A Week with Mom

deeinva

Jul 6

A Look At Our Week

Last Saturday I packed up and headed to my sister's house. Her family had planned a cruise back in 2020 and it was finally happening! I was on Mom duty for the week! I broke a rule and left my house in non-perfect condition! We had just finished with the two girls visiting and I did not have time or the energy to get everything back in order so I left it all until I returned. And the world kept right on turning, hmm, who knew!?

Traveling Times

My cousin was getting married Saturday evening and I was all set to arrive in time to take Mom to the wedding. I planned my trip with plenty of time to chill and rest before changing and getting ready for the wedding. Well, I should have known better because Mom had other plans! She needed new shoes for this wedding so I did a no chill quick change and we were off to Belks. After she found the perfect shoe we were ready for the wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and I was touched by the groom's words during the ceremony and the family members toasts during the reception. Mom had a great time! My cousin from the other side of the family used to work with the bride so we were able to sit with her and catch up during the reception. Our first night went very well and we were both in good spirits.

Sunday afternoon we attended a funeral of the husband of my sister's good friend. It was a beautiful service and tribute and Mom was glad she decided to go with me. After the service we picked up subs and a salad for dinner. I had brought all of my sewing supplies with me to keep me busy and I also needed more items for an upcoming craft show I'm attending. I turned my sister's living room into my sewing room and sewed during any down time I had during the week. I got a lot done! I made my niece some scrub caps with ponytail holders attached, kid aprons, adult aprons, coin purses, baked potato bags and a few other odds and ends. It was quite the productive week!

One of Mom's biggest complaints is that she never gets to go anywhere now that she is not driving. Now I know my sister takes her out several times a week to wherever she wants or needs to go but for this week I made the deal with her that we would go one place everyday. But only one place a day! We did break that rule a couple of times but she definitely enjoyed getting out. Monday she asked if we could go to Kingston, TN and visit my aunt. She lives with her son and daughter-in-law now and it had been awhile since Mom had visited with her. I made the arrangements and we arrived just in time for lunch. My cousin grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and it was nice catching up with everyone. Mom and my aunt sat on the front porch swing together and my cousins and I found some shade in the back yard and chatted. I figured Mom would catch her a nap while she was rocking and I was right! When we came back around front she was enjoying the beautiful day and napping in the swing. That's a good cue that it's time to go home! That night I fixed pork chops mom had bought and mashed potatoes and peas.

Tuesday was my brother's day. We stopped by to see him that afternoon and enjoyed catching up with him and his pups. On our way home we stopped by a favorite store or ours, Pop Shelf. For dinner we had hamburgers with french fries. I had brought some of my fresh lettuce and we used that on our burgers. After dinner I got busy sewing and Mom headed to her chair. I also had my niece's dog for the week. Dolly is the sweetest girl and followed me wherever I went. She was my sewing partner and bedtime buddy. Every evening when it cooled off a little we would go out on the back deck and play ball. She had a great week with Auntie D.

Wednesday my guy came town to see me! I missed him and I believe he missed me too! He took Mom and I to Knoxville to Joann Fabrics and then we dropped Mom off at Belks with her scooter while we went to Five Below and Home Goods. Mom loves the independence of her scooter and enjoys being able to shop without my sister or I always asking why she is buying something. After our shopping excursions we had a late lunch/early dinner at Dean's Restaurant, a yummy local restaurant. Mom had salmon patties, my guy had a Cesar salad (and the rest of Mom's meal) and I had grilled chicken. I was working hard with my diet this week so we passed on the delicious desserts they offer. Later that evening my guy and I visited his favorite local bar for a night cap.

Thursday my guy headed back home. He had thought he might stop along his way and hike but the air quality alerts changed his plans. I thought Mom and I might have the day off from going out but she quickly decided she could take a trip to Hobby Lobby. I believe her watching me sew all week had inspired her to make something herself. When we got home she napped and I continued sewing. That night we had taco salads for dinner from a local Mexican restaurant.

Mom was so excited for our Friday plans. She used to go pick up my aunt all the time and they would go shopping and to Captain D's for lunch. They haven't been able to do this since Mom quit driving. So we picked up my aunt and went to Marshall's. While they were shopping I went next door to Home Depot to look for a nut for a screw that had came loose on Mom's scooter. I was able to find what I needed and still had plenty of time to check out Marshall's. After that we were shopped out so we headed to Captain D's for lunch. This aunt is my Mom's sister-in-law although they are more like sisters. They have been friends since they were very young and have shared a lifetime of memories together. It was a great day. That night I worked on my sewing projects until late and started packing up.

During the week I was able to keep track of my sister's location by checking her Snapchat map. It was fun to watch as their little boats floated across the ocean. They had a great trip and Mom and I had a great week together too. I was definitely ready to get back home though!

Celebrating Independence

Our city had their 4th of July celebration on Saturday evening. My guy, Bro and I headed to the Covered Bridge Park after our dinner out. We tried a new Asian/Mexican Fusion restaurant in Johnson City. The first part of the celebration was a concert by a REO Speedwagon/Survivor/Loverboy cover band. It was a great show and very nostalgic. After the concert the fireworks show started. When we first moved here we had checked out the local fireworks show and were not impressed. They have really upped their game since then and this year's show was incredible! On Tuesday we celebrated with a traditional American cook out, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans and deviled eggs. For dessert we had black raspberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. 'Merica!

Gardening Fun

The garden looked amazing when I arrived back home! My guy did a great job while I was away! My weed mats are still doing a great job and I was able to get everything weeded again in no time. I was curious what was happening with the carrots so I pulled a couple to see what we had. I was also worried that with the temps rising we would lose what we did have. I ended up with two of the cutest carrots ever! We chopped them up in our salad this week and I worked hard to find one and get a solo bite. It was delicious! I've tried growing carrots several times and never had any luck. This year I tried them in the raised bed and it worked! We are still getting tons of lettuce and blueberries. Our black raspberries are done and the blackberries are starting to come in. I found two peaches to bring in to finish ripening. The others on the tree are not looking too great and are starting to rot on the tree before they ripen. The pear tree is full of pears this year! We were only able to harvest two pears last year so we are so excited! The apples are looking great and growing each day. The deer have found them and have been taste testing a few.

I recently ordered a seed organizer. Before this they have all gone in their original packs and in a Ziploc bag in the cabinet. I'm loving this organizer and got it all set up this week just in time for my fall seedling plantings!