It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. – Anne Sexton - miss you, dad. ❤️

Happy Birthday.

2024 The Rabbit Hole

2021 you learn a lot about a person by cleaning out their house....

2018 Chateau Avalon, Steamboat Arabia, Jack Stack, Boulevard Brewing Company

2017 Arrowhead 5K, beat last years time.

2015 going fishing for Grandpa Bernards Birthday.

June 15, 2015. The day I discovered I could make banana bread with Bisquick!!!

2013....Here we go on our epic adventure! NOLA!

2009 Land Of The Lost was awesome!!!

today I drug quilt back out to work on. baked a loaf of bread. picked up Polaris. chair nap.

2019 at Anderson House.

AND Foghat in Jefferson Iowa? or was I just posting pictures????

2018 at a Royals game....and Chateau Avalon Hotel....Crescent Hotel....think I'm just posting pics of that years vacation....

2016 Great Smoky Mountains

"I am on a great adventure." Harold Emery Lauder

2014 visited Koren

2012 Tenessee

2011 TOPS Nationals

2009 basketball game

2009 back to my old barn today

2007 Cosmic Cavern

2005 South Dakota- we got to the point where you can see Mt Rushmore through the tunnel....Katie was so excited, then when we were actually there, she just sighed and said, "It's just a bunch of heads?"/blockquote>

2026: Izzy "I got left behind today. I was told I couldn't go. So I am here with you." I did 4.25 miles on the bike!

2011. my little Somerset Powerwasher is home from his first day....bet college won't start back up soon enough! I am proud of him...I know it's not fun.

Kevin cleared out a fence row, worked more on tree on corner, mowed yard. I made brownies.

2018....in Hogscald Hollow (Eureka Springs)

2009 ~today is my last day at Wolf 9 & my sons 1st stab @ the ACT~and Katie has a birthday party 2 go

2026 Serial Killer Speakeasy in Des Moines!

2020...I can get out of the recliner all. by. myself. I am unstoppable. ✔️ (had hernia surgery June 2020)

2018 Kevin, Taylore, and I went on a ghost hunt in Eureka Springs on family vacay....

2015 boat ride....

2012 K.J. Dailey survived his first day as a pig farmer at Wade 3...

2012 Tennessee

mowed at farm. to Chillicothe. they couldn't fix tire, so got a new one on our tire plan for $26! paid for itself right there.

I did not realize our Robert the Doll event was 2027 April Ghouls Weekend. Tracy got us a room at the event hotel, which. is. haunted. and pricy. but you only live once, right?

finished up my Little Trees for the body in the circle. did a drive about of yesterdays tornado damage. we were lucky.

2012 we went to pay homage to The Widow of The South in Tennessee.

also 2022...Thank you Lord for the life of Minerva Brown.

2010...parent loan approved...so KJ can officially go to college!

on this day in 2016....Katie left on the Washington DC trip she won, KJ & Taylore's wedding shower in Mercer, then the drive to KC for Arrowhead 5k

in 2015 we were at Oar House Cabin

2013 I was sent to Peach 5....The pros of my new barn: 1.A groundhog! 2. Amazing shower pressure! 3. I have a locker again!

2012 1 1/2 hour wait at Lamberts

in today's events at The Farm....KJ helped me hang the new Hello Kitty artwork, then he deep cleaned kitchen. I moved more toys from Izzy's room to playroom, arranged stuffies up on the high shelf, hung some DG metal butterflies, then vacuumed Izzy's room. thunderstorms, electrical outages, tornado warning...quite the day.

2013...have wasted most of my first weekend off in forever sleeping on the couch....how embarrassing....

I mowed and weed eated here. heat advisory. framed Hello Kitty fabric in antique frame for The Playroom. added some more to my Little Gothic Victorian Manse. found another piece I just HAD to have. I have been pondering it for a while...ANd found (2) 1/64 lamps to lay on the floor. no luck yet. did 20 minutes on the bike. made meatloaf and baked sweet potatoes for supper.

2023...moms insurance paperwork in mailbox with emergency phone assist from Lisa....☎️✉️📫

2017 stayed at an original Route 66 motel in Tulsa where I lay awake all night writing my obituary...and saw Sammy Hagar.

2016 Kevin, Koren, Cody, KJ, & Katie went on that family bonding raft trip on The Black River while Ian and I hung out at the cabin

2015 extended family vacay Lake of the Ozarks

2014 driving on Route 66

2012...we're in Tennessee

2026: day 2 of creating The Play Room. brought exercise bike home. put extra dressers in garage. moved more toys into The Play Room. a long phone conversation with Millie (insert heart emoji here.)

on this date in 2024, started cutting up sheets to crochet rag rugs.

2020 home from hernia surgery

2014 we were driving Route 66 to Tulsa

2012 stayed at that America's Best Value Inn in Frankfort, TN where a murder may have occurred...a guest at the desk was very angry about "you promised you'd move it but you didn't and I want a new room."

2011 KJ got a job at PFS

2009 GS award ceremony. and an ER trip. KJ has a perforated eardrum.

in modern day news, today is The Day We Started Transforming Lije's Office Into The Playroom. the girls were very excited and very helpful. got a lot done. more to be done tomorrow. found some books I 'd made for Zerelda, she read the 2 photo books, then read one of them AGAIN and said, "this is fun! I love reading these books!" and my heart just skipped a beat. you just have to find something they want to read!

todays nsv moment: found a pair of size 18 jeans on clearance for $3 at Walmart, thought they might fit....tried them on. and. they. did.

went to see Scary Movie 6 at the matinee. got my fill of movie theater popcorn and peanut m&ms. did some shopping, then home. got more done on Annabelle dress.

on this day in 2021...Katie and Brayden were ripping tin off the shed in pasture for a wedding backdrop

2020, St. Lukes on the Plaza....tommorow... tomorrow... maybe I'll go home tomorrow.. it's only a day away..

2013: Just saved a snapping turtles life on highway 65....

2012 at The Peabody in Memphis for the Marching of the Ducks

2009: this farmtown addict has a small pond & a llama...not even sure what I want now...hmmm.

on this day in 2011....while eating lunch @ Crossroads (thanks Koren Wills!) the nice lady who found my phone in Bethany called....she was going thru recent calls & found "Katie Scarlett my favorite daughter"...

2022.... mother/daughter spa day with my girlsat the Elms Spa.

2021 fishing trip with Koren, Cody, kids, Katie, & Brayden.

2012: Tennessee vacation for Kevin, Deb, & Katie.

2016: KJ and Taylore moved into a different house in Bethany.

2013: Glore Psychiatric Museum.

today was WalkFit Day 365. I'm pretty proud of myself. this means either an exercise each day, or step goal each day, or both. I cut down to 1 Pepsi a day about the time I started WalkFit. the girls came over to hang out while Mom and Dad went grocery shopping. Zerelda brought her new notebook, she has been copying out of the Junie B. Jones book she is reading. She has nice handwriting. and she has put a lot of work into this. Izzy tried to master the hole punch. 1 rain last night. started on Annabelle's dress....cut up the monkey sleeper from a garage sale, and a thrift store sheet, and a pair of KJ's old khakis and the thrift store lace Zerelda and I found yesterday...

on this day in 2013....I have survived the longest stretch I have ever worked without a day off.....and tomorrow will be hanging out in St Joe at Glore Psychiatric Museum and St Joe Boot with 2 of my favorite people Kevin Dailey & Katie Dailey...

2011.....the day parents get to just sit back & watch the magic happen....(after packing the dance bag, hair, and makeup...)..dAnCe ReCiTaL!

2010...Kevin won the argument & turned on the a/c....and he was right. aaaaahhhhh.....so much for being cheap!

2009...RIP David Carradine...Kung Fu was one of the shows that came in on the one channel our tv got with an attenna back in the 70s...

today was Celebrating Zerelda Shopping for Her Own Birthday Gifts Day...we journeyed to Kirksville, where she filled a cart at Five Below...we also browsed at Hobby Lobby and a thrift store, then lunch at Coltons where a nice police officer gave her a Junior Deputy sticker...and if you know Zerelda, she loves to play Police Officer!

I like to think I have a fair amount of road left, but no denying it has begun to narrow.

on this day in 2020 had my one and only drive thru covid test. hard to pull forward when your eyes are watering so hard you can't see.

on this day in 2013 I posted a pic of the Wade 4 sign captioned " where I hang out these days"

2012...watching my family get ready to go on vacation is kind of like the scene where they overslept in Home Alone and Kevin gets left behind....

2011....think my phone is really lost for good this time...

2009....making 2 suppers....HB Helper lasagna 4 kids...stirfry 4 me & kevin...my life as a short order cook. (aka mother of picky eaters...I created this mess, I suppose...)

GrimmLife Collective will be in St. Louis June 28th! and a Bigfoot Conference in Nixa October 3rd! both things I would dearly love to attend, but we really got a lot going on this year....

