Update

It has been awhile since I put anything here and I am sorry.

I went back to work on Monday, 8/25, and it is a lot harder to go back than I thought. I am VERY tired and ready to take a nap about 1/2 way through my day. When I get home at night, all I want to do is veg in front of the television - after giving Justice his walk and dinner. I had 687 emails waiting for me!!!! It was ridiculous. AND, I can only sit at my desk for about 2 hours at a time and then I have to get up and stretch out my knee/leg.

Ed is coming home this weekend. Originally, I was going to head up there, but we may have a showing next week and we have a few things that need to be completed. Besides, I will be up there September 12-14 for Frank and Erika's wedding!

Happy 16th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to Dave & Cathie Kurt.  I was lucky enough to gain these two as siblings when I married Ed.  I have no problem claiming Cathie, Ed's sister.  However, Dave is another story - LOL!!  He always finds a way to make us laugh, usually at ourselves.  We love you both very much and hope you enjoyed your anniversary.  Sorry that I was a day late getting this up.  Dave - thanks for uploading a pic I could steal!!

Hot & Wet

Today, we took Justice to Xenia and the Doggie Dash & Splash.  It is held at the Fairgrounds.  At the end of the season, before they drain the public pool, they allow dog owners to bring their dogs to go swimming.  There are vendors and exhibitions and doggie adoptions and A LOT of dogs.  We saw everything from a little bitty Chihuahua to a monstrously huge Irish Wolfhound.  Justice would not get in the water - he has a thing about chlorinated water.  He did play a little with other dogs, but would not really leave our sides.  He got lots of treats, free toys, free dog food, and compliments.We want to wish a "Happy 2nd Birthday" to Jack & Brandon Huntington.  They are Jeff & Kari's boys.

Busy Few Days

My daddy came to visit for a few days.  He got here on Sunday and is leaving on Wednesday.  We have been pretty active the last couple of days.  On Monday, we headed to John Bryan State Park for a hike.  He has never gone and had really wanted to check out the waterfalls and see where Justice and I had been spending our time.Then, we did a lot of shopping.  I had quite a few things I needed from Lowe's.  So, the rest of Monday and most of today, Tuesday, were spent doing stuff around the house.  I painted the columns out front and the front door.  Added a new brass door handle, brass kickplate, and brass door knocker - well, Ed will be adding the kickplate and door knocker, along with the new house numbers.  I hesitate to actually drill into the door.  I also emptied, lined, refilled and planted new flowers in the window box.  I will add pics later.Took Justice for a walk and hurt my knee.  A dog came at him and, at first, just sniffed.  However, it lunged and Justice jumped out of the way and straight into my left leg.  OUCH!!!  I see the physical therapist at 7am on Wednesday and, as of now, am back to work on Monday.

WOOHOO!!!

I am SO EXCITED!!  One of my dearest friends, Cathy, just called.  She is a teacher and has been looking for a job since moving back to Kalamazoo, Michigan, from California, where she taught for a year.  She had a 2nd interview today with Kalamazoo Public Schools and GOT THE JOB!!!  New teacher orientation starts Tuesday.  This is such great news!!  Way to go, Cathy!

Delivery

There was a knock on the door and Justice went crazy.  I opened the door and there was a guy standing there holding a vase of flowers.  My first thought?  Who was not at home so that I am holding on to a flower delivery???  I have never had flowers delivered before.  He says "Flowers for Stacy Lebbon."  I said "Really!!??"  They are so beautiful!I got down stairs and opened the card.  They are from my co-workers at LexisNexis!  They miss me!! :)  I know that I may complain about them, but I really adore them and miss them and cannot wait to see them on the 25th.  So to my NFL2 teammates - THANK YOU!!!

BOREDOM

I am BORED!  It has been 2 1/2 weeks since I stepped foot in the office and I am going crazy.  I thought it would be great to have time off and it was, for a minute.  Rachel & John have each been over for a visit.  Rach brought me dinner one night and then on another day, we took our dogs to the dog park.  John joined me for pizza and a movie and we laughed, which was great.John said something that was spot on.  "We are put on this earth for a purpose, do you feel that you are fulfilling this purpose?"  My answer - an emphatic "NO!"  I had actually been doing a lot of thinking about this while sitting around and healing.  I believe that I am here for a reason, but I am still not sure what that reason is.  I do know that what I am doing now is NOT it!

