Belma's Pearls

Busy morning.....

2012-01-30T17:25:00.001-05:00

Page got in last night safe and sound. We got up early this morning for my appointment at Duke. We weren't surprised when it was decided I'm still not healed enough to start my treatments. I'll be honest and tell you I was so relieved since this past week wasn't one of my best ones. I made the mistake of trying to extend the time between when I take my pain meds. HUGE mistake - took three days to get back on top of it. I also found out I have thrush on my tongue (got new prescription for that) and I had to be hooked up to an IV because my blood work showed me being very dehydrated. I need to work more food into my daily intake and have an appointment for next Wednesday to probably receive fluids again. They will see me weekly until I start the treatments. She also wants me to work with a physical therapist and I'm guessing I'll find out more about that next week. We were there so long I was over an hour late getting my pain meds and now I'm having to work on getting on top of that again. Next week I will take food and meds with me so that doesn't happen again. The pain in my ears when I drink, eat and take meds is coming from the area where my saliva glands are. They aren't working yet which is why I have to take a sip of water with every sip of Ensure. Tired.....

Good Day...

2012-01-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

I think I can honestly say today was a good day. Not just because Roseanne came which always makes for a good day but because I could actually feel a difference - a little better. While we were studying for the meeting I had a surprise visit from one of Page's old friends and her beautiful son.

I haven't seen them in a long while so we spent some time getting caught up. She brought a nice plant, lovely gift and another gift for Page when she comes. When she told me the other bag was for Page, she mentioned that she had gotten to go home to Ecuador for a visit so I'm thinking she brought her something from there. Her son has gotten so big and is still gorgeous beyond belief. BigD went for his treadmill test today and it looks like he is going to have to have a procedure. He doesn't want to talk about it so suffice to say, Page is going to be a very busy woman in 2 weeks when I start my new treatments and he has his procedure in that time period. Page flies to Europe to work for a week this weekend and will then drive up that next weekend and work from here and their Raleigh branch to help us. I know - we don't know what we would do without her. We hope she realizes how much we appreciate it. Here's hoping tomorrow is a Good Day also - and the next, and the next, and the next....

Touch base...

2012-01-13T20:34:00.002-05:00

Decided it was time for a brief post to touch base. Not been on the computer too much lately - went on to check emails a friend told me she sent but didn't find anything. Had a nice visit with Roseanne yesterday. Got my hair cut today and it really needed it. Keith got back in town Thursday and came by to check on me today and share a few pictures of his cruise. Looked like everyone had a great time.

Gail snatched this picture of Princess Miya doing what she does best and as you can see, the tulips are still holding on to their color. Most of the petals have fallen so they will more than likely be gone by tomorrow. Have totally enjoyed them. Rie came by with the car group and CO's wife yesterday with a fresh bouquet for the kitchen table. I'm going to miss her and her little family so much but know this is going to be a very good move for them. Talked with all my babies except Page2 today so that was nice because they all sounded good. TIME -

Email sent out tonight.....

2012-01-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

Decided to put my email here so as to catch everyone up on where things are as of today.
Had follow-up with radiation/oncologist today. 3 weeks tomorrow since last treatment and was so hoping to be much better but alas, it isn't to be. He went into detail as to why - extreme aggressive nature of the cancer requiring aggressive treatment and surgery which was planned out by the surgeon and radiation oncologist together to give me the best chance of success. Examination of mouth and throat show they are still very raw, extreme mucous (there is a formal name for the condition) combine to cause almost constant nausea.
He really hopes I will see significant change in the next two weeks but asked me to change my perception of a very important 4 letter word = T i m e. He wants me to stop thinking in terms of days and think in terms of a week at a time. He wants me to stop and think next Wednesday how I feel today as compared to then. He said I have to let TIME do it's work - and because of how extensive everything has been so far, it will take TIME.
He did say that if I don't see a lot more improvement, he will suggest my follow-up treatment be moved back a few weeks.
Overall - it was a good visit - he saw nothing in the examination to cause alarm in any way and told me I will be seeing the surgeon in a few months and then him - going back and forth between the two of them from now on. I told him about my upcoming surgery in March to have the cancer on my nose removed and we just looked at each other and I said - "I know, just shoot me". He laughed and said that was exactly what he would be thinking if it was him. From the things he suggested, it was obvious I have to stay on top of my day to day attitude.
Eileen came by this afternoon with some pretty yellow roses. It was so nice to see her and have her stay for a visit. She told me she thinks I need to start sending little update emails again - even if just a line or two. She said the reason she came by today was she figured things weren't going well because I had pretty much stopped communicating. That I need to put just a sentence or two up every so often - that people start worrying if they don't hear from me. A little later, I had one of Gails's wonderful support phone calls with some good ideas to keep my spirit up. SO - I hooked up the computer and lo and behold - there were about 5 different emails addressing the situation of not hearing from me ---- SO - I will try to do better. Plan to put this in my blog for those who follow me there.
I do so appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers and encouragement and count on them every day. Don't give up on me yet.

Much love to all of you.....

Taking control ..... yeah - right...

2011-12-23T10:04:00.001-05:00

Had a pretty rough night and early morning with mucous, scabs and pain in mouth and throat. Page ordered several more tubes but we think we may need another machine - this one doesn't have the power it did. I also had a problem with two meds getting caught in my throat area and that cause much of the serious problem in the night - SO - decided to forgo the nausea med that causes me to have nausea lately just will not go down and so far, have done okay. We crushed up the antibiotic insides and most of it went down. NOW - I'm starting to feel that sick feeling so thinking about seeing if my GP will call in something else for nausea - maybe a suppository. SO tired of meds - can't even begin to tell you how tired I am. I really, really don't want to do the nausea pills I have now though. Might call my pharmacist first and see what she might recommend.

Here is a picture of our neighbor's dog - Rex. He always barks whenever anyone walks across my yard. He is pretty isn't he? I miss having the dog on the other side who would also bark if someone came through the back on that side too.

I had to share this picture of my old friend - Lora and her young friend. This was from the convention and I keep forgetting to ask if the coordinated their outfits before they came. Two beautiful women -

Also Dee with her new step-son-in-law from the wedding. My oldest niece whom I have loved from the moment I laid eyes on her. I was her personal slave when she was little. Yeah - she's still bossy. Just kidding Moni! I had to toss some of the old flowers out but the amaryllis and most of the ones in the green square pot are still doing okay. My schedule for having the cancer removed from my nose has been set for March 12th. Yeah - another surgery - can't wait. SO - who is really in control here? Evidently not me because I'm starting to feel really, really sick to my stomach and may have to re-think my plans. On the other hand - it doesn't feel that different from 1:30am this morning when I got sick. Who knows...we'll see said the blind man.....
Leah said they send Kurt to WVA to work today so she will be very surprised if they come before tomorrow and will let me know when she knows when he knows - who knows?

Miscellany...........stuff.........

2011-12-22T18:59:00.006-05:00

Where was I? Man - time passes and yet stands still at the same time. Things came to a head last night and I finally had two or three melt-downs. Several on the phone with medical personnel and a dear friend who let me download like a big ole baby and one or two big ones with BigD. Poor Page - she is probably torn between hating to leave the two of us to play nice and not wanting to come back to the two of us "working" at playing nice. I think the big one BigD and I had was the best one because we both got to say what we wanted to say and guess what - the world didn't come to an end.

The beautiful necklace Page made for dahlink Katarina - the earrings are pretty too. The group just dropped by for one to use the potty and to let me meet a new sister in our congregation. Seems very nice - of course I had just gotten out of the shower and my pitiful hair is wet. Wow - started this entry several days ago and just now getting on the computer for the first time about a hour ago.

The Princess in all her glory - not long before she knocked the liquid Oxycodone off the table onto new chair and carpet. BigD found out Greased Lightening does do a pretty good job -thanks Gail.

The other Princess in all her glory torturing me and her Mommy because we kept telling her "not to pick her nose" so of course what does she love doing???? Oh yeah - the next few years are going to be so much fun to watch.

So WHO in the house is allergic to cats? OF COURSE - Roseanne! And WHO does Princess Miya HAVE to rub on, lay on, get as close to her face on? Roseanne!!!! Bad Miya - Bad Girl.

My beautiful new earrings Page made me! She also cleaned my little diamond studs for me. Almost had to re-pierce those holes and they are still a little sore.

Beautiful flowers Karen brought me a long time ago - they took their time opening and are still beautiful - wilting a little now but still holding their own. The Paperwhite Page got me isn't doing anything yet.

Two old friends I thoroughly enjoy stopping by this past weekend! Eugene and Marty stopped by with a nice gift from an anonymous giver and to talk about the upcoming pioneer meeting tomorrow afternoon. It has been so nice to see a few more of the friends lately. My babies will all be here this weekend - can't wait. Feel bad for BigD - he is suffering with a bad cold we think. I know - I'm just hoping beyond all hope that I don't catch it.

I can't believe I haven't gotten a good picture of our new furnace/AC system yet but the weather has been quite rainy, gloomy, and sad. The new system is so quiet and works so well. It has been needed for a really long time. No one can accuse us of not using stuff up! SO -- will sign off with another view of the glorious flower from a few days ago when the sun was shining.

Remembering.......

2011-12-18T21:41:00.000-05:00

Life slowed down enough today for me to reflect a little on the past few days. Sadly, one of those reflections brings feelings of deep sorrow. When I was a young teenager, my cousin married a young girl I fell in love with the first day I met her. My mother loved her too which I'm sure influenced me a bit. This is a picture of me and him at his Mom's grave side service in 2004. My Aunt had called me from her home in Florida several months before she got sick and came home. It was Dink who called me from the hospital to let me know she had come back home, when she got very sick and when she died. She was my Dad's younger sister and divorced so we saw her more often than most of the other Aunts and Uncles on Daddy's side of the family. My Dad's Mom lived with us off and on during my youth and they would come to visit her there. I remember him always being a part of my childhood. Once we grew up - we saw little of each other as it usually goes in families. When they first got married, they lived in one of the big old homes downtown that had been turned into apartments. One night they came over to our house and when they got ready to leave, asked me to go home and spend the night with them. That was pretty exciting for a teenager (they were a few years older then me but she was a teenager too). That old house had very tall ceilings and no heat and it was freezing cold! Finally my cousin and his wife felt so sorry for me laying on the sofa alone with their one blanket (I think they heard my teeth chattering and they were freezing too) so that they asked me to jump in their bed with them. Boy - they didn't have to ask twice - I was only about 14 so we really were kids but my dumb cousin made a stupid joke about having two women in his bed when in all reality - he had two "girls" in his bed. I'll have to say Dink was a lot warmer than Gene and I were because she was in the middle. She finally asked why we kept turning over and we all died laughing because he and I were turning over to get the other side of our bodies warm against her. I don't think anyone got much sleep and we were up and out of there on the way home to Mama's for breakfast early if I recall correctly. After that - their lives went in the separate direction

of working and being parents to two beautiful babies and I finished school. We lost touch after they separated and divorced but would still see each other at family functions - until I ran into her one day out in service. The kids and I would drop in every so often when we were on that side of town and I got to see her kids a little that way. Dink called me this past week to let me know her beautiful 47 year old son died suddenly of a heart attack last Sunday. I know she was in shock and just calling everyone she could think of to tell them the horrific news. This sweet girl had found out about my cancer when she called some one and was in double shock and that made me feel so sad because she kept apologizing and I haven't really been able to be there for her at all. I was looking at his obituary on-line tonight and realized he was born on my birth date when I turned 18. I just and can't get them off my mind. When I read some of the comments about him - I think I would have liked him a lot. His sister is beautiful like her Mom isn't she? I'll always feel sad my children didn't get to know this part of my family and that we weren't close any longer. I'll always feel happy Dink came in my life and that something clicked with us that has endured more years apart than closely together. I pray she will find a measure of

of peace as time passes. From the things I've read and heard, he was well loved by those who knew him and had a happy life. I look forward to feeling better so that soon, I'll be able to see her and know for myself she is doing okay.

One more radiation, three medical appointments and the beat goes on, and on and on......

2011-12-15T01:03:00.002-05:00

BigD just walked into the living room and said, "you have got to be kidding me". I had to laugh because he just entered my new world. He thought it was morning and it is only 11:52PM. Yesterday's treatment was extended a little due to the machine needing some work done on it. We had our weekly visit with Dr's. B and B and our nice nurse. Her biggest concern was bowel movements - or lack thereof. Please - wish that was my biggest concern. After they finished with the machine, it took longer to get me in the mask and set up than to do the actual treatment. Rie and her Mom came to clean the house yesterday so it was nice coming home to a clean house - especially the kitchen and bathroom. We got home about the same time that Fran drove up from Oak Island and Keith came in from field service. We all enjoyed getting caught up. Fran brought her juicer and some fruit and BigD talked her into staying for spaghetti and Italian bread with use (them). Fran also brought me a little gift that I LOVE.

I loved telling her I already had one just like it but now have one for the other coffee hole in my car! RubyD called and I asked her to come over and visit with me and Fran. Once she got here, we talked her into staying for dinner. BigD rode over to Boyd's for a beer (or two). BigD had already started warming up his meaty spaghetti sauce and this is them watching the pasta water boil. Fran made her delicious Italian

(buttery/garlicky) bread and it all smelled too good. It was nice listening to them talk about things other than ME and how I FEEL! My sleep pattern has been so far off it isn't funny. After BigD got home, they all ate together while I drank some Ensure - yum. We begged Fran to spend the night but Ash was expecting her and we understood she wanted to be with her new twin grand-sons and to help out as much as she can. RubyD agreed to come back Friday to spend the night with us. That made me happy because I'll know she got enough sleep (for some reason I thought she had to work the next day.)