Mom's friend Jody called twice to see if I'd talked to my mother, she missed another luncheon date. I told her she'd commented on a FB post yesterday. cause that's the kinda daughter I am. not a very good one. I mowed here, then we mowed at farm after Kevin got home from work. I'm thinking about my new Annabelle doll dress...and I'm thnking ripped up monkey jammies that I got for Everett without realizing the shape they were in. do I have any lace? the old brain is a smokin'....

on this date in 2020: la la la. 🎶 the fat lady has sung. thanks to everyone who had my back over the years. it meant a lot to me. y'all keep on makin bacon...🐖🐷🐽

in 2014: the Daikey's (look at me typoing my own damn name....)on vacation trying to follow directions.....(sigh)

Stephanie has sold McInteer Villa to US GHOST ADVENTURES (I think? they also own Villisca and Lizzie Borden, etc.) and they have big plans...reopening the original front entrance, rebuilding porch, fancy period ceiling tiles, using 2nd floor as B&B...I respect her decision to move on with her life. it has obviously been hard for her. she put her heart and soul into this old house. guessing her skeletons go with her. I loved her decor. it will probably return to being a 'normal' Victorian Mansion now...I'll watch the pictures as it evolves. I probably won't go back, it just won't be the same without her. I had a wonderful experience at Lizzie Borden, but I'd never been there under previous ownership, so I don't know if it's 'better' or 'worse'. I know I can't go back to Villisca, it wouldn't be the same without Johnny. they are fixing up the Mary Peckham House where he once lived. and that's good. of course, I did return to Farrar Schoolhouse after The Youtubers bought it. I won't go back. you have to stay with the group, no free roam on public hunts. all the cameras...like we're going to steal stuff. just a whole different vibe...although seeing the grave and the ropes, etc. from the Hell Week episode was cool. the dog roaming around? does this mean other people can bring THEIR dogs???? I don't know where "thisdollhasseenthings" ended up, but kinda glad she's not there anymore. whoever took her for whatever reason, I do hope she's happy there. maybe someday she'll appear on eBay. she is somewhat of a YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook celebrity....

took GMC for oil change, and they changed key fob battery and got it to work. guessing we had a bad battery. AND it went through the washing machine....

picked up Rip. started 2 new WF challenges for June.

made all beds. started gluing stuff in little black house. decided to make my own couch and chair for downstairs. even 'made' a tiny couch blanket! shipping on some stuff is getting ridiculous. hooped! ordered May pictures.

got to spend some time with our Nebraska crew before they had to pack up and head back out west.

Tracy and Chris were in town visiting the kids and stopped by....they made me the most amazing Annabelle cabinet ! Walk Fit is concerned again....my numbers are down. but I did hit my goal every day this week. I am still on track to 1 year of every day. today was day 360 . I'm not working as hard, but I'm still working it. I am proud of myself, even if WalkFit is 'genuinely concerned'.

2009: it's a wonderful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a marvelous day in the neighborhood, could you be, would you be, won't you be my Farm Town neighbor?

today had all the kids and grands here! (the Nebraska crew arrived last night.) an early morning garage sale. Papa gave Polaris rides. there was dancing and a family photo shoot in the pasture. cousins hanging out. Birthday cake for Zerelda. Papa and Brayden manned the grill. a perfectly wonderful day.

on this date in 2021, we bought the Highlander at Kirksville.

2010: got some Rock Band going on at our house...Valerie, Josh, Corey, & KJ are awesome!

on May 27, 2015 I posted this..... there is a fine line between sewing for enjoyment and wanting to toss the sewing machine through a window....

(still just as true today.)

today I seasoned The Blackstone. still haven't found the marshmallow sticks. Kevin made room in The Shed for Polaris and worked on the headlight and side mirrors. The Cryptid Windchime moved outside.

on May 26, 2009 I feared I was addicted to Farm Town...and I was. hopelessly.

I vaguely remember getting up hours before work to complete my challenges, plant and harvest crops, work on others farms for money, getting hit on in the marketplace....and I branched into more games. another farm type game. a zoo game. a pioneer game. YoVille. it was utter madness. I remember a family drive somewhere and I commented that the view looked just like FarmTown. not sure how long it lasted. it did eventually end. I tend to jump right into shit. buying soap opera magazines, the One Life To Live scrapbook, reading the TV Guide every week to keep a listing of every appearence of OLTL actors....kind of a prehistoric imbd. how much did I spend on Mary Moo Moos? Home Interior? I used to join EVERY book, music, and dvd club to get THE DEAL. then had to buy full priced books to get out. and then jump right back in AGAIN. I'm surprised Doubleday Book Club and Columbia House didn't ban my ass. I do still collect Stephen King books. and Bigfoot and alien and ghost stuff. and creepy dolls. I was on quite a tear making spooky buildings. and the Basement Barbies. The Creepy Corner. I still enjoy a good ghost tour....and even a bad one. I own waaaaay too many serial killer books. watch waaaaay too much tv.

the house is clean enough. just need to keep it that way. the pasture is scouted for photo shoot. Kevin had weedeated for such. flowers home from cemetery and planted. the side by side came home and got washed. we've discussed where to hang my cryptid windchime from Tracy, I have to get a eye bolt (or screw?) to hang it from.

(sigh). those FB memories....

MAy 25 2014 · Shared with Your friends, K.J.'s friends and Kevin's friends .....I kinda figured Godzilla would save the day.....brought back a lot of memories of watching the originals with K.J. Dailey.....and Kevin Dailey is keeping the nostalgia going by eating st Pizza Hut....

Southern ohio sasquatch hunters ·May 25 2013 Have you ever thought to yourself what life would be like if you were an Amish Squatch Daisy Farmer ? Would you make cheese ?

today I ran the tractor bucket and Kevin bravely tackled the broken tree on the corner. and he brushcut in pasture for pictures Saturday. our first ice cream of the season at Randy's.

from todays FB memories.....

May 24, 2013 · while doing more garage cleaning for impending major renovations...found a journal from 1995. and I quote, "11-20-1995: Gas 99.9 unleaded."

May 24, 2018 · I am always on the lookout for Bigfoot. Have I just stumbled on a nest walking risers? Because just how likely is it to have deer in North Missouri? #🙄

May 24, 2019 · Kevin went to day shift Tuesday. l have made supper 3 nights. Therefore, tonight is The Leftovers Buffet! I know that I'm excited about this....

I am very pleased with how our yard looks.

have another project planned. then I drive past the retired woman with the over-the-top-old-lady yard at the edge of town and I get nervous. how close are we to over-the-top? are we already there? My yard isn't gazebos and bridges and colored light water falls. mine is 8' tall Bigfoot. A UFO. you get the picture....

got some spot-cleaning projects done today. and a whole lot of sleeping in and lounging about.

went to a garage sale and last-weekend-of-the-season at the greenhouse.

mowed farm. Izzy and I did a walk about in the yard looking at the iris, peonies, and roses. then she sang the crossing the road song and we walked across highway to the mailbox. she sang song again so we could go back to her house. took a country drive, watered cemetery flowers, and ate leftover pizza.

today I finally tackled that item on my to-do list I'd been dreading. avoiding, even. it's got bumped from week. to week. to week.

today I girded my loins and went to just fucking get it over with. all told: 5 minutes. I am Woman, hear me Roar. that was finding the Mr. Clean Eraser, going to basement, putting on gloves, and the inevitable clean up on aisle three. (I have a lot of those....) what was this nefarious chore? cleaning basement mini fridge. I always blow shit waaaaay out of proportion. that's just me. it. is. crossed. off. The. List. I feel accomplished. it's the little things. it truly is. while I'm at it, I should wipe out The Real Fridge, as well. something I do stay more on top of. but never hurts to scrutinize closely. and I have a lot more steps to go. every single day, it's back to Zero, and must end at minimum 11,400. some days I struggle. but I keep at it. not as hard as I should, but it is what it is.

plugging right along at Operation Get The House Clean Enough For The Girls To Visit.

today was a wonderful comfortable temp day to mow the yard. we took flowers to Kevin's graves. I spent most of the day in comfy jammy pants and a hoodie. I am deeply immersed in a book about Rosemary Kennedy. life was so different then. how frustrating it would be to be mentally incapicated in a family of competitive winners. to have your parents obsessed with your weight. to be constantly pushed to be better. I can't even imagine the lobotomy. and how Joe could do whatever he wanted as patriarch. he answered to no one. to raise a President. to lose 3 sons. and a daughter. to have a staff to help you run your house and raise your kids. to travel whereever you wanted.

today did some cleaning, had a play date with Izzy, a phone conversation with Katie, and ordered Blackberry Smoke VIP tickets for Hoyt in August.

I know Kevin will enjoy the experience, hanging with 'his people'. he deserves it.

this morning I read through some of my 2007 blog posts and I was one busy bitch~

pig barn mom with a boy learning to drive, on Academic Team, in Pep Band...a socialite daughter who had places to go and people to see....Brownie meetings...a husband with a broken ankle...volunteering at school events....no wonder I'm still tired....

What I wanted most for my (grand)daughter was that she be able to soar confidently in her own sky, whatever that may be. - Helen Claes

happy happy happy birthday 🎈🎈🎈, Zerelda James!

I went to Bethany and picked up Zerelda's school birthday cupcakes.

3/4" rain in gauge a.m. raining again 9:30 pm-ish

today I did a spectacular job of not following directions when Kevin called me out to the farm to fix a broken rotten corner post.

I went on down the road in the side by side where I thought I was supposed to be....could barely see him in the tractor waiting where I was supposed to be. he got it fixed. finished up his brush cutting. went to Walmart and Toot Toots. we got 2.5" last night. heard Trenton got 8". bottom land between Princeton and Bethany flooded. poor farmers.

Kevin was the first one to get poison ivy this year....but I followed close behind. think I caught it pretty early. annoying but not horrible.

he brush cut today, so I was sent to Gallatin to get something for tractor. I got Bigfoot decked out for America's 250th birthday. and got solar lights hung on patio. finally rained.

we went to Millie's Kindergarten Graduation.

a most enjoyable afternoon.

took Dave & Mel out to dinner.

I needed a nap to get through the day (insert eye roll emoji here.)

today Izzy and I picked up Zerelda after school.

McDonalds, park, then here. girls took a bath and I outfitted them in Aunt Katie's left behind clothes.

yesterday I went to Olathe to see Ian's spring orchestra concert.

a true night of culture. got to eat supper with the kids, tell them goodnight, and eat breakfast with them today before I left for home. we mowed at farm. then I played tag with the girls.

