Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Wednesday at the Office

I'm just spending the morning catching up on files, copying, etc. Seems like there is always something to do. Our hearing went very well Monday. Our client was granted disability. She was so happy. It's hard to explain, but when an administrative law judge agrees with you, validates your disability, it literally takes the world off your shoulders. It's an emotional time and our clients are very grateful for our work and expertise in the field of Social Security disability.

I went to Peoria with Diana and Heather last night. We went to Michael's with our 50% off coupons and shopped! I got new software to help me with journaling - can't wait to use it. I also bought more yarn that was on sale. Look out everyone! New scraves for Christmas! Woohoo!!! We had dinner at the Olive Garden, Heather's pick. We all had the never-ending pasta bowl and salad. Nope, we didn't have seconds, the first helping was overwhelming! I tried the five-cheese marinara sauce with farfalle pasta and it was terrific.

Tonight is open stamp night at our home. I'm not sure what to fix for a snack, any ideas?

Saturday, September 17, 2005

It's Saturday Night...

And I have some time to catch everyone up on the news. I heard from Tom and Joyce a couple days ago and they are back in their apartment in Metairie. Yey! They have power, water (no one is drinking it) sewer and land phone. Tommy is already ripping out flooring, damaged furnishings, etc. The landlady has the contractors coming Tuesday. Sounds like everything is coming together, please continue to keep them in your prayers.

I've been busy working. Attorney Mike and I have a big hearing coming up Monday. I've been preparing for it night and day. Our client has become dear to us, she needs help...

I hear laundry calling my name, back to work. I'll write more later.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Found it!

I finally found my appointment book - it was mixed in with some of my scrapbooking stuff! Imagine that?

Monday, September 12, 2005

Monday Morning

It's Monday morning, need I say more? I'm at the office right now, getting ready to start seeing clients. Business has really picked up for me and Attorney Mike. This part-time job may turn into full-time very soon. Word is getting around that we do excellent work in the field of disability law.

I spent Sunday afternoon putting together a scrapbook for my friend Dodie. She wanted to make one for her daughter Mary who has three children. We made an 8x8 book featuring pictures of Mary's family at different events. It turned out pretty cute. Dodie is delighted with it. She can't wait to go to Colorado in October and show it off.

I went to a crop in Woodhull Saturday and completed 8 pages for our family album. I've just about filled this album, so I'll need to start a new one very soon. The album I have lined up is one of Creative Memories new Kalidoscope albums. I have the sage one. I think they just make the best albums on the market. And I really love their new 12x12 paper - it fits a page perfectly.

I had better get back to work or I'll get nothing done today. I'm kinda dragging my feet because I'm bummed I can't find my appointment book. I looked around at home and didn't see it, so I thought it was at the office, but it isn't. I can't imagine where I left it...

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Sunday in the Midwest

It's still summer in the Midwest. We've had temperatures of 90 degrees and more. It's hot! The weather isn't predicted to break until next week. I'm ready for some crisp autumn days.

I spoke with Tommy this morning and he and Joyce are doing fine. Their home in Metairie received substantial water damage and there are no utilities in the area, so they can't stay there. They are presently staying at Chris and Patty's place in St. Charles Parish. They have power, water and phone service.

In Galesburg, First Christian Church, St. Patrick's Church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Corpus Christi Church are all praying for Tom, Joyce, Snow and Tweety.

Four years ago our country was struck with a man-made disaster, 9/11, that changed our lives forever. Today, we have been struck with a natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. And again lives will be changed forever. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, their workplaces and their churches. We have so much to be grateful for in the Midwest. We are truly blessed. I hope Tom and Joyce will come back home for some respite they desperately need.

When I made announcements today in church, I updated our congregation on our Louisiana family. We've had so many calls inquiring about their welfare. It's so good to have such wonderful friends and church family.

In our community we are expecting Hurricane Katrina evacuees. I understand a good share of them are nursing home resisdents. First Christian Church has been busy putting together welcome packages for them. I hope they can find some peace of mind in the Midwest.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Wednesday Afternoon

It's warm in the Midwest, around 87 degrees. I didn't realize it was that hot until I mowed the yard this afternoon. I was sweating bullets before I finished. Not a pretty sight. The yard looks okay, but not near as nice when my nephew Patrick mowed it. He not only mowed, he trimmed! Neither I or Christopher can get the "damn" trimmer started, so the yard is NOT getting a trim job anytime soon. I pulled a few weeds and called it a day. I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the patio drinking iced tea and reading a novel - what a life!

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Labor Day Weekend

The weekend is nearly over and I am dog-tired. We spent Friday getting all of Christopher's stuff rounded up for college. We've become regular's at Wal-Mart. They know us on a first name basis now. We caravaned up to Rock Island on Saturday for move in day at the dorm. I had hoped it would be a shorter day than last year, but no dice. We didn't leave there until after 5:00 and then I had the pleasure of going home and finding all the stuff that was forgotten, like the power cord to his computer... Anyway, I delivered all his stuff Sunday before Mom and I left for Wisconsin. We went to Spring Green to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's home, Taliesin. It was spectaular! What a view! It's built on a hill that overlooks the Wisconsin River and it's valleys. The house is magnificent, but in desperate need of restoration. The foundation is starting to crumble away, along with the rest of the house. The majority of the home is made of limestone, plaster and wood that is found locally. It is still a working school for architects. The students spend the summer in Wisconsin, and winter in Arizonia at Taliesin West. That's our next big road trip - they give tours of Taliesin West too. On Monday I did yard and housework. Need I say more?