I think being around BigD and having him stress to her how much he would love to have her to please come stay over-night from time to time made her feel more comfortable so she will come over this Friday and get to spend some time with Page and me and sleep good for a change. I am so proud of Rubyd - she plans to start regular auxiliary pioneering in January now that she has changed her work schedule. She is so encouraging to me when I look at her and how good she feels right now after going through some pretty rough chemo. Rie and her Mom re-arranged some of the flowers I've gotten while they were here - saving the best for as long as we can. Love me some fresh flowers hate they only last a little while. Love that almost as much as I love clean floors, tubs, showers, sinks and toilets. BigD and I stripped the day-bed and plan to put it back together tomorrow. That is where Cody will be sleeping when he gets here in a few weeks. I plan to set up a bedside table with a lamp for him to use. BigD said the new gas furnace/AC should be up and running next week! Woo Hoo.Very happy about that - mostly because BigD is very happy. I was SO sleepy at 7:33pm that when BigD came into the bedroom, I asked him to climb in with me for a few minutes. We both went to sleep after which I had a coughing spell around 11:45PM. I was wide-awake after that and it was then that he walked into the living room amazed that he had been asleep that long in the bed. Welcome to my world. I'll be awake for awhile, but hopefully, I will fall back to sleep early enough that I'll get better sleep tomorrow night. I love the small collage above - one of AJ - a fresh new slip life who reminds me so much of her Nani, one of a husband helping his wife in her wheelchair after her radiation therapy, two of the scar everyone says looks so good on my neck but still feels tres' strange to me, one of the first blisters on my lip that has never completely healed and one of a new day at the coast - all scenes that have played a huge role in my life since this past August. Page will get to meet Dr. Ready with us at 9:30AM on Friday and then with Dr. Hathorn at 10am on Monday. I also just received notice of another appointment on January 4th at 11:30 with Dr. Brizel (Radiation). And the beat goes on......the beat goes on......yaannnaa yaannnaa yaaaaaaaa - the beat goes on..

Nice weekend winding down.....

2011-12-11T18:56:00.001-05:00

It has been so nice having Leah with me this weekend after such a rough week. The bad side effects continued and ended with us being in the hospital Thursday and Friday from 9am until after 3-4pm receiving fluids, pain meds and treatments. On Friday the two doctors put their heads together and found a nausea medicine I could keep down long enough for it to work. When I looked at the side effects of it, it was a little scary so I spoke with my pharmacist and Sher and they assured me the short period I would be using it wouldn't be bad and so far it has okay. BigD left for the coast at 4am Saturday and had a great time fishing with his friends. I was so happy he got to go. Leah has taken very good care of me - we watched movies on Saturday and just hung out getting caught up.

I also got some beautiful flowers this weekend - some "just because" and some for our "46th anniversary". Leah also bought BigD his own pair of "crocks" and me a pair of my favorite bedroom shoes. She also brought her Mom's steam cleaner down and cleaned our "nasty" living room carpet. One place is destined to be stained so I told her to just give up on that one. The picture doesn't do the flowers credit - they are all beautiful. For those of you who read my blog - thank you to: Patsy; Samantha, Leah and Kurt (including the special card); Lori, Paul, Tadashi and Brandon; Karen; Lise and Chris; Deborah and Matt. Ann and Lee came over Saturday for a nice visit and brought me some special tea blends and BigD chocolate covered cherries for our anniversary. Wm Walker also dropped by on Saturday with my KM's so we all enjoyed visiting and getting caught up. I did pay for it later by losing my voice but it was worth it. Leif and Erin came by today with some left-over Ensure and as always, it was nice being with them. LinLin also dropped in on their way home from the meeting. It was nice being able to listen in today - I was so sick Thursday there was just no way. SO - as they were taking the mask off on Friday after my treatment, one of my technicians whispered in my ear, "okay - it is getting rougher now but you only have four more treatments - you can do it". After we got back to my area and the curtains were pulled almost closed, BigD and I saw a woman walk by and we both recognized her right away. It was ArleneG - she was there with her husband. He walked with her up to visit with me for a few minutes. He was there for his first visit so hopefully he got good news. BigD and I were talking about how long I have known him - I remember teaching him how to drive with straight drive in my little blue VW beetle when he was going for his license. They both look great. Leah told me Page2 had called several times when I was taking a nap so I called her back and her Papa told me she was in the bath. She finally called and got me and sang me the sweetest song she had just for me. Can't wait til we are all together in a few weeks. I hope I have been getting enough fluids this weekend and will not have to be "hooked-up" all day anymore. Once I get the phone call letting me know that Leah is home safe and sound - I'll be able to sleep better. Have a great weekend everyone.........

Happy 46th Anniversary BigD.......

2011-12-10T03:40:00.002-05:00

WOW - 46 years BigD and I have been married! This year we are purchasing a brand spanking new Gas HVAC system as our gift to each other. It should be up and running no later than Tuesday. Ann's lovely family sent us a beautiful bouquet of flowers which I'll highlight later today. Woke up around 1:22am and couldn't get back to sleep so decided to stay up until BigD gets up to head down to the coast for a day of fishing with his buddies. Leah drove down for the weekend earlier tonight night. I'll write more later..........

9 Treatments down - 5 more scheduled......

2011-12-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Okay - it has started. Some of the side effects they tried to prepare me for. Nausea was the first one and now both sides of my throat are raw beyond belief (especially the left side where most of the surgery took place) and hurts unbelievably to swallow anything a lot of times. Sher called earlier this week and said she was coming over to make me smoothies one day and we picked today.

Now you might be saying - big deal - but you know what? It IS a big deal. This is a woman who works full-time, was out in service all day today, lives several towns away, went to the grocery store before and after she got here, fixed two smoothies to find one I could drink, brought supper for BigD, rubbed my feet with lotion and cheered me up unbelievably. She also got our old flashlight, used the handle of a spoon and took a good look at my pitiful throat. BigD was totally "smitten" by the time she left even though she popped him his flu shot. He was just talking to Kurt about her and telling him how wonderful she is. Yep - she has a new fan. I was already one. Thank you Sher - and yes - the nausea med did help tonight. I'm also happy to say I made it to the meeting last night. RubyD met me at the back door where BigD dropped me off and we sat in the library. I started feeling pretty sick before the end but made it and got to speak to some people. RubyD brought me home and I was tired but so happy I made it. Keith has been SO supportive through all of this - he came over and walked with me one day and I leaned down and picked a tiny yellow dandelion out of the yard and said, "aren't yellow flowers so happy?" and so what did he bring me this week? Yep - a sweet bouquet of "happy" flowers! Such a sweet young man. I also want to share a picture from last weekend when Ann came over with the kids. Biscuit has fallen in love with my children's "OLD" green rocking chair. You can also see the little stash of toys she finds in the back room. I don't have many left for kids her age but
she seems okay
playing with those few. What a pistol she is. I know Ann is enjoying every moment with her. I can't believe how much she has grown. So here I am - 9 treatments in and all next week has been scheduled. I'm still trying not to anticipate the worst that can come but deal with what is already happening. I'm grateful to have such supportive family and friends to encourage me. Leah just called me to tell me she is coming down next weekend - to see us, for our 46th anniversary and to bring her Mom's carpet steamer to clean my pitiful carpet in the living room. Man - it needs it. What are we doing for our anniversary? Well - I considered asking for some 1/2 (each ear) carat diamond studs like Page1's but we are getting a new gas furnace/air conditioner. Yeah - that's where we are in life - diamonds or furnace. No contest. I think they will be putting it in next week so BigD and I may be sleeping somewhere else for several nights. SO glad this week is over and I have a two day break - I'm not one to wish my life away like this - but really - SO GLAD.

Drum roll .....Great News for a change - sorely needed....

2011-11-30T17:30:00.003-05:00

I've told the few people who were aware of what was going on so decided to go ahead and make a positive post for a change. As you know, last Wednesday, we met with my Radiation Oncologist - Dr. Brizel.

He had the resident, Dr. Barkdoll, take a picture of an area in my throat that concerned him and when he showed it to us too - we were all three alarmed.

BigD and I said - boob tree - which I'm sure went right over their heads but that is what it looked like. There is a tree down

the street that looks like a pregnant woman with boobs. SO - drumroll - we met with Dr. Scher on Tuesday morning for the biopsy. He numbed the back of my throat with spray and shot novocaine into the area of the two nodes. While waiting, I asked him what the plan was after Dr. Brizel changed the radiation to include this place. He explained that Dr. Brizel would make a special effort to zap these two places strongly after which he, Dr. Scher, would perform surgery to get the rest. I felt much better - a plan of action. He wasn't going to be in town and didn't expect to hear anything before next week so we have been in that hurry up and wait mode again. Today Dr. Brizel met with me after my 7th - count it - SEVEN-th radiation treatment. He told me he wanted to let me know right away that the biopsy came back negative - granular scar tissue. WOO HOO! I hugged him of course. He was so pleased. He stressed to me how anxious he, Dr. Barkdoll and Dr. Scher had all been. So I told him that was why I loved my team so much - they really care. He and Scher evidently pushed it through STAT and I'm so grateful. Then he looked in my mouth to check an area (same area as original pain) that was hurting as of this morning. He said it was very raw from the radiation and gave me some suggestions including taking my pain meds. So I took one Oxycodone and hope it will be enough. Don't really want to be "drugged" again unless it is absolutely necessary. You would be amazed by how much adding or taking away one med affects the rest. SO - did well in the mask, listened to James Taylor, got GREAT news, have a pain med working on me - oh yeah - I'm probably feeling happier right now than I have in a long time. Was hoping to write some letters so I could report a little time this month but not sure that will happen - we'll see. On the way home from my biopsy yesterday, we drove past the KH at 12:05 so I asked BigD to pull in so I could say HEY to all my pioneer partners as they came back for lunch. It was SO good to see them. Just got a call from one of my spiritual daughters who heard the great news and she made me feel sooooo good. Yeah --- – let’s color today - a good day.

Enough about ME.....

2011-11-28T14:52:00.003-05:00

Had a busy but good week for the most part. Page got in from Atlanta Tuesday night and was able to go with us to my last radiation on Wednesday last week. Sadly, we got some disturbing news - turns out the lumpy - bumpies the radiation oncologist questioned over 3.5 weeks ago and the surgeon said it was nothing became a little "more" defined - two "defined" places. He took pictures at which time Page asked him what did the surgeon mean when he said he got it all and the margins were clean and once again, he said this particular melanoma is extremely aggressive and will go where it wants to. The surgeon came over to look and he wasn't happy at all. He said he was concerned and wanted to do a biopsy (will be tomorrow morning). The radiation oncologist told him he wasn't too far in to make some changes if needed. The surgeon took my hand and said now - it could still be scar tissue. I'm like - Yeah - right! Felt so good about how well I did with that particular radiation and then that. BUMMER! So tomorrow go at 10am for biopsy and then go back at 5:30 for more radiation. It took me awhile to settle down in the mask - lots of reasons including the ever changing mucous that almost chokes me now. Love my team - they told me to stop apologizing and to trust them they understood. ENOUGH ABOUT ME!!!!!!!!
BigD and Kurt went fishing Thursday and Friday and had a really nice time. They caught about 60 pounds of blow-fish which they both love to eat. Ann came Friday and brought the kids and a nice big ham. Page and Leah made green beans, deviled eggs, and Leah's famous Mac N Cheese. They made a bunch of "pain-killers" and were having a good time. Keith came by to hang out with them and we all felt for a bit like we were at the beach. Thanks guys - that was fun.

Matt took this pitiful picture of the two of us and the next one of him and "his" girls which was a little blurry.

The best one taken though was the one of him and Page - she offered to "pose" as his older girlfriend to beat off the girlfriend wanna-bees.

What are good friendS for - right? He loved it. We all loved her new very short hair cut. I think she is enjoying it too. Very easy to take care of. Kurt, Leah and Page left Sunday night for home and Page had to be at the airport at 5:45 this morning for a 7am flight home. I miss them all......They will be back the end of next month but how can I wait that long? I think it's called '"""" having NO choice"""""".

Radiation #2 done, done...

2011-11-21T19:17:00.005-05:00

We were called and asked to come early which was good. Got there even earlier than expected took my "happy pill" and was taken back about 40 minutes after that. It didn't seem to take as long today - I still had to do my

deep breathing and pray quite a bit but they said I did good. I can't stress enough just how very tight the mask is. We go tomorrow at 6:30pm and Wednesday at 3:30pm. Go figure. Since Gail and Rie were still cleaning our nasty little house, we ran a few errands for BigD while I sat in the car including picking up another box of Ensure from Costco....

I took a picture of the sky with one tiny bare tree which shows just how quickly Autumn has come and gone. The weather was pretty mild today but the nights and mornings are quite chilly for this old Southern Lady....

The house feels and smells so nice and clean - Rie and Gail will never truly know how much I appreciate it. BigD does too - especially since Page will be in late tomorrow and Kurt, Leah and Page2 will be in Wednesday night. BigD bought me a Cook Out Chocolate Malt Shake and after two sips - NAH - tasted so bad it almost made me cry cause I really wanted it. Oh well - soon.

I'll just look at my sweet bobbing ladybug and it will make me smile. You know - after all - tomorrow is another day.
We lost a wonderful friend/parent/mother/grandmother/woman this week and our love goes out to her family. I met her and her beautiful husband first through my Mom (she worked with my Mom and would give her a ride to work at times and her beautiful hubby repaired our washers and dryers for years). Later, I met her through my niece (actually- BigD's niece) when she dated and eventually married her younger son. We have enjoyed being in their company as part of a big extended family many times and she always made sure to tell me how much she loved Mama. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family...... Farmor will be missed by many.

I guess it is official --- I'm a Ninny.

2011-11-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

So after looking up the word ninny and finding quite a few definitions - I chose this one to describe what I was yesterday: NINNY - Someone who is afraid of everything and has no courage; see pansy.