Izzy misses her old couch.

she does like the 'new' one. she hung out here awhile when Daddy went to a local graduation. she and I 'helped' Papa install a new fan in their living room today. Kevin did some tree trimming here in our yard...THAT particular tree won't stab his head again. another Mothers Day. I am so grateful to be a mom, and a gramma. I love my littles more than life itself. bought some solar lights to hang over patio, and a spotlight for Bigfoot. didn't get them put out today. but I will. I will.

today Kevin and David finished Mom's porch off kitchen.

we then delivered the loveseat she was getting rid of to KJ. found out our handy man Jesse has passed away. another hard working man who never got to retire. (sad face.)

today Mom and I met Aunt Mary and crew at Jamesport for lunch.

I came home, got Rip,and took him for a groom. I walked the trail while he was visiting Kaity, where I decided a guy who crossed the street and got ahead of me on the trail was wearing a bullet proof vest, then I started thinking about how I was basically walking on the street and how easy a drive by would be, and I was full blown panicked by the time I reached the car and locked myself in.... then when we got home, Kevin and I went out for catfish for supper. came home and jammied up. I didn't really do anything, but an exhausting kinda day. oh, dug that blister outta my thumb. it finally got close enough to surface I could see it. AND I found the tweezers.

did some artsy fartsy stuff this a.m. some days are just like that....

yesterday I did successfully cancel my 2nd Bioma subscription...I may not live long enough to take all the Bioma I have....I should probably also cancel the monthly shipment of one bottle...but what if I ever do run out? will probably cancel that one, too. I really depend on this miracle stuff. it works.

I was supposed to go watch baby Everett after last nights Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert, but his other grandma and an aunt volunteered.

so instead I slept in, we went to the greenhouse, bought my flowers, Kevin built and installed replacement windmill. I planted flowers, mulched lilacs, transplanted the baby lilac.

cruise balance is paid....money moved to savings for trip.

flea market, a quick visit at Mel's, mowed at farm.

today got my first revised flight schedule for my Tracy visit....

it amazes me how they can plan this stuff months in advance. cause you know shit is gonna happen sometimes....just adjusted flight time back about half an hour earlier. I can do it. why is my stomach already fluttering? I am such a deal...(insert eye roll here)

it's amazing how something simple as vacuuming corners, polishing up your fridge front, and cleaning the disgusting dog drool off your windows can make you feel like you've really got your shit together....cause look, I really got my shit together. look fast. it won't last....(insert laughing crying emoji here)

Zerelda's spring concert was all that and more. I just love going to the kids school stuff (heart emoji) - just wish Kevin could/would go with me. but I get it. I do. I guess Excederin Migraine won't do the job for him.

Kevin sent me a link for a Serial Killer Speak Easy in Des Moines in June.

we're going, baby. I picked up new mower blades after got my oil changed, Kevin installed and mowed yard, I did massive weed-eating. Kevin also did the weekly grocery shopping. (thank you! I hate grocery shopping. so many decisions. I don't know today what I want to cook next week....)

last night was a concert at Hoyt.

today I went to Olathe to see Coralie's concert and hang out with her at Main Event....Kevin had dentist appointment and oil change. (I have oil change tomorrow.) the new windmill threw the ball bearings. didn't last long.

a busy day for team Kevin & deb.

dentist appointments. I am good. Kevin has a return visit. bought more rock, landscape timbers, rebar. bought correct size treats for Rip. I opened the new box before I realized they were LARGE. so Meggie at the farm is gonna get a 10 lb box of Milkbones. Kevin built the rest of the landscape timber frames for rock. had 1.5" in rain gauge. after just saying out loud that we hadn't caught a mouse since we got the new back door on garage....the trap in basement was blinking this morning. changed sheets. Kevin ordered 2 new bags for our cruise.

day 2 of working on our new rock display. I'm not used to actual physical labor. I am pooped.

ran out of rock, and rebar. still a work in progress. just need more supplies. mowed at farm.

Kevin whipped into DG today on our way to buy stuff to put rock in front of house, my ink pen died before we even got out of town and I couldn't doodle.

I saw the sign at the register..."exact change only. The. Penny. Shortage." they just quit making them (or announced they were quitting?). there are still pennies everywhere. so after buying 3 tons of rock, landscape timbers, rebar, weed stuff....I came home and sorted through the change jar. now there is a penny jar. to save these precious extinct coins. and I put a verse on the jar....

see a penny, pick it up all the day you'll have good luck. see a penny, let it lay bad luck you'll have all the day.

because I am nothing, if not a smart ass.

last nights storm broke several limbs in that thorn tree I hate out at the farm.

Kevin cut them and pulled them off to the burn pile. Showed Izzy what happened to the tree, then we said hello to her flowers and agreed they look just beautiful. I spent hours looking through my Ghosthunting box, sorting, reliving old memories, and doing a lot of scrapbooking.

last night at The Psychology of a Serial Killer, I learned that 4 bodies have been found in Des Moines River in the last 2 months.

whaaaaaaaaat???? is there a serial killer in Des Moines?????

Published: Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:33 PM CDT DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) - Authorities are investigating after a body was recovered from the Des Moines River Wednesday morning, KCCI reports. Police and fire crews responded to a report of a potential body in the Des Moines River near Court Avenue just after 11:00 a.m. First responders confirmed the person was dead upon arrival. Crews recovered the body shortly before noon after securing the scene. An investigation into the cause of death is underway. This marks the third body found in the Des Moines River in the past month. A body was found in the river east of the Harriet Street boat ramp on February 27, and one along the banks of the river on March 9.

A body was found in the Des Moines River on Friday, April 10, 2026 the fourth in just two months. Someone called police to report a body in the river near East 14th Street just before noon

Donald Arthur Piper (born May 11, 1961) is an American murderer and suspected serial killer convicted of killing two women in hotels around West Des Moines and Clive, Iowa in 1993 and 1997, but is considered a suspect in four other killings. For his confirmed crimes, Piper was convicted and sentenced to two life terms.

On August 23, 1993, the body of 36-year-old Patricia Lange was found in room 732 of a Holiday Inn in West Des Moines, Iowa, by an employee who worked there. She had been tied up, and evidently strangled with some sort of ligature

Four years later, on September 4, 1997, 21-year-old Zurijeta Sakanovic was found stabbed to death at a Budgetel Inn in Clive. Sakanovic, who had recently immigrated to the States with her family from Teslić, Bosnia and Herzegovina, worked as a maid at the hotel along with other refugees fleeing persecution in their native country.[

After his conviction, Piper was transferred to serve his sentence at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. In 2009, he filed an appeal to the Polk County Court, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel. This claim was rejected by Justice Joel Novak, who claimed that his lawyers were professionals and made none of the mistakes that he claimed they had made in his appeal.[18] As of April 2025, Piper is still incarcerated at Iowa State Penitentiary.

Shortly before the start of Lange trial, The Des Moines Register published in an article in which it was claimed that multiple police agencies were investigating Piper as a suspect in the murders of four additional women.[19] They were the following: Connie Jo Bodensteiner (August 8, 1995): a 24-year-old prostitute whose half-naked body was found inside a storage locker in Des Moines. She had been strangled to death, was last seen leaving the Polk County Courthouse on August 1. Police investigated multiple people in relation to her killing, but none led to an arrest.[20] Martha Erickson (November 22, 1995): a 47-year-old woman whose body was found in an unincorporated area near Carlisle by two people walking their dogs. She had been stabbed, beaten to death and finally drowned, with the water washing away most of the potential evidence.[20] Authorities investigated Piper and another man, convicted sex offender and murderer Jerry Lee Proctor, but neither man was charged with her killing. Julie Bell Davis (August 28, 1997): a 33-year-old advertising company employee who was found stabbed to death in the backroom of an office in downtown Des Moines. She had been repeatedly stabbed in the chest, and showed no signs of sexual assault. Piper was among the suspect questioned in this case, but was not charged.[20] Mariana Redrovan (January 16, 1998): a 15-year-old Ecuadorian maid who was found stabbed to death at the hotel she worked in West Des Moines. Piper was repeatedly questioned in this specific case, as it heavily resembled his confirmed murders, but was never charged and law enforcement have refused to confirm whether he still remains a suspect.[20]

The case was covered by multiple television show, including: Cold Case Files, Unusual Suspects and I, Detective.

helped the girls plant their garden in a blustery wind. then Zerelda read me some Junie B. Jones. I'd forgotten how sassy this kindergarten student was!

Katie was a Junie B. Jones fan. Kevin is upset. NFL draft night one and everything pre-empted for severe thunderstorms, tornado watches and warnings...He. Just. Does. Not. Care.

had a fabulous night out at The Psychology of Serial Killers at Hoyt Sherman Place.

we tried out a BBQ place Kevin had heard about....Smokin Ds. and Ghostleigh Grey got a much needed bath!

took girls to greenhouse to buy their flowers and veggies....

first mow of the season at the farm. Kevin also did more work on the windmill.

mowing the yard seemed to get rid of the back ache I've had since yesterday...

no school Ridgeway today or tomorrow...town water tower leak causing extremely low water pressure.

today Kevin planted the new lilac bush he bought me yesterday. this is #7. they are my favorites. I just love the smell.

he also braced the new windmill that the big old windstorm knocked down the day after we put it up. today the girls had an appt. I did a half hour interval walk in the parking lot, hitting my daily step goal. go me! when I got in the car, my back seized up. I thought it was cause I wore my slightly too big crocs. when we went to McDonalds it got worse. I got dizzy. hot. nauseous. I got a sweet tea. took them home. went to bed. when I woke up , felt better. back still sore. I'm pretty puny. sometimes I just get too tired and my body revolts. this happened a lot when I worked. haven't had it happen for awhile. we did have a big weekend. and I get stressed out sometimes. I'm thinking just a deb thing. so, I'm ending the day in the 14s. took it easy after I got home. some days are just like that.

