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.