BigD and I got to Radiation Oncology on time after finding our special parking place and where we are supposed to put our Blue Appointment card. They called us back where we met our Technician

who had my mask in her hand. I have her name somewhere but can't remember it. I felt pretty good - got right up on the table, held on to the the handles that held the foot plate against my feet which pulled my shoulders down - exactly like when the mask was made. They put the mask over my face (which is now very hard) and pressed it tightly against my nose and face ........... take if off, take it off!!!! OMGoodness - I had no idea it was going to be pressed down so tight. SO - I didn't make them wait around - when they offered the anti-anxiety med, I said absolutely. SO - that meant I went to the back of the line while the doctor was called, a prescription was ordered. The doctor wanted to give me a script for it so I can have it for each appointment if needed but he wanted to wait and see how loopy I was after this appointment. He gave me 1 mg and said if I was a little loopy, he would make it 1/2 mg. That was fine with me. So back to the waiting room for it take affect and this time I did good. I couldn't believe how tight it was on my forehead (large red mark there that lasted awhile) but it has to be tight so the machine will hit the right mark every time. That works for me. They took quite a few x-rays while I was in the mask. I apologized for being such a ninny and they kept assuring me that tons of people have to have help - some for every appointment - others get used to it and don't need it. Yeah --- I'm a ninny. He gave me 1mg and I told him if BigD thinks I'm loopy, I'll cut it in half. Since next week, the Radiation Oncology Department is close Thursday and Friday, my first treatment will be tomorrow morning at 9am followed by my second one on Monday at 12 noon. When they asked, we let them know we preferred early morning appointments so we'll find out Monday what our future appointments will be.

They put a new mark on my chest and put tape over it so I don't wash it off. Okay - when did my chest get so old looking? Oh I wish I could tell Eileen's Mom how right she was - she told us to notice how nice our skin was while we were young because it won't gonna last! How right she was.

A look at the pretty tulips Sher brought me earlier this week. They were tight little buds when she brought them - I told her to just pick a vase from the stash and she picked one of Mama's! So I don't only look at the flowers and smile and think of Sher, I smile and think of Mama too! I believe I got the best and most (total) sleep last night so far. When I picked up my prescription, the pharmacist suggested the biotene chewing gum for when I wake in the middle of the night with horrible dry mouth and it worked!!!!! I also picked up and used some nose breathing strips last night so maybe together they worked. Gotta get up and shower and dress. Lora and Elbert are coming for a visit later.
I almost forgot to mention the PIE! Darrell and Mich came over last night and Darrell brought me his home made chocolate pie - his Mom's recipe I think. I was quite excited and hated to call to tell him - I couldn't taste it - BUT BigD could and said it tasted a whole lot like Mama's recipe. Oh Man! He will have to make me another one when I can taste again. I can smell the bacon BigD is cooking right now but can't eat that yet. We are going to put the pie in the fridge (what's left of it) so Page can try it. They are on their way to the beach - be the first time we missed being down there this particular week in years. Of course, if the weather is good, BigD, Kurt and maybe Tony are going to drive down to fish a few days while Page, Leah and Page2 are here with me. Hope it all works out.

Busy day......

2011-11-15T21:43:00.002-05:00

Today has been a busy day! I slept pretty good the early part of the day but only got an extra hour in later this morning. Oh well - I'll take what I can get. Sweet Sher called to say she was on her way with the stuff she had picked up for me. What a loving friend she is. She told BigD she would be back Thursday with his flu shot and he told her how he hates needles.

She not only went out of her way to pick up a few things I'll need once radiation starts but brought some extra goodies too. I enjoyed walking in the yard with her since it was such a pretty day. The leaves in my yard are so pretty - especially since they cut down so many of our trees the ones left look pitiful. Then Rose came over and brought some key lime pie from Fosters. I was so disappointed because I could barely taste the key lime but the whipped cream on top was good. So I asked her to walk with me too and unknown to us, BigD caught us on camera.

Okay - I can tell I'm really giving too much to my left side (arm and shoulder on side lymph nodes were removed through my neck) and need to work harder on my exercises. BigD just reminded me I need to get my driving license renewed this month. That should be great picture to last 5 years. Man! Page told me to call them and put it off. Hmm - might just try that. BigD bought me a humidifier but we aren't sure it is the right one. Leah told me to wait until next week when she and Page are here and if it isn't, they will take it back and get the right one.

And I almost forgot to mention two new arrivals - Fran's daughter who lives near Kurt and Leah and grew up with Kurt welcomed their twin boys today. They are so cute.

Those who don't play backgammon ---- accessorize

2011-11-10T19:00:00.001-05:00

I have a feature on my desktop that streams all my pictures across a small window. This one caught my attention today. It was taken almost 5 year ago this January and is Page2. Look closely between her toes....

I like to think of it as being part of her strong creative streak! Actually she is very creative in many ways. She gets it honestly from both her parents. Her Mom was telling me she played her guitar for her classmates and the teacher said it went very well and Samantha was very comfortable and the class enjoyed it very much. I can't wait to see her and all my babies in a few weeks.
On another note, I had my dentist appointment this afternoon. I can't believe how cold, wet and raw it has become. I haven't walked in two days and I think it is supposed to be even wetter and colder tomorrow. The hygienist was very nervous but did a good job. She had to put some sweaters in a plastic bag and make a pillow because my head wouldn't go back far enough. She was very careful and gave me a box of children's toothbrushes that are much better than the ones I bought as well as some samples of the toothpaste and mouthwash they want me to use. Of course Dr. J was wonderful as always. He sanded the chipped place on my front tooth and will bond it later. We think they might have chipped it when they intubated me. He wants me to use the mouthwash he prescribed for germs but I told him I would have to pass it by the radiation team. As wet and dark as it was, we drove through a big neighborhood near our house and the leaves were beautiful - especially the reds.

On my own.....

2011-11-10T12:29:00.003-05:00

After promising BigD I wouldn't eat, take shower, walk outside or do anything else but drink water, do my studying and go potty, he decided to work this morning. I expect him back anytime so I can get a shower before my dentist appointment. I'm a tiny bit anxious about the thought of sharp instruments inside my poor mouth but so trust my dentist. Hopefully the hygienist is good too. I realized I couldn't find Miya when I woke up at 3:22am. I even looked on the porch to make sure we hadn't accidently left her out there but no Miya.

I was very happy to be visited by her once I got in my chair with the plush throw that Page bought me and is so deliciously warm over me. As you can see, Princess Miya likes it too. She is a little antsy lately. Now that BigD is the one who makes sure she gets her heart medicine, he is taking it very seriously. If he doesn't get it in her at night, he will grab her in the morning. She was so funny this morning - sleeping so sweetly until she noticed him bringing me MY meds. That was all she wrote - haven't seen her since. :)

Too many friends..... not possible

2011-11-09T17:39:00.001-05:00

One time my sister-in-law told me I knew too many people. I thought that was so funny at the time but I'll have to admit, I do know a lot and I think more know me than even I realized. I have attributed it to coming from a large family of girls who also have lots of friends, still living where I grew up, the many congregations I've been a part of, my extended family through my hubby and my work with the personnel agency. I communicate pretty regulary with a friend up North and a new friend in AC - one whom I've never met face to face and yet we are quite close. A friend said I had to also put it to my outgoing personality - who me? That outgoing personality has been put to the test these past few weeks since I have been having to fight the inclination to crawl into a nice warm shell and hibernate until the bad stuff is over. I didn't even realize it but one of my really close friends evidently did and will not allow that at all. The funny thing is - her son was on the same page as she was. So Keith came and walked with me and had a talk with me the other day and his Mom, Gail, came today and cleaned my whole house. BigD is ill because she absolutely refused to accept pay. We both appreciate it SO much. She had pep talks with my while she was cleaning and I do appreciate everything she said and know it is all true. She put my new sheets Page bought me on my bed so maybe I'll sleep better tonight? We'll see.

Bri sent me this picture of her little girl with her newborn. Roseanne was driving her back to Virginia after having her and the girls stay for awhile. Lani is looking more like Bri than ever. I think Very looks like Roseanne. We'll see.

BigD didn't wash dishes last night so he brought me my Ensure in one of my favorite glasses...yeah. So we are getting things ready - going to dentist tomorrow afternoon - have to have teeth cleaned before radiation starts and I think they chipped the corner of my front tooth with the tube during surgery so he will smooth that out too. I dread the thought of sharp instruments in my mouth but it has to be done. There are some things I need to get and have on hand before everything starts too. Rie and Gail said they will help me with my list when I'm ready. Everyone is being very careful to not touch me - trying to keep germs away so I don't get sick before the treatments start. It was a very pretty day but I didn't get a chance to walk. It is the first day I haven't so I don't feel too bad. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep a little better tonight. It's supposed to be cold and rainy tomorrow but should be pretty again by Friday. I'll miss everyone while they are at the SAD Sunday. It's just knowing none of them are in town. I'm so glad we went when we did with our kids. Okay - that's enough....

2011-11-02T20:40:00.001-04:00

I really don't have a title for this entry so will just touch base by putting up a few pictures. Been three Up and Down weeks since the surgery and believe me - you really don't need to hear any of the "gory" details. We met with my Radiation/Oncologist team today - velly interesting and scary at the same time. If goes as planned, will start week of Thanksgiving when all the kids are here. Very detailed preparations - more on that later. Can't even begin to tell everyone how much their love, support and especially prayers have meant for me and my family. BigD is taking very good care of me. Page made some spreadsheets that tell him exactly what to do with meds, etc.. So many flowers and beautiful cards. Rose sends me a card every day and when Leah's parents were on vacation, they did the same thing. So sweet.

I've saved all the cards and will treasure every one of them. I so appreciate the calls and emails. I don't wander far from the house except for medical appointments because of the feeding tube. BigD is very concerned about germs as we have entered flu season and it would not be good for the treatments coming up. Not too much but just wanted to thank everyone again for all their support and to say I'm still here.

D-Day or should I say daVinci Day.....

2011-10-10T04:45:00.000-04:00

Either way - I'm ready to get it ALL OUT! Woke up from a good sleep around 2am and knew I would not be able to get back to sleep. We have all had our showers now and are just waiting to leave for the hospital. Page bought me another pair of yoga pants and I'm wearing them, one of my big "men: denim shirts and my clogs. They told me to wear a button up shirt because that is what I will be wearing home. Guess it will be hard to pull something over my head. They have tried to prepare me for some significant pain for a few days. Everyone has been wonderful and I so appreciate all the prayers that have been going up for me. There is probably a long journey ahead but I am so ready to take this first step - think I will feel much better once I know they got all they could and hopefully radiation will take the rest. So let's get'er done! Poor Princess Miya is very, very confused right now. :-)

Visit from Alease, flowers, nice ride in the country.....

2011-10-07T16:28:00.002-04:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood......it really is. We had a nice surprise visit from Alease - GG's oldest daughter and one of my oldest friends. She came bearing gifts - flowers! She and her hubby had gone to the Farmer's Market and picked up this gorgeous bunch of flowers. They look so good in the vase Ann brought her flowers in don't they?

Look closely at the picture on the top right - it's the picture Roseanne took at the coast of the moon on the ocean. She used a 10 second delay and it's perfect. I love the moon and I love the ocean - I really love the gold reflection off the sea oats. Alease, BigD and had a nice visit talking about our cats and their escapades. She looks great - she always has and probably always will. She is bringing us a chicken casserole Sunday. After I took my shower, I asked BigD if we could go for a ride - I wanted to see some leaves changing color!

I was a little disappointed in the lack of color but after speaking with Leah on the way home, she said they aren't seeing much in the mountains yet either. We rode out to Lake Mickey and then just kept on going for awhile. I got a few leaves in my back yard and took a picture of the pitiful little rose bush I planted the year we moved here 36 years ago. If we remember to cut it back, we still get roses every year - just a few but hey. So Leah was allowed to leave early today and wanted to let me know the results of a test her grandmommie had - not good results. Hate it for her - she is 81 but quite strong so now she will have to hurry up and wait. :( Just got a call from Duke - have to be there for surgery at 5:30AM. The clock is ticking.....

Roseanne......

2011-10-06T21:25:00.001-04:00

Roseanne came to see me today - my dear, dear Roseanne. We talked, we ate, we talked some more, we laughed and talked some more. What we do best. One of the things we laugh about is how we are one of the best kept secrets in our fair city and world. Only our children actually know how close we actually are and even they aren't totally in that loop. :)

The is a picture taken of us in 1981 - not long after we met and became friends. We had a great adventure that night but that can wait for another picture and story. It involves a mechanical bull and the police department. Yeah - adventure. She has always lived across town and her children are a little younger than mine. Even though I am a little over 7 years older than she is - we clicked right away. We were raised in different environments (she is from the mid-west) and yet - we are sisters in so many ways. I am pretty much an open book on a lot of things but there are parts of me that only Roseanne knows about. I trust her completely. She is a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is also my spiritual sister and has been blessed with tons of common sense. We both love our children fiercely and therefore, love each others children the same way and that includes in-laws and grandchildren. Because of logistics - much of our earlier friendship was via long phone calls. She hates to talk on the phone as a rule so I know I'm pretty special because we had long phone conversations when the children were all younger and I worked long hours with travel times being over an hour to get home some nights. She bought me a lovely gift I will share later. It was taken last week but more on that later. Today was just about US - being together, eating Chinese, sitting on the deck and getting caught up with each other. Love you Roseanne........

Good friends dropping by...

2011-10-05T18:45:00.002-04:00

Slept okay last night - got up kinda early and been pretty easy going for the most part. Had lots of phone calls and several visitors. Rie and Sister Buoy brought me some flowers Gonzalez had bought for me.