I am SO annoyed. (what's the reason I'm annoyed at 10:33 a.m.?)

first off, I forgot to pay the AF. the BIG one. farm/houses/equipment. the whole enchilda. a day late. THEN I have to answer ALL the security questions. AND THEN I HAVE TO VERIFY MY ID WITH A CODE...and choose whether I want said code sent to me by text or email. who the fuck is trying to pay this outrageous overpriced insurance premium? I truly believe we are being screwed over. how much does the agent make off this? we've been through a string of successive agents. 2 we never even met face to face. they don't return emails or phone calls in a timely manner. admit they don't know answers to questions. this one "doesn't know how to get into the old system." "doesn't understand the new farm rules." it's not personal service anymore. we'd probably get a better deal online. but the hubs is all about personal service. face to face. which it isn't even anymore. he reminds me how many years we've been with this insurance company. so frustrating. (and they don't even have good commercials - insert eye roll here.) I have a personal opinion. but I didn't inherit the farm from my dad. so.

we went to St Joe and rode The Murder Bus! a fun afternoon.

lunch at Cheddars. some shopping. and back home.

Saturday: an impromptu trip to a little town in Nebraska....

hanging out with our little Nebraska daughter and grandson....

windmill 0. wind 1.

more hail and t-storms today. all area schools out early.

mom's neighbor was arrested for elderly fraud. I know this from messages sent to me and a quick FB search.

I 'helped' Kevin assemble his new windmill. moved the last bulb from in front of house to flower bed. did a quick walk at park.

while Mom had an appointment, Izzy and I shopped at the local book store.

they have toys she can play with, we read several books and she picked one to bring home. found some for Zerelda, and a bookmark and reading timer. I love going to book stores and browsing the stacks. took the girls to the park until it started raining. ended up with a real thunderstorm and some hail. I wore shorts in public today.

took girls to appointment. did a parking lot Walk Fit walk.

bought a kettle bell and jump rope at Walmart. time at Princeton park. had a fraud protection message when I got home. first call kept cutting out after I was on hold forever. had to fucking call back. usually they're just regular weekly things I do like the local gas station. this time there were multiple $0.00 charges from places I don't recognize, so had to shut off card and will get a new one in 7-10 days. so have to replace my card in my book and on my paypal and do any auto payments come off my card???? idk. I just don't know. then found an email from Booking.com that they may have had a data breech. ???? Kevin planned supper and cooked it while I was on phone.

Tax Day.

I was so worked up I was seeing spots. wtf is wrong with me? our refund will pay for our Alaskan Cruise. went to Des Moines to sell the last of the silver. had my favorite DQ treat, a Peanut Buster Parfait. (inside joke. my sisters get it.) lunch at Famous Dave's. hadn't been there in years. Kevin said he'd rather see Charlie and Benji unplugged out east than Mexico deal. will watch for tickets. first mowing of the season here. Ann announced her pregnancy on social media. changed sheets, took another blanket off the bed and washed it to store for The Next Winter.

another nice quiet day at home.

reading. sewing. Kevin really wants to go see Blackberry Smoke in Mexico in December. he really wanted to go last year. I guess we'll try to get tickets? we're not getting any younger.

a nice quiet day at home.

nothing wrong with that.

Izzy was very excited about Preschool Roundup today!

I got a kick out of watching her at her screening, and during her tour of school and classroom. She. is. ready!

did some after Easter clearance shopping at Walmart...

took girls to Bethany for an errand, then Izzy played here for a bit. I told her she was magical and she told me she is NOT a fairy. (insert smiley face emoji here.) she had her serious face on.

worked on quilt, framed Chiefs puzzle and found a display spot, made potato salad. a good deb day.

doing Bigfoot research for Alaska. picked up Z from school, played here for awhile. wwwwiiiinnnnnnddddddyyyyyyy.....

another WalkFit in the parking lot while Izzy has an appointment kinda day....

this sounds heroic, but it was only a 10 minute walk. I did make a TikTok of it....cause that's who I am. I am still proud of myself for making the effort. there was at least one person in a parked vehicle I saw, which made me feel awkward. so I hid in the car after I was done....went to "The Horse Cafe" for tenderloins.

had my own private Shark Week this week, courtesy of Netflix and Jaws, Jaws 2, and Jaws 3.

Kevin and I saw Jaws 3 in 3-D at Trenton on a date in 1983. ah. memories....

this is pretty cool, since I've blown off Shark Week the last few years. which is ironic, now that I have time to watch it...I got kinda bored with the specials and documentaries. this was just the Shark Week I needed. (insert smiley face emojie)

Monday

Kevin took an early out and came home today. meatloaf for supper. I like it better since I started using BBQ sauce. not sure when I started this? but yum. got the grands collage made and hung. hung the kids wedding pictures. ripped out all my fuck ups on quilt back. (it was a shit ton). I will proceed with extreme caution, lots of pins, and constantly check back for bunching. jeepers. started watching Jaws 2 on Netflix....have I seen it before? made a Sanderson Sisters/Eyeballs pillowcase. ordered a new Troy Taylor book. I haven't gotten one for a time. I felt like I was re-reading the same stories over and over. hopefully it's been long enough that won't be a thing. a very productive day.

today we ate the leftover soup and used frozen bread from freezer to make grilled cheese to go with. tomorrow I plan on using the heels to make meatloaf. no waste. what IS going on with me lately?

I did realize I forgot to decorate Bigfoot for St Pats (and he has a green sparkly bow) AND Easter. which I haven't done yet, but should NEXT year. I saw a FB memory of the door wreath with a Mothman Easter Egg on it....what happened to that? need to make a holiday list for next year....(sigh.) 'cause I am REALLY not on the ball this year....

ordered a Desk Goose with a gray hoodie. I'm pretty sure a Porch Goose wouldn't last long. lots of wind on our porch...

Izzy brought her mommy and daddy over for an Easter visit. She wore her pink sparkly 'cheerleader' outfit (one of Katie's old dance costumes) and decided the green tractor I got for Everett last year at the Flea Market was Cow Kevin's Big Green Tractor because Grandma's Husband (her grandfather) has a big RED tractor. she also loaded up passangers on the Barbie Airplane AND built block towers. and built fence for Cow Kevin's cows out of blocks.

it was the first flea market of the season, but it was cold and windy and muddy and we sat around in our jammies and didn't go....

we did make it to the store and I finally got 'clean downstairs bathroom' off my to-do list. The closet doorknob I'd super-glued back together broke again, so bought different knobs today. AND I used up all the leftover crockpot steak.

a wonderfully lazy day at home

did have to put on pants to go out for supper. Catfish night at Crazy Horse.

I really feel like I found my copy of 1984 at just the right time in my life....it is really making sense to me right now.

visited Brenda on a rainy day to deliver Rachelle's diapers and baby book.

we had an excellent visit. she is so fun to hang out with!

FYI

Kevin and I have agreed that we do not covet prayers. there is no circumstance in which we want ANY family member making a social media post about our health conditions, etc. NO. CIRCUMSTANCE. we are not those people. if we want someone to know something, we will personally tell them. if we die before that happens, then that's just the way it is. we feel others posting our personal health information on social media is not appropriate. this is not something we are comfortable with. to each their own. this is the hill we will die on. I fully intend to haunt people. just saying.

didn't have an April Fools Day prank in me today. the only one I ever remember doing was when us three girls woke dad up and told him the cows were in the alfalfa again. he went running out of the house.... we got him. ah, memories.

thunderstorm last nite. some rain today. took Dailey girls to an appointment in Bethany, then McDonalds where Izzy did an unboxing video, and a stop at the library for a new stack of books. temps have dropped.

day 300 of Walk Fit. from Couch Potato to exercising again. I am rather proud of myself. (still fat though, right?) 210 lbs. which is less than I weighed when I started. my eventual goal is Onederland (under 200). I count this as a NSV. (non scale victory.)

Tuesday

changed sheets. removed a quilt from the bed for spring. did some patch work on my O.G. denim quilt, then gave it a good wash. I made it when Koren still lived at home. some of the denim is rotten. some of the backing is rotten. I just keep reinforcing it. Kevin bought 2 replacement trees. one for me, one for Z. he planted both. I hung out with the girls for a bit. we checked out the spring time tree and flower action in their yard.

Monday

swept/mopped floors. cleaned upstairs bathroom. vacuumed up the dead flies in grandkids room. bagged up all the dog toys Rip doesn't play with to donate to animal shelter.

today I bought and cut up my first real pineapple.

(I'm 61 years old)

weighed in, the lowest I've been in 'my journey' so far. hanging out at Katie's for a week not snacking willy nilly made a difference! will this be a lesson learned? time will tell. and time does not lie...

today "we" moved the raised garden bed to a spot with more sunlight.

and picked up sticks at farm, Kevin hauled stuff out of garage for burn heap (when it is safe to burn, still under advisory), drove Polaris through pastures checking fence. I played with Izzy.

home from a week in Nebraska.

don't know how helpful I was, but had a wonderful time hanging out with Katie and baby Everett. Koren and kids were there over the weekend and we had a big family sleepover party in the basement. Millie lost a tooth. Ian, Katie, Everett, and Brayden saw a UFO. I of course was looking the wrong way. Mr. Everett was especially taken with Ian. I got to play cards with Cora and Ian. made creepy videos with Violet. she kept us up late Friday night telling stories about goats with human voices.

