Trip to the ER

Squirt's blood pressure has been extremely high over the last several weeks, the Home Health nurse and her doc's office told her she was in stroke territory and told her to go to the ER. Finally at 8pm she decided that was a wise decision and we drove to the hospital. She was hooked up to an IV, got an EKG, blood work, chest X-ray. Blood pressure was 180/120, not good.

It was determined to be pleurisy, but the blood pressure needs to be addressed and she sees her doc this morning.

As the doc was asking her some questions about her medical history, she forgot to tell him about her enlarged heart 20 years ago so I piped up saying, "Squirt..." And proceeded to tell about it. The doc turned to Kristi and said "Squirt, can I call you that. " To which Squirt replied, only if you'll call her Miss U.

I checked out the IV bag - Hospira!!! Plus made in Austin.
Rick saved her life.

Americans...

I hope that we are not so PCed and sissified that this is no longer true. I hope Americans still have the will to do what needs to be done to ensure our own survival.

"Joy" banner

Paige made herself a banner like this last year; evidently I loved it so she decided to make one for me. She asked me if I remembered, no. But when I see her banner hanging in the empty pic frame (she changes this out with different decos for each season/holiday) this year I'm sure I will say, I want one of those!! Such a thoughtful, crafty, talented, capable, highly competent, creative daughter of mine. Also dedicated: she stood in line at the Post Office 45 min get it mailed.

Shopping

I enjoy shopping and have been doing a lot lately, some for Christmas and some for me. I finished all my Christmas shopping yesterday. The internet is a handy thing, and with lists from my peeps, it's quite easy; I did at least half of my shopping online.

But shopping for me.
I ordered a knee high pair of black boots with heels for me; they finally arrived 2 days ago and I really like them, just what I wanted. They cost $60. Then I was at Payless and found another pair that I really liked for $30. But, these have flat heels, and I particularly wanted the heels to wear with dresses and skirts for church. I won't ever wear the other pair tucked into jeans, or even more casual. But $30 difference! I decided to get the ones with heels that I wanted. And even $60 is cheap for a pair of boots, obviously not leather.

I had some things to take back to Kohl's on Mon.
I ordered online a dress from Dress Barn (like the one I bought then took back in Sept only a brownish color) that was on sale for $25, down from the original $50 price. I went to Dress Barn yesterday and found the red and black dress marked down to $25, which is the color I really wanted, plus I had a coupon for $10 off so the dress now cost me $15 when I bought it. When the other comes in, I will just return it to the store.

At Chris' wedding I bought $700 of dresses as I decided which to wear, and kept only one for $130 (I think that was the price, which is waaaay more than I usually spend, but it was the right color and I liked it and how it fit).

I find that I take back more items than I keep. I wonder when the stores will catch on to me and either tell me to stop or start charging me for it.

Zoya's toys

I usually take Zoya for another walk around 4:00 to 5:00; yesterday she came to me at that time and started whimpering. If she just wants to go outside she goes to the door and whimpers, so I knew she was telling me, Time for a walk! I said No walk, I don't want to go. She continued whimpering and then as I continued telling her no, she started barking. Alright, alright! Go get your vest and leash. She excitedly went over to her basket, jumping and turning in circles.

Chris and Alyona said last night she got all her toys out of the basket, wanting them to play with her. She really is a very good tempered dog; she will be a great pet for their kids.

She loves to shake and kill her toys, none of them have any stuffing left.

Fun Christmas activities

Last night at 6:30 the four of us, Rick, Chris, Alyona, and me left for a live nativity/life of Jesus event at a local church. It was to be outside. We arrived - huge groups of people - stood in line for 20 min and it looked like another 30 at least. Rick's hip was hurting a lot, so we left and got some yummy pizza rollup things at a pizza place.

Then we drove to a cul-de-sac that always has a fun Christmas display telling the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Beautiful, as usual. I love this time of year. And because we are in Texas, not freezing cold, nice weather also.

Chris thought about bringing Zoya. So many people, it was a good thing he didn't.

Santas

Santas or elves? At any rate, they are ready for Christmas.