She had left them in the fridge at the hall and didn't come out today so they brought them to me. Sweet. I had also forgotten to put up the picture of Linda and Leah from our morning in service Monday. It was a lovely day and I found all my return visits at home except one. My sister Ruth picked up a nice salad and came over to have lunch with me. She wanted me to print a copy of one of the pictures I sent her. It is the one I put on my September 27th post. It printed out pretty good. She looked at a few more I have scanned and couldn't get over our hair. I'll have to admit her hair held those styles better than the rest of us. My hair was thick enough but has always been fine and would slide right out of the teasing. Memory - just remembered it was Ruth who teased my hair the very first time. I had a date with Tommy and his friends from the band he played in. We were going to Durham High to listen to another band playing there. She came into the bathroom while I was trying to comb the curls out of my hair (back then I would wash and set my hair and the curls would be so tight they were very hard to tame). She made me sit on the commode and teased my hair and picked it for me. I remember vividly how happy I was because when we met everyone else (I didn't know any of the girls and they were all older and went to the city school) my hair looked as good if not better than theirs and yes - their was teased too. Wow - I'm thinking that was a first for me - being on the cutting edge of a fashion. :) GG dropped by while Ruth was here and visited for a bit. I can tell she is worried but I don't think she remembers exactly why I'm having the surgery and I think that is best. Vera and Luz dropped by also and everyone has been very careful not to hug or touch me so I do appreciate that. Of course I had to hug Eileen when she came but I know she isn't sick. We had a good visit and she gave me a nice gift which was way too nice but I do appreciate it. We looked at the pictures I took of her little wedding and laughed our heads off at hair styles too.

I also wanted to share the picture Keith sent me via phone of Kurt and Lee from Saturday night. Kurt was raving about a Taco Truck they found. They all had so much fun with the music and being together. I'm so glad Kurt was able to be with them. Ruth just called and is coming over to visit and BigD is getting ready to go pick up meatloaf, creamed potatoes, green beans, hush-puppies, cooked apples and sweet tea from Home Plate. It has been a beautiful autumn day - bright sun, blue sky, crispness in the warm air and the leaves in our yard are just starting to turn. Another day.......

I sent Kurt the picture Keith sent me and he sent me this one to show the other side of Keith and Lee. Yeah - they had fun...

Surgery scheduled --- check...

2011-10-04T22:31:00.001-04:00

After spending all morning at the hospital, we left happy to know we got the date we wanted for my surgery - Monday, October 10th. One person said the schedule was for 300 minutes - 5 hours. Of course I think that includes everything from start to finish. I've been poked, prodded, stuck, squeezed, weighed and questioned so now I just have to wait again. I knew I was going to like my surgeon the first time I met him. He apologized for running late but he had baby sitting duty. I like that.....

This really isn't a great picture of my surgeon - he looks better than this. Of course, I may be prejudiced since he will be inside my mouth, nose and neck for quite a while next Monday morning. We talked about Dr. Sharpe and how on top of everything she got right away. If you have read my post about her - you'll know how I feel about her.

This is the Resident who will be taking care of me after the surgery. My surgeon was very honest about everything and I feel very fortunate to have him on my case. He was telling me the da Vinci Robot system is bigger than the examination room we were in. I saw tons of pictures of the system but wasn't sure exactly which one he would be using. I'm supposed to meet the Radiation Oncologist after the surgery and will also find out when I'm to have surgery on my nose by Dr. Cook. They want me to stay away from everyone until the surgery so I don't catch anything. My Primary Care Physician agrees with them and wants me to curtail my door to door and being groups of people until after the surgery. Hmmmm. I so appreciate all the help I'm getting - especially from my children. It was so nice having Leah stay over and go with us to our appointments this morning. She took great notes and asked good questions. Page will be here next Saturday to be with me through the surgery and the following week. Then Leah and Kurt will be back the following weekend. I do appreciate them all so much - hard being so far apart. Now it's back to hurry up and wait again....... Be glad when I am not so weak and tired. Also having some referred pain again but can't take anything that might thin my blood so will be okay with that. Now I just need to get BigD to stop calling it MelaNOVA and call it MelaNOMA. Leah said Kurt likes hearing his Dad call it MelaNOVA - said it sounds more exotic. Yuk Yuk Yuk......

How could I forget?

2011-10-02T18:23:00.000-04:00

I had a post ready to make on 9/25 about Page2 with her pictures and then forgot to put it up. If you want to see it, scroll down to 9/25 to see just a few of the beautiful pictures from year ELEVEN! Time flies doesn't it?

Kurt, Leah and Page2.....

2011-10-02T17:08:00.000-04:00

It has been so nice having Kurt, Leah and Page with me this weekend. BigD left for the coast very early Friday morning and they arrived very late Friday night. Kurt and Keith went with Lee to listen to some great bands live out in a big field somewhere Saturday. Since it turned off pretty cold quickly, Kurt and Leah had to go shopping for clothes that he already needed and felt good about their purchases.

He sent this picture with a message saying all the bands were great and they were having fun. Sadly, they didn't get home until very, very late and then I couldn't sleep and over-slept this morning. We were all up in time to listen in to the meeting and WT study. The speaker was wonderful and the WT was exactly what I needed. BigD got home in time to pick us up some biscuits around 11:45am and then he watched the races (took a nap) while we all looked at a movie I had saved for Kurt to watch. After I finished studying my WT last night, I scanned some more pictures including these three of Kurt and his Dad.

Our kids love both of us and we know how fortunate we have been with them. They have both brought us so much joy since they came into our lives. I never dreaded one moment of their upbringing and can honestly say I totally enjoyed every moment of their childhood. I'll be posting a picture of Page and BigD when I come across it. It was taken the day we came home from the hospital. My sister-in-law had to pick us up at the hospital because BigD (who worked for GG's husband) had to work out of town on an emergency job. She got us home safe and sound and Page was sleeping in the little wooden cradle we had for her downstairs. BigD came straight home as soon as the job was finished, walked into the front door, straight to the bathroom and washed his hands real good, picked her up and sat holding her for at least an hour. Sweet memories. Kurt, Leah and Page left a bit ago to meet her Mom in VA. Then she is coming back by Whole Foods and plans to bring dinner home too. We are planning to get out in service in the morning and then she will go with us to the pre-op and appointment with the surgeon where he tells me just what the tests all show and what he will be doing.

Ann, Biscuit, Keith and Red Velvet Cupcake......

2011-09-28T17:10:00.000-04:00

Had a nice visit from Ann and Biscuit. She picked me up a delicious Shrimp - BLT from Parker and Otis downtown along with pesto pasta and a delicious Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing. YUM! I put up two pictures of what the cupcake looked like. The red one looks like the actual cupcake but the icing on the darker one looks like the scrumptious icing.

I sent the telephone picture of Biscuit with her finger up her nose to the kids. She does this to drive her Mom crazy! I didn't want to call her booger eater because I was afraid it would make her want to eat them so I called her "nose picker". She did so good with her potty training - even running down the hall bottomless to show us she had gone potty by herself. BIG GIRL! She totally enjoyed playing in the back bedroom. She played with what is left of the toy bag, pretended to take a nap and according to her Mom, PRETEND is exactly what that has been lately. She is at the stage of still "needing" a nap and not quite wanting one. Keith stopped by before they left. It seems they are all going on a camping trip in a few weeks. After Ann left - we talked about how bad could it be to be going camping with a Martha Stewart. All the little goodies I'm sure she will have to share with everyone. The balloon is there because of Leah. They have to put that balloon up to the exact height of the proposed tower that will be built there so people in the area can complain if they want to before it is built. She had to tromp into the woods (mosquitoes were eating her alive) and release the balloon and sit there watching it until 4:30. Wow. At least she had a pretty day. I got an email from Duke telling me my results were in from the tests last week. I then made the mistake of reading them. Then I made a bigger mistake and sent them to the kids. After I did that, I really wished I hadn't sent them. I didn't even like what I read so why would I put that on them. Bad Mama! Kurt laughed and said how confused he was. I so hope he can come Friday but if not, hopefully he will be able to come Saturday in time to go listen to music with Lee and Keith Saturday afternoon. Will be a quick trip for him but at least I'll get to see him for a little while. So - that has been my day and so far it has been a good one - sans my reading the report. Hope everyone else is having a good day too.

Old pictures......

2011-09-28T11:16:00.000-04:00

I've really enjoyed looking at the older pictures I scanned several weeks ago with KarenH. I cropped these two of Mama because I caught her in the act of trying on one of my bathing suits many years ago. She was going to the beach and wanted something newer to wear.

This was the "caught ya" one I got as I walked into the bedroom and then she "posed" for the next one.

My beautiful Mama. She could find something to laugh about no matter what was going on. She had a wicked sense of humor but I can't think of anyone who didn't love her from the first time they met her. Some of her jokes could be a little rough (she worked at Liggett Myers Tobacco Company for 27 years and never forgot a joke) but she heard tons of them at work and never forgot one. Miss you Mama.

Two of my favorite things -- good friends AND flowers....

2011-09-27T23:05:00.002-04:00

So the lilies Ann brought to us last week have been gradually opening up and are getting prettier every day.

I got a message from her today saying she and Biscuit were coming and bringing me lunch tomorrow. Joy, joy! So proud of Biscuit (and Ann) - the potty training is coming right along. Pretty soon - no more diapers! Freedom! The beautiful sunflowers were brought to me by Mae. We both LOVE sunflowers. I have a huge bunch of "fake" ones in the corner by my windows. Don't usually like to use fake flowers but they are so cheerful and make me smile - just like daisies do. Who am I kidding? I LOVE all flowers.

I really enjoyed my visit with Judee and Mae - such good friends for so many years. The picture above was taken before I had met either one of them. Check out my hair! It was taken on a Friday night at my mother-in-law's house. We had only been married close to a year and BigD was in Great Lakes (Navy) training. I stayed with Ruth and her family for a few months during this time but would have dinner with my mother and father-in-law on Friday nights. When her husband was working (he was a fireman) she and her daughter would come with me sometimes. My other sister Rose and her daughter Dee knew I ate there every Friday and would come by some times to visit too. This was the first time I saw Rose since I had started studying in August (I think this was November) and I remember thinking that if she said one word about me studying, I was going to quit. LOLOLOLOL. The picture on the bottom right is Dee and her friend at work. Let's see - that means Dee was 6 years old in the other picture. I was so young here - not quite 20. I have been thinking about my mother-in-law quite a bit lately - I miss her. GG came by today and we had a really nice visit. I told her about a situation and she was totally involved in our conversation and it made me remember so many long conversations with her when I was a much younger wife and mother. She shared so much of her experiences and wisdom with me and I treasure those special times with her so much. I have been so blessed with such strong older women in my life. Her husband just happened to be one of the few strong men who helped me grow up also. We talked about him some also.

Page2.....

2011-09-25T18:16:00.001-04:00

Eleven years ago this lovely little girl came into our lives. She weighed 1lb 91/2 oz and took a breath and cried when she was born. Her Mom was very sick and they had to deliver her knowing she would have a battle to survive and survive she did.

What a beautiful young lady she has become. I am really going to enjoy my short time with her this weekend.

Katarina and KennaKat

2011-09-23T14:20:00.001-04:00

Not too long after Page left for work, I had a sweet visit from Katarina and KennaKat! When I say sweet - I mean sweet.

Not only did they bring me one of Katarina's flower creations (I love green - especially Sage), the brought me these two delicious treats!

We brought out what's left of the big pink bag of toys that are left from our last de-cluttering and she took a new baby doll home with her to add to her collection. Of course she was totally drawn to Princess Miya but since she hasn't had her nails clipped, I was a bit nervous. The good news is she is used to animals but we all know by now how quick "Princess" Miya can turn on a dime. They are getting ready for their week at the beach so I was really happy I got to see them before they left.

Update....

2011-09-22T16:47:00.001-04:00

It was so good being with Roseanne today. She came over with the two bottles of KJ she had bought me and had a bite to eat with us. I wish I wanted wine - maybe it would make things better? I gave her my ticket to the ballet for Sunday - in case I decide not to go. If I were going to have the surgery Monday or Tuesday, I knew I would want to be home with Page and BigD Sunday. It turns out I'll not be that "fortunate". Is this the third time I've mentioned the hurry and wait process? Your rational mind tells you to understand that you are not the ONLY person in the world that needs surgery or has cancer but ya know what? That just doesn't help very much. Kitty called from Dr. Scher's office a little bit ago and it will be October before I have surgery. I know - crazy isn't it? She was going to schedule me for pre-op with Dr. Scher on the 29th of September but he is already so booked and he had mentioned he wanted me to meet with the radiation oncologist so she has scheduled me for pre-op (where he will explain the surgery and all the risks) on October 4th and is in the process of setting up with the radiation people too. They have to have the DaVinci robot to do the surgery and they only have two so he only gets it on certain Tuesdays. Hello? That is the reason for the wait. She has me definitely scheduled for surgery on October 17th but is going to try on Monday to change that to October 10th. She will let me know Monday if it will be the 10th. So that is where we are and I guess as soon as my toe likes shoes again - life will go on. And that ain't too bad I guess..........We were hoping for the surgery next week so Page will more than likely be going home this weekend and will come back for the surgery. I have really appreciated her being here to help us with all the stuff we are having to take in SO MUCH. Thankfully she is able to work from home and is working as we speak. BUT she really needs to be in the office as much as possible for when she HAS to be here working from home. I'm going to miss her when she leaves but am grateful I can look forward to seeing Kurt, Leah and Page next weekend. So that's all the news I have for now but please - since this has jacked my anxiety level back up a few degrees again - any prayers to get me back into the "zone" would be appreciated.

Stuff.....

