Friday:) Friends, Food, and Filling Up The Fridge

“Normal life continued on, heedless of the occasion.”~ Alison Fox

***********************

Well, I woke up this morning still suffering some with back pain. I decided to call my doctor to see if I could get in right away. After nearly 20 minutes on hold, the first available appointment would be next Tuesday at 3 with the PA, physician assistant. By then, I should feel better or be dead. I figured if the pain gets unbearable, I’ll just go to one of those walk-in urgent care places or the ER.

Today I was a little better, but not great. I hadn’t eaten much in the past 3 days and had nothing interesting in my fridge, so I asked my neighbor, Miss Kathy, if she wanted to go out to lunch. We went to Palio’s for Italian food. Miss Kathy drove, this way I could see if I was mobile enough for a car ride.

It’s good to get back to normal, or at least as normal as I can get. 🤦‍♀️ Instead of Black Russian Friday, Kathy invited me over for hot tea and coffee Friday. Her cats are so happy to have me back home, too.

After lunch, I came home, hopped in my car, (not really hopped, more like slowly slithered into) and drove over to Kroger to buy groceries to fill up my empty fridge. I only spent $77 and got a lot of good stuff. I even bought some raw black eyed peas so I can make my traditional Southern New Year black eyed peas. (It’s a Southern thing.) I’ve never soaked and cooked them from scratch before. Wish me luck.

It’s almost New Year’s Eve and hopefully a great New Year is ahead for us. Happy Friday my friends.

Thankful Thursday:) So Many Blessings

. “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all other virtues.” — Cicero

************************

Today is my first full day home after visiting my Chicago friends and family for 25 days. It was a wonderful busy wild and crazy visit.

I came home to a clean house and tons of mail to go through, and an empty fridge. I haven’t unpacked, checked the mail or gone to the store to restock the fridge. Sometime last evening, my back that had been a little funky and sore for a few days really acted up. It was so bad during the night that I almost called 911. It’s a bit better today, but not great. So, I’ll see what tomorrow brings. I’m just glad I got home before this all happened and not far away, being a burden on family. Feeling thankful and blessed.

The fridge may be empty, but not my thankful heart. (Note the fuzzy green moldy muffins that I came home too.🤦‍♀️) Cheers!

Wednesday:) Where in the World is Miss Toni?

“There’s nothing half so pleasant as going home again.”

~Martha Elizabeth Sangster

***************************

“All my bags are packed. I’m ready to go…🎼.” After 25 days in Grandma-land, time to go back home.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do after 25 days of non-stop excitement with the grandchildren, family, and awesome friends. Back to the quiet world of Miss Toni in Texas.

Happy Wednesday, my friends.

Montage Monday:) A Week in an After Christmas in Grandma-land Peek

“Every house needs a grandmother in it”

-Louisa May Alcott

*****************

And here I am…

Happy day after Christmas.

Sunday:) Merry Christmas from Grandma-land

“Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united.”

—Norman Vincent Peale

************************

Lots of excitement, presents, toys, games and playing today. ❤️

Saturday:) Christmas Eve in Grandma

“Merry Christmas Eve, or better know as the calm before the storm.” –

Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

**************************

We had a good day. Grandma was babysitting while mommy and daddy had a night off. Everyone did great and slept well. All of us in the same bed. Even the dog. 🤦‍♀️

We got up, watched cartoons, did crafts, ate Cheerios and had fun. We played until the parents got home after lunch.

Later in the afternoon, Joe and I went to 3pm Mass at St. Norbert. It was VERY crowded. And…. Sooo cold out.

The rest of the day was busy. Nana came over with Hanukkah presents, and the evening was getting ready for Christmas. These are two lucky little girls. They get to celebrate both. Can you say… SO MANY PRESENTS?

Friday:)Frightfully Freezing Adventures in Grandma-land

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

Ranulph Fiennes

****************

Well, the temperature here in Northbrook is currently -1°, but the wind chill says -33°. That’s some serious cold. I didn’t even poke my nose outside the door today except to give the pizza delivery guy an extra tip.

Continuing adventures in Grandma-land.

The girls worked on gingerbread houses while daddy shoveled the snow.

We played beauty salon and Belle painted my nails purple and her sister’s pink. Her red lipstick was stunning. (And all over her face) 🤦‍♀️

Pizza for dinner, playing, stories, and fooling around until bedtime… then more fooling around. 🤦‍♀️

Happy Friday/ almost Christmas. ❤️

Thursday:)Those Continuing Adventures in Grandma-land

“Having somewhere to go is home – having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.” ~Unknown

***********’

Another fun-filled day in Grandma-land.

More crafts and activities.

There was an impromptu ballet recital and making of paper snowflakes while the real snow came tumbling down outside.

We did some silly dancing before bed with Minions dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean.” 🕺🏼

Winding down? Getting ready for Christmas. 🎄

Happy Thursday, my friend.

Wednesday:) What’s Happenin’ in Grandma-land?

“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”

~Mother Teresa

***************

Another exciting day in Grandma-land. We did some activities in the books from Auntie Debbie. Later, we went to the library in the morning, had lunch, then the girls and mommy went to open gymnastics. Then, more snacking, eating, playing, lighting the candles and all the pre-bedtime rituals. A busy day.

🕎

I hope you’re having a wonderful Wednesday.

Tuesday:) Toni’s Continuing Adventures in Grandma-land

“In time of test, family is best.” – Burmese Proverb.

****************

Another busy day in Grandma-land. We worked on some craft projects, colored, played all kinds of games like “Grandma the blanket thief”, and snacked a lot.

The little one wanted some “Daddy Ice Cream.l” this afternoon. Apparently, when she was in the store with Mommy, she saw Daddy’s picture on the Ben and Jerrys ice cream and asked why Daddy’s picture was in there. Cute? Turns out that she thinks Daddy looks like Jimmy Fallon from the Tonight Show. I agree.

Daddy makes good ice cream.

Jimmy Fallon or Joe?

Another fun and funny day in Grandma-land.