It Takes a Village.....

 That's what my doctor said Wednesday afternoon as we had a video office visit.

It had been four weeks since I'd last seen her and I was not doing well at that time.

Thankfully, I am feeling much better and the UTI is gone and the changed dose of thyroid medicine has helped.

She said, "It takes a village and you have built a very good one."

She asked me who help me and I told her my children, neighbors and friends and all my blogging sisters and readers who pray for me.

I assured her I was getting some time to myself at least an hour or more every day.

Louis Dean didn't go to bed until 4:30 one recent morning and I got up when he finally went to sleep and had two and a half hours to myself.

How did I spend it?

Cleaning in the kitchen because that is therapy for me.

Reading my current book - Painted House by John Grisham.

Watching British crime shows - Scott and Bailey.

Then on Tuesday I had four hours spent thrifting with Brenda and doing errands.

It was wonderful!!

This Cinema sign was brand new from Hobbly Lobby with an original price of $159.

It was reduced a couple of times and then I bought it for about $5!

It lights up and I found a perfect spot in the den for my Saturday night dinner and movies!

Is this not such a beautiful wreath??

SO pretty!

I do love these and will not have to open up my baking cupboard when I just need a tablespoon of sugar or just a pinch of salt.

I loved this sign and knew exactly where I would hang it.

It's my custom to unload my treasures onto the driveway table and document them.

Louis Dean usually sits out there to keep me company.

Brenda has such a good eye for all things Chicos or quality pieces equal to that.

She found all four of the tops I bought.

Two were Chico's and two were not.

This one will look great with white pants.

I have a pair of green capris that were Nita's and this top will be a perfect pairing.

This chic Chico's top will be perfect for the winter holidays.

I scored on this pair of brand new sandals.

SO comfy! I'll be walking in comfort!

After my video visit with Dr. Abraham, I picked Summer up and we shopped Joe V's.

This lady made my day!

She admired my dress and I admired her and pretty soon we were 'God Blessing' each other and Summer took our picture.

Then a minute later, Summer also found a new friend.

It's amazing what a smile and greeting will do!!

These two ladies just made our day!

Joe V's is a great place for fresh produce!!

And pork loins were on sale for cheap so we each bought one.

Wednesday night's dinner....

roasted veggies drizzled with Rosemary infused olive oil and seasonings.

Fresh corn from Joe V's and chicken alfredo.

Summer is enjoying her life at Ilene's and I think this is so good for both of them.

Summer told me, "Mom! I have my JOY back!!"

YES!!!

Summer being close is a blessing.

Today she came over and worked on getting Louis Dean's DD214....

his date of discharge to allow him to apply for VA health benefits.

Louis Dean is reading poetry to her as she works.....

Win! WIN!!

I'll close this journal entry thanking you all for sticking around and reading my chapters of Children in the Closet.

Next week will be the last 'sad' chapter and then things start changing for the better. It was a hard time but worth it all to be where I am today.

My siblings, Deanie, Nita and Lonnie all encouraged me to write this memoir.

I'm so grateful for all the Siblings Trips where they shared their memories and helped me do the groundwork for the book.

Stay tuned!

The best is yet to come!