2011-09-22T15:26:00.002-04:00

Yeah- that is the only thing I could think of to call this entry. I started to call it Up and Down or Yo-Yo but decided stuff would be more appropriate by the time I finish it. I just deleted everything I had typed and will just give you the "highlights". Tuesday was a crazy day with three appointments - had three chunks of meat yanked from the bottom of my nasal cavity, had needles in my big toe and tip of my nose (OUCH) and places shaved and scooped out (nose sore but toe hurts), met with oncologist who had no clue I had even been diagnosed with Melanoma because the Pathologist never wrote a report before he left town until October. On a plus side, we had lunch at Spartacus - one of my favorite restaurants from when I worked in that area. We still had time before we met with the oncologist so we went to Foster's Market and I had their scrumptous key lime pie, Page got a huge brownie for later and ate one of the delicious chocolate chip cookies and she bought BigD a huge piece of coconut cake.

When we got home Tuesday, we had the sweetest surprise on the porch. Sweet Ann had brought us fresh eggs from her hens, and tomatoes and flowers and fruit, chicken salad and pasta from Whole Foods and of course a box of the best little sweets you could ask for from there also. I think the delicous croissants she brought are the best I have ever eaten. I ripped a piece off and smeared it with Nutella - I think I heard singing. I put the flowers in Page's room for her to enjoy and they are starting to open up. Wednesday I spent three hours in the scanner - legs, full body, neck - crazy. Love having radioactive material pushed through my veins while I drink yucky stuff mixed with Crystal Light then having contrast poured through my veins twice (makes your skin hot all over) in a freezing cold room by yourself moving back and forth through a doughnut that makes loud noises, thunks, clicks, beeps. You get the picture. Then we met with the two men over the Duke Center for Blood Conservation to give them my Medical Directive and sign their forms. It was part the pre-op for those who refuse to take blood. If you look at the picture in the top right corner, these are a few of the little gifts I received in the mail from my sweet Lin. Little things I might need in the hospital and nice soap. She is so sweet and thoughtful too. Another highlight was Keith coming over to eat spaghetti with us last night. He called as he was going into a BS to see if Page was here and I told him to come eat spaghetti with us after the BS. He did and they drank wine and got caught up and had me laughing myself silly at their silliness. So that was Tuesday and Wednesday - did I do better keeping it short and to the point Keith? :)

Spiritual Food, Family and Friends....

2011-09-19T13:22:00.000-04:00

Woke up super early yesterday morning and had to wait for Roseanne for the very first time since we have been going to assemblies together! What a wonderful treat to not only get the much needed spiritual food but to be with our children and some of my extended family through my dear Leah. I don't remember if I properly thanked Leah's family for saving us the best seats I have ever had at a convention. I felt like every talk was directed to me personally and I do believe I needed that.

Have been busy answering the phone this morning. Really need to get up from here and get busy. Want the change the sheets on Page's bed and do some paperwork. Dr. Sharpe called a few minutes ago. She just wanted to check in and see how I was feeling. I did get to ask a few questions and she kept telling me to call with anything I need. What I need. I need for people to pray along with me that “…I will not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving MY (and YOUR) petitions will be made known to God; SO the peace of God that excels all thought will guard MY heart and MY mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” and that Jehovah will give me the faith, strength and endurance to make good decisions and get through this...whatever this happens to ultimately be. I also need to stop clenching my jaw!!!

Scan, scan, scan....

2011-09-19T10:03:00.002-04:00

Karen arrived Saturday around 11:10am to set up the slide scanner and get started scanning the slides that have my children on them. First she looked at all the scans to find the ones we needed. While she did this, I set up my scanner and started scanning some old pictures I've been planning to scan for several years now. BigD and Karen enjoyed getting caught up and we all enjoyed looking at the pictures.

After she found the pictures - she started trying to get the scanner hooked up. I finally called my computer guru (her nephew) and he said he would come over in a bit. By the time he came and got it going plus tweaking a few things on my computer, they were starved so she went to dinner with him and his family. She came back later and scanned all of the slides for me in no time at all. Whew - at least she knows how to do it now and will be able to scan all of her Mom's slides for her family.

Love these pictures of Page and Jeri's youngest son - she started out on the stoop, insisted on getting down, had her picture made with Scott and that was when she noticed the hem of her little pants were damp from the dew and Jeri said there was no stopping her - she was not going to wear wet pants. :) Believe me - from the time she could talk, she would let you know in no uncertain terms what she would not wear.

Awww look at Page with Kurt. If you look closely at the top picture on the right, you will see how big Kurt's "binkie" was. It was the only one he would use and it pretty much fell apart and that was that! I think I'll keep my scanner right beside me so I will be more inclined to do more. You know, Jeri was such a special person - she truly loved all babies and was so used to having so many - what were a few more? Gave my babies good memories. Miss you Jeri.....

Where to start......

2011-09-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

Anyone who reads my blog already knows I have a tendency to ramble on and on and on - SO - let's see how good I can be at concise and to the point. Long story short - the good news I received from my doctor and the biopsy took a really big U-turn. Turns out the place in my throat is Melanoma! I know - one of the scariest words in the world - right up there with Cancer! They were looking for the cancer I do have and the Pathologist sent her the "good news" before the final two studies came in. I really want to be the following person:
"I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit. - Dawna Markova"
And most of the time, I think I achieve most of this .... however .... I'll have to admit when I heard that word in connection with my throat - I felt like a bull had kicked me in the stomach. I have a friend (and a sister) who don't want to share things with people - keep everything really close to the vest so to speak. My sister became so obsessive about it over the years I was determined I would not be that way. Besides - how can your friends and loved ones be there for you if they don't know there is a need? I've probably gone in the opposite direction to an extreme at times but for the most part - my life is an open book - ergo - a blog for goodness sake. SO - I've let everyone know what is going on, when my upcoming appointments are and will continue to let them know what is coming down the pike because I need their good, positive vibes coming my way and their prayers for me being sent to the heavens.

Receiving beautiful flowers from my Pittsburgh family certainly brightened my day. I still have three pretty blooms from the flowers my babies sent me and the yellow mums Carolyn brought me. I have three medical appointments on Tuesday with ENT Surgeon, Dermatologist and Oncologist then have a PET scan Wednesday morning followed by an appointment with my favorite person right now - Dr. Sharpe. Whew. Page told me last night she is driving up Monday evening to go with me. If they do the surgery next week - she will stay, if they schedule it for later, she will come back. Double Whew. Roseanne and I are driving to Salisbury to meet our children who live in Virginia there for their Special Assembly Day. Can't wait to see them. SO - any positive thoughts, vibes and of course prayers are certainly welcome.

Anniversaries.....14th!!!

2011-09-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

Wow - Happy 14th Anniversary Kurt and Leah!!!!! Sometimes it seems like Leah has always been my daughter and at other times, it seems like they just met a few years ago. Congratulations you two on reaching this milestone!

On that note, it doesn't seem like it has been 7 years since we celebrated at the coast for that special anniversary when we were all together celebrating several things and Leah received her special gift that I hope she will always cherish. I know Mama would smile if she knew about it. Every time this particular picture streams across my computer screen, it makes me smile. Next year we will have to plan something special. Since we can't go the coast for a week in September because of Page being in school now, maybe we could all meet at your place and do something with the whole family. Let's talk about it at the beach in November. You should be proud of yourselves - especially after the tough few years you guys have had but you survived the stress and worked through it together. Now you both are in new jobs and Page2 is back at school and growing into such a wonderful young lady - you have much to be thankful for and should feel proud of yourselves. I was going to scan your wedding pictures into the computer - however - like so many things I have been "going" to do, it hasn't been done yet. Maybe in time for the 15th! Whew - that gives me a year! :) Love you.......

Is Miya is getting cabin fever.....or just missing her Daddy?

2011-09-10T21:49:00.003-04:00

I think Miya is trying to figure out why I've been home most days during this past month. She is used to me being away at least 4 days a week. Rose (Big Al) came by to visit with me tonight and Miya was all over her. She has always been very friendly to guests and obviously thinks it is her job to come out and greet anyone who comes in the house but tonight it was crazy. She would even nip Rose with her teeth to get her attention. Rose kept changing seats until

she realized Miya was just trying to love her. :) I think she misses BigD too. Check out how long her nails are - have got to get them clipped. Finished my WT study and trimmed my hair (only on top) so it hopefully wouldn't look too bad. Not sure when I'm going to be able to get it cut. Called over there earlier with the intention of getting it done and within one minute realized that wasn't going to happen today. : (

Good friends and GOOD news!!

2011-09-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

Let's start with the GOOD news!! Dr. Sharpe called at 5:30pm and started the conversation by saying - This is Dr. Sharpe and I have GOOD news! Isn't she wonderful? She said there were no T-cells and another kind of cell and that was good news. She said other stuff but I was mostly hearing the two words - good news. I still have infection so she called in another 10 days of antibiotics, I'm to see her next week and then she is going to follow me for awhile to make sure it is all clear. She said the reason I still feel so lousy is the infection (be a month Sunday) and that hopefully I'll start feeling better soon. Yeah - I'm looking forward to feeling better and be in the mood to party. I was looking at the pill bottle last night and found out it was the antibiotic that was making me dizzy. So - I called Luz and asked her if she would drive me (in my car) to run two errands. I just don't want to take any chances while on the meds - so she took me to the post office (we just found out our local branch might be closing down soon and that is a bummer) and the grocery store. I needed some basics. Then Keith picked up my meds at the pharmacy for me and came to visit for awhile. You all know what a good friend Keith is so I'll stop talking about that. SO - I'm happy - happy to get the good news, happy to know the reason I still feel so bad and happy to have my new Doctor in my life (and corner). Now there is one more thing that I think will make me feel a little better - a hair cut. No really - it is sad how shaggy and bad my hair looks. "There's a party going on right here - a celebration - to last throughout the year...." - yeah --when I "really" start to feel better, I may just have to have a little party to celebrate with some of my girls.

And even more surprises.....

2011-09-08T18:21:00.000-04:00

Had another one of those wake up at 3:30am and back to sleep close to 6:00am nights again so BigD didn't wake me before he left. Roseanne text messaged me when she was coming over and I jumped in the shower real quick. After visiting a bit, we went to lunch at the Grill and then had PEDICURES!!!!!

And then another surprise - Vera came out of the dentist office and saw my car with the little ladybug dancing in the front window and came right in to see us. She had come by the house and seen Marlan's car so she figured that was where we were. I was so glad she came in for two reasons - I have missed her and when I realized I had either left my phone in the car or the store next door where I bought some water, she found it for me! Whew. After that we came home and did our Family Study for tonight's meeting. So nice being with Roseanne after such a long time apart. Then BigD came in with another surprise...

My sweet little package from Sonia in France. I ordered this little pincushion she made and she included one of the tiny little wrist-bands she makes. She is the one who made the beautiful bigger one I bought Page2. I'm glad Page2 still loves and wears it. I need to figure out how to make links so I can share her blog and esty shop with you. If you would like to have it, just email me and I'll send it to you - or you can check out the blogs on the right side of my page. There are several wonderful artists on there. Have one more day of the horrible uber-strong antibiotic tomorrow and then hopefully I'll start really feeling better. I'm tired but am planning to go to the meeting tonight. Can't wait to see everyone. Dwight had a fishing trip planned but told the guys he couldn't go today because we were waiting for the phone call. Since we hadn't heard yet - I called and the doctor's assistant told me it "might" be tomorrow but if not wouldn't be until Monday and even may not be then. I told BigD to go. As I told Leah, I would rather he go and feel bad about leaving me than to stay home and we not hear until the middle of next week and me feel bad about him and his friends missing their trip. I guess after living with the man for almost 46 years - I've taken on some of his traits. Is that good or bad? Things that make you go hmmmm?

What a nice surprise....

2011-09-07T15:55:00.002-04:00

Have been going through some old files and cleaning out "stuff". Decided it was time to bring some order to my world of disorder which means lots of garbage bags will soon be full. I find it is better to do it in "spurts" - as in "spurts of energy".

One of my "welcomed" interruptions was the delivery of these gorgeous flowers from all my babies! So sweet! Within a few minutes, there was another knock on the door and there was my beautiful sister-in-law - GG. She runs her errands in the early afternoon hours so as not to be on the road with a lot of traffic. We all appreciate her being so careful. She will be 82 next February and that is still so hard for us to believe. I was glad BigD came home while she was still here. He has a bill he wants me to invoice for him. Of course Princess Miya was all over her and even tried to scratch her when she ignored her. Reminder to self - take Miya to get her nails trimmed.

Funny thing is I had just opened an email from PetMeds and it had a picture of Miya on there. No - really - this picture was inset into a phony $5 bill with her name written under it. At first I thought it was just a picture they had inserted but as I look at it again, I think I might have sent them a picture I took of her - from the beach maybe? When I joined up, I had to tell what kind of cat I had and I figured they put that on the $5. I'll have to admit - either way - it is a great gimmick. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get my hair cut off AND please, a pedicure! Have felt better today - the really strong antibiotic still makes me sick to my stomach for awhile after I take it (yes - with yogurt) but I'm really looking forward to the meeting tomorrow night. I have missed everyone so much.

Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky .....Stormy Weather

2011-09-06T23:47:00.003-04:00

Billie Holiday was a beautiful woman. Her voice is one of the most recognizable voices in history. She was only 44 years old when she died. I remember hearing about her from a young age. It makes me happy that my parents both loved music. I still love the old musicals we used to watch on TV.
The stormy weather we have been having all day made me think of her tonight and one of her famous songs. The picture of the tornado was taken in the North Durham area this evening when there were tornado warnings. It has been raining steadily for awhile now. We need it but I hope no one was hurt in any of the storms. I wish I could say all the rain has cooled things off but it hasn't. I went on the porch to get Miya about 30 minutes ago and it was steamy. SO - went back to the doctor this morning and she did the

biopsy. She said some of the swelling has gone down but there were still two little spots that didn't belong. I didn't take any pain meds this morning so I could drive myself and was feeling okay but knew as soon as she cut the little chunk of meat out I was in trouble. She numbed the area the best she could considering where it was and the actual cutting was the only thing that really hurt. I'm to finish the antibiotics, keep taking the pain meds for another day (mostly for the biopsy area now) and watch for bleeding. She told me we should know something in 48 hours. We then talked about what we would do either way the test came back and have a plan of action. Either way, she will continue to monitor this site until it has completely healed which it hasn't so far.

