Our 2017 Tree

More Tree Dec Pix

We Decorate Our Tree

Michael, Megan and Katherine came by and decorated the tree, along with Jamie and Nick. It's a really nice, fat tree with lots of branches.

Goodbye, Mom

Mike and I went to Ohio for the weekend for Mom's funeral. It was really a nice service and Mom would be happy to hear all the praise people had for her. She was part of so many organizations that helped others! The priest told a nice story. When he went to offer her last rites, she did not recognize him. But as he spoke, she said, "you sound just like Father ___. I like him!" I could almost hear her saying that. My sister Martha gave a nice eulogy and mentioned many of the dishes Mom was famous for--pies, vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup. She said Mom's holiday decorations would make Martha Stewart proud, and mentioned how everything at Christmas had a big, red bow! My sister almost started crying a few times but held it together. Ladies at the church had a lunch prepared for us afterwards, and I sat with Mike and my Mom's good friend Cathy Crosby. When Mom first moved to Columbus, she didn't know anyone, and it was Cathy who helped her get settled and introduced her to others. Cathy is so nice. Saw my Uncle Bob and Aunt Mubby (Marilyn), my mother's surviving siblings. There were various cousins there, too. My mother was very loved.

Eye Doctor

I went to Mike's eye doctor today, who did his Lasik surgery, to see if I'm a candidate. I'm NOT (at this time, anyway) but I am going to have cataract surgery. It doesn't sound like too big a deal, except a get knocked out so I have to have pre-surgery approval from my regular doctor. What a pain. Well, at least it isn't until February. I knew I had difficulty seeing things in sharp focus, but was told before that my cataracts were 'mild.' This doctor said they should have told me I needed surgery. I wish Dr. Harris was still around. He never would have steered me wrong! We have decided to fly to Ohio this weekend. We take an early afternoon flight tomorrow and get to Columbus around 5, with a layover in Philadelphia. The road conditions in Pennsylvania were just too dangerous, black ice and all. We fly home on Sunday. I keep thinking 'there is no more Dee McNally" walking the earth and it seems so strange. But then I imagine her walking around in heaven, healthy and happy and laughing with my Dad and brothers!

Obit

My sister Susan wrote this very accurate obit. It really describes my mother! Dee McNally 1923 – 2017 Dee McNally passed peacefully into heaven on December 10, 2017 to join her family members there. Dee leaves behind her brother, Robert Hoffer, and sister, Marilyn Hupp and surviving children Bill, Susan, Clare and Martha, their spouses and their families. She loved her grandchildren and great-grands. Dee was a very active member of St. Agatha Church, singing in the choir, baking for the Newcomer’s and Bereavement luncheons, crafting for Christ Child society and praying for everyone’s special intentions to Our Lady. Her career spanned fifty years as an Avon lady. She hung with the much younger “birthday bunch” whom she considered family. She made the best apple pies, loved to shop for bargains for “next to nothing.” She truly loved life. The family is so grateful to the staff at National Church Residences at Mill Run for lovingly caring for her in her final years. She is with the angels. A Mass will be celebrated at ten a.m. on Saturday, December 16th at St. Agatha Church in Upper Arlington. Nightie night, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.

Taking Care of Business

At least as far as I could. I called Calverton today rather than waiting to go there. Listened to a long and drawn-out recording and gave up. Called later and remembered it is best to press "0". I got a live person but he only gave me another number to call. I did and got a message that I need Dad's DOB, SSN and branch of service (if we don't find his discharge papers) before I can talk to anyone about interring Mom's ashes. I, frankly, would prefer to have a funeral director take care of all of this. Mike thinks the people in Ohio could do it, but I am not so sure. Being as how she was cremated, at least there is no terrible rush to get her into Calverton. I really don't want to do this until after the holidays. The kids can't get off from work (busiest time of year) and I want them there. It's just Mike and me going to Ohio. We leave Friday and return Sunday. The funeral mass is Saturday morning. I bought myself a decent-looking pair of dress pants to wear. I don't have any since losing all this weight. I wanted to get dark-colored shoes but they were either too high-heeled or expensive. My mom would have fits if she knew I spent $65 on shoes, so I didn't. I might have some casual, non-sneaker shoes in my closet, but if not, the sneakers will have to do. I have enough on my mind (I was up and down all night, unable to sleep well) without exacerbating my back pain. Alas, if only Mom had been able to enjoy just one more Christmas, but it wasn't meant to be. She will celebrate with my brothers, my Dad and her own parents, I'm sure.

