Thursday,June 5th

I could not stand the OH WOE IS ME POST!
So some pictures to view. Below is the Pavilion and patio area viewed from the big deck. This is a view of the inside of the garage from the side entrance area.

Full view from the pier walkway lake.side
View from the pier walkway of the party area, Big Deck, patio and Pavilion..

Today started off early as usual for some. I did not sleep well....and moaned and groaned as I moved to get out of bed. I promise this is not gonna become a oh woe is me post, but truthfully that has been the way my day was. I decided I have to move to overcome this soreness ... stiffness or whatever it is because being still makes it worse. I left about 830 headed to get a pedicure and manicure...hehehe and sit in the massage chairs while doing so. I stopped and got Marcia on my way and she joined me. We were too early so we went to Wal Mart to do a lil shopping while waiting for them to open. My shopping included more BC powder for pain and more band aids, lol. I got most of the things that have been accumulating on my list that did not require refrigeration. I was pretty miserable mostly forcing myself to move about. Then back to the pedicure place. We got right in and the massage chairs felt good to my back....my elbow is still oozing... not sure what is with that but it has been from the start. I looked like an old woman maneuvering around to get my pedicure and manicure....I was glad I could not speak the same language as the pedicurist, lol. This was relaxing however, I guess its just being forced to sit still but when I did need to move to change feet etc it was comical to most. Marcia and I went to the mall for some more torture for me, lol. When the errands were completed there I carried her home and made one more stop to get ice cream... like Brooke tells me ice cream makes everything feel better.It was approaching 2 when I got home and I knew I had to take a swim in the lake. I had a nice swim and just relaxed the rest of the day even took a nap. This lake water cures everything....seriously I have seen it cure many things like mosquito bites, poison ivy and ring worm. Right now I am trying to figure out how to make a whirl pool out of the swimming hole, lol. If I ever needed my whirlpool tub it is now...but it is still not installed.

The guys all had a very lazy day... They basically napped , watched TV and ate. I did not even cook a single meal today. I guess it seems like a boring place today but no one complained and Pat filled the pontoon with gas but no one wanted to cruise. I suspect tomorrow will be a more active day for all.

The house is progressing and I think next week they will start the rock and the tin for the roof.

Much of the day has been spent on the phone trying to make plans for the 6 flags trip next week. One would think this is not a complicated thing but its called coordination, lol. With folks from Mississippi and Alabama to meet up with Me, Chris and Brooke coming from North Carolina and hopefully with Brandon from Georgia and Dustin in Bham... Chloe is in Tuscaloosa now at a swim camp so we are trying to figure out how to get her to join in with us, lol. This will be a trip to remember for a lifetime if it happens. I can barely move from one chair to the next and I am fixing to go walk at 6 flags all day lol. I really feel I will be better in a few days but it seems I am still getting worse, lol. OK I lied it is an Oh woe is me post.

Wednesday, June 4th

Last night for some strange reason I started having trouble with my left hip. I suspect it was from twisting and turning on the pontoon ride. I woke to find it was no better. I can barely pick up my left foot when I have been motionless for a bit, but after I get moving I get better, so I figure it will go away. Today was a very very relaxing day. I cooked the long time favorite and tradition chocolate and biscuits for breakfast about 8. Dustin came for breakfast and Susan must have smelled something was up at my house cause she called but never was able to get there for breakfast. I know Randy and Brandon had to wish they were here instead of on the road to Orange Beach, lol. After breakfast we (Chris, Dustin. Kyle, Blake, Pat and myself) all sat and talked about all kinds of things and time just flew by. I looked up and it was 1245 we decided to eat lunch then take a nice pontoon ride. I was very privileged to spend the day with some of my favorite men. We went to the cliffs to see that the graffiti we put there last summer was still there. The guys all climbed up to jump off. I was trying to figure out how I was gonna get off the pontoon with my bad left hip and to the rocks with my camera without getting it wet. I finally decided to place the camera on the front deck of the pontoon and just jump in and drag the pontoon to where I could touch and get the camera.. a great plan... but I was so worried about getting my camera wet that when I jumped in I forgot and had my very costly glasses on... they came off... but I was quick to grab them. Can't believe I was so forgetful. I took pics and will post a few and clips as well, but then came the challenge of getting back in the boat. The rocks were slippery because of not being walked on much... and all the guys were doing their part to help me.

Blake says, "Don't fall in Mamaw."