Zerelda is on the good attendance roll AND the A Honor Roll.

todays the day.

think I am prepared to go hang out in Nebraska. until I get there and realize what I forgot...

picked up Rip.

picked up Z from school, she made us microwave popcorn, which we ate watching a movie, then time for cheer practice and dance competition. took her home and watched Izzy dance. packed for my trip to Katie's. snow. wrote my first Yelp review!

we had a good weekend away in Champaign for our 7th Blackberry Smoke concert....5th state. 7th venue. 7th show.

the Victorian B&B I found was just charming. I made a shit-ton of TikToks. we did a lot of walking. we saw Scream 7. we were wind-blown. sprinkled on. snowed on. I fell flat on my face (literally) walking to concert. we went to a 3 story used book store. we ate at 2 restaurants downtown. I saw gray squirrels. (insert heart emoji)

Rip to boarding. stopped at farm on way home to play cop and bank robber with Izzy. got some exercise.

I love how confidently she spews out the big words....excavator. exercise. karaoke machine. stethoscope. Kevin made supper...stirfry from last nights leftover ribeyes. it's a wonderful day in the neighborhood. (insert smiley face emoji)

bought 2 tickets to The Psychology of Serial Killers at Hoyt Sherman April 22!

I checked the calander. twice. fucking TWICE. I bought the tickets. go to write them on the calender. I have this day free in MAY. this is the same day as Cora's concert. bad grandma. can't figure out how to cancel. and I really really really want to go. I'm an idiot. wow. at least I did look on my phone and then check on computer and found better prices. ugh.

another peaceful day at home. The. Puzzle. Is. Finished! was missing 5 pieces. did my infamous camo trick. will glue it down and frame to display....very windy today.

an email informs me that American Express has concerns about my card.

I of course have no credit cards since I suck at them. Kevin doesn't have an American Express. This email doesn't mention a name. or an account #. So of course I will IMMEDIATELY reply with every pertinent bit of information I have....our SSNs. the bank account info. our investment account log-in. everything they could possibly need because of course I will. because I just fell off the turnip truck yesterday. and I hit my head REALLY hard. so very very hard. I probably have a concussion and/or brain damage. and this is such a clever, clever, clever spammer attempt that it is virtually bullet proof. Superman couldn't stop this thing. there's no way I can possibly see through it. I only have a high school education.

spent some time with The Dailey Girls today.

who am I these days? I walked in parking lot at Izzy's therapy session. am I getting healthy habits? picked up Z after school. we visited Dave & Mel and admired their newest quilts. we played at the school park, where Izzy bravely climbed up a scary ladder and Zerelda tackled the zipline. they are growing up. checked out the solar lights I'd placed in their trees...3 strands were lit up. pushed a button on unlit strand. will have to check on them again. we talked about camping out in their yard by the lit up trees this summer. Kevin put a shepherds hook and the hummingbird feeder on front porch. the frogs are singing. the birds were going CRAZY this morning. fake spring? or the real thing? hmmmmmm.

today my son is 34. where does the time go????

Lisa says Mom is cleaning out her house and looking at senior housing, that she is saying she'll be ready to move when her old cat dies. I have thoughts. many, many thoughts. probably shouldn't be posted anywhere anyone can see them....I do get that privacy would be harder in senior housing. I myself prefer not to be bothered. if ever I do end up in senior housing, no neighborhood kids will trick-or-treat or try to sell me something more than once. and I don't forsee many neighbors dropping by for coffee. I don't drink it. there will be signs. there will be NO meals at the Senior Center. no church events. no van rides to the city for plays. I will live on lunchables, pb&js, dry cereal and Pepperidge Farms coconut cakes. I will sit on my porch in my pjs reading Stephen King books and crafting Creepy Corner items. Because my tiny apartment would be part Creepy Corner, part Library, part Family Pictures Shrine. will there be room on the porch slab for my metal Bigfoot, the UFO, AND my ghost chicken?

had the most wonderful weekend at Koren's

played with the grands. took a walk with Violet, Ian, & Millie. played flashlight tag. the littles made Instagram videos. we took Coralie birthday shopping as her present. I am always so tired when we leave, but so full of love. they are good kids. and Ian is taller than me now.

Dave & Mel took us out to Coltons for Kevin's birthday....

so Mel & I did a power walk of the Easter aisles at Kirksville Walmart. did not find the Fuggler Eggs I just learned existed last week. I had already not found them at Bethany. on way home last night I was thinking....maybe they'd be in TOY aisle? oh well. I fell down a Fuggler rabbit hole. FB groups. you can buy accessories. there are minis. babies. people are making homemade ones. I have 2 of what I think are the OGs. and a more recent bigger sized one. maybe I will someday attempt making one? hmmmmmmmmm.

got an email...another recall on my car. remedy not available yet.

What You Need to Know About Open Recalls

1. 1 in 6 cars on US roads today have an open recall.

2. All recall repairs are done at no charge to owners.

3. Safety recalls are issued for significant issues; don't delay getting repairs.

4. New recalls are issued every month, even for older cars.

Your Recall Information Recall Status: Remedy Not Available Recall Number: 26TB06 SAFETY RECALL 26TA06 (INTERIM NOTICE 26TB06) - CERTAIN 2021-2024 MODEL YEAR HIGHLANDER, AND HIGHLANDER HV - SEAT BACK RECLINER ASSEMBLY MAY NOT SECURELY LOCK

a nice quiet day at home.

I could get used to this! pjs all day (insert smiley face)

Izzy says: "Peppa Pig says buckle up, buttercup!"

which is very insightful for a little girl who can dawdle so long getting in and out of her carseat....we hung out today. a new batch of library books. Today is Miss Coralie's 10th birthday. where does the time go? seems like her mama was just 10...

had a brief electrical outage today. and as someone who has lived through some financial rough patches, my first thought in an outage is FUCK I DIDN'T PAY THE BILL!

in these tough economic times my husband is just throwing money away.....

Hello kevin,

Time is running out for you to use your rewards. Rewards must be used by 11:59 p.m. on the day they expire or they are removed from your reward total.

Total Fuel Saver balance 5¢

Expires 03/06/2026 2¢

Aunt Mary is SO funny... told me I should pack a muumuu for the cruise so I can belly up to the buffet for all that infamous delicious food. whatever.

this fat gal is actually a picky eater. kiss my ass. Katie found a haunted saloon in Skagway....

have 3 days of scheduled dr. appts. this week, pick Z up after school tomorrow, out to eat with Dave & Mel Friday night. to Koren's for weekend.

we went to the Lineville Volunteer Fire Department Chicken & Noodles tonight. Lije always went. Kevin carries on the tradition. Izzy and I played Cops and Robbers and Hide & Seek and Hide The Pinecone outside. it was chilly. we wore our winter coats.

had a wonderful weekend with Katie and gang.

went to a baby shower with her and Everett Saturday morning, Kevin & I helped with painting in the basement they're finishing, then went for a walk with Katie & Everett and she showed me around their little town. got to hang out this morning. he wakes up so happy! he's not as happy at night...but still a most delightful little guy.

right before we left, Brayden and Katie felt the house shake slightly. Kevin was on sofa with feet up, I was sitting on their bed with Everett, we didn't feel anything. but later saw on Facebook there was a 4.1 earthquake at 12:59 p.m. in Cowles, 89 miles from them. Nebraska has hidden deep faults, the last activity there with December 2023, also 4.1.

I was today days old when I learned of the existance of Fuggler Easter Eggs at Walmart, sadly I didn't find any at Bethany. there are all kinds of interesting eggs. and a whole new crop of giant Peeps. I bet Izzy needs one, too.

Brenda & Lisa both made FB posts. I did not. I am fully aware of the date. I don't want to deal with sympathy and prayers and other such unhelpful bullshit. not in any way beneficial to me. and that's on me.

Izzy came over to play. decided to put The Case File in the bottom of closet. but of course I have to thumb through it and think some thoughts first....that's just who I am. just deb.

I finished up The Kid Robot. hung up the signs in Creepy Corner I made last night. read some. 'researched' some. and took a chair nap.

tonight we took a ride out by the farm. Ann had called this morning, smelling smoke. she could see smoke from house. told her someone was probably burning brush. forgot all about it. Kevin stopped on way home to get gas. people were telling him 3 fire departments were out earlier battling a brush fire 'out by farm'. it was the farm on back side burning something, jumped the fence and got into Kevin's brothers pasture. the guy who runs cows there moved cows out of way so firetrucks could leave gate open. a few trees and wooden fence posts charred some. grass is burnt off. as a girl who grew up in KC, I'm sure this was alarming. as a country girl, it's just life. like gunshots. we have neighbors who target shoot frequently. I don't think a thing about it.

made chicken potpie for supper. had enough biscuit dough left to make 2 cinnamin raisin biscuits. it's a good day.

took girls to dr. appt. watched Izzy eat lunch at McDonalds.

she is always so excited to go anywhere. Millie lost her first tooth today. Koren says Tooth Fairy pays $5 for a first tooth. Katie booked a whale watching expedition. I am doing TikTok and FB reels "research " on shampoo & conditioner bars; Foldie carry on bags; vacuum travel bags...I. am. on. it. insane headache. 20,000 steps. always easier the days I hoop. hooping is so much easier on my old achy overworked feet. I ask a lot of them. called and refilled a Rx, called and scheduled Rip board so we can go to Katie's this weekend. put my cheapy Valentines aliens in an alien display. did a spot o' scrapbookin'. I was so excited for the mini tacos I found at Hy-Vee last night, and by 'ad there, I like 'em. I discovered a "behind the scenes" book by In Broad Daylight author. and ordered In Broad Daylight, know I've seen the show. have I read the book? ALSO, there is a book about The Beatrice Six, so yep. I was on amazon today. I have been a good girl and avoiding it for a bit. AND my new grandma sweatshirt arrived! it is the perfect amount of cozy. the perfect amount of baggy. I rec'd a letter from my long-time relative penpal and had some not-so-nice thoughts.

finished The Hotel

not as ghosty as I hoped it would be. did a journey to HyVee. puzzle is starting to come together.

made little Robots head.

sketched. didn't hit step goal till 9 p.m. very lazy day.

a nice relaxing day at home.

no big accomplishments today. found the box that I think will be Robot Baby's head. put some pieces in the puzzle. baked a bundt cake. finished a book. watched a doc.

us girls picked up Z from Owls Club.

we went to McDonalds, got pics of the girls with Ronald McDonald. then came here to play. temps dropped into 40s. blustery wind beating against the house.