Mom is gone

My mother passed away in her sleep earlier today, just about a month shy of her 95th birthday. A volunteer came to visit her and played "When the Saints Go Marching In" on a harp. Mom was out of it, but maybe on some level she heard the music and thought angels were welcoming her into Heaven. I wouldn't be surprised!

My sister Martha called to tell me. She also said Sue already has hotel rooms booked for us for next weekend. However, she still has to square this with the church. Mike suggested me flying, but there is no way I would do it a week before Christmas. I told him I would pay for a hotel if we get stuck halfway across Pennsylvania due to snow. I hope that doesn't happen, though.

I have to go to Calverton on Wednesday to discuss how to get her there. I'll be carrying her ashes back--another reason I don't want to fly.

I am sad but more nervous about getting there and doing the Calverton thing right. I have grieved off and on for months now--don't even get me started when I hear "Send in the Clowns," one of Mom's favorite songs!

First Snow

And it isn't even winter yet!

Mike made sure the birds and squirrels were fed.

Good news: my check for the movie option came today! We put it right in the bank. I took out $100 cash but the rest will go in money market until I call Uni (who does our taxes) to see how much estimated I should pay on it. I knew it was coming eventually but they are soooo slow that I figured I wouldn't see it until  next year. Yay, money!

Surgery Follow Up Today

I had my six-month follow-up today from my surgery. Just an upper GI, which was very much like one of the tests I had before surgery: drink white stuff and swallow while they take a picture. Took about an hour. The only thing I didn't like was when they asked me to swallow these things that are like tiny pop-rocks. It's like when you have too much soda in your mouth. Needless to say, too many bubbles! I just spit it out into the cup I had. Glad what I did manage to swallow was enough.

Also glad it looks like I don't have to do this again for 2 years!

Now I can concentrate on my baking. I made Rum Balls the other day and finished making the spritz cookies. I'm making chocolate cherry thumbprints tomorrow.

Cookies

We came home from tree shopping and made a few batches of spritz cookies.

They'll go into the freezer. So far I've made 2 batches--spritz and peanut butter cookies. Tomorrow, I'll make the dough for another type of cookie.

Also made a 'pretzel-rolo' sandwich treat where you melt a Rolo candy on a square pretzel then top it with another pretzel. Really, really good!

Tree Night

Michael and Katherine came for Sunday sauce, then afterwards we went to Home Depot to pick out our tree. I pretty much liked the first one we found, but then I liked a second one better.

Mike kept pulling out other trees but I kept going back to the one I liked.

Katherine is always such a goof.

Decorating

Now that the rat adventure is pretty much behind us, I have started to get more serious with my holiday decorating.

I kept out some of my woodland creatures. You can see Snoopies at the top, then deer (inc. Rudolph), woodland animals and snowmen. I have a small table with snow globes and nutcrackers. Mom Pastore's tree is on the table next to the couch. She made it many years ago.

Still have to put up the manger but I've spent today  mostly prepping cookies and candy. I might gain 10 pounds if I'm not careful of the cookie dough.

37 years

Mike and I celebrated  37 years of marriage today. We went to the Outback for lunch with John and Noreen. John paid for our meals, even though Mike said he didn't have to.

Later on, Mike got me a lobster that Jamie steamed for me and a seafood salad for himself. It was a nice, quiet day, just perfect.

The house still has a bit of a smell but it isn't as sickening as it was. I hope it's okay now because my friend Tina is coming to cut my hair tomorrow. It's really showing the gray!

I just woke up Julie to take her to bed with me, so I'm signing off for the night.

Got him! (or her?)

Mike, James, Nick and Andrew (who does work for us sometimes) tore out about 8 feet of drywall and finally found the little stinker. The house still has a smell but it's mostly of bleach now. Thank God this has been taken care of. Now I can get to my holiday prep!

There is a beautiful young cat that belongs to a family with an allergic child. They tried med but it doesn't work. I told Katherine I'd give the kitty a try but if it doesn't work out the family has to take her back. I am NOT bringing a cat to the shelter.