...Dustin says, "Be careful the rocks are slippery! "

...Chris says, "Let me help you."...Kyle say, "Let me hold the camera."You know me I can do it myself ... I assured them I can handle this. Well as I stepped to a rock that was making it a not too big step for my left leg.. the rock shifted and threw me in the lake and I hit my elbow on a rock then my back on another rock that knocked the breath out of me. My camera did go in the water... after I got my breathe I was OK but I had a hole in my elbow a scrape on my back and I hurt all over even to breathe. I forgot all about my left hip, lol.

We went on to the island by the cliffs to swim a bit and my camera worked just fine as I took many pictures of the guys. The water there is pretty muddy and red so I just stayed in the pontoon and watched. There was a wonderful breeze all day. It was great visiting with Dustin. We got to spend more time with him than we have be able to in many years. We hope to get some more time with him and Jacy and with Brandon and Christy while we are here. It is looking like most everyone is gonna be able to make the SIX FLAGS TRIP next week.

This clip is Dustin jumping even thou one might think its Kyle by the way the feet are moving.

Chris blowing smoke as we chat and ride, lol.

Tuesday, June 3rd

Today was sunny as I had hoped. There was a nice breeze most of the day, but it was still hot. We just hung out at the house in the morning time watching the construction workers put up trusses on the pavilion section and covering them with plywood. It is really looking nice in that area. I talked to the contractor this afternoon to see when they would start the rock work and he thinks they will start next week. Wwe still have not got the front entrance roof section done so I can see the full view of the road side roof line and I found out it will be awhile. I guess I will quit thinking about that and think more on the bathrooms. I plan to make another shopping trip for lights, fans and faucets this week.

Pat, Kyle, Blake and I took a pontoon ride mid day so I could sun while touring homes. I tell you it was so nice. Kyle and Blake both drove the boat some and Pat was able to sun as well. It was a very pleasant trip. The pontoon is running just fine so I am thinking we will take a trip to the dam soon. After lunch we all had a nice swim and Dustin came by just in time to join us. We really enjoyed the visit with Dustin and hope to get a chance to visit again soon and with Jacy as well. Chris got here about 430 and was able to visit with Dustin as well. I could kick myself cause I was busy cooking and let so many pictures go by. All the boys got out and played ladder ball and another game I had bought having to do with magnetic yard darts and I have no pictures. Josh and Hannah came to visit as well and I fixed taco dip and hanburgers for all. Marcia came to visit with me while her grandson was at football. Mom and Dad came by to see Chris and to pick up Hannah and Josh. We had a pretty full day but was low stress for sure. I am really mad at myself on the pictures ... I will just have to do better tomorrow. I took a few pictures on the pontoon ride but most of the house from the lake, lol but they don't look a lot different than they did last time I posted some.

June Begins

Just in case I haven't told you lately I have 12 months and 28 days until retirement.

The 1st day of June was filled with relaxing and visiting. I cooked a good lunch ribs on the grill, cream potatoes, corn and lima beans and even made a pound cake. Mom and Dad came to visit after they took their Sunday afternoon nap. Greg and Marcia came to visit after supper and we just got caught up on whats been going on with the kids/ grandkids etc. The boys have just about got caught up on their TV time. Kyle has done some fishing the last few days. Pat and Kyle did get other jetski out of the lake.

Monday started early and I was anxious to go look at siding and rock. The boys wanted to go with me so we decided to make it a full day. I left here before 9 and went to look at siding in Jasper before heading to Bham. My friend Mickey called me just as I was leaving Jasper so I went by his office to visit with him and Terri for a bit. I could have visited much longer than I did. I hope to make another trip to see them soon... maybe this week. I had thought it was gonna rain today which is why I went to Bham. It was a gorgeous day...so I missed a good sun day, but I did get a lot accomplished. We went to see my friend Rhonda's house and got lost a couple of times getting there, lol. I sure wish I had the GPS today. I have never driven in Bham much so it was an experience for all. After tracking down the rock place we went to eat lunch at O'Charley's the food was good and I think we all enjoyed. Blake is such a shopper that I had to take him to Galleria while we were close... He had no problem finding something he just could not live without. Kyle and Tyler need to take some lessons from Blake on shopping. after the mall we stopped at Dairy Queen for ice cream and then back to Rhonda's subdivision to look at homes. I found out my turnaround area is no smaller than most. I am not sure how many get in their garage without having a small car or many attempts. I got some ideas on several things... so maybe I can make more decisions now. I think it will be an early turnin for most of us. Chris will get here tomorrow sometime so things will liven up a bit.

