79 posts tagged “brooke”

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Halloween

Got to the eye doc for an eye exam so I could get more contacts.  They wouldn't re order them when I called the other day because it was more than a year since my last exam.  I've had other eye exams, but not for contacts since '07.  I'm tellin' ya they have more ways to make money.  I was there on time for my 2:45PM and didn't get seen till 3:45PM.  I was afraid I wouldn't get back home in time to meet Rich so we could go over to Norfolk to see the kids in their costumes.


I called Rich and he said we could meet at Rich and Lissa's rather than me backtracking by coming home first.
He got there about 10 minutes before I did.  Lots of activity in that house.  They'd been out partying all afternoon at Waterside and the party goes on.  After Trick or Treating they go to a civic league party...Lissa's the President of their little civic league so she has to make an appearance.  The whole family will go.  Here's a video of preparations before a night of begging.
Preparing for Trick or Treating
And here's a shot of me with Trevor and Brooke.
GrandmaPatti with Brooke and Trevor
GrandmaPatti with Brooke and Trevor
It was fun to see all the excitement.  Halloween was always a fun time for me when I was  kid.  Here's Trevor with his mask.
Brooke&Trevor in costume
Brooke&Trevor in costume

Post a comment Tags: lissa, brooke, trevor

Monday

Never heard back from the 'Product Specialist' at Apple.  Not a good sign.  Guess I'll have to call tomorrow.


Spent too much time on the phone trying to get the billing office at our primary care office to explain to me why we were billed for the 'shingles' shots we got in August.  Apparently Medicare does not cover the 'shingles' shot and we must pay.  I could not decipher the billing statement from the office and the billing person persisted on telling me I had to pay.  She could not explain why and referred me to Medicare.  Calling Medicare is like calling a giant box in the sky.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they have made inroads into their robot answering machines.

Medicare referred me to Tricare4U.  I told that person I was looking at an EOB that said on the bottom that our balance was $0.00.  She then said it was a computer glitch and we did have to pay. I called the primary office's billing person back to tell her she indeed was right.  There was a glitch in Tricare's computer.

I was ticked that no one in the doctor's office told me Medicare did not cover the shingles shot.  Maybe the doctor did....but I don't remember it.....and I think I would remember $194.00 for a shot of vaccine and then $31.00 for the LPN or Medical Assistant to give me the shot.  Now that is a major rip off.  I realize we always sign a financial statement when we sign in, but it's part of several papers we must sign.  I think someone should tell the patient...'Medicare will not cover this and it cost $225'.  They should have you sign another form so it would ring a bell..'hey I'm going to have to pay this'. 

I noted on the caller ID Ken and Rosie called yesterday. I called today and enjoyed talking with my former Pensacola neighbor now living in Illinois.  She said they had a dusting of snow yesterday ...oh boy.  Winter is on it's way for them.

We went over to Rich and Lissa's with our gourmet cupcakes for everybody to sing Happy Birthday to Rich sr, Rich jr and Lissa...all of whom have birthdays in October.  Brooke insisted on giving GrandpaBuck(Rich) some little animal figurines.  He didn't want any gifts, but she persisted.  GrandpaBuck made a big fuss over the cards she designed and made for him.  She told us she made all the cards and shopped for the gifts and cards.  I told her Trevor will have her doing that from here on in.  

The kids were delightful.  Trevor told us about his campaign for Treasurer.  Here he gives a glimpse into his 'schtick'.  
Trevor's campaign poster
Some of the letters on the above poster aren't visible--the V in his first name and the E in the last name are missing.  I thought the fake money on the poster looked like real money.   He lost by one vote.  He said he broke up with his girlfriend because he found out she didn't vote for him...What?  She told him she did, but one of his friends saw her vote and said she voted for 'Charley'.  Hmmm.  They talk about 'going out' with so and so, but Lissa said they don't go anywhere...they just use the language.  I thought 10 year old 5th grade boys thought girls were yucky.  I guess I'm getting too old to understand these modern times.  

The cupcakes were super good and a big hit.  It was different than a cake.  Choice of flavors made it special too.  

When we got home Brooke called to tell me she forgot to give me a gift she made especially for me.  She wouldn't tell me what it was.  She suggested I come to her soccer game Saturday and she'll give it to me then.  She knows I don't get up til late, but she thought 11AM should be OK for me.  I'm supposed to be at WHRO to help with the October phone-in fund raiser, but I'm sure I can change my day.  We'll see.