Don't know why it wouldn't. Julie grew up with five cats and we used to have two!And this one is so pretty. Katherine says she is a sweet, cuddly cat. I know I wanted a kitten but I took one look at her picture and I'm willing to take in an adult cat. She is only two years old, so almost like a kitten.

We'll see how it goes. At least a cat would help keep the rodents away.

OH! I have a baking supplies area in my garage. I took down a box with chocolate chips and such in it and found half of it chewed away. Lots of mouse (not rat) poop, too. The little schmuck tore into a bag of white chocolate chips and ate them all!

No matter, I would rather  have a fresh supply. But now I know things have to be in glass or plastic, not their original bags.

When it rains...

As if I don't have enough stress worrying about my mother, now we have a dead animal behind the wall in the downstairs! Mike found a hole outside and patched it up, and I think whatever was in there was trapped and died.

It STINKS. I mean, make you feel sick stinks. We have candles and air fresheners going all over the house. Thank God Mike's friend, who is a handyman, is coming tomorrow to take care of this. I read that the smell can last for weeks!

I walk around not breathing or holding my nose closed. I can't wait for this mess to be cleaned up.

And I might be getting a cat, but more on that later!

More on Mom

My mother has been in hospice care for a while now. Sue says she is asking about her mother (who died in 1997) and sister. If there is any mercy in being somewhat senile it is that it gives you happy thoughts in your last days. At least I hope they are happy!

We are looking at weeks now. I keep checking my e-mails and my cell phone for 'that call.' Sue says they are keeping Mom comfortable.

Birthdays

Today is Katherine's 33rd birthday. I still remember how excited I was to have a little girl!

I'm making her favorite, Western Hospitality Casserole today. Also plan to do up some roasted Brussels sprouts. I never make them because Mike doesn't like them, but they are another favorite of Katherine's.

Last week, November 1, was Jamie's 31st birthday. We haven't had an official birthday dinner yet because we want to coordinate it with a time he can be home at dinnertime. He had to work on his birthday. Jamie's choice is scungilli!

Jamie is 18 months old here.

Katherine on Easter when she was 3.

Pumpkin Time

Katherine came by and we carved the HUGE pumpkins she bought a few weeks ago. We haven't had a big Jack-o-lantern in years so it is kind of nice.

Katherine's pumpkin was hilarious!

We had to have Mike cut the tops off of the pumpkins because they were so heavy!

Bird

We bought a  humane catch-and-release trap due to a rat problem in the area. So far, we've managed to snag 3 of them. Mike takes them to woods about 2 miles away and lets them go.

We have also caught a squirrel, chipmunk and several birds. This one was the latest. It flew out and straight into our back door (glass), so it was dazed enough for me to pick up and put on this 'bird feeder' platform. I was going to put it in a box to keep it from the raccoons, but it did finally fly away.

Mike gave it a pile of food, too.

Michael is 35

I can't believe my oldest kid was born 35 years ago. Michael's birthday was October 11th. We went out to dinner tonight at Catfish Annie's, with me, Mike, Michael, Megan and Katherine. Michael had soft shell crabs. We came home to have a cannoli cake (Mike bought it) and sang Happy Birthday.  An enjoyable day!

Michael needs a haircut and shave, lol.

Mom and other things

Mom fell and broke her hip a few days ago. Sue is back from her trip and kept us posted. They took Mom into surgery pretty quickly and it was a success. 94 is no age to be messing with broken bones.
Not sure how long they will keep her in the hospital.

There is a rat problem in our area and Mike and I have seen one or two by our house. I moved one bird feeder away from the house and have to find someplace else for the other two. We are trying to catch them humanely and actually succeeded the other night. We took the rat (cute little thing), trap and all, to some woods far from our house and let it loose. There is a second one I hope we can also get without killing it. I feel bad, but I can't have rodents deciding life inside our walls is ideal.

I went back to the periodontist with more teeth issues. Pain kept me up all night the other night, at least when the Tylenol wore off. I was happy they took me in Saturday morning. I was supposed to have permanent fillings put in, but no one ever told me that. The temps let germs inside, which is how I got infected again. Luckily, they don't seem to be charging me for this. That's only fair, since it was their mistake! The work the dentist did helped a lot and I don't hurt now. Going back Tuesday for what I hope is the finish-up.

This week has been too interesting, IMO.

