Rainy Saturday

Rain fell all day today. I wonder what someone visiting West Michigan for the first time would think. Every parking lot has piles and piles of well-insulted snow and filth. Filthy snow is hideous.

Thursday I picked up twigs and branches that had blown off the tree. THGGM found it curious that I was choosy about which branches I actually picked up. That's easy. I picked up all the curvy, knobby magnolia branches. I've plans to make some more crepe paper bouquets with those. White ones, this time. I'd hoped to complete that today, but sadly, I did not.

What did I do? I'm trying to remember. The day started with our blood plasma donation. I'm sure it's because we are both weird, but THGGM and I actually ENJOY doing this. He finished reading "The Shack" and Philip Gulley's "Front Porch Tales". I'm having trouble reading, so lately have opted to look at inspirational pictures in my vaste collection of Somerset Studio magazines.

Strangely enough, THGGM and I have a competition of sorts over the whole donation process. It's a race. Yesterday, I was the winner. My entire process took only 45 minutes. A record for me. This means that from my appointment time until they unhooked me from the machine took only an hour. And I made thirty dollars. I like to think this is pay back for that day we both spent four looooong hours there and neither of us were able to donate.

I can't bare to hear anything more about the economy. The only bright spot is that I keep hearing that it hasn't been this bad since the early 1980's. Really? It was bad then? I thought it was just us.

Daughter has finished her full-time training for her new job. I don't know who is more relieved. Her, me, or Jonge and Famke who dearly missed her. By Thursday, Jonge could not take it anymore. He had a major melt down of "I want mommy". I felt so bad for him. I love seeing Famke hurry over to him to give him a hug, pat his back and tell him, "I 'ove you".

That reminds me.., Famke's little fiesty personality is such a joy to watch! She isn't as a 1 1/2 year old AT ALL what I thought she was going to be. She was such a calm, quiet, complacent baby - at least around me. Now, she is a bubbly little personality who is always running away, turning around, gesturing and saying "Come on, guys! Come on!"

I realize that I post A LOT about my grandchildren. So sue me. :)

Thursday while I was changing Famke's diapers, Jonge disappeared into the bathroom. He is totally potty trained so this isn't news. The diaper ended up being a bigger deal than normal, and soon Jonge appeared with a toothbrush in his hand. He happily announced to me, "First I used MY toothbrush, then I used Pake's toothbrush, and now I am using YOUR toothbrush!"

(note to self. purchase new toothbrushes for everyone.)

Friday I also realized that I seriously underestimated how far it is to go from my house to the nursing home in Hudsonville and then to the doctor's office in East Grand Rapids. The entire event took four hours - round trip. If it weren't for the fact that it is officially 'pot hole season' it would have been pleasant. My dad was very talkative. I'm expecting that when I take him home on Monday he is going to dance a gig out the door, do cartwheels in the parking lot and insist that HE be the one to drive his own car home.

Does anyone who reads this enjoy embroidery? Vicki, at Turkey Feathers www.turkeyfeathers.typepad.com has been offering a free download on her blog. She also has put out a book that I would love to own someday. Visit Vicki. You will NOT be disappointed.

After our blood donations today we made a quick stop at the thrift store. I came in WAAAY under budget at $2.25. I was happy to pick up two books that I used to own but can no longer find. www.simplythrift.blogspot.com

I'm now the proud owner of ten pair of white socks with my dad's first initial and last name emblazoned across the souls in permanent black laundry marker. They cut off the circulation in his bad ankle. Since the first initial and last name is my maiden name, I shall wear them proudly, and try to bring back that 50's greaser look with the white socks. I'm such a fashion trend-setter, you know.

Oh. And lunch today was at Hunan. My favorite.

Then a quick trip to THE MALL. It has a name, but I can never remember what it is. I only went to Barnes and Noble and used some of my blood money to purchase the new Somerset Studio magazine. Since I've quit being so obsessive/compulsive about owning EVERY magazine, I spent awhile perusing it before I determined that it was worth every drop of my plasma. It was, as long as I used my Barnes and Noble discount.

That brings us to tonight. My hope is to rewind HGTV and fall asleep to the sound of home improvements. OTHER people's home improvements. I'll seek to improve MY home after I catch up on some much needed rest.

Why can't the time change suck an hour out of the work week? I need my sleep.