Post a comment Tags: imac, brooke, trevor, things that irritate me

More about pottery

It was good to be back in the studio.  For one reason or another Lindsay (teacher) and I couldn't meet for a class over the past few weeks..  


I was pleased she had me made go over the earlier lessons and I can tell I'm getting the hang of it.   She is  such a good teacher.  She demonstrates and explains what she's doing then lets me try.  She gives just the right amount of praise, and amazes me how she can tell exactly how and where I've placed too much or too little pressure. 

I was proud of myself today.  When she went into the other room, I completed my sugar bowl.  I then took the wire and carefully placed it  under the bowl as the wheel was turning, and I was successful in lifting the bowl from the wheel.  Yes!

All the pieces are being 'fired' today in the kiln.  This is the first 'firing' aka 'bisque firing'.  Next week we'll learn to glaze and then one more firing.   

KIm the owner was there and we talked about a show.  She plans to have one and says I'm to be in it too.....LOL....me in an art show.  I'll post a photo of my pieces after the final glazing.

Brooke and Lissa were arriving as I was leaving.  Brooke had her first soccer game today and wasn't able to get to the studio til late afternoon.  

I stopped at the library to renew my card and picked up two DVDs...one is 'Angela's Ashes'  ...I didn't know it had been made into a film.  The other is 'The Kingfisher' with Rex Harrison and Wendy Hiller.  

Very nice day today.  

Brooke called this evening to tell us she "loves the wheel"  that we'd given her for her birthday.  She's already made a few pieces and can paint them in a day or two.  I was so pleased to hear that the unit works so well for her.  It was a child's pottery wheel I'd purchased at 'Michaels', and I was a bit leery.  I think it is perfect for her.  She's been to regular pottery classes and now knows the basics.  Maybe I will purchase a regular wheel and set it up upstairs.  She can then come over and continue her pottery making.  Just a thought.

Post a comment Tags: brooke, pottery

Sunday

Pretty day today.  Didn't do much.  Had a nice long telephone chat with my God-child niece Rosemarie.  I think we covered the waterfront so to speak.

She's studying for her final certification test in medical coding.  She, John and Kristina will be going to visit Terry in Austin the first week in October following a couple of nights in AC.  It's Kristina's 21st birthday celebration trip.

We went over to R&Ls to celebrate Brooke's 7th birthday.  She was thrilled to receive the pottery wheel and wanted to use it right away.  I think her mom persuaded her to wait 'til later.  You really have to set up a space with newspaper or brown paper...canvas would be better to 'wedge' the clay.  We had cake and ice cream...I just had the cake and too much icing, but it was fun.

Travis called this morning to tell us his wife delivered last evening...their 2nd little girl.  I'd told him to call us and he did.  Travis does our painting and general house repairs ....we've known him now for 10+ years.   He also does work for R&L. I told him his baby was born on the same day as Brooke...September 12th.  That's also the same birthday of my bestest friend, former boss SKC.  

Post a comment Tags: niece, brooke

Still no answer on x-ray

I'm totally frustrated.  The MD told me yesterday morning when I had the xray it would probably be read that day and she'd call me...if not..."tomorrow".  I called the office around 3 today to find out if she'd gotten the report....secretary said she'd give the msg to the doctor.  It's now 6PM and no call.  Geez.  Rich says if it was bad, they'd have called.  I'm not so sure....the report is probably in a pile on the MDs desk along with lab work etc. of lots of other folks.


The rain last night got me wired.  Losing power and such horrible lightning made me too wired to fall asleep.  So I read and finally went to bed about 1AM.  I've felt like a zombie most of the day.

I was dressed and ready to go and have my haircut when it started to rain with TV warnings that this would be a brief, but bad storm.  Folks were advised to get under cover.   I called to cancel my appt and Kathy understood.  Ten minutes later there were only a few drops.   I could have gone, after all.  

Rich drove to Portsmouth and met Rich jr for lunch then did some commissary shopping and other errands.  I can't say I did anything but wait for the phone that never rang.  

Brooke was to go tomorrow with me to pottery, but Lissa sent an email that Brooke is in a week long art class, and she doesn't want to skip class.  She will go to pottery next week.  I hope so because she'll be back in school on the 24th, and she still has to 'fire' and 'glaze' her work.
Actually I am looking forward to being the only student.  I've been watching some tutorials on how to 'wedge' and 'throw' pottery on a wheel.  I'm looking forward to some good 'wheel time' as opposed to a wheel good time...lol.


