Setbacks aren't fun. Especially when it's a setback from a setback. It's been disconcerting enough to lose the majority of my summer after my June 5 fall...but after being as "good" as I could and following the doctor's and therapist's instructions pretty much to the letter and making what I thought was good progress, I pulled a muscle DURING a therapy session. That put put me back on non-weight bearing status again and has halted much of the progress I'd experienced up until now.

At least the newest injury came at a time when I didn't so much mind just sitting in a chair. Lyric (my cousin/best friend) arrived here from California on Wednesday and, still nursing both foot and shoulder injuries, isn't exactly wanting to go rock climbing either. So we're enjoying TV, movies, long talks, a little bit of work, and online shopping for Christmas cards and gifts. Tomorrow the Papa is going to drop these two grandmothers off at a spa/resort to relax and be pampered (since what we've been doing is so strenuous). Just what I need before diving into another year of homeschooling!

You may have heard the ruckus lately over whether AARP will support Obamacare. They have pretended to be independent and still mulling over whether to get behind it, but it now appears that with the president dropping the so-called "public option" (as if it won't be brought back next year), AARP will quickly scramble on board the moving train. Why do I care? Well, in addition to the fact that the AARP is arguably the most powerful lobby in the country, Granny, at 55, is now old enough to join the organization. And I get nice little mailings all the time inviting me to do what every other respectable senior citizen does and send in my dues. But the Papa and I will be joining one of the alternative organizations, thank you very much.

Our personal contractor (son-in-law Dave) will be starting in the next week or so to resurface and enlarge our deck. The Papa has this fantasy of having a deck that goes pretty much all the way around the house, and though this phase won't get us there, it will certainly get us closer...

Daughter Beth, 19, is upstairs wretching from a stomach virus. Her sisters check her Facebook status every few minutes to see if she needs anything. ARE WE A CRAZY FAMILY OR WHAT?

Today our Miracle Sam turned 5. Grandson Samuel had a rather unpromising start in life (humanly speaking) and has probably undergone more hospitalizations than I have. Nevertheless, he's the family firecracker, a little tiny bolt of lightning that darts from pillar to post sporting the cutest grin you've ever seen. We are so grateful for Sam; for his parents who have taken such good care of him that he's reached this birthday looking none the worse for the wear; and for the God who obviously has big plans for Sam! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAM!

Most of our fall schedule has "fall"-en into place: piano lessons, online literature classes, local science classes, the older kids' college classes, church activities, jobs...it's a regular Rubik's cube trying to figure out the logistics of times, available vehicles and drivers, and fees for this and that. But as I said last week, the routine brings a certain amount of comfort and predictability that I'm looking forward to. And all the mad dashes make Sundays even more welcome, don't they?

Have a great week!

Labels: Grandkids, Homemaking, Homeschooling, Political Observation