Olympic Fever

I have been up every night since Friday watching the Olympics live on NBC until 12:00am or later.  I cannot stop, it is an addiction. I thought I would take a night off, but Michael Phelps is swimming for another Gold tonight!!

Sunday, I was watching the US play the Netherlands in soccer. I have to say, it was a tough match to watch. I did not know who to cheer for, so I cheered whenever either team made a goal.


Today, Justice and I went to the State Park again.  It was nice, we did not see anone until we were on our way out of the park.  It was another 1 1/2 hour, 3 mile walk, but I do not hurt as much.  Of course, we just got back an hour ago, so that could very well change tonight.

Cabin Fever

Justice and I had cabin fever so headed to John Bryan State Park. He found a spot where he could go in and drink and cool off. The walk took about an hour and a half and was about 3 miles long. YES, I know, I over did it with my knee. I am paying for it now. I guess I wanted to see how far I could push myself and I pushed too far.



It was a little worth it. Justice really needed to get out and get some exercise. He has been cooped up with me here in the house and has been a good boy. He was starting to whine a little and I was feeling bad about him being inside all the time. He will get more exercise tomorrow. We are having a playdate with Rachel and her dogs, Brutus and Maggie. Not sure if we are going to the dog park or if they are going to be here. Look for more pictures!

Update

I had my first post-op appointment today. The knee seems to be healing well. However, I am off of work until Monday, August 25th. So, give me a call or webcam me or Skype me.

Finished Kitchen

Finished Kitchen
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

Our newly painted kitchen. We decided, last minute, to go with green instead of red. I think it was a good decision.

Finished Back

Finished Back
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

Even the back looks good.

Garage

Garage
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

Scaffolding is down and we are ready to sell!

New Paint

New Paint
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

We went with "Classic Royal Blue" for the accents. We still have to get the shutters painted and back up, but not bad so far!

Almost Done

Almost Done
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

Everything has a coat of paint on. Now, it all has to be "unwrapped"

Scaffolding

Scaffolding
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

The scaffolding is up and he is ready to get started on the paint with his new paint sprayer.

Elvis Bear

Elvis Bear
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

Elvis would sing every 5 minutes while you peruse the candy section. They had stuff from when my parents grew up.

Robin Hood

Robin Hood
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

There was a whole international section, including England, Holland, India, Japan, Australia, Greece, etc. This "Sherwood Forest" was above the England/Australia/South Africa food section.

Elephant

Elephant
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

This is what greets you when you walk up to Jungle Jim's. It is a HUGE grocery store. It has food from all over the world. It took us 2 hours to get through it.

Sharing dinner

Sharing dinner
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

Justice was not eating, so my daddy got down there and pretended to eat it. That was all it took.

Knee

Knee
Originally uploaded by stacylebbon.

My knee was in a cryocuff. It holds ice water around the knee, much easier than switching out ice packs. I had to wear an old lady sock from my toes to my thigh to help avoid blood clots.

Catch Up

The surgery went well on Monday. I have been in recovery mode - sitting on the couch for three days per doctor's orders and crutches for five days. Ed and Justice have been great.

Daddy and Lori got here Thursday night. We ordered in pizza and just hung out. On Friday, Lori wanted to go to Jungle Jim's. It is a HUGE grocery store in Fairfield, Ohio. It is "as big as 3 WalMarts" all under one roof. They have a beer, wine, cheese, butter, meats from all over the world. They have over 1400 cheeses!! It took us over 2 hours to get through it. Of course, I was on my crutches, so we went REALLY slow and we skipped a few sections. If you have a chance, check out their website: www.junglejims.com

Today, I bought a webcam - Andrea is in South Africa and we can talk for free on Skpe. We are chatting tonight at 6pm our time, midnite her time.

Ed has been very busy painting the exterior of the house. We are doing it white with blue trim. He has been so busy. He also painted the kitchen a nice green. I will get pics up as soon as I can.