Kelly's Blog: September 2008

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Today's blog posting is in memory of Jeanne Zimmerman. Jeanne, I am glad you are finally at peace, but you will be missed.

Saturday, September 27th, 2008 PART 2

No more than two minutes after getting home from Mom and Dad's tonight, the second half of our night began. Right when walking in the door I picked up Pepper as I always do, Troy pet him, and I set him down. I went to get the mail and when I came back in, Pepper was meowing loudly, took a couple of steps and then could not move his back legs. He was in a lot of pain. After calling Katie Mac for some advice, we took Pepper to Appleton. (Thanks again, Katie. I'm sorry for calling so late) There was nothing they could do for him, which we pretty much figured. The vet said he thought Pepper had a blood clot, which is common for cats his age. The whole night was awful and hard to deal with. We feel horrible. We will miss Pepper, he had a lot of personality and was a great addition to our family. I only wish we would have been home longer before this happened.

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Andy had offered the Brewers/Cubs tickets to us, but we graciously declined and instead decided to go to Octoberfest in Appleton. Unfortunately, Octoberfest was awful and not at all what I remembered it to be like. The only positive part about going was that we were able to visit Tony and Clarissa for a while. In fact, Troy and I parked at the Wells-McNamara house and Tony gave us a ride, as well as two brand new ponchos. He's always thinking.

At Tony's we talked flowers, landscaping and Jerseys. Please note the new addition to Tony and Clarissa's mantel.

This is for Bailey. I took this picture on the walk home from Octoberfest.

After leaving Tony and Clarissa's, Troy and I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some food. Our plan was to make Mom and Dad a steak dinner. We had a very nice time.

Tony and Clarissa came over later as Troy and I were getting ready to leave. (We wanted to beat the rain since the windshield wipers are useless on the car) We ended up staying much later! In this picture below, Tony looks over a piece of artwork he created when he was in grade school.

Clarissa and Dad get a good laugh from looking at all of Tony's sculptures. Tony was humiliated. Especially when mom gave Clarissa the items to take home.

With Mom and Dad

Troy

One of many cute pictures of Scratchy taken by Tony.

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Andy surprised me to the second annual "sibling appreciation day" by taking me to a Brewers' game. On the way to the game (actually, while we were pulling into Pump n' Pantry to buy some goods) Andy won tickets to Saturday's game at Miller Park. What a great start to the night. It was a lot of fun. The Brewers won! Thanks for everything, Andy!
Some highlights from the night:
Preferred Parking
Bad photos
The free soda
Muffin Top
Corey Hart
Good conversation

Andy

We loved our seats. We were in the last row which provided protection from sloppy drunks who spill beer on fans!

with Andy

Andy and I had a nice chuckle each time Corey Hart was up to bat.

Monday September 22nd, 2008

I know what you're thinking....It's Monday, why does Kelly have Kayla? Well, around 1:00 this afternoon I kind of felt like doing respite after school. It was fine with Kayla's mom, which was awesome for me. Kayla and I worked diligently on a cookbook she is making for her mom. I was able to finish up a few things at school. Kayla decided to hang out and touch everything on this desk.

I dropped Kayla off around 7:00. I think I'm going to relax for the rest of the night. Maybe watch the Jets game. These early mornings have been taking a toll on me. I'll probably be out by 9:00.

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

Today Joel and Andy stopped by for a visit on their way to Madison. Highlights of the visit.......Troy played a disturbing song that did not amuse anyone and Andy and Troy danced together. Joel and I realized at this point, that we need to find new friends! Just kidding.
Thanks for stopping over!

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Aunt Ann stopped by this evening on her walk/run. She brought with her some of her "shroom" friends! Troy was slightly disturbed when he got home! It was very nice visiting with you Aunt Ann!