I met KJ at Mercer school and picked up Zerelda. Daddy had an academic meet to coach.

we went to gas station for snacks, then took her home where we played cops and bank robbers, then kidnappers outside with Izzy. Cow Kevin was concerned to see the girls playing in truck, he came over to check on them, and of course Gramma was in the back seat being kidnapped. I've told them they can only play in the truck with a grownup. Kevin had an early morning dr. appt, then went to Chillicothe to get his oil changed, which is his love language. I HATE calling on phone to make appointments. I hate going to appointments. and sitting in waiting rooms. he also bought the exact truck bird feeder I was going to buy in Nebraska when the clerk directed me to Christmas clearance, a cute truck, but not a bird feeder....anyway. now the bird feeder is hanging in tree. cause now I love birds. AND he got a hummingbird feeder and juice for the bathtub when spring comes....still can't sell silver. market has dropped but not safe yet.

to farm a.m. Zerelda has a new bedroom window! and a somewhat cleanish room. still have to attack the top of dresser, but ran out of time.

Rip had a groom appointment. his groomer now has an AI assistant you can talk to when you walk in the door. I tried to use it. sometimes I feel really old. walked the trail, then sat in parking lot. usually I shop the whole time. am I developing healthier habits? or is walking less peopley than shopping?

I found Zerelda's princess dress I made her when she was Izzy size, and handed it down. Izzy loves a good princess dress.

when I was walking to car to go home, saw an eagle swooping majestically in pasture behind farm house.

day #19 of 20,000 steps. I believe my first 2 days in a row?

I thought I was taking girls to dr. today, but KJ had the day off. a relaxing day. finished the movie I started last week. and a documentary. cut batting for Bigfoot quilt front, and a flannel sheet for backing. and made 2 pillowcases from same sheet. Kevin picked up my first Rx refills of the year. did some redecorating in gramma barbie deb's apartment.

a situation has arisen. Rip has his first winter groom (waaaay overdue) tomorrow afternoon. KJ found out he has concession stand. Zerelda needs picked up. how to make it work? maybe Kevin will get an early out? I mean, yeah, she can hang out at school all day and night and get back home at bedtime her first day of the week, after probably getting home in time for bed tonight....I feel bad. I could take Rip with to pick her up, then take him to groom at Trenton, run her back to Ann, and back to get Rip? maybe? idk. you'd think being a gramma would be easier than being a mom, but impossible situations occasionally surface...

just a quiet day at home. another 20,000 step day. # 18, to be exact.

Kevin is in season 3 of his latest medical drama series find....and I put a few pieces in the puzzle....found a cache of pictures from our anniversary party and KJ's last wedding....so spent some time scrapbooking. I'd ordered extras for Zerelda and Izzy so got them ready for their scrapbooks.

ordered all Snapfish pics through today (Feb. 15). have decided to do a photo collage or individually frame wedding pics of kids. Koren. KJ. Katie. KJ again.

my Valentine took me to the Steak Special For Two at Toot Toots, then we walked about Walmart.

it's a thing we do...

Friday the 13th. had donuts with someone I love at Ridgeway School today.

came home, exercised, ate lunch, picked up girls, and we went to see Zerelda (and Daddy!) sing in The Talent Show. then to McDonalds. and Izzy to dr. with sore throat. then Walmart and home again.

nsv today. finally got around to trying on my dress from Katie's wedding. the one that wouldn't zip up for Kj's wedding. I was home alone. zipped it up. slipped over my head. easily got it on. a bit trickier getting it off....the scale hasn't been going down, but maybe all the walking is getting somewhere. think I'll tuck this into my suitcase for our cruise! maybe do a sunset photo shoot on deck? a girl can' dream, can't she?

I played with Izzy at her house today. talked to Katie.

she has booked our cruise! I stood on our back porch at dusk, looking at the first star, crying happy tears. we. are. going. on. an. Alaskan. Cruise. something I never even dreamed could be possible. found a new grandma sweatshirt with all the kids names on it to order, hopefully it will fit AND be comfortable, not that slickery fabric. probably won't be. that didn't used to be a thing. it cost enough to be a good quality sweatshirt. I'm on track for 20,000 steps again today. (18,803 at 6:21 p.m.)

Kevin early out. beautiful spring like weather.

I went to farm, Izzy helped me hang the solar lights on a couple of small pine trees. she picked up pine cones. we were going to make pine cone people, but I can't find my google eyes....I piled up limbs. they came here and hung out till Daddy and Z picked them up. I had some inspiration, and ta-da! The Patchwork Bigfoot/Scooby Doo/camo pants pillowcase is ready for the washer!

the more tv shows Kevin watches about hospitals and doctors and police, the less I trust any of them. working too many hours. short staffed. they can have bad days like anyone. personal problems. axes to grind. biases. (we all know they hate FAT people.) I wouldn't trust any of 'em.

there was a SWAT van at Cainsville. a woman we know in Newton tazered a guy. the world is going crazy and we're all along for the ride.

I let Ann down today because I had a bitch of a headache and just not having a good deb day.

watched a Netflix doc, finished the ghost book I was reading and gave it a scathing 2 star review on amazon, learned that Princess Cruise ships only serve Coke, but you can bring 12 cans of a different beverage aboard. made my step goal. a lot of unproductive down time in my recliner. started the Crazy Patchwork Bigfoot Pillowcase. it's gonna be K-raz-eeeee. also came up with a new deb's bigfoot movie scene. Kevin took an early out. don't think he's feeling his best, either. but we don't discuss those things.

Ann & Izzy had appointments.

and there was a brief Walmart trip, and a photo shoot with Ronald McDonald.....I took an outdoor walk at the park. forgot how hard those 3 laps are. much harder than walking in the house. and much more peopley. Katie recommended Eden on Netflix, watched it last night. surprised I didn't have nightmares....or maybe I did?

another day of reading. finished Joe Hill Book. read through several super short books.

finished front of Bigfoot quilt. now to get something for batting and hand tuft it, I think. I've never done that before. hmmmmm. will have to do some tutorials. Kevin watched the Superbowl. Yay Seahawks. whatever. I opted out. he also worked on puzzle. Katie called. she is still planning Alaskan Cruise. I love the way that rolls off the tongue. definitely will pack maxi dresses and my Bigfoot Alaskan Cruise hoodie. it WILL be an Alaskan Cruise. not THE cruise on the hoodie, but A cruise. shorts. capris. so exciting.

a peaceful day at home.

a lot of reading. a lengthy afternoon chair nap. some actual cooking. thought some deep thoughts. watched a beautiful sunset. life is good. (insert heart emoji) Kevin thought he saw something dart across the hall....he thought a mouse. so I brought traps upstairs, checked batteries, cleaned, rebaited. left one up here, took one back downstairs. of course I know what he saw. I've seen it too. several times. out the corner of my eye. I think it's ghost Miss Cuddles darting across the hall from the old doorway into kitchen. once I saw a dark long thin shape at the end of the hall that looked more rat like. that was when Mom was staying with us in severe pain from her broken shoulder and no one was sleeping much. brought trap upstairs then, too. never caught anything.

I'd found a used copy of The Hotel book - based loosely on Opp Hotel in Rock Port.

seller cancelled, so ordered a new one instead. also printed out tiny names, then cut out tiny balloons and hearts and colored them red, and glued tiny names to them, then added these to my new calender that finally arrived the other day. I was not a happy camper. first, the damn thing didn't arrive till pretty much February. granted, I did order it the week before Christmas. it was perfect. abandoned mattresses in scenic places. I was so excited. got all these emails that it was in customs. it was in the states. when it got here, NOT what I ordered. a scenic landscape one. doesn't even tell you location of pictures. but it's a calender. looks like a free bank handout calender and I paid good money for it. lesson probably not learned. anyway, now family birthdays and anniversaries are on there.

another beautiful starlit night. taking our bedtime walk, got even with abandoned neighbor house, had just turned on my phone flashlight...