Post a comment Tags: brooke, pottery

Here's Brooke surfing at age 6...well she'll be 7 next month

She was doing this on the second day of surfing camp.  

Surfing class July '09
Surfing class July '09
I doubt I could have done it at that age or any age for that matter.  

Post a comment Tags: brooke

Saturday

Yesterday (Friday) I cleaned so today I played.  I went to the commissary and Navy Exchange.  I had to get a birthday gift for Brooke's birthday in September.  While there I picked up a few Christmas presents for her.  I couldn't find anything for Trevor...but I'm sure I have enough time before Christmas, don't I?


It's getting to be so difficult to find appropriate gifts for the kids.  They have so much already and anything I see, I'm sure they already have.  They still like to open packages so money isn't the answer, and you know how you felt about clothes as Christmas gifts.  

I noted in today's paper Target was selling a 'slushie maker' which makes one serving.  The paper rated it 5 stars so I set out to get one.  They had them in the Navy Exchange and I got the last one.    I could do them in the blender, but this is so easy.  Fruit, ice, juice, whatever and spin.  I'll try it tomorrow. 

I wish I had a photo to post of Brooke standing on her surf board riding a wave.  She and Trevor have been taking lessons at the oceanfront all week.  I guess it's not that difficult for someone short to balance themselves....I'd fall off immediately.  Anyhow, I think it's impressive that a 6 year old can do it, and she loves it.  Trevor looks like he's been surfing for a long time.  His Dad said the time Trevor spent on his skimmer board made this transition much easier.  


Post a comment Tags: brooke, trevor

Brooke skipped pottery today

Brooke was going to go with me.  Lissa brought her over here around noon, but she decided she didn't want to go.  When I got back from pottery Brooke called and said she'd probably go next week.


So, I had a private lesson.  I worked the whole time on the wheel with Lindsay (instructor) giving me gentle guidance.  I had my first collapse of the wall of my sculpture.  Apparently this is a common occurrence with novice potters.  It takes practice to apply just the right amount of pressure with your hands.  

The pieces I've made so far are only about 3 inches in height and I told Lindsay today I wanted to make something taller...like a pitcher.  Ha Ha...it's much more difficult to get the walls to raise, so I settled for a bowl...well, it's more like a plate.  But I am learning.  And it's hard to hold that pressure.  My hands were hurting and I had to take breaks.  I need to learn to use my body more and lean into the wheel as opposed to trying to do it all with my hands.  

Lindsay is the perfect instructor.  She can forsee problems long before I recognize a bubble or whatever.  She instructs and gives praise.  I like her and I have a feeling she'll leave in the fall to go back to graduate school.  Hopefully by then I'll know if I want to purchase my own wheel and pursue this hobby.  
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I called the Vascular surgeon's office to discuss the area on Rich's leg which is blue and purple from his inguinal area (where they entered the artery leading to his kidney) to his knee.  I wanted to know if this was expected and whether he should stay on the Plavix and baby aspirin.  The nurse said it's due to gravity.  The same thing happened after his eyelid surgery last year.  If it is swollen and hard it would be a hematoma (clot) and need to be removed.  The area on his leg is discolored and there is no lump.  Again it might be nice to have this on the discharge instructions so the care giver would know what to expect...grrr.
                                  *****************
I've been playing around tonight with a collage maker I found on the internet.  Here are two of my practice creations. 
The heart above comprises all my photos I scanned to the computer and this next one is pictures of me from age 21 -70. 
21 to 70 collage of moi
21 to 70 collage of moi

Post a comment Tags: brooke, rjrhealth/meds

Great day

Took Ativan so I could sleep well and get up in time to get over to Lissa's to take her to the airport.  When I got there Trevor was anxious to show me some new card tricks he's learned.  He's quite good.  I met their new kitty 'Mittens' and it is a cute one.  


We dropped Trevor at a friend's house and then did the short drive to the airport.  Lissa was flying to Lake Tahoe.  Then Brooke and I came home here to have some lunch.  She played some Wii and also did some work on the Zen garden Janice had given me for my birthday.  

We got to our pottery class and did a little work on our 'trays'.  Brooke added very pretty heart handles, and I buffed mine.  THEN we got a demo of the pottery wheel.  Brooke took a spin ...see video below.  I then had a try and it was such a good feeling.  I am really enjoying this experience and apparently so is Brooke.  If my interest in this continues, I may get myself a wheel and 'throw' all kinds of things.   This has got to be great therapy for relaxation.  

