October 10, 2008

Hey, everyone, remember the Grubbs? 🙂 I know, I know. It’s been a while, but we’ve been busy, busy, and I just haven’t had a lot to report lately. Thought I should check in with everyone and let you know how it’s going.

It’s up and down with the back pain, but thankfully lately it’s mostly “up!” I had a pretty rough week 3 weeks ago, but we think it’s because I totally overdid it on the weekend. Let’s see, first there was the football game, walking from the Chestnut lot like we’ve always done, and then climbing WAY up in Smith Stadium for our seats. Then the next day we had a big choir event at church. Which meant standing up and sitting down over and over–bad move, it seems. I think I knew better than to do the up/down thing, but did it anyhow. Anyhow, the events combined made for a long week and more meds than usual. But I must say, I learned my lesson and next time (tomorrow!) we’ll get to the game much earlier and make the ascent into the stands a slower and more gradual process. Not to mention, I wouldn’t have missed either event. The game was terrific. And the choir special was very, very moving. Good job, friends. Lee pulled out all the stops with this one.

Things have gotten gradually better, until this week I’ve taken little or no pain medicine (other than Aleve and Tylenol). YEA! I am growing addicted to my little heat packs, though. I’ve heard the phrase “Have heating pad, will travel” more than once lately. Some folks have lots of fans–I have lots of heating pads. Some claim to fame, huh?

The bathroom renovation came to a grinding halt this week. Our fix-it guy has some major family problems (parent in the hospital), and his carpentry skills just went awry. So, painfully and awkwardly, we called in someone we had used before on other projects (thought he was retired or would’ve called him in the first place). We had to let the other one go (OI–that was awful. Mike was great and was very tactful). Now, here we go again. Thankfully the plumbing and wiring seem to be OK. It’s just the finish work–you know, walls, floor, tile, etc–that have to be completely redone. But the new guy has great artistic sense and vision. I think he can guide us where we lack experience. I’m just glad to move on. There have been some pretty rough days during the summer when I would have stayed home with my heating pad and a cup of tea, but couldn’t. Hey, what he cost us in money he saved me in sick days. Looking for something positive here ;-).

I’m excited to say that one of my best friends in the world is coming to visit the first of November. We taught together in Martinsville, and I’m so glad she’ll be able to take some time and come visit. Yippee!

Better run. I need to start making a list of materials so I can construct our Halloween costumes tomorrow. The concept is in the brain–now to put it together. We’ll see. I’m in it to win it this year. Can’t top last year’s costume (The Garden “ho”, for those that don’t know), but I’m going to give it my best.

Love to everybody. I have to tell you–when I feel down I just go back and re-read my cards or my guestbook here and it really is a spirit lifter. I am so blessed to have so many caring people in my life. Thanks to all for everything and blessings to everyone.

Anne & Mike