I still love my little ladybug Leah gave me at the beach. BigD looks out at it when he is on the porch and laughs at how it moves in the sun. It helps me be a better driver too - I don't make really sharp turns these days -- don't want to upset her. The little lump in my new comforter is Princess Miya waiting for me to come join her. I'm almost finished with the last of my Sigrid Harald Series by Margaret Maron. Boy - this last one almost took my breath away in the very first sentences. Now I can anticipate her new book coming out in November which has a nice surprise in it. So - going to take my drugs and head to bed. Hopefully I will have a turnaround day tomorrow and feel like getting out without being drugged. If I don't get a pedicure soon, I'm going to trip over these toenails!!! MISS EVERYONE!

Misinformation.....

2011-09-05T17:14:00.000-04:00

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally. It is distinguished from disinformation by motive in that misinformation is simply erroneous, while disinformation, in contrast, is intended to mislead. After being given a print-out of my appointment and being sent two, separate reminders of the appointment, we showed up to find everything closed. Several people questioned my having an appointment today because it is a holiday, however, I mistakenly assumed they knew what they were doing. As a matter of fact, the doctor scheduled this appointment in the computer herself and gave me the printout. SO - don't know for sure WHEN I will see the doctor but will let you all know when I do.

Something upbeat.....

2011-09-02T20:42:00.001-04:00

Yeah - I think I need to write something upbeat after the last two posts I put on today. I got a nice phone call from Kurt - he was driving and wanted to just check in. As I've gotten older, I require less in the way of covers on my bed at night. HOWEVER, I have had a hard time finding "one" thing that works.

Miya and I have enjoyed the lightweight blanket I've been using along with a summer quilt across the bottom of the bed. Lately, I've been waking up feeling a little cold. I decided to go ahead and order me a new comforter. BigD loved his comforter but wanted one that wasn't as hot as the one he had so I ordered him a "summer" or "lightweight" one and he loves it. I used to love sleeping under my comforter but the feathers were starting to come through the cover and it was just too hot. Another thing I didn't like was it didn't come down on the sides long enough. I guess enough people complained because.....

they finally had one that is not only lightweight (and w/o feathers) but hangs down far enough on each side! Ta Da.....It came in the mail today. I've already tried it out - one of the naps I'm forced to take when I take the meds - I LOVE IT! Miya visited me and seemed to like it too. Dwight fixed himself some shrimp for dinner and I ate a baked sweet potato and some left over roast. Not very hungry.

Wanted to share pictures of two little boys who started kindergarten this week - one on the left is my great-great nephew and the one in the middle is Lee and Ann's Boy. Also a great picture of Keith with his Mom and Dad. Keith stopped in to visit with me yesterday when he finished service. We ate some of Rie's leftover pasta recipe I had made and he said he liked it. His Mom, Gail, has been so sweet in keeping up with me this week. She has always been so encouraging to me. Been getting sweet text messages from my fellow pioneers - I miss everyone and will be so glad to get back out and about and FEEL BETTER!

A Sharp Doctor.......

2011-09-02T19:40:00.000-04:00

I saw Dr. Donna Sharpe with Duke Otolaryngology of Durham Wednesday and feel like I have hit a gold mine with this one. By the time I got there - I was so tired from hurting and feeling so bad for so long without knowing exactly what was going on that I got emotional. She was wonderful. The first thing she told me was to never let anyone shoo-pshaw me when I'm in pain. After doing a thorough examination (magnifying lenses) of my ears, she told me it wasn't in my ears and she felt it was somewhere in my throat. She performed different types of examinations and then ran a scope through my nose into my throat and found the problem. Thank you!!! The official diagnosis is: Nasopharyngitis with lymph tissue enlargement. Left Eustachian tube is obstructed and the ear pain is referred ear pain via the Glossopharyngeal Nerve. I know - lots of big words aren't there? She found two pus pockets about the size of the head of a Q-tip each and had already noted the swelling from the outside and said it was much worse inside. She prescribed me two antibiotics and some heavy duty pain meds and wants me back in the office Monday. I feel like a walking pill bottle but am so thankful for the pain meds even though they make me feel --- drugged. :-) We had a long talk about my lymphoma and she explained that yes - my immune system is compromised and then told me I should think of it as a "chronic condition". One that requires me to get a lot of rest and keep the stress level down as much as possible. She asked me who to send her report to and then asked if she could pull up my last PET scan from Duke. When she got it and started reading it, she pointed out that there was a "hot spot" in my neck in the exact spot of the infection. I'm like - oh. That when I come back Monday, if it hasn't improved significantly, she wants to do a biopsy. Okay!! That came out of left field. SO - that raises a few questions doesn't it? To be honest, I hadn't even thought of my cancer except in the context of how bad I feel for a longer period of time with every "little" thing that has come my way lately. When I went for my check-up, they told me my numbers looked great. It really never occurred to me my cancer could be causing this. I also hadn't really thought a whole lot about it until I just started typing this entry. I have been focused on taking the meds on schedule and trying to keep the pain under control but when I just typed it - it did feel a little strange. I'm going to continue focusing on pain management and getting rid of the infection over the next two days and let Monday bring what it will.

Daddy.....

2011-09-02T19:04:00.000-04:00

Daddy would have been 97 today if he had lived. He was 65 when he died in February of 1980. It is so hard for me to believe I will be 65 in a few months myself.

Such a strong influence in my life. Lots of memories - some good and some not. Mostly good these days - amazing how the bad things fall away through the years. It's called life.....miss you Daddy.

When enough is ENOUGH!!!!

2011-08-31T11:48:00.000-04:00

Okay - I finally got to sleep and woke up miserable. Must have clenched my teeth all night because my whole jaw hurts now PLUS the ear. I decided - ENOUGH already! When I got out of the shower this morning, I noticed that side of my face is a tiny bit swollen and it hurts all along that side of my neck. I called the ENT's office to see if they would refer me to another ENT specialist who could see me TODAY! I by-passed the receptionist by pushing a few other numbers and reached a young woman who must be one of the doctor's assistants - she had me hold and told me one of the other doctors is going to work me in at 1:15pm. Thank goodness! All I know is I want some relief and to get my life back. Thank you Sylvia - whoever you are!

Icepick in ear....

2011-08-30T21:53:00.001-04:00

I called my GP yesterday and asked them to refer me to an ENT specialist but never heard back from them. When I got up this morning I decided I HAD to get out of this house. Since both the cupboard and refrigerator were bare, I ventured out to Kroger's to get some groceries. To say I was exhausted when I got home is putting it mildly but I was glad I went. I even got a roast and put it in our new crock pot for dinner. I drove the back roads and was very careful but really don't know that I should be

driving that much until we can get this problem with my ear taken care of. I try to not take too many Advil but about three hours ago, my ear pain jumped exponentially to the nth degree. Of course this was a few hours after the ENT specialist called and the first appointment they can give me is September 12th! What!!! I took it and she encouraged me to call the rest of this week every day to see if they have a cancellation. I took 3 Advil's two hours ago and it is still hurting worse than it has so far. It actually feels like an icepick has been jabbed into my ear. I don't know if I will end up in the ER tonight or not but don't think I'll be waiting around until September 12th to see someone. I may call my GP again tomorrow to see if he can look at it again. I know - crazy isn't it? I have always felt so sorry for children with ear infections/pain but had no idea how bad it can get. Have got to get this taken care of - the new Service Year starts Thursday! I know - I'll eat some Fudgesicles - that should ease it off some. Sorry to be whining so much but man - this is getting bad.

Less than an acre of nature.....

2011-08-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

Having been in the house still sick since this past Tuesday, I decided to go for a little nature walk outside. Our lot is almost an acre, however, it is cut like a piece of pizza pie with our little cottage right on the line on one side.

Since Irene had come through and cooled things off a little, I knew I wanted to get outside for a few minutes after listening to the meeting to get a few pictures while it was nice. I started on our little deck which has been sorely neglected the past few years. Hopefully BigD will have time to clean it real good and stain it. One of the rails need to be repaired/replaced too.

I wandered out back to our "natural" area (small patch where we let everything go) and was pleased to see quite a bit of new growth. Hopefully the little Mimosa trees will survive since I do love them so much. The yellow leaf speaks of autumn being right around the corner. When I woke up yesterday to see the trees blowing in the winds - it made me realize they are finally filling out a little and hopefully more will grow soon. I so miss the forest that used to be behind our house and that of our neighbor.

The left top picture shows what is left of the many trees we once had in our front yard, the one beside it is the little cactus garden across the ditch beside my neighbor's fence, the small on on the top right is a picture of what will hopefully one day be a magnolia tree, the bottom left shows the growth from the summer behind our neighbor's house, the middle bottom is in our other neighbor's yard and my Mom's favorite - Crepe Myrtle, and the one on the bottom right is some of the grass that has taken over the ditch dug down the side of our property by the Department of Transportation. Yep - that ditch if full of grass, little trees, mud and "stuff". The DOT is supposed to maintain that ditch but so far, we haven't seen anyone since they re-dug it.

This is the rough path that has been created by a young man who lives in the neighborhood right behind us (you can see the asphalt of the street) who asked permission to walk through our yard to get to the bus stop they put at an intersection close to the front of our house. We don't mind but our neighbor let me know he saw three young men walking quite close to our house early the other morning and wanted to know if we wanted help in putting up a fence. BigD said he isn't interested and that as long as they aren't bothering anything, he doesn't care. I don't know if he was still walking through here before Bri did all the yard work for us in getting rid of "most" of the poison ivy and underbrush back there but I did notice how nice it felt under the trees back there. Hmmm - Wonder what it would take for Bri to really clean it out back there and maybe put down something and make a little reading/meditating/sitting area for me during the Spring and Autumn? Right now there is nothing really growing (except for some determined poison ivy) and I'm not sure anything would - I like to picture thick moss for this area. BigD is going to get Bri to come over in the next few weeks to clean out from under the house and I'm going to have him get rid of some more underbrush and fallen limbs from Irene. I would like to keep it looking like there is some kind of plan to the "natural area". As so often happens when I'm blogging, I got hungry enough that I stopped long enough to throw together the pasta dish Rie taught me.

It gets better every time I make it and even BigD ate a little bit of it today. That just goes to show you how bare our cupboard is because he rarely eats pasta without meat in the sauce. I wish I could report that I'm feeling better but alas - that isn't so. Leah reminded me how long it took me to get over the cough I had awhile back. I guess the BigC is affecting my health in ways I never thought of. I am happy to report I am taking my Garlic regularly and really trying hard to remember my vitamins. I guess I'll call my GP tomorrow so he can refer me to that ENT he mentioned since I'm entering my third week. I enjoyed listening to the meeting today and what a wonderful provision but it really isn't the same as being with everyone. Nate did a great job on his talk and the WT was wonderful. Gail and Wm. both called me to check on me after the meeting and that was nice. I also got the following

picture from Shen showing me her new hair cut. I really, really like it. I miss her........I also got a text message from Eileen saying there wasn't any real damage at her place on the Island (EI) but lots of debris. There were several trees down on the street but none around her little cottage.

An icon has turned 81 years old.....

2011-08-26T22:46:00.001-04:00

By extension, icon is also used, particularly in modern culture,in the general sense of symbol — i.e. a name, face, picture, edifice or even a person readily recognized as having some well-known significance or embodying certain qualities: one thing, an image or depiction, that represents something else of greater significance through literal or figurative meaning.
I feel sorry for any woman who doesn't recognize who this is - even though he turned 81 years old yesterday; Sean Connery is still looking pretty good. The first movie I remember seeing him in was Goldfinger which was released in 1965. We ran into BigD's cousin while on a date and he had seen it and told us we had to go see it. He even insisted on going with us right then and he was right - we loved it as much as he did - and James Bond. The James Bond movies took movies to a different level - some for the good and some for the bad but they are all pretty entertaining. As handsome

as he was as a young man, I have found him to be more attractive as an older man - with or without a wig and with or without a beard. I guess you could say he is a man's man. One of my favorite of his interviews was when he was asked about his roll in "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", and he said he had no idea what the movie was about. So basically, he shows up, gets into the character they give him (or he already IS that character) and says his lines and gets paid. Hello. Like my Mom and Dad - I love movies - all kinds of movies. I love the really oldies and the new sci-fi with over the top special effect ones. I love musicals, comedies, drama, mystery, westerns - I even love some animated movies. I love reading a good book and then seeing the movie and comparing them. I love watching this man in movies and hope he is doing well in his beloved Scotland. Oh Yeah - I also love him in his kilt.

First day of Fifth Grade!!!!

2011-08-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

Leah sent me the pictures she took of Page yesterday. According to Leah, she had a great first day of school. She is changing classes among three teachers this year which will prepare her for middle school next year. NO - can't even let myself think about that. One day at a time......

Click on the picture twice to see it close up. I love her hair - it looks so cute on her. Leah said she didn't let it get as dry and used a little setting lotion on it and when she pulled the little curlers out, Page was like - "this is ridiculous". I love what I call her "Wally" comments. She sounds just like her Papa when she says things like that! One of my favorite men so it always makes me smile. When Leah asked her if anyone at school noticed her hair, she said in an offhand way - "yeah - they all liked it". I love that she isn't caught up in the "keeping up with other girls" syndrome and hopefully she will walk right past that. Our goal is to keep her a happy, secure, productive, goal oriented young woman who doesn't have to become something else to be happy with herself. Can't wait to see her next weekend for the shower....

the world keeps turning the sun keeps burning ........

