Yep, the dishwasher was acting up! As a matter of fact, it quit altogether. Tom and I spent Saturday afternoon dishwasher shopping. I had my Bosch dishwasher for 8 years-as long as we have had the kitchen remodeled. I really liked it and would have been happy to just buy the same one. But we couldn't find one. We did get an upgraded model on sale with the stainless steel front. I would have been happy to have the old black front panel again, but they did not have one in stock. We shopped around and ended up getting a good deal at Best Buy. They actually mispriced the unit and we saved an extra $100. We also got free delivery and connection although Tom would have been happy loading a washer into the back of the van and hooking it up himself. However, the dishwasher was at the warehouse so it would have been more running around and we were tight on time Saturday. Tom and the kids figured I needed a dishwasher as soon as possible since the dishes were piling up. They couldn't imagine we could survive another day without a dishwasher. Now I really can't survive without the washing machine, but I would have to haul clothes to a laundromat. And a broken fridge is way too inconvenient. But the family forgot about the old fashioned way of washing dishes. Tom wanted to know what I was going to do for several days without a dishwasher. I introduced everyone to the dish rack and Dawn dishwashing liquid detergent. Oh boy. Certainly, I will also be grateful for a functioning dishwasher. I washed all the silverware and cups before I ran out of dish rack while quizzing Scott on his vocab list Sunday night. Saturday night we were busy attending the Army Jazz Band free holiday concert. The Army bands travel around the US and often plan concerts here in Maryland since most are stationed at Ft Meade MD. We got free tickets along with our neighbors, so we all went out to dinner beforehand. Couldn't even have a relaxing dinner out as an older gentleman started choking near our table. Our neighbor is a nurse, so she jumped right up. But so did about 10 other people. Don't worry, he made it. And we enjoyed the concert at a local high school. Afterwards we all met for coffee and dessert, thanks to Susan Seitz. She sent us a great family gift of cheesecake and a ham. Susan it was all terrific, thanks. We had the ham for dinner on Sunday night which was perfect.
Tom and Allison were off playing indoor field hockey Sunday night so we ate dinner early. Tom made his debut as a field hockey coach. I got him into this volunteer position thinking all he had to do was show up. Little did we know that he had to attend a 3 hour coaching class last week as well as take a concussion on- line test, and turn in paperwork for a background check with references. And we still did not get a completed roster until an hour before the game. The manager who is a coach from a local high school did not obtain all the paperwork from the girls and I was afraid the team would not be able to play. The woman took responsibility and had all the girls meet an hour before the game to fill out the appropriate paperwork. Our team is a bit different since I asked the Parks and Rec. Dept if they could put together a team of odds and ends girls that did not have a full team. This team is made up of several different girls from several different high schools and several different ages. Usually one high school will have a full team, but Allison's fellow team players are all involved in different sports. Being a goalie, Allison was actually in high demand, but she stuck to this mismatched team and it looks like it turned out well. Tom and Allison came back Sunday night saying they had a wonderful time. Tom said Allison was outstanding and even was offered a goalie position with a traveling team, however they play weekly down in Rockville which is just a bit too much traveling for us. Tom said the paperwork all turned out and the girls are all very nice but they have no offense. Just defense and Allison. But Tom said it was fun. So seven more weeks to go, and Tom has a new job listing for his resume. That is if he actually reads the rule book sometime!
Earlier Sunday morning Allison and I were off selling GS cookies at my retirement center. We could not wait until the dinner hour(4pm) since Allison had some studying and homework to do. But we managed to sell several cases of cookies. I was hoping a few girls would show up that did not have the opportunity to work at other booth sales, but no such luck. I am scheduling a holiday badge party for the girls next week, and I am happy that most of them can make it. The girls just have crazy schedules and attend several different schools so it is very difficult to get them all together. We will be working on a candy badge so I have been busy gathering candy supplies and info.
Allison and I were also planning on singing at the mall with the GS choir on Monday night, but Allison had too much homework that night so we skipped it. It seems the public schools love to load up the school work before the holidays.We were also a bit tired since the kids got up early Monday morning to celebrate St Nick's day. St Nick fills our stockings on his special day. The kids look forward to getting hats and mittens, treats and Christmas stuff like their yearly christmas ornament.
On Friday I had my yearly check up in the morning. I was happy to hear I am A.O.K. I was not very happy that I got locked out of an exercise class at the Y beforehand though since I was 10 mins late. Instead I went home and took Cookie for a nice long walk. She loved it. Friday night Allison had to babysit, and I was out trying to get some shopping done. (Mostly for me!). I also had to get home since I was invited to a work dinner with the Home Health staff. I had a wonderful time-a great meal and they even bought me a present! Imagine that! This is the first time I have been able to go in 6 years.
So a very Happy Birthday goes out to Linda Seitz. Happy 28 Linda! (Just kidding).
I think I have to go wash some more dishes. I am starting to get dishwasher hands. Kathleen PS I sent photos of Scott's birthday cake with the photo of him doing the high ropes course.