Storybook Land ~Another Hometown Treasure ~Jack’s Favorite...Anything to do with Trains

It fair to say that Jack loved the trains at Storybook Land.

All the trains. This one is designed

so children can climb aboard and play.

We spent a lot of time here, just taking it all in.

To be honest, Jack likes anything with wheels.

Trains, Cars, Fire Trucks, and Papa’s Big Pickup.

Here’s Jack operating the Fire Truck at Storybook Land.

Of course we bought tickets to ride the Big Train

that goes out through the Zoo and all around the Park.

Jack took this trip very seriously.

Here he is with his Mama after our ride.

Remember this from two years ago...

This was his first ride

on the Storybook Land Express.

We had so much fun that we had to take Papa

out to the park again later in the week.

Once again, the trains were the most captivating.

Next year, we will get tickets for this train ride, too.

But Papa and Gigi were too big for this one,

and we wanted to go, too!

It’s fun for everyone of all ages.

“Bye Choo Choo”

See you next summer!

Take care,

~Natalie

Looking for the Blog Worthy ~It’s Been Nine Days Since my Last Post

My days have all been the same...

Physical Therapy, House Chores, Crafting

When I haven’t posted to my blog for a while,

I look at my camera to see what photos I’ve taken...

and then, I know where my time has gone.

Most of the photos are of our cat and 

of what we’ve prepared for dinner.

We’ve had plenty of rain here in this neck of the woods.

Our plants out front are thriving!

There have been a few breaks in the wet weather,

enough for Hubby to grill something for dinner.

I graduated from Physical Therapy this week.

We enjoyed some live jazz music at The Ward.

Always a great way to kick off the weekend.

Saturday is Bison Game Day.

This week our Football Food was Super Nachos.

As you know, I like to make our own Taco Seasoning,

so I can limit the amount of salt in my diet.

Aren’t the spice colors pretty?!

OMG, Lizzie, GET DOWN!

I had my back turned while I mixed up the taco seasoning.

I have never seen her do this before...and I hope I never see it again!

So...I saved the Taco Meat, 

and we enjoyed Nachos with all our favorite toppings.

Here’s Lizzie staying calm and watching the game with Scott.

Another weekend highlight was 

a little FaceTime with Amy and Jack.

Hubby has perfected our Sunday Brunch of

Hash Browns

Bacon

Egg and Toast

Then, just like that, the weekend’s over,

 and it’s another week of the same routine.

I hope this finds you all dong well.

Make your life Blog Worthy!

Take care,

~Natalie

Slow and Steady Wins the Race ~Where the Week Went ~Physical Therapy Report ~Lizzie’s First Selfie

A week has passed since I got the good news that I can now 

walk on my walking boot. Easier said, than done.

I don’t want to disappoint all of you, 

but I am not exactly dancing around the kitchen. 

Since I haven’t put any weight on my foot for over six weeks, 

it is pretty sore.

But I have enjoyed my re-gained independence.

I can take myself out and about,

 because my right leg is in great shape for driving!

I appreciate my Temporary Handicap Parking Hangtag.

It allows me to get close to the entrance.

First stop...the USPS, 

with a package for our family in Okinawa.

Stopping at Kesslers was a bit ambitious,

but I had to buy celery so I could make a pot of

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. 

We’ve had some cooler weather, so it really hit the spot.

The next morning, my first physical therapy appointment.

I will be spending time in their pool

doing some water exercises...

which means I had to locate my  swimsuit.

(I had not worn it for years!)

It’s always good to get home again...

...and enjoy the beautiful weather out on our patio.

Take care,

~Natalie

This Boot is Made for Walking ~And That’s Just What We’ll Do ~I Got Some Good News

It has been six weeks since my unfortunate mishap

while hiking on vacation in New Hampshire.

That means six weeks of 

non-weight-bearing sitting in a chair.

...while wearing this non-walking walking boot.

A rental wheelchair saved our family vacation...

along with my family that was so good about 

maneuvering it all over Boston.

We found the wheelchair so helpful that

hubby rented one when we got home.

It stays in the garage for when we go out and about. 

Hubby has take me, in the chair, to

Mavericks -3 times

Kesslers -twice

Clinic - twice

Target - once

I’d say we’ve gotten our money’s worth.

In the house I have appreciated my mom’s walker.

The seat allows me accomplish some simple house chores while sitting.

It is complete with a basket for toting my stuff around.

We also had my mom’s shower chair in storage...

and now it is in our bathroom.

Hubby lowered our ironing board...pressing my clothes 

was one of the chores I can accomplish while sitting, 

along with chopping vegetables to be sautéed,

and hand washing a few dishes.

Thanks to a friend for this tip...I ordered a Grabber “for the elderly”

It was a great $9.00 investment.

Plus I can keep it and use it again when I am “elderly”!

In the last couple of weeks, I graduated to this knee scooter.

Now I can actually get to my closet and into my sewing studio.

And then, yesterday, a day I have been waiting for...

My appointment at the Orthopedic Clinic.

This X-ray would determine my level of activity 

for the next four weeks.

I was overjoyed to hear the words,

“You can start walking on your walking boot!”

It will take time to regain my strength, flexibility, and balance. 

However, it feels so good to be standing upright.

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy 90th Birthday to my Mother-in-Law

Today is a Milestone Birthday 

for my hubby’s mother...

We plan to celebrate all weekend!

If you’d like to send greetings 

please contact me for her mailing address.

She enjoys the independence of living in her own home, 

with the help of my sister-in-law and my husband.

Here she is entertaining us on Christmas Day.

She misses her sisters dearly,

as they have all passed on to their heavenly home.

They always had so much fun at family gatherings.

Once you are a certain age, you are allowed to enjoy your pie 

and a leisurely second cup of coffee on Thanksgiving, 

while the younger generation cleans up the kitchen.

Last year, we celebrated her birthday with dinner at home.

She sat on the patio to watch the grill-master at work.

She embraces her role as great grandmother.

This is the first time she and Jack met face to face...

he is certainly charming for his great grandma!

We had to take “four generation” photos.

Best wishes for a wonderful birthday weekend,

and here’s to many more!

Take care,

~Natalie