2011-08-25T14:34:00.001-04:00

In other words - time marches on. One of the bloggers I follow said "around the sun 7 times" in reference to her son having his 7th birthday. I've never thought of it that way before but it sure puts things into perspective doesn't it? I got over 10 hours sleep last night - hoping that means I'll be feeling much better soon. Then as I was pouring myself a cup of tea (the gift Ann gave me at the beach) I looked out the window and there was my hubby's niece in the driveway! The one I wrote about yesterday!

What a really nice surprise! She looks great as always and I think she is really enjoying her retirement. Her younger sister had called BigD this morning and told him we were all getting together at GG's tomorrow night. It turns out GG had a fall in the house yesterday and her face got pretty banged up. Everyone worries about GG living alone now so I think we all just want to be with her to make sure she is really okay. Alease and I got caught up and bemoaned the fact that we both would like to be living in a trailer at the coast right now but hubbies just aren't on-board with that idea yet. Of course they are evacuating the coast right now because Hurricane Irene is heading for our coastline. I showed Alease my new Medicare Card I got in the mail a few weeks ago. Neither one of us can believe it! She is almost a year younger than I am - she started to school before she turned 6 and I started to school a few months before I turned 7. She was always the youngest and used to hate it but has decided it isn't so bad now. Hope I feel better by tomorrow night so I can enjoy everyone. Sweet Roseanne called today to see how I'm feeling - wish I could say much better but my hearing is getting tres' strange. I've had to pop my ears several times to hear at all so guess the fluid behind the ear drum is correctomundo. Waiting for her to call me back so we can have our Family Study together over the phone. Oh - and the tea was delicious - great blend and I know it tasted so much better because of my sweet little pot and cups. As a matter of fact, I think I'll make me some more before Roseanne calls. Hope you all have a lovely rest of the day......

Anniversaries......

2011-08-24T22:29:00.005-04:00

A year ago today, Bentley had his heart surgery and came through it with flying colors. I emailed him today to let him know I remembered and was so happy that was behind him.

Today is also the 43rd wedding anniversary of my dear friend and niece by marriage and her hubby. We all graduated from high school the same year and at times, it seems like just yesterday. At others, it seems forever ago.

Especially when I look at this picture taken last year in May at a wedding we all attended. (If I posted this picture last year - don't worry about it - I'm not). This is her family - her hubby, three beautiful daughters, two son-in-laws, a granddaughter and a grandson. She finally retired earlier this year and we keep talking about getting together but so far - life has gotten in the way of that. Maybe soon we will find the time to sit down, have a glass of wine and really get caught up. In the meantime, I'm very happy for her retirement - she has been doing some fun things she had put off for long enough.

I also wanted to share a few of the pictures I.T. and Mae's grandson's wife sent us of their little girl who is 3 1/2 now. Isn't she pretty? Such a good combination of her Mom and Dad. All the young families are growing up around us. I can't believe Page started the 5th grade today. According to Leah, she was pretty happy. A picture is supposed to be coming soon. Hope the 5th grade is her best grade yet!

Boy also started Kindergarten today! I hope he had a wonderful day too. I left a message for his Mom asking about him. I'm sure he did much better than she did. :) Keith came by to see me this afternoon. It was so sweet of him to check up on me - I really appreciated the visit. Stayed home today - slept until 10:30 or so and was ready for a nap around lunch time. Hope I start feeling better soon. I've decided I've got to listen to my body this time - I've pushed against the goads for over a week and a half and feel just as bad now as when it all started. Hmmm - could I be getting a little smarter? Naaahhh - I just feel too bad to do anything else. But - tomorrow is another day and maybe it will be the beginning of me feeling better.

I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet......

2011-08-23T21:25:00.002-04:00

I feel the sky tumbling down ....not really. For those who don't know it yet, people here felt some of the earthquake that was centered about 150 miles north of us. Leah and Kurt both felt it - her at her office and him where he was installing a security system 3 hours away. He said he heard it too and that it was strange. I thought BigD had said he felt it but when he heard me tell someone that, he said that he didn't feel it. I think we didn't feel it because we were both driving at the time. Been another interesting week so far. Still feel lousy, been taking naps AND sleeping at night! What's up with that? Usually if I catnap for even 15 minutes during the day, I can't sleep at all that night. I did enjoy working with Jami, Savana and Jon this morning. I was their new "play thing" and really enjoyed my time with them very much. I stayed out almost all day yesterday and fell asleep as soon as I got home and sat down. Even though I slept last night, I was beat this morning - plus my ear and throat still hurt. I called my GP and they worked me in right after lunch. I met with the PA who asked me how I felt about a student checking me out. Both of them examined me and said the infection was clearing up. They both felt there might be fluid behind my ear drum. When I told the PA how bad I feel - especially how tired I am now, she asked me if my cancer specialist had explained that I would feel more exhausted and worn out with things like this from now on and I'm like - No? So then they went and got my doctor who made me keep popping my ears (while he was examining the bad one) until the one that hurts finally popped too (took about three or four tries). He too feels there is fluid behind that ear drum but wants me to take Advil (3 at a time) for the pain and if I don't get better in a few days, he wants to refer me to an ENT specialist to see if there is something going on further down in my throat. WOW - not what I expected at all. Was thinking the Cipro ear drops weren't working and they would give me oral antibiotics. The good news the Cipro has been working but not on the pain. The other good news is I have lost a little over 20 lbs (gained a few on vacation) and he was happy about that. He stressed that he could tell I don't feel good at all but to control the pain, get more rest and let it run its course....whatever - IT - is. And that folks is why they call it "practicing" medicine.

Ear infection ---- who would have thunk it?

2011-08-19T11:52:00.002-04:00

BigD decided he wanted to go with me to my regularly scheduled Oncology appointment yesterday. One of the nice things about this group is that unless your numbers are different, you get to see one of the PA's or ANP's. It was nice to see Katie yesterday - she is such a sweet young woman. After talking for a bit, she examined me - starting with my head and ear since I told her how bad I have been feeling. An ear infection! Really? Color me surprised - I have never had an ear infection! We always felt fortunate that neither one of our children had ear infections back when a lot of kids were getting tubes put in their ears. At least I now know what is wrong. She said it was affecting my throat, sinuses and causing the bad headaches. She prescribed Cipro ear drops and told me to be sure and use them all and to continue with

Advil for the pain and discomfort. We talked about my "bite" episodes and she told me she had seen a patient the day before with the same story. She confirmed that my lymphoma has affected my immune system and since I already attracted biting insects and the reactions were already strong, it would be reasonable to think the lymphoma is making it worse. I told Katie about my "home remedy" and we both laughed. She also asked me about my weight loss and I assured her it was on purpose! She wanted to know why I think the new WW program is much better now. While she was out of the room getting a prescription for the Cipro, we overheard the doctors outside our room discussing one of the doctor's patient. One of them asked if the doctor wanted to continue with the course of treatment he was using or did he want to try something new. It made us feel good that they discuss the patients with each other. We could also hear the concern in their voices for the patient. The good news is my own numbers were good again so I'm good to go for 4 more months! I told Katie I had asked the nurse who drew my blood why my BP is always high when I come to them and it isn't when I go to my other doctor and how she and the other nurses laughed and said every one's BP is high when they come here. I asked Katie why they said that and she said because no matter how many times they get a good report, sub-consciously - they are waiting for the other shoe to drop. That once you hear the "C" word in connection with your own body, you don't necessarily think about it every day but it is always there - in the background. Things that make you go hummmmm. On a side note - my good friend Eileen called to see what was going on and could not believe I had an ear infection because she had just had one the week before. She had ended up in ER with it and they gave her antibiotic ear drops too. She told me it would take three days before I feel better but we were both amazed that neither of us had ever had an ear infections before and now at this age.... I told Page last night when she called that I still think it might be a virus going around.

And that's why they call it the blues.......

2011-08-18T05:04:00.000-04:00

That's me tonight or I guess I should say this morning. Here it is almost 5am and I haven't slept a wink. As a rule, I enjoy listening to the Blues---Etta James, BB King, Ray Charles, and the list goes on.....Not sure why I've got the blues but finally gave it up and accepted that I do. Maybe because I came home from a great vacation and got sick and have felt rotten all day. Maybe because the vacation is over and my babies are all gone again. Maybe because I can't sleep and have a doctor's appointment with my specialist tomorrow and have some things I want to discuss with him. Whatever the reason or reasons - I've got them. If it wasn't so late and BigD is sleeping, I would crank up the music and wallow in my own little pity-party. Since it is almot 5am, I don't know whether I should try to sleep a few hours and feel even worse or just stay up and try to get a nap. Either way - my sleep pattern is really messed up now. Maybe if I take 3 more Advil it will help my head stop hurting long enough to get a few hours before my doctor's appointment. Yep - that is what I'm gonna do - and I'm also going to keep calling it the blues - sounds much better than that other word - depression.

It is official - the vacation is over......

2011-08-15T19:20:00.002-04:00

Thought I would add a few more pictures to end the vacation. Stayed home today for two reasons - one being the load after load of laundry that still isn't completed and the other --- I think I'm getting sick! Yep - it started yesterday in my ear but now the ear and my throat hurts every time I swallow. I can't remember the last sore throat I had. I'm so hoping that it is "peaking" tonight and will be better tomorrow.

Leah has a knack for getting some really great pictures of Princess Miya. The cats really did well this year but my Miya is wiped out. She has been sleeping ever since we got home. I like the shot of her and Hiro in the travel crate together.

Every time we looked outside, Page2 was climbing the poles on the porch. She got really good at it and it brought back memories to Page1 of her doing the same thing when she was young. Even though the week started off with "potty-room" issues requiring us to visit the other cottage often, it was taken care of pretty quick.

Kurt got some great pictures of Leah with Miya sleeping on a towel beside her. Leah took some shots of Page with her hair curled after we got the car packed. It was the first time Leah had seen me use the little curlers on it and she was pleased with the results. Of course, it doesn't last a long time but it is a nice change for her. The trip home had to be rushed at the last minute so we could get Page to the airport. After BigD and Kurt meeting us in the parking lot of Dick's Sporting Goods so we could get her suitcase, I got her to the airport at 3pm to catch a 4pm flight home. Long story short - there were many delays resulting in her having to catch another plane that was also delayed and it just isn't possible to put the whole story down but she got home in the early AM hours. This has been happening quite a bit lately and I know it must be getting real old. Leah and Kurt had to go by Kurt's office to get his work orders for today. Their oldest cat - Vincent - had really missed Leah and kept trying to get as close to her last night as possible (in the bed).

She sent me this picture today showing how Vincent missed catching the sheets last night but not her arm. Ouch! Sweet Vincent - he is getting so old. SO - guess I'll go put another load in and maybe gargle with warm salt water. Vacation is over....................color me sad.

Random Vacation pictures -----

2011-08-12T23:22:00.002-04:00

Happy to say I haven't been on the computer too much so will just put up a few more collages of our vacation that is almost OVER!

It seems like the days have been racing past and when Ann, Boy and Biscuit pulled out early this morning there was sadness all around. We so enjoyed being with them and the kids all got along really well. How am I going to make it without my Biscuit and Boy smooches? I guess I will have to "settle" for Page2's sweet hugs and kisses. Ann treated all the girls and the kids to a great lunch in Beaufort - one of our favorite places. Then she took all the kids home to play and do crafts while we shopped a little bit. To be honest, it was hot, hot, hot - so we didn't shop for too long.

Funny Beaufort story - we were getting ready to enter a store we normally go to when a nice looking young man sitting on the steps said, "They are having a free wine tasting down the hall" so we are like - OKAY! At this point, anything to go into air conditioning - plus wine. Oh yeah! We all walked into this tiny little shop and who should walk in right behind us but the young man! LOL We were all talking and laughing and finally it got to where every time he poured us a tiny little taste, he would pour himself one too! When I told him the one I liked and was buying - he said, "thank you very much" and I said "NO - you aren't saying it right - say it again but with a lower pitch" So we did that a few times until Page and Leah finally got my attention by showing me a flyer advertising a show this weekend in another little town nearby featuring Elvis impersonators and guess who one of them was? Yep - that's right - I'm standing there telling an Elvis impersonator how to say "thank you very much." But HEY - I actually lived the Elvis generation - this young man probably wasn't an twinkle in his Daddy's eye back then.

I mentioned I would post some pictures of just a few of the gifts that were shared during the week - including the very special necklaces (and Page's earrings to match) Ann gave Page and Leah, the sock puppets Leah made the kids along with the whale shirt and hair clips for Biscuit, soaps, two summer scarves I picked up in Durham at Vaguely Reminiscent for Leah and Page a few weeks ago, earrings for everyone including the ones that matched the bracelet Ann had bought herself and myself (I've been looking at the handmade earrings of the forest for awhile and decided to gift myself - along with the green scarf you see hanging on my mirror. The dragonfly tea set? Yeah - that was a gift to me from Ann - how special is that???!!!! She also gave me tea to go with it and the little bobble ladybug that is designed to sit on the dash of our cars. I felt strongly they would like the scarves but for the most part like waiting to see what everyone picks for themselves and then I can just purchase it for them. Page told me that Ann had bought herself a bracelet so all I had to do was buy the earrings that matched it. Leah brought everyone special preserves and we dug into some of them. The strawberry/rhubarb and peach were both the bomb! I've been using my dragonfly cup Page bought me when she came home for the family reunion - I love it as well as the great bag she got me.

Biscuit has been slapped by Princess Miya before but she was determined they were going to be friends and these pictures show how her perseverance finally paid off! At least for a little bit. I will have to admit that Miya has been sleeping all day since they pulled out. Such a funny cat but I do love her.