Updates

No news is good news regarding my mother. Bill keeps us posted while Sue is away and I haven't heard anything. I think Sue will be coming home soon.

I made a turkey breast for dinner yesterday with smashed potatoes and gravy. Katherine came by to have dinner with us. She got a kick out of Julie's 'costume':

It says "Sweet as Candy." It just fits her. A large would be too big, though. But she does look cute.

Michael is here today. Katherine came with Bill and they are all watching the new season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

I got that damned infection in my jaw again. Turns out I only had temporary fillings so germs got in. I was on antibiotics all week and it no longer hurts to touch, but I still feel 'something.' The royal pain in the dupa is that I used up all my dental insurance for the year. So I am hoping to do just enough to get me to January.

Nick is having his implant done tomorrow, I think. It's high time since he broke his front tooth when he was pretty young.

Jamie got a new board for the bottom of his treadmill and spent yesterday morning installing it. He's pretty good at building things.

My life is fairly mundane, which is fine with me.

Mom

I was able to get through to my mother a few days ago. She isn't so great about answering her phone, but one of the nurses picked it up. Mom was having her blood pressure taken and was going to have a breathing treatment after.

It was nice to hear her voice but she sounded weak and I had to repeat myself a few times.

Today, my brother Bill sent out an e-mail. He got a call from the home that said Mom tried to walk out the front door. They put a monitor on  her now. They say she is more confused. I wish I lived nearer and could be more help. My sister Sue usually takes care of business but is on a much-deserved trip out to see relatives in California. Bill has power of attorney along with Sue so he can handle things. He can be in Ohio within a few hours.

I wish my Mom would last a long time, but not if her mind goes. Her heart condition is enough to deal with let alone her brain. At least she still knows who I am.

Labor Day Kitten

Michael, Megan and Katherine came by for Labor Day. We watched a DVD that I had transferred from video from 1988 when Michael was 6, Katherine 4 and Jamie 2. It was cute to watch, but we had another cutie on hand:

Meet Baxter, Michael and Megan's new kitten! This sweet little guy was a stray who got stuck under their porch. No one claimed him and the mother cat seemed to have lost interest, so they took him in. He is sooo tiny. We guess he's barely six weeks old.

Of course, I took my share of holding him, between getting food ready. We had a very nice dinner of burgers, honey-grilled shrimp, shrimp cocktail, fall-off-the-bone ribs, bacon-wrapped mushrooms and dessert, of course. I made peanut butter squares and Mike bought a chocolate cake. Oh, and I made salsa from heirloom tomatoes I bought at the local farmstand. And corn on the cob! Yes, a real feast.

When they went home, Megan carried Baxter Kitty in her hood, lol:

Fun at a Grocery

We went to a place called Stew Leonard's last night. I've  never been there. It is unlike any grocery I have ever been to!

Me and Clover the cow. (Ignore my goofy look, I was talking to the camera.) There are animated figures all over the place, even hanging from the ceiling!

Food was interesting and some of the sale stuff was pretty reasonable. Not too impressed with the bakery, as I couldn't find rye bread (!) but maybe that's 'cause we went on a Friday night. I got a half cherry pie (delicious), some whipped cream and some chocolate milk (also delicious) plus some ribs for Labor Day bbq on Monday. A few other things, too. I would definitely go back. It was an experience.

Sunday

Michael and Megan stopped by after lunch with friends. We took a trip to the farm stand then came home and had a nice visit. Julie was really cuddly with Megan. I think Julie is a little cold now that she doesn't have that heavy coat!

Michael is assembling a humane rodent trap for me. We saw a rat on our deck recently and I refuse to kill it (it's too cute) but I don't want it hanging around, either. If it shows up again, I will try to catch it and release it in some nearby woods.

Park, Saturday, August 26

Mike and I have driven through Hecksher Park ("Home of the Whitetail Deer," say the signs) several times this summer and had yet to see a single deer, until this night. We spotted a family eating grass on the side of the road:

Julie Gets Groomed

Before:

Soooo Fluffy!

After:

Her bandana says: "I am Beautiful"

Happy Dog!

Baby Raccoons

The same Mama Raccoon comes each year with her latest litter. I recognize her because she has no hair on her tail.

Four babies this year!

