Moving

After many weeks of changes on the blog server, and problems posting pictures and text, I am sad to annouce a change in address and blog.  I have enjoyed my KJ Restart blog for a year and a half but find I get no enjoyment fighting and not successfully posting pictures and thoughts.  I thought about just stopping my blog writing, but have decided to stick it out and try a different server.  So my new blog The Resistant Hermit will be at the following address http://konnie63.wordpress.com/  Please put in your favorites and continue to follow me.  It will take a while to make my new blog feel like home but be patient with me as I put the odd, weird, eclectic Konnie touches on my new home.  Thank you for your past visits.  See you over there.

Homer Days 2011

That time of year again.  Our towns festival to honor Homer Davenport.  The political comic artist.  There is a little bit of everything at Homer days. 

Friday afternoon, LL and I listened to music.

And afterwards, walked to our local pub Macs.  I haven't been there in so long because of the Gluten issues.  But we order drinks and I found something Gluten Free in the appetiser section.  And had no issues!  Later we went to Mt. Angel to Karaoki.  Karen, my sis runs it.  Not too many people there, so LL got to sing a lot and I even did one song before we left.  I can't remember the last time I had an evening "date" with LL.  Usually I am not brave enough to chance going out at night.  Really hate having accidents, but doing it in public is so much worse.  But I was fine this night.

Saturday morning was parade time.  So LL, Bailey, Rett, Kara and I set up to watch.

Not sur what is going on with my blogger format to post.  The viewer is almost non-existent and I am ready to change blog server.  Had more pictures and things to say but am unable to do so.  This has been ongoing and frustrating.  If I change blog location.  I will try to post it here.  Sorry.  This is why I haven't wanted to blog lately.

Gabrielle Giffords

Now here is a congresswoman I can be proud of.  What a determined spirit!

Check her out Gabby

Week 31, 2011

Happy August!!

I love August.  In Oregon, although you might get a day or two of rain, August IS our summer.  This week is going to be nice.  No Doctor appointments.  Nothing pressing for LL.  What is in the plan?

Monday, Today Bailey and I went to Salem.  LL saw an add on Craig's list from a woman who has no insurance and is in great need of ostomy products.  One pouch which cost pennies to make, cost depending on the type you need, 10 to 20 dollars a piece.  Most people need to use 3 to 4 a week plus paste, powder, rings etc.  Because I had such great insurance, it was not financially a great burden on me.  When I had my reversal, I had about 20 pouches, 2 tubes of paste, two powders, and half a box of rings.  I estimate around $500.00 dollars of supplies.  I did not want to throw them away so I kept them around and waited for someone in need.  I am so glad I did.  I met the lady in Salem and she was so thankful for supplies to get her by for the next couple months.

After meeting her there, Bailey and I went to Costco for only the basics.  Toilet paper, my Depends, etc.  Then we went to the new Trader Joe's.  I was disappointed that most of the Trader Joe brand foods have gluten in it.  Even items that did not need it.  Like frozen prawns.  I did buy soap, frozen bars, and a bottle of wine.  But find I wont make a special trip there for items.  If I happen to be driving by and stop for something, well ok, but doing a special trip to Whole Foods who are so much more gluten free friendly is worth it.

Tuesday, my friends are coming over for coffee.

Wednesday, if my digestion behaves, Kris and I are planning on taking the scooters out for a long ride in the morning.

Thursday, I am planning on getting the weekend preparations done for the weekend.

Friday, LL starts a few days of vacation.  Homer Days are starting today, so LL and I will have fun looking at art and listening to music.  Normally I like the food there, but that was before being gluten free.

Saturday, go the Homer Days parade.  Spend the day listening to music and picnicking at the park.

Sunday, Miller's Crossing is the plan.  We will hopefully, (weather), camp from Sunday to Tuesday or Wednesday.  Looking forward to more than one or two days at Miller's Crossing:)

Pool Day...finally

I'm not going to lie, my week has been not what I had hoped.  To say I was dictated by my bowels would be an understatement.  I did take my scooter out a couple times, but beyond that, my hermit status is secure.  I really have not been able to take baby, my camera out like I would like to, but low and behold, a camera shot literally came to my front yard.

I love the herd of deer that have the run of our neighborhood.  (well not when they eat my tulips).  We all talk about the family of deer who go through my driveway, graze across the street and back to the creek, and then sleep at our neighbors house behind us.

This weekend, finally my "issues" have started to behave.  Saturday, LL and I tinkered around the yard, went to Lowe's in Salem, went for a very long scooter ride around Silverton and then rode to Mt. Angel and visited with Kris and Steve and then a quick stop at Mom's.  It was a nice way to spend the day.

Sunday, today we have done something we had not done this summer.  Because of spending time at our campsite, the weather, and family picnics, we haven't just spent time around the pool and hot tub.  Today, Kane came over, Bailey babysat this morning but was home by afternoon, Max was with us, and we just stayed home and enjoyed family time around the pool.  Well I did make a quick trip to Mom's because Aunt Leone left tons of produce.  SCORED!!  Fresh green beans, beets, cucumbers, zucchini, and marion berries which I think came from Uncle Leo.  Anyway, I digress.  So Kane prepared to jump in.

LL got in after that.  Isn't the water beautiful?

Of course, Miller men do what Miller men always do.....

Start wrestling.

And then they decided to make up and bond in the hot tub.  Which I ended up joining them.

But pretty much I did what Bailey did.

Sat by and just watched with total relaxation.

After all that.  I ran to the store to pick up steaks to barbecue and when I got back, Kris and Steve was over for a visit.  Tried to talk them into staying for dinner but they had already ate.  After they left, I grilled steak, and we had bake potatoes to go with it.  I have not ate because frankly I am a little scared of spending the rest of the night having "issues".  So I think I will wrap my steak up and eat it tomorrow for lunch.  Seriously hate my digestion, but sure love summer weekends.

John McCoy

I have not talked much on this blog about my nephew Johnny.  Johnny is not only my nephew but also my Godson.  He has been in the military for a few years now and has done two tours in Iraq.  He also has a purple heart he received after a serious injury after being hit by an I.E.D. 

Nicole and Johnny

I have not talked much about Johnny's service because although I am very proud of him and all our soldiers, I hate these two wars, did not like them from the start and am disappointed in our current President for continuing our presence in Afghanistan.  But the soldiers go where they are told and they need every ones support and prayers.

Yesterday, Johnny made his way to yet again a third tour.  He is now in Afghanistan.  I am very proud of him, very nervous for him and will be praying every morning before I start my day for his safety.  Will you please put him on your prayer list if you are so inclined and at the least, send positive wishes and good thoughts for him.  His wife and daughter Alex will be waiting for him in Germany and his other daughter Lilly will be waiting for him here in Oregon.  All our men and women serving needs our prayers. 

Bowling Queen

Lovely,......Like I said before, I do not have my camera, but took my scooter around the neighborhood, to Safeway and picked up some on sale pork chops,(unfortunately Kane is not coming over but I will make them all anyway) and then to the bowling alley to watch my mom bowl.  She has not bowl much since April, because of David's health, my health, Kris health, vacation trips, etc..  She did really good.  We, Bailey and I saw her get many strikes and keep up with many who are much younger than her.  Bailey, who adores her Grandma said, "Oh she is just too cute".  I must agree and although she is a bit tired, it is nice to see her doing what she loves and feeling good doing it!

I, myself am not a bowling queen, I am a scooter queen.  Although I have not scooter lately because either the weather or "digestion does not cooperate.....today, I am a happy girl.