THEM!!! Afterall, at least they aren't asking us/you for money...in fact Sibs #1 and 2...you could be borrowing from THEM now! Wish Kyle would help me out that way! haha

Super Sib #1 is stressed it seems....I think I need to get down there and entertain her soon...get her laughing again. For sure I need to come packing my special Pina Colada Couch Cocktail, complete with umbrellas and extra fruit garnishes!!! Let me know Gretch, and I will be there.

Super Sib #2 should be "de-stressing" soon, as she now has a new Chief....of course she does have to put her desk together first!!! Love to see that one...think you may need to borrow Howard's Binford Tool Shirt Deed!

We had a nice 4th at the Kartstein residence by the way....good food and fun times on the Testosterone Yacht...that would be Howard's friend Ed's boat!!!! Of course the fireworks were a bit of a bust, but that was okay too....thanks for having us, and I WILL NOT send you an e-card thanking you, I promise. This will not suffice either, so expect an actual hand written one soon.

Went to have my achilles tendons (yes, both) injected with cortisone the other day (yes, it hurt like hell), and had a chat with Dr. Gilmore about Mom. Asked if he could "shed some light" on the situation for me/us. He said Mom gave him carte blance to do so, and said she did in fact have a stroke, although mild. He is pleased with her recovery and thinks she will come around full circle from it. Said her carotids are clear, and does think it came from all the migraines, especially since the occipital lobe was where the ischemia was located. He was also glad she was keeping her appts. better...BP is under control, but he said her EKG was "interesting" although not too worrisome...hmmm.
Anyhow, I mentioned the confusion issues with regard to the date list she gave Gretchen about the store way back and he made a note of that saying he had not seen this with her yet...but will be seeing her this month and would check it out. At least she has given him permission to share this stuff...he even pulled her file for me so he could answer all my questions. I guess perhaps some of this could be attributed to her age...she is almost 80 afterall....not to pooh pooh it or anything.

Ok...housework awaits...UGH! But the weather is cooperating for that kind of stuff...lousy out again! Ah well...at least I am on vacation, so no complaints!

Kimmie

Scary Stuff...

Wow, this really HAS been a week!!! Not only did Super Sib #2 share the horrible news of Jennifer's, but we had a tremendous scare while up at Sugarloaf for "Ladies Wellness" time...we tagged it that cause the actual Wellness Conference is always going on at the time we go up, and they all show up at Longfellows, the local restaurant we go to one night each year, and they can't drink or smoke or anything while they are there, so we DO!!! Well...we drink anyhow, not smoke!
Anyhow, I digress...when we got home, we were sitting around talking and such and one of the women, Judy, who just retired this spring as the Technology Educator in Milford where I used to teach, throws her hands up into the air and starts shaking and making all this noise...well, she is funny and we all thought she was contributing to the conversation that was going on, until she didn't stop. It was then that we realized something was terribly wrong. I jumped up and yelled to Rosemarie, a nurse in our group who is married to the Principal who hired me, and she and I got Judy onto the floor while she was having this horrible seizure of unknown origins. She is not epileptic. She starts getting cyanotic, and all the other women are standing there just watching and not knowing what to do, so I told someone to call 911 and Rosemarie opened her jaw which was paralyzed shut from the seizure, with her tongue blocking her breathing....we stayed on floor with her watching her struggle for breaths, and she was totally flacid everywhere. We kept looking at eachother thinking stroke, and I kept waiting for the worst, which I was sure would come and we would need to begin CPR...where is that ARC girl when you need her! Well, fortunately, that didn't happen, and Judy started to come out of it, moved her legs, squeezed my hand, and began trying to say something, which made no sense and was difficult to comprehend. But when the ambulance finally arrived, she had recovered tremendously, and could clearly say her name, but she had NO recollection of how she had gotten to the floor, or what had transpired. Everyone was quite shaken, and Rosemarie was sure she would not have survived had Judy been upstairs in bed at the time of this event, or alone at her house...she would not have been able to breathe!
Long story short, they took her to Farmington Hospital...can't believe a huge ski area has no hospital, and after multiple EKG's, blood tests, and an MRI, determined that the seizure was not of epileptic reasons, but we now believe it was brought on by alcohol withdrawal. She has been a very heavy drinker for years, and lately has appeared to be cutting down drastically. I didn't realize you could have grand mal seizures from this, but Rosemarie said it is not uncommon. Judy was also dehydrated, and had a low potassium and magnesium level....She came back the next day and other than being exhausted, was none the worse for wear. She will see a doctor here now...she has not been to the doctor by the way for over 15+ YEARS!!! They gave her some blood pressure meds as well, so hopefully, this won't scare her away from cutting back or quitting drinking totally....we are a bit skeptical as Judy is a different sort, but we will be there for her nonetheless. All in all a very scary trip this year...one we won't soon forget.

Kyle had a great time with Tyler....thank you Gretch for having him. I told Ty that we will have to come get him for a Friday to Monday weekend soon, as he filled me in on his weekly schedule
for the summer. They get along so well now....like brothers! It is really nice to see, and Kyle really does adore him and the time they share. Also thanks to Care for taking them to the skate park...she is the "bomb"!!!

Looking forward to heading to Mass. to see the Kartsteins for the 4th. Think we head out the 2nd, and will be returning the 5th, but I need to check with Sib 2 on that one. Have a relaxing weekend everyone!

Kim

FORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or should I say FIVE!!! Played in a golf tournament this morning with my friend Lynn Coutts and her brother-in-law, and mother-in-law, both of whom I have known for some time as well...had a blast!!! I putted well, but that was about it really. Still, our group had the lowest score with an alumni player in the foursome, so I did help out some I guess. It was a great day for it, except for the wind blowing in your face every time you stepped up to the ball it seemed. I ended up with four complimentary passes to Hermon Meadows as my group is all from southern Maine, and the passes were for mid-week. So, I gave one to my neighbor, and Kyle and I will enjoy the others.