The Eclipse on Long Island

Katherine used solar glasses borrowed from a friend and took this picture with her phone:

Still not what I expected but pretty cool anyway.

So today is the "Great American Solar Eclipse," as the news calls it. Here is a picture of what it looked like over Oregon around 1:07 EDT.

We aren't on the direct path of a full eclipse and will get about 70%, but that should still be cool. I watched the total on TV and it was amazing. Just this big, black disc in the sky with light shimmering around it. Then when it started to go away, these amazing rainbows came shooting around it.

Alas, I did not get my solar glasses but I made a pinhole camera. I hope I can see a little something with it. Not sure if there will be another solar eclipse in my lifetime, but if there is I will have the glasses ahead of time. At least I didn't spend much on them.

We are going to hit our own peak in about 20 minutes, so I will check out the eclipse with my little pinhole camera then. It is made from an ice cream cone box!

Here is a full eclipse from somewhere around Missouri:

Call from Mom

My mother called today. It was a bit unnerving seeing the 614 area code, as I thought it might be bad news from my sister. Happily, it was my mother calling. She wasn't quite sure who she had dialed, though, because she asked if I was Martha. She also asked if Mike and I were in Columbus, or in New York. I was able to make her understand, after a little effort, that we were back in  New York. We've been home almost a week. Sue says she has no concept of time and it's true.

The good news is that they found one of the hearing aids. I'm glad. The damned things cost $1,000 each!

Cousins

On Thursday, Aug 5, some of my cousins came to visit. I have not seen them in years, and one I hadn't seen in decades! They are my father's nieces, my Uncle Larry's daughters. Their dad passed away fairly recently, and their mom a few years ago. Aunt Shirley was a nice lady and always lots of fun.

That's mom and me in the front. In the back, left to right: my sil Annie, cousin Kathy, sister Sue, brother Bill (Annie's husband), cousin Donna (I hadn't seen her since I was a kid!), cousin Ann and Mike. It was a wonderful visit. Donna has a little farm and brought delicious corn and tomatoes we all enjoyed with lunch. We talked about old times and some family memories. I learned that a great-great uncle of mine was  shot because he had an affair with a mayor's wife. Skeletons in the closet, lol.

Family

Sue and Neal came back Wednesday, and my brother Bill, sil Annie and nephew Gary joined us for dinner.

Der Dutchman

So Mom was well enough on Tuesday to take her to her favorite restaurant, "Der Dutchman." Sue said all Mom kept saying before our visit was, "Mike will take me anywhere I want to go." Happily, she was alert enough to enjoy herself. We went around the gift shop after lunch, then to a place down the road called "The Cheese House," which is an Amish grocery store. There is a consignment shop next door that I love to check out. I bought a cute doll rocker and hand made doll cradle, both only $10. And I found a little glass candle holder shaped like a squirrel.

We dropped Mom off at the home and after staying with her a bit we left to rest at Sue's. We were watching Mom for a few days while Sue and Neal took a much-needed trip in their RV to a lake.

Later, we had dinner at a place called Steak and Shake:

Then we walked along the Scioto River for a bit:

I never look good in selfies.

Ohio

Mike and I just got back from a week in Ohio visiting my mother and sister and bil. My brother, sil and nephew came, too!

Mom has her ups and downs but still knows who everyone is, at least. Frankly, she has too many 'downs' as she has fallen a few times. She fell the first day we were there and we went to the emergency room. She had a huge bump on her head, but otherwise checked out okay.

One of the aids found her on the floor in her room. She lost her hearing aid and we think she might have been looking for it. She was obsessed about it all week (we never found it) and would even start looking in trash cans at my sister's house. Mostly, we just play along with her.

Sue says Mom has fallen a few times in the past few weeks. They are keeping a close eye on her.

She doesn't have a good concept of time and though it was June the other day, when it is August. But she did remember we were going to take her to a favorite restaurant. Happily, we were able to do that Tuesday. That's another post.

Here I am with Mom:

Mom

My sister sent a sad email. The nurses are looking to get hospice care for Mom. She has been deteriorating both physically and  mentally. Death is not imminent, they just want someone to keep an eye on her. Mike reminded me his uncle was in hospice care for quite a while. I'm just glad I will be visiting Mom next week. I hope we can take her to her favorite restaurant, as it may be the last time.

Here is Mom celebrating her 94th birthday this past January.