Rip barked and lunged towards side of road, something scurried loudly through grass, there was a crash like whatever it was ran into something or jumped through a broken window and knocked something over....I jumped AND screamed like a ninny, couldn't see that far with flashlight, so we promptly about-faced and returned home with our tails between our legs. whew. what an adventure.

also had a start this morning. I was brushing my teeth. the tv would BLARE then quiet. then BLARE then quiet. it was supposed to be just me and Rip at home. so, I peek out into hallway....and Kevin is in his recliner. at 8 a.m. on a Friday he works. wtf. I enquire, "Are you sick?" he replies he slept through his alarm and was going to be late, so took a vacation day. the next time I came out, he was asleep. a bit later, he was gone. went to farm to check more into water issue. still nothing. he had chiropractor appt. he wanted to wash truck. issue with car wash. didn't have time to call the "if problems call...." #. then to eat at the place we both know I don't like. next to a table of loud opinionated annoying people. longest wait we've ever had there. my food didn't taste right. but I was in a mood and getting a cold, so it is what it is. then HyVee and home again. Hardees was shut down. Pizza Hut is going to close a lot of restaurants. wish THIS chain would shut down, too.....ugh. AND a letter from a person that makes me cringe just like I do every time the house phone rings or I get a text. I briefly skim it, find something to get pissy about, then toss it. I am quite unhinged, I fear. Katie is planning an Alaskan cruise leaving from Seattle. can you even imagine? a balcony room? sounds like quite a good use of some 401k money. (insert smiley face here.) I am nothing, if not a responsible adult. oh. also had to get dressed and go to bank to do a favor for a family member. decided while I'm there, might as well haul in the half a gallon pickle jar of change. $107.29. waste not want not. see a penny pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck. see a penny, let it lay. bad luck you'll have all the day.

insomnia last night. so, I worked on puzzle and sewed on quilt.

went to bed when Kevin's work alarm went off. had just woke up when Ann messaged me. yesterday she told me tub was slow draining, I poured half a jug of drain cleaner down it. today toilet backed up into tub. I walked lagoon, didn't see anything frozen or clogged up. couldn't find our long snake. Kevin bought one on his way home from work and went straight to farm, where he found nothing wrong, and toilet was flushing correctly. meanwhile, the girls spent most of the day at my house. on the way here, Izzy wanted her snack. Ann told her it was yogurt, too messy for car, wait till we get to grandma's. Izzy kept requesting her snack. when we reached the curve where you can see our house, she deadpanned "We're finally here. My God." (I felt the same way.) Gramma was tired and cranky, and not the most delightful companion today. Izzy wanted to go home. Mommy didn't want to. we made cinnamon raisin biscuits. she found the rocking horse in basement, and the big spider, and the fuzzy blue bear mask. she stayed busy all day. daddy and Z picked them up and took them home. haven't heard from them, so hoping all is well. or we'll be digging up the yard trying to find the problem....we once upon a time lived in a rental house where everything backed up into the tub and landlord told us it was our fault, we didn't put straw around the house. so Kevin found us an apartment and we moved. later she told us there was a busted pipe in the yard....I don't want to be that landlord. but all the repairs and problems are vexxing. you skate along for a while then something else goes to hell....much better to be the renter than the landlord. much cheaper.

obits of 2 people I know in this weeks paper. always sobering.

kickstarter kickoff for SmallTownMonsters! how many years have I been a kickstarter? since I 'discovered' them! and an update from Jason Hawes, looks like The Conjuring House is still within reach. my $10 (or was it $15?) might be put to good use yet!

ordered Rachelle amazon baby registry gifts shipped to her. made Rip groom appt. now we pay half when make appt. which I'm looking at as a payment plan. all good. unsubscribed from a shit ton of emails. quite a productive day, I must say. Ann says KJ wants to read King Sorrow when I'm done with it. in my FB research about Rock Port Main St. Hotel, found a book written round about the Opp Hotel. so ordered if off amazon, used.

the girls and I picked Z up from school Day 2.

she came limping to car in tears. she'd fell at recess and hurt her leg. AND got in trouble for sticking her tongue out a girl who stuck her tongue out at Z first. 3rd grade ain't no picnic. her teacher has been braiding her hair. she's the only girl in 3rd/4th grade class. (or maybe it's 2nd/3rd?) I do know she's in 3rd grade, anyway. there are 6 boys, I believe. today's agenda was Mercer County Library, requested by Izzy. who I think honestly thought the Library was the Bookstore off the square (with the comfy reading chairs and the GIANT Squishmallows)....they both found several books to check out. will have to get to the bookstore again....then we came to my house, where the girls had supper, a long hot bath, and then we played till time to take them home. I hope we made some memories today. hanging out with The Littles is exhausting. they think so much faster than I do. but it is so much fun. in the kids section at library I found a Vampire Snail book, a Bigfoot book, and a ghost book that I had to just sit down on the steps in the corner and read.

AND I had an interesting conversation with my neighbors who razed my other neighbors condemned (and according to a former long time resident, haunted) house. they found his Father's ashes during demo. and one dead rat on the couch.

another beautiful full moon. in a cloudy sky. (insert heart emoji here)

the girls and I picked up Z from school. Daddy had concession stand. I was early, so did a drive about and took another set of pics of the Ridgeway Hotel. I bet she was a beaut back in the day. did some FB snooping, found a bit of history on her. we went Valentines shopping at Walmart, then thru McDonalds drive-thru.

finished the February 15K challenge. I feel accomplished. and dead tired. but that's just me. watched a tubi movie while I hooped. reading Joe Hill's King Sorrow. framed a teeny tiny Abraham Lincoln picture. now to find the perfect place to put it....work on quilt is at a stand still. no time. ditto the puzzle. the exercises take time. bought Hallmark Valentines for all the grands, filled them out, addressed them, and into mailbox.

am I upset that the groundhog saw his shadow today? no. because it is fuckin' February 2nd. and we live in Missouri.

Ann & Iz rode along to pick up Rip from boarding. then hung out here. we'll pick Z up from school the next 2 days. Daddy has concession stand one night, Academic Meet the other.

had a most wonderful weekend with Everett and family.

he is truly the sweetest baby. we are the LUCKIEST grandparents, we got a good batch (insert heart emoji here.) on the way home, we stopped by The Beatrice Location and got my pictures, plus a small piece of broken glass from a broken window on back side. back door was not fully latched, but I didn't try to open it. I DID take pictures through a couple of broken windows....I am an urban explorer, after all, albeit a timid one....

today Kevin made me an errand that involved getting dressed, driving 2 hours, and spending an hour at the tire place....

but did get some Dateline time in. and a lot of reading done. so, there's that. decided how to trim sides of quilt and started on that. going to remove some of the tiny people from my tiny houses that you can't see anyway and see if they're the right scale for my museum. also thinking 'brick' and 'windows' for outside museum.

Kevin had an early out, so changed our RJ telephone appt. to face to face. it's easier for Kevin to hear that way. had to get dressed today and go out in the world.

exciting news....we're getting shares or stocks or whatever in Casey's and some govt. drone thing. found out I can draw penalty free from my IRA (since age 59.5) but will be taxed on it. at some age in the future, I will "have" to withdraw so much per year. Aunt Mary sent me a stack of letters that Darla & Mona wrote for their mom. I'll be returning them. Grandma Pauline used to enclose snippets of letters from others in her letters. did some scrapbooking. started cutting out squares for side trim blocks on Bigfoot Quilt. very inspired work on my mini museum...which now of course features....cryptids and ghosts. just need to find little peoples to enjoy the art. and maybe figure out some lights? I used black interior. it is awful dark.

another recent #nsv

my favorite Golden Girl Grandma Panties are back in the rotation again....this one is big. huge. unbelievable. (insert excited face emoji here)

on tonites moonlit chilly bedtime potty walk, I came to the realization that I self-sabatoge. I am afraid of success. and change. I am an it-is-what-it-is gal, not a hold-the-phone-I-don't-have-to-do-this-anymore gal. what if I had came to this realization many years and many pounds ago? oh well. I'm a firm believer that each life experience shapes who we are. and I am just ever-so-delightful in this incarnation...

today while changing the sheets I mended a ripped pillowcase. something so simple. yet I feel SO accomplished!

last night I was reflecting on our cold bedtime potty walk down the road. the sky was velvet with brilliant stars. a crescent moon. breathtaking. I was thinking about how good it felt to walk. to move. to be more present. I will never be lithe and willowy, but I do feel better about myself. stronger. more capable. will I make it to ONEderland? that is my goal. if I stay on this path, maybe, eventually, I will get there. it is what it is. and that's good enough.

Project Turning A Cool Bigfoot Panel From A Friend, Old Bigfoot PJ Pants, Some New Bigfoot Fabric, And Scraps Of Old Bigfoot Fabric Into A Quilt is coming along. cutting blocks as I am inspired. it won't be as wacky as some of my creations. maybe.

used amazon.prime credits to rent Sasquatch Sunset for free.

finding things I need to attempt my homemade mini museum....

dressed and out into the cold, cold world today.

Lisa had mailed us a new remote for Mom's tv. delivered that. she was predicting dire events. then we went to Hy-vee for a few victuals.

caught a snapfish sale and ordered the ridiculous amount of cartooned AI photos I've created for $2.06 + shipping. SCORE! there will be some scrapbooking in my immediate future!

still cold....and snowing.

Kevin woke me up at 10 a.m. (!) stayed in our jammies all day. reading. the puzzle. doodling. still going through my camera roll posting TikToks. he watched episodes of The Pitt all day. I made brownies for breakfast. Kevin fixed a plate of summer sausage and cheese and crackers for lunch. he suggested chicken strips with gravy and steak ff for supper.

had 2 wonderful calls from Violet. she sat in the window seat in their room with her tablet so I could see it snowing at her house. and she showed me her dolls outfits for the day, told me about upcoming doll prom, and invited me to her Alien's birthday party if I didn't have plans on that day.

today I spent a negative temp day in my jammies wrapped up in my homemade Christmas blankie watching a YouTuber drive silently about the hollers of West Virginia and border states.

just the noise of his tires. the occasional caption to explain something. narrow roads. houses practically on the street. bridges over cricks for driveways. old wedge brick buildings. old stores. various stages of mother nature, disaster, neglect, and time. hauntingly beautiful. I fell in love with.....well, I posted about it on FaceBook, but since I can't figure out how to blog pictures, these days, you'll just have to read my descriptive prose.....

this. this is the house I wanna buy in Jenkinjones, West Virginia. yeah, it's a fixer-upper. but imagine what it was. what it could be. imagine the possibilities. the pictures I could take. the 👻 👻 👻 I could see. the days I could spend in flowy dresses, knee high boots, and floppy hats draping myself over scenic rocks and ruins waiting for YouTube content makers to drive by filming. how I could stare creepily through them like they weren't there. unblinking. till they panicked and took off in a flurry of dust. this. this house makes my ❤️ happy.

would it be a commute to get to the grands? well, I'd obviously have to buy a small plane for visits. and get a pilots license. and find a place to build a hanger. and a runway. how far can a helicopter go? are they easier to fly? these are the questions, my friend. then of course, rental cars at the airports. grandkids in 3 states, you know. it's just becoming painfully obvious that I must buy each of my kids a crumblinh old home in West Virigina near my crumbling old home, renovate them, and move them to....West Virginia. there. problem solved. I'm good at that.

today I had a flashback to Grandma Grace's house....peanut butter toast for breakfast. a puzzle in progress on table. a project on the sewing machine.