Cooking up a big batch of scrabble for the girls at Sugarloaf....looking forward to seeing some of them I don't get to visit with much. Driving up with Mary Ford, a former Milford teacher who always thought Kyle looked like Christopher Robin...she is a hoot...lots of fun. She came into the store one time as I recall, back when they had a place in Castine. Mom even met her I believe.

Finally a beautiful day here....went to church this morning early as Kyle had to serve. One of the ushers actually came up to me and said, "I saw you come in...are you new here?" Uh, no...I've been here for years! Guess I should make an appearance a little more often though...or
she could just figure that I just might be a 10 oclocker and not an 8 oclocker...although now we are as Kyle is the lead acolyte for those services. Anyhow, it was weird cause I see here there all the times we have gone.

Kyle broke a string on his bass and was beside himself thinking it would never be fixed before tomorrow, and he so wants to jam with Tyler again...I assured him we could get it done tomorrow at the latest before we head to Sedgwick...fortunately, Northern Kingdom was open today and it is all set...he owes me $10 now though!!! Of course he has no cash...blew through all that birthday money already as I said!

Ok...gotta go get my run in after this chex mix is done....See y'all later.

Kimmie

Uh, Mother Nature.....Forget the date or what???

Jeez....it is cold outside today! I mean, I am wearing jeans and fleece top for Pete's sake...this is a weird summer so far. But, since it is still June I will wait it out.

Not sure the plans for the day here....Junior wants to go spend some more birthday money that he just got yesterday...I swear if there is a good way to teach kids about budgets I don't know it. A couple years ago Howard gave me the idea to pay him his allowance in a monthly installment, which sounded like a good idea. Of course, I made the decision to deposit a very small amount of that into his savings account, lest he spend every penny before someone's birthday or Christmas or whatever might come up. So, each month, I do just that....but birthday time comes and he gets all this cash and just BLOWS through it....it's crazy. He really does buy ok things with it, but as for the allowance....this month's was wasted on food at the Hannaford beside the high school after he took his finals....I was astonished to find he had spent $20 on chicken nuggets and steak fries and a few drinks! CRAZY!!!! So, I told him that the raise I give him every year he turns older will also now be going into his savings account....in effect giving him less to blow through on a monthly basis. If anyone has any better ideas on how to teach savings, I would like to hear them......if he could only get a job....

Went to the island again yesterday to see Dr. Gilmore...had all intentions of asking about Mom's "condition" if he would share a little insight, but forgot. Shoot! Was hopoing for a cortisone shot in my achillies tendon, but was he ever pissed when he couldn't find anyone to assist him....so I will have to go back in a week or so for that. He said that place is not running the way he and Dr. Cooper had intended, but that all health care facilities were being run bare bones these days.
Anyhow, I will try to remember to get some info. about Mumsie next trip.
The trip home was absolutely ridiculous too...took me an hour and 20 minutes just to get to Brewer...the traffic to Ellsworth was backed up beginning at Lobster place just past where the cheese house used to be....I knew I should have gone via the Bayside Road and Goosepoint...it was crazy. I thought people were trying to get ON the island, not off!!! Now I remember why I don't venture down there much in the summer.

Tomorrow, my best friend and Kyle's God Mom, Lynn, is coming up to run a benefit golf tournament for the Uof M Softball team...she will be the pitching coach this coming season as Mike and she make their transition to move back up here from Scarborough. I am soooo glad to have them back here...looking forward to spending time with them and their kids again. So I will go to Hermon Meadows tomorrow after church to perhaps do some golfing, or just ride around in a cart...we'll see. Haven't played yet this season...but will be good to see her and Mike's Mom too. His Mom is a heck of a golfer....if Kyle didn't have to serve at church tomorrow, I would have played with her foursome, and she would have put me to shame, no doubt.

Ok kids, that's about it from "Brewa"....catch y'all later.

Right in a coma....

I swear I am.....not enough rest I guess, and I feel like I am in a fog here today. But, since I can't sleep in the morning, I just get up...and then being the night owl that I am, I usually don't go to bed til late. Need to get on a regular schedule I guess...or just sleep on the deck during the day!

Just dropped a bunch of books I have already read to the Brewer library...they love it when people do that and don't care what they do with them, like sell them, or shelve them. I just said, if you all can make some money on them, go for it! We are fortunate to have a pretty nice library here, one that I really don't access enough...even has videos and dvds you can sign out!

Mmmmm....just pulled some lemon poppyseed muffins out of the oven...they smell too good to wait for breakfast to eat!!!

Heading to Sugarloaf with "the girls" for some cards, food, bitch sessions, and just general good fun. It's a good group of former teachers, along with a woman who used to cook at the Milford school...she brings homemade english muffins that are to die for!! Not to mention the jams and homemade donuts she also brings...We pretty much nosh all day long while reading, playing cards and/or cribbage, taking cat naps when necessary as we also have some fun summer drinks to go along with the food! Everyone brings their own specialties along...a yummy hot crab dip that I have got to get the recipe for once and for all, among other things!!! We found this deep water pool up the road on the Carrabassett that is great for swimming....it's really nice, and very beautiful too.

Not too much exciting here today.....the 15 year old is gonna drive me crazy though if he doesn't get one of these bus boy jobs....OR SOMETHING! I have to kick him out of the house on these beautiful days...it's crazy! He hasn't even been up the road on his new board yet....weird. Ok, I am headed out to the deck to read...the only time I get to is during the summer months it seems and I have a stack on my bedside that I MUST shorten!

Kimmie