I drove Brooke back to Norfolk to the house where Trevor was and their Dad will pick them up after work.  I understand he's taking them to Busch Gardens tomorrow.  It's supposed to rain, so I don't know. 

The two Riches met for lunch and when I got back home Rich was already here.  I told him he is scheduled for the angioplasty of the renal artery next Friday.  I'll write more about that this weekend.  

After dinner I had another good experience.  I wanted to add the short movie of Brooke to this blog, but it was too big.  I didn't know how to reduce it.  You can't crop a movie as you do a still photo.  I used the iMovie app and played with a few things, and I did it.  I've been trying to learn how to use iMovie for months.  What a good feeling.  If I don't become a Potter in my next life, I may become a film editor.  Anyhow here are selected clips of Brooke working the wheel in pottery class today with instructor Lindsay helping her. 

Then I must record my WW points for today.  Meeting MJ for lunch tomorrow at the 'Leaping'.

  

Post a comment Tags: brooke

Sunday

Felt so tired all day.  Head stuffy and B/P a bit up.  Which came first...stuffy head or elevated B/P?  It wasn't up much, but I was so happy I'd been able to discontinue the HCTZ  (my second B/P med) once I started WW.  I think it's the stuffy head that caused it to go up, but I'll keep a check on it.


Called Carolyn last night to check on Jim and to my surprise he was able to talk.  I thought for sure his jaw line would be painful.  He said he hasn't needed any pain meds and everything has gone well thus far.  He won't know whether he needs radiation and/or chemo until his visit to the surgeon on the 20th.  He's OK with it and happy to know there doesn't seem to be any nerve damage. 

Today I played 'Bejeweled' via Facebook.  It is sooo  addictive.  I think they have it rigged so that you get higher points the longer you play.   Last night I could see those jewel formations in my mind's eye as I was trying to fall asleep.

We were going to go to the movie, but didn't.  I read the paper and then felt  sooo sleepy again.  Decided to skip the ACTIVE today.  I also began reading again two books....one of which I started and read most of two years ago.  'Is Jesus God'?  by Michael Morwood...an ex RC priest from Austrailia.  He's now married and travels the lecture circuit speaking to groups interested in hearing what he has to say.  He's been to VB twice and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing him.  I can understand why the RC church has banned some of his books...i.e. 'Tomorrow's Catholic'.  However, most of what he says seems right on target for today's Catholic.   The other book is one I'd heard about on NPR one day.  'Normal At Any Cost' / Susan Cohen and Chritine Cosgrove Tall Girls, Short Boys and the Medical Industry's Quest to Manipulate Height piqued my interest being taller than all my classmates throughout my school days.  I was interested to read that many of my experiences were shared by others.  I was glad however that my mother never looked into giving me estrogen to bring on early puberty and thus halt my growth.  Maybe she didn't know about it.  Thank God.  Those girls who took estrogen had many, many complications later in life.   Cultural values have changed considerably since the 40s and 50s when 'being a tall girl' was more or less perceived as a handicap.  No longer are these treatments given and tall girls today have greater acceptance by society at large.  I'm just now getting into the part about short boys (and girls too) who were given human growth hormone.  Cadaver pituitaries were used and years later many of the recipients of this hormone suffered from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) which is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder.  Now the hormone is made synthetically.  There was a whole industry involved in this horrible experiment.  I still have much more of the book to read.

No hummingbirds have visited our spa.  My beautiful hanging baskets of petunias, gardenias and verbena are not attracting the birds to the nectar right there waiting for them to imbibe.   I  must be patient.  Cousin Marn in NJ said none have been to her area recently and a few weeks ago they were all around her.

Almost forgot to record....yesterday (Saturday) Brooke called all excited asking me to guess what she just got.  A kitten.  She has named the orange tabby 'mittens'.  She isn't sure they will keep it and she told me an "agreement has been made".  The 'agreement' to which she and Trevor must both agree...not sure if they have to sign it or not...requires them to do all of their chores and keep the litter box clean.  They now have a dog, a hampster, a kitten, frogs and ants too, I think.  I don't know, but that hampster cage smelled pretty awful when I was over there the other day.   I hope they'll honor their agreement 'cause I think their mother means business.  


2 comments Tags: books, brooke