Another Exercise in Frustration

Today we had planned to spend the entire day at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison (WI) for medical testing. Because they would be dilating Peter's eyes, I went along as designated driver, and we hit the road at 6:15 a.m. We were home by 2:00 p.m., however, due to errors and complications on the VA's part, and we only got half of Peter's tests done. So we can look forward to another trip for the second round [sigh].

We were lucky that Mom was available to get Miss P. off to school this morning. Mom came down Sunday afternoon and we all went out to Olive Garden for an overdue birthday lunch. Since Sunday was her wedding anniversary, I'm glad we could spend the day together. She's getting through this first year as a widow, only Thanksgiving is left ahead.

So Much for Good Intentions

Yes, I was blogging almost daily ... but that was when I was home on vacation! Daily life has been kicking my butt lately.

At work, we're in the midst of budget and operational planning for 2009, and I'm not getting home before 8:00 p.m. most weeknights. After that, Miss Payton and I wrangle with homework (hers and mine!) and try to stay awake longer than the other one. (I'll admit it, some nights she wins.)

We had a quick visit with Mom over the weekend, and celebrated her birthday. We also hit the outlet mall, to see where she now works (Harry & David's). No wonder she likes it there.

Losing a Daughter (in Law)

I've been avoiding writing about this sad news. But we recently got the word that Michael's wife Emily plans to end their 4-year marriage.

Michael and Emily have been separated since January, but they had plans as late as last month to resume their relationship at Emily's place in Pittsburgh. Receiving divorce papers in the mail caught Michael by surprise last week.

We've been fond of Emily and will miss having her as a member of our family. Grandson Jann (now 3 years old) lives with his mom (and Michael continues to live with us). Here's a picture of Michael with baby Jann in 2006.

Ariel Turns 12

Tuesday was Ariel's 12th birthday (Sept. 23) ... We haven't seen her in more than six years, since she lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her father, step-mom, and half brother Logan (in this photo, taken in 2007).

Ariel looks so much like her mother's photos at this age. If Peter, Payton and I get to visit PA/NJ later this fall, I hope she'll want to see us. I know we'd love to see her.

A Quiet Day

A little gaming, a little cooking, and lots of disappointment (the Bears lost a close one!) ... that was our day today.

Came across a family photo I should have routed months ago (taken in March 2008), proving my need for this blog! From left, that's grandson Jann (age 2-1/2), son Michael (Jann's father), granddaughter Payton, me, and Peter.

Saturday Afternoon at Home

A quiet Saturday at home, one of a handful Peter and I have had together this year. He's usually working OT on Saturdays and, when he's not, I often run in to the office. Miss Payton had a whole list of activities she wanted us to supply today, all of which require more time and/or money than we care to spend (some things don't change). But she got a few of them :)

I had a nice phone conversation with Mary Beth Szabo (above, right), who has always been so kind to Payton. She says that she and husband Bob (Payton's paternal grandfather) are well; same with Garnetta (Bob's 81-year-old mother). Andrew (Payton's father) is in Arizona now, and is enrolled in a program to help him overcome a long-time problem, a great first step ... we wish him well.

Bethannie Heads Home

Like a whirlwind, Hurricane Bethannie came and went, leaving this morning for her 15-hour trip back to Colorado. It was a long drive for just a two-day visit, but we're all glad she came.

As usual, Payton took her mommy's departure hard. Peter and I spent extra time with Payton, and we all played hooky today. Visits to the Pumpkin Patch and to the apple orchard for cider doughnuts and berry-picking did distract her for a bit. By this afternoon, Payton was her sweet, funny self again (ah, to be 10!)