I was excited to pick Z up from school and spend time with her. ended up bringing Iz & mommy here before we picked her up, on the way home Taylore texted asking me to bring her to KC since they've already called school tomorrow. I told her no. I was too fuckin' tired to drive to Ridgeway and back, let alone KC. so, we hung out here, KJ picked up the lot of 'em and off to Taylore's house they went. work on the Bigfoot quilt is coming along. making it up as I go along. so, I got to hang with Z for a bit, and made KJ's drive much longer. the impending threatened weather is all over social media. will it affect our weekend plans to go hang with the Schultis clan?

accomplishments:

sorted through sweatpants, getting rid of the ones that aren't comfy, don't fit right, etc. not wearing them anyway.

removed link #2 from Infinity Hoop. nsv. (insert smiley face here)

overpayment on medical bills refund checks into bank.

we started the Chiefs puzzle again!

added to The Clown Motel

cartooning the heck out of old pictures.

today I'm going to start the process of The Bigfoot Quilt. any minute now. for real.

another nsv for today. the 'replacement' ring I got to wear at Katie's wedding because my original 'replacement' ring was too small was sliding all over my finger. ordered ring adjusters but they're too wide for band. dug out the original replacement band...and. it. fits. will see if my fingers swell up and it gets stuck...but. huh. huh.

took girls to Dr. today, then Izzy came to play.

she helped me open packages and find a shadow frame in basement and look at pictures. she even helped me clean under the grandkids bed. which seriously did need to be done. out of sight, out of mind.

Mr. Everett slept as well as a baby can last night, so Katie told me to plan on the weekend and bring dad.

made Rip boarding appt, moved my packed bag out of car, and while hooping, stumbled onto the recent grave robber story on YouTube, so looks like that is now my day. I am horrified yet fascinated. I. must. know. more. including his Instagram page. which doesn't readily pop up. just people posting about him. so guessing private page. and he was in a skeleton and bone collector group on FB. which I am sure is private. I'm in my own little bubble and sometimes forget it takes all kinds to make the world turn. here's a guy just out there living his best life and people started noticing grave damage, police set up a sting, he fell right into the trap. caught in the act. he'll be famous. or infamous. still tons of YouTube stuff to watch. and a day to fill with activities....maybe I'll finish the Barbie baby doll sweater dress...or daydream and doodle...WalkFit bounced my step minimum to 10,400. they believe in me. (insert smiley face.) and sometimes, I believe in me, too.

we lounged around in our jammies, then got dressed and journeyed out into the cold after provisions.

then back home and into our jammies and recliners. blowing and snowing p.m. I say I'll go to Katie's tomorrow. she said she'd let me know how tonight went. I am packed and on standby.

Violet called today. got to talk to Ian, too.

(insert smiley face emoji here). it's snowing at their house, too. Ian says enough for about 2 snowballs, but it's not the right kind of snow. snowing here, too. Millie is sick. Cora went to a birthday party. Violet is reading a Christmas dog book we gave her and enjoying it. and I also got a bit of plot info on the Ivy and Bean series. a most enjoyable few minutes for Gramma, which I of course immediately relayed to Papa.

bought concert tickets for one concert, decided other was too expensive. AND I bought my flight tickets. since I don't work I feel EXTREMELY guilty spending almost $400. but I can't get a credit card with no income. I'm a deadbeat. I tried to talk my self into doing a payment plan, but they of course charge interest for that, so I saved like $20 or whatever by paying in full. my stomach is still rolling. arrrrgggggg. I'm an awful person. but I did make Kevin cobbler today, so there is that. but then I forgot to make supper, so there is THAT. (sigh)

did some stuff on my today to-do list.

Izzy came over for a bit to play. cold and snowy.

spent 2 wonderful days at Katie's. that Everett is quite the baby.

I stopped and did a few quick impromptu photo shoots on way home. saw some more old houses I want to photograph on a future trip.

I knocked a few items off last weeks suggested to-do list, which I of course rolled into this week.

Katie asked for help with the baby for a couple of days, so I'll leave in the morning and hang out till she sends me home.

another lazy day home in our jammies.

another day of Kevin watching football. I did a lot of reading. and walking. had facetime with Izzy and I got to watch her gingerbread man have adventures. she is very excited that mommy and daddy deep cleaned the bathroom and kitchen this weekend. grandma meanwhile did pick up the extra bedrooms from the grands last visit. but that's all the housekeeping I did. have a to-do list....

a quiet, lazy day home in our jammies.

reading. sketching. started a werewolf movie before Kevin woke up. he of course watched playoff games. (we're rooting for the Bears, I guess. my FB 'friend' Finding Jay is a Bears fan.) and did some chair napping. Izzy called twice for a few minutes. scrapbooked.

Friday.

I've been dragging butt all week, but hit my step goals and finished some challenges. today went to play outside with Izzy. we walked around the yard and talked about stuff. she is so articulate. and she was wearing her new Valentines sweater. I love the way her hair perfectly frames her face and her big blue eyes. I rode along for Kevin's chiropractor appt, then we went to Hy-Vee and home to make supper. had a quick surprise visit with a former pigbarnlife co-worker. she's now a para/librarian at Galt school. and also grateful to no longer be 'in the life.' only got about half the stuff on my running to-do list done this week, but today threw in a spur-of-the-moment activity: painting a Barbie armorie black for Gramma Barbie's room. it's a work in progress. moved wooden Bigfoot statue inside to trunk. glued his missing chunk back in place. and touched up his sign. the weather has been hard on him. he's blown over countless times.

a rainy day. took Ann & Izzy to a Dr. appointment, then we went shopping at Walmart together, and Ann treated me to fries at McDonalds drive-thru. usually I say no, but today.....today was not that day.

I hit 20,000 steps yesterday, first time in a while. have put off the 3 outdoor walks in 7 days challenge to the. last. 3. days. the heat is on. and today, today I noticed for the first time that the new dispensary across the street from Ann's dr. has incredible UFO/alien artwork. I don't do legal weed, but I do do aliens. (insert alien emoji here.) the other day WalkFit offered me the option to up my steps, so went from 7500 to 8200. this is the new deb. my new years goal is to make it into Onederland (199). I think I can do it. I haven't had a new years goal in how many years?

the other Katie sent me a link to a Murder Bus Event in St Joe. checked the calender....well. sort of. the one I ordered hasn't arrived so have scribbled notes over old calender....but anyway. on with my story. appear to be free that day. ordered tickets on my phone. website locked up. I kept pushing buttons. annnnnnnd.....when I checked email, I'd ordered TWO sets of tickets. online bank confirmed this. so sent an email to the museum, rec'd a reply that they'd take care of it. they already know I'm gonna be a pain in the ass.....kind of the story of my life. they've already issued a refund. thanks!

after my success with changing auto shipment on Bioma, Billie emailed today and offered to move shipments to every 6 months or whatever I needed. it's amazing how when I confront an issue it can get better. and when I ignore it....well. it pisses me off frequently (insert eye roll here.)

guess Christmas finally caught up with me...I crashed and took a lengthy chair nap yesterday. but roused up and made some supper.

today I finished Monday's to-do list. it is Wednesday. I. am. on. fire. still finding time to make tons of TikToks. they give me the giggles. watched a Bigfoot movie on tubi. finished a book and picked another out of the to-read pile.

took farm truck to Chillicothe in the fog for service.

then onto Trenton HyVee in the fog. and onward to Unionville to pick up Rip....you guessed it. In. The. Fog. and home again home again jiggety jog. just got everything put away and Izzy called asking me to come play, so of course I did. see on Amazon that Katie has ordered a wipe warmer. that should make Mr. Everett's diapie changes go better. most days I am glad I have my notebooks to sketch and scribble my evil lil' thoughts in...and today especially so. Drama, Drama, Mama, Llama.

Friday Jan. 3 baked a snickerdoodle Bigfoot cookie for Everett for Christmas, then I boarded Rip and we rented a room after Kevin got home and headed to Nebraska.

arrived late-ish, dined at Pizza Hut...nicest one I've ever been in, btw, then checked into Hotel. the next morning finished our journey to Katie's house, where Papa helped work on basement finishing and Gramma hung out with Katie & Everett. a most delightful visit. he is the sweetest little guy. we came home Sunday to watch the Chiefs lose the last game of their season. I sucessfully emailed Bioma and put auto shipments on hold, then got an email address for Billie and will try to do the same. going through mail, I didn't pay our water bill last month. when looking at bank account, I realize that I DID pay our water bill....to KJ's water bill. which was significantly less than his actual water bill since there are cows in the lot. so, I did a real Roseann Conner and owed BOTH water bills. Dear Sasquatch in The Woods. I worry about me. what a cluster.

it's a New Year. spent a quiet day at home.

brownies for breakfast. leftovers for lunch. french fries for late nite supper.

since it is now January 2, dismantling indoor Christmas. not as fun as dragging it all out and setting it up, reliving the memories, thinking the thoughts.