Saturday, May 31st

Today was very quiet here. However there was still no sleeping late. Randy called to see if Kyle wanted to work today...which I knew he would want to. So Kyle was up and ready to go and of course I had to see him off... make sure he had food and water, etc. Pat mowed the yard once he got awake and I mopped and vacumned and did some general cleanup. Blake had a leisure day...doing the things he does best... watching TV and shopping. In the afternoon I wanted to check out the new driveway close to the road so Blake and I went shopping .. with no real intentions other than bread and milk...just kinda looking and browsing...checking out various stores that I enjoy browsing in. We did not find anything major we could not live without. I did remember to buy measuring cups and looked for the electric knife but did not find one... but we did not go to walmart, lol. We did locate a futon that might just be the ticket for my sewing room or possibly the playstation/xbox room.

Kyle did not get home until 530 ...so was a long day for him. He seemed to have enjoyed his working. He took a shower and ate thenI figured he would crash...but he took the paddle boat and went fishing for 2 hours. I don't think I mentioned that Kyle's report card did not meet his Dad's expectations so I had to take his keys and cell phone a few days ago....until Chris gets here. He has taken it like a man and just found other things to do.

I did not take any pictures today...shame on me. I called Brooke tonight and she seems ready for school to be out. I did mention to her the fact that she will have to wear uniforms going to school in Mississippi next year. She seem to know that and was cool with it. I am looking forward to seeing her in about 9 days. I have thuroughly enjoyed a leisure day with no plans and no commitments, lol.

Friday May 30th

Today was a busy day. I spent the morning getting the internet working again while watching the concrete being poured on the patio and front porch.. We had some concrete left on the truck, so we had them spread it on the driveway entrance at the road. This is a very good thing as we have a bad spot to get out of and the loose gravel makes it more difficult at times. I think everyone is looking forward to this.

We got the boat fixed by noonish so we went to check it out for a couple hours. Worked just fine and we all enjoyed some lake time.

There are advantages to having grandsons around. Kyle drove and pulled Blake on the tube while Pat and I relaxed and checked out various things on houses. I will say Kyle follows driving directions very well, lol.

Blake has gottten where he can make the tube go and do just what he wants.

Lakeside view of the house.

Roadside view of the house.

We all went out to town tonight to do some looking and shopping. We ran into cousin Slade at Wal Mart. It was nice to see him...I had not seen him since last years Myhand Family Reunion and its almost that time again. I think the boys needed to get out of the house a bit and I did too. Of course we went to Home Depot to look at stuff. I will be purchasing various things this next week and needed to do some browsing.

Thursday, May 29th

Today was overcast all morning but it never did rain. I did not cook a big breakfast this morning, I thought the lil kids would like cereal for a change.... but I was wrong ... NO ONE wanted cereal. I cooked a big pan of 21 biscuits and they had biscuits and butter or jelly.

The kids did swim a bit before time to go home. After lunch Tracy and Terri and the Gardner boys all loaded up to go to Mississippi. The Rigsby boys helped me get the house back in order. Kyle swears that Tracy always brings the rain with her and of course after she left the sun did come out and was a nice afternoon. Pat and the boys took the bass boat out tubing for a bit. I enjoyed the quiet of my lakehouse and some moments all alone.

I spent some time working on computer glitches that have been bugging me. Seems I can actually fix a few things and not just break things. I worked on some baby blankets I needed to finish as well.

The house progress is noticeable this week. Today they got the garage trusses up and partially covered. They also got the patio/pavilion ready to pour the concrete tomorrow. The house is taking shape nicely. One more gable for the front entrance will really make it look nice. I think that by this time next week that will happen.

This evening my friend Macia came by to visit while she was waiting on her grandson to do his football summer program stuff. Was nice to visit as always and dream of our retirement, lol.

You know how sometimes you just connect thoughts with someone...Well all afternoon I was thinking I needed to call my friend Rhonda , who lives somewhere around B'ham now and ask her some advice on a few things about my house, because she has built so many homes on the lake. I would be in B'ham on Monday or Tuesday and thought I might try to meet up with her. Just before dark someone knocks on the door and YES it was Rhonda.. she had passed by earlier going to a graduation and saw our house had grew, lol. Being as I have not heard from her this year she had no clue I had started the addition. I gave her a quick tour before it was too dark and we visited as quickly as we could cause she had to drive to B'ham still and be at work in the morning. It seems she will be off on Monday and Tuesday so we plan to get together and let her help me find a few things in B'ham. I am looking forward to this. Should be a fun day. I hope to focus on siding and rock and entry doors. But then I also need to pick out faucets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, door knobs and floors. Oh and yes the marble for the shower...... So many decisons to make, lol.