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Molly, Judy Goebel's dog, went missing yesterday after school. A neighbor saw a car pick her up. So, Alicia and I were going to go to Goebel's house after our faculty meeting today and hold up "lost dog" signs. After the meeting, we had received texts from Goebel. Molly had been returned!!!!! We, as well as Sheppie, headed over to the Goebel residence to celebrate. Judy, thanks for the Beverages, cheese, pretzels, peanut butter, etc. I'm glad Molly is home.

The signs

Molly...Greasy and smelling like cucumbers, but otherwise fine

Sheppie, Goebel and Konen

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

Troy and I did some running around today. We went to Sheboygan Falls and Oshkosh. In between, we stopped at the Lutheran Home (assited living section) to visit Martha.....Pepper's real mom.
It was inspiring to find out that Martha, in her 90s, is learning how to use the internet. She even has her own email account.

Troy and Martha

Saturday, September 13th, 2008

Mom called at about 9:00 this morning and said that she and Dad were going to be stopping by for a bit. Troy and I dragged our pathetic selves out of bed. We dined on some buckwheat pancakes at our dining room table and discussed the day's goings-on. Tom and Amanda stopped over as well.

Amanda and Tom (These two did nothing but make fun of my shoe size)

Amanda and Troy (Mandy, I'm just realizing now what your shirt says! You should have worn your matching shorts! Nice! Lucky!)

Group shot. This was one of many. These clowns were making a variety of hand signals and explaining to me what they were. (I think I may be adopted) They also were talking about acronyms.....many that Dad invented. We talked sauce and Dad told some jokes. Unfortunately I was telling a joke right as the mail man was at our front door, and I'm sure he heard through the screen. Great.

If Dad hadn't been absorbed in the television, he would have been thanking God for making Amanda so small so he can see the tv over her head.

Dad was kind enough to mow the lawn for us. Thanks Dad!

After the family left, Troy and I drove to Stuart's to grab a few more rolls of sod for our lawn.

We also stopped at Hounsel's. Troy pet this cute cat while waiting patiently for me.

This bumble bee was huge and this picture does not do it justice. I wanted Troy to put his finger next to the bee so you could use it as a scale for size, but for some reason he refused.

I was wondering what was going on with Andy. I called him last night but he didn't answer. He shouldn't make me worry like this.

Obviously he is alright, as can be seen in this photograph. Andrew dropped by with Grandma. What a nice surprise. Then he and Troy went out for a drink with some friends. (Thanks for the invite Joel, you S.O.B.)

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Well, after an unusually long and stressful week at work, I should have assumed that the other shoe was about to drop. I got to school early today to finish some things. Of course this was the morning that some former students decided to trickle in and share their summer vacation stories with me. What was I supposed to do? So, the work had to wait. The whole day was like this. I needed to leave school early to drop off an application at Pier Elementary School. I wasn't sure I would be able to find someone to cover my study hall in order for me to leave. D-Dub was able to lend me a hand, so, I headed to Pier. Of course it was craziness as school was just getting out. I fought my way through the masses of little kids, handed the paperwork in, and headed out to my trusty ride. Of course, it wouldn't start. I was out of gas--AGAIN! This makes 5 times in the last 2 years. (In my defense, the gas gauge does not work). So, after sitting in my car for a few minutes wondering why things like this happen to me all of the time, I grabbed my stuff and started walking home in my semi comfortable dress shoes. At this point I was wondering why I wore these shoes on casual "Fondy Pride" day. Dammit. I also realized half way home that I was walking extremely slow, in a state of defeat and humiliation.

These two friends meet again. (Troy drove me to get the rig moving again)

Troy left work early tonight and took me out to eat at Cool River. The food and service left much to be desired. (I apologize if I sound like Debby-Downer here). Troy's friend, Collette, from Madison was planning to come over to hang out, and I took this opportunity to head to school to get some work done. At 3:00 a.m. and about 2 pots of coffee later, I sluggishly made my way home and went to sleep. I have to admit, I was able to get TONS of work done. (I will not make a habit of this, I assure you). I have lessons planned for weeks. So, the long hours at school tonight will hopefully help me to have better weeks than the one I just finished.