Today actually wasn't as hot as the others have been and was a bit overcast. Page1 and I sat on the dock for awhile reading (I finished my yearbook - whoo hoo) and then sat on the porch with the fan blowing. It actually felt pretty good with the strong breeze and there were even a few sprinkles of rain. Leah, Page2 and BigD went fishing for a short period of time earlier - until they ran out of minnows. The only one who caught anything was Page2. You can imagine how excited she was to catch another SHARK! BigD took a long nap and then decided to go ahead and get the boat out of the water. He let Page2 ride with him and even drive the boat until they reached the channel. Kurt, Leah, Page1 and Page2 went swimming this evening. I thought I was taking pictures but it was short videos. We ordered pizza from Roma's and they were pretty good. Leah and Kurt have gone to the movies, BigD is snoring, Page and Page2 have gone back to get ready for bed and I'm not going to be far behind them. We made the decision today that we will stay the entire week BUT will be packed and ready to roll when we get up Sunday morning. Page has to catch a flight home and Kurt has to meet with his boss regarding his jobs on Monday. Vacation is a l m o s t over! Color me sad.
PS - Leah just got home and informed me that is NOT Miya with Biscuit - it is her brother - Hiro. She died laughing at the idea that Miya allowed Biscuit to put a blanket over her. Oh well.... I could dream.

Hump Day winding down........

2011-08-10T19:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone has had their showers, the kids are calming down, the adults are relaxing and all of a sudden - BAM - Kurt catches a nice Flounder off the dock in front of our house. He came to the door like a little boy almost shaking so of course, we all grabbed our cameras and ran out to see it.

Yeah - what could be a better way to end a Hump Day? Oh - I know - BigD is chopping up the cabbage and carrots for his wonderful coleslaw and getting ready to put chickens on the grill for his famous BBQ Chicken, Creamed Potatoes and Cole Slaw! Whoo Hoo.....

Hump Day of Vacation OVER half-way over.......:(

2011-08-10T17:15:00.002-04:00

Page1, Leah and Ann took Biscuit, Boy and Page2 to the beach today. Thankfully, the guy with the "honey wagon" had come and gone and we now can use all the water we want - within reason. BigD and Kurt worked on Mae's AC at her cottage and BigD finally found the part he needed to fix it. We are so happy we had a place to "go" but are glad that is over and now the people who come down next week will have water AND AC at both places. My sister Ruth called a little later to say they were on their way home. Her daughter had decided she had been away from her little boy long enough and wanted to get home to him. I'm sorry they couldn't come tonight but she made me promise we would call her and her hubby the next time we have BBQ chicken at home.

The girls have been combed, braided, dressed and slathered with sun screen.

Leah called to let me know they wouldn't be in the regular place if I did come down. It now costs $10 to park in the lot so they drove down toward Fort Macon. The ocean was very rough - lots of sand and little shells.

Some girls were busy, busy, busy and others were r e l a x e d. Even thought it hasn't been as hot today as the others, it is still HOT.

Every one's bathing suit was full of sand and little shells. Leah said when a wave would recede - it would look like they all had diapers on. Boy was telling his Mom that he was done and Leah was wondering if she would ever get all the sand, grit and shells out of Page2's hair. When they got back, she put Page2 under the outside shower and poured conditioner in her hair - we can still see it there though. Oh well - isn't that part of being at the beach? It is a little after 5pm, the first pitcher of margaritas has been made and poured, and the girls and Kurt are outside watching the babies play in the "clean" water of the pool. Glad I got the pool cleaned out and filled most of the way up before they got back. We need to empty it and blow it back up a little tighter before tomorrow. I might just have to have a small margarita myself. It's 5 o'clock somewhere --- and after 5 o'clock HERE! Where is that salt?

Already Tuesday night of our VACATION.....

2011-08-09T22:26:00.002-04:00

Not going to write very much but wanted to share just a few of the pictures we took today. It was HOT again but Leah, Kurt and BigD went fishing after a breakfast of homemade sausage and cheddar cheese biscuits. Yum. Why is it coffee tastes so much better at the coast? Anyway, the kids played in the pool for awhile and then came back in to play. It was HOT!

They also caught a small shark! Of course Boy and Page2 had a ball with that once they got over their fear. Check out the picture of boy swimming the little things in the nasty pool! Yeah - we have emptied the pool and it will have nice clean water in it tomorrow.

I love this picture of the kid's feet. I'm sure we will have one to show of my girl's feet at the beach later. I think they are planning to go there tomorrow and thankfully, they are calling for only upper 80's for the high tomorrow.

Feeding the gulls. The ducks ran away when Biscuit came running out on the dock. Hmm - wonder why?

Pretty Biscuit helping Kurt cool off after his fishing trip. It has been so nice getting to know her and Boy all over again. She has taken a real liking to Kurt and Leah. She may only be 2.5 years old but believe me when I tell you she can hold her own - with anybody!

Page1 and I enjoyed a nice glass of KJ in the glasses Fran brought me last year. Wine always tastes better in a special glass doesn't it?

It was a little cloudy while we were on the dock and as soon as we came back to the porch (with a fan blowing on us)we got to actually see the sun set across the water on the lovely houses over there. We had a nice breeze on the dock and the fan gave us one on the porch! Whew.

Page2 holding her precious Hiro. He has been such a good boy down here. He seems to have gotten used to being here quicker this year. He even let me rub him quite a bit earlier today on the bed.

Of course Miya thinks any house she is in belongs to her so she has no issues at all.

Biscuit has been busy keeping us in her "homemade cookies". Look at the little glove and spatula. Her Mom has promised her a nice little "kitchen" to use her pan, spatula, glove and magnetic cookies in when she is potty trained. Go Biscuit! I called Ruth and let her know the water situation here isn't fixed yet so it will be tomorrow that they will come to dinner and we have BBQ chicken and the fixings. Ann and Leah made a run to Dairy Queen after dinner and we just finished our Mini-Blizzards and are watching Galaxy Quest - Ann has never seen it so we are enjoying watching her watch it. :) more to come....

Winding down last night -----

2011-08-09T11:07:00.000-04:00

The kids went back out to the pool to play a while longer. It was a winding down kind of playing in the water. Then Boy and Page decided to feed the gulls.

I talked to Mae this morning - am so sorry she and Judi weren't able to come down. The center picture of Boy talking to BigD while he is putting bait on his hook made me think of Lee when he was a boy down here. We were trying to figure out how old he was the first time I was down with the family and we think he was around 7 years old. They had a screen door then and that door didn't stop opening and shutting the whole time with him running in and out - checking the crab pots, fishing, swimming (there was a little beach here then) and having fun as only a little boy can!

So ends our first full day of vacation. A nice glass of wine while watching the sun set, the gulls looking for a few more scraps of bread, a fisherman and his dog gliding past on their boat, and Kurt crashing after a long hot day of fishing (and a few bourbons). The BEST news of last night - I SLEPT LIKE A LOG!!!! I woke up around 7:30 for a few seconds and then Princess Miya woke me around 8:30 which was great because BigD had cooked some of our delicious home made sausage and Ann had gone out to pick up Cheddar Biscuits to go with them. YUM....and our second full day begins. I'm excited because my sister Ruth, her daughter and granddaughter are down at Ruth's place at EI and are coming for dinner tonight. We are having BigD's famous BBQ chicken! more to come.......

August 8th......Ann, Biscuit and Boy have arrived......

2011-08-08T19:24:00.003-04:00

We had steaks, taters with onions and green peppers and blue cheese dressing for those who wanted it along with Leah's mushrooms for dinner last night. YUM. Everyone was in bed by around midnight or a little after and I was awake from about 1:30AM u n t i l.....Yep one of those nights - never went back to sleep. I did finish another Sigrid book- now working on the next one. This is a picture of the hardback but I've been reading them in paperback. I gave Kurt the ones I've read and he plans to read them too. Page2 decided she would sleep with me last night and the only real difference other than being in a different place was the bed was a full size instead of a queen size. BIG difference evidently. Princess Miya was totally agitated - she wanted to lay between us but that meant that Page2 was too close - so she would go partially under the cover and see Page2's leg and look at me, look at the leg, look at me - oh my. It went on all night long. SO tonight Page2 will be with Page1 and Miya will be with me. Hopefully that means I'll SLEEP! Here it is after 7pm and I'm still wide awake - don't ask me how. Jen, Boy and Biscuit got here around lunch time and we were all so happy to see them. I was heading out to the grocery store when she pulled in so I didn't really get to visit until I got back. Of course she gave us all lovely gifts and she went WAY over the top for mine. She has a talent - a gift - for picking just the right gift for each person. That means she tries to not only give things she loves but things she hopes others will love too. Since I LOVE her taste in all things - she can't go wrong with me. Such a special young woman and one of my "girls" in so many ways. I'll share pictures of the "gifts" later. We had a few things for her too. She gave Page2 this cute little gift that partners with Boy's - they both have such wonderful imaginations and we know they will have many hours of make-believe together with these.

As usual, they fell right into the rhythm of their life-long friendship we hope will last forever. Leah had to purchase a new pool - someone moved the one she stored from last year and it had a tear in it. Bummer. This one isn't as big but it was big enough for me and Kurt to enjoy for a bit. A very little bit.

Then more "kids" joined us and Leah helped me UP and OUT of the pool. I'm still trying to decide who the biggest kid in the "pools" was this afternoon.

Yeah - I think we can all see who that is - right? I love him and his freedom of expression.

Leah took these pictures of BigD with our small beach umbrella. He wanted to tie some lures and fish a bit but it has been SO hot here today - he decided to be "smart". He and Kurt went fishing earlier and were gone much longer than I thought they would have been considering the heat. They caught one flounder - 18inches. He caught another one off the dock but it wasn't big enough to keep. Being out on the water so long was one reason Kurt "needed" the pool. Boy and Page are back in the little pool, BigD is making spaghetti sauce, I'm having my second glass of wine and I'm listening to my babies laughing and talking on the other side. I'm also watching the sun casting shadows over the water and dock and am getting ready to take what's left of my wine to go out and watch the sun set. More to come......

August 7th, 2011 - Let the good times begin..... or not....

2011-08-08T17:44:00.002-04:00

Not matter how hard to try to be super organized and ready to do - I fail, fail, fail every year. When it is just me going somewhere - I seem to do so well but include others and I'm totally discombobulated. After a shaky start - with me being in the bathroom trying to not cry out loud because I thought I had lost the key I.T. gave me years go to let me know he and E thought of me as family - I was told the key had been found in exactly the place I put it and we were almost good to go.

Poor Princess Miya and Hirohito - they must thinks we are nuts. They really got along so well in the carrier and I think they traveled much better this way than in separate carriers. The ride down was nice - not too much traffic and none of the rain BigD had anticipated even though we were super prepared for it.

Yeah - this is how hot and HUMID it was when we got here. We have to wipe the lens of the cameras of every time we take a picture outside. BUT - we are HERE!

BigD and Kurt took Page with them to put the boat into the water and Page rode in the boat with Grandaddy - she looks like such a big girl in her new Coast Guard approved life preserver for when she is on the boat. She was tres' excited because he opened it up a little (to her a lot) on the way back. We all unpacked and made our beds and were resting but very soon after we arrived, we realized we were having a bathroom issue with the "flushing of the throne".

How do you like my "new earrings"? Actually - the round one is a nice green earring - Leah gave me the "pair" awhile back and BigD told me one had come off in his truck. HOWEVER - he never could find it after that. The other one is from a "pair" Roseanne gave me from down here a few years back - and I KNOW I have the other one but couldnt' find it so decided to make a pair. My girls were raising their eyebrows a little and I told them - "Hey, if Jack Sparrow can do it - so can I"! I like them. Have always hoped I would know how to step outside the box if needed.

August 6th .. only 1 more day until VACATION!!!!

2011-08-06T03:18:00.003-04:00

I can't sleep - just got up for the umpteenth time and it is after 3AM and I still haven't slept a wink. I've tried everything - reading, playing solitaire, drinking water, counting sheep - lolol - not really on the last one. I just opened my blog page and there was a post from Speckled Kat saying the same thing - she couldn't sleep either! What in the world? Must be something in the water. Makes me sad because I have a lot to do in the morning before I go pick Page up at the airport. At this point, I'll be sleeping and BigD will be going to get her. Maybe that's it - knowing I'm going to see my babies in a few hours.

Awwww - Princess Miya was sleeping under the covers at the foot of my bed and she just came into the office to check on me. Isn't that sweet? She must have been tired because I have gotten in and out of that bed five or six times at least and she just kept sleeping away - as has Page2. Makes me mad because I just put clean sheets on the bed and that usually knocks me right out. Now she has climbed up and is laying along the back of my neck on my desk chair. Her brother will be here tomorrow and the games will be on. Think I'll play another game of Solitaire and try to go back to bed one more time. I HATE nights like this. Oh well - soon the kids will be in the house and I can just enjoy.

August 5th.....only 2 more days until VACATION

2011-08-05T21:18:00.001-04:00

Actually there isn't too much to write about today. I woke up around 5:15am and didn't get back to sleep until around 7:00am so BigD took pity on me and didn't wake us up at all. I opened my eyes and looked at the clock that said 10:00AM!!!! I took pity on Page and let her sleep until 11:00AM! The washer/dryer has been running all day today getting everything ready to pack for our trip. I can't believe Page's flight arrives tomorrow at 11:30AM and Kurt and Leah will be in a little later. I realized I had not put up the pictures Kerri sent me. Page really hit it off with her and totally enjoyed her time with both of them. I even heard Page telling her a few secrets in the back seat one day! So sweet.

I think the caption Kerri put on the "funny face" says everything. Before the week was over, she had two new friends. I love it when CO's and their wives spend time with the children in the congregation - my children were always drawn to the ones who did. I was hoping we would be able to do something more with Kerri this week but between mine and Page's tummy issues, the unrelenting heat that was taking it's toll on me and LIFE - it just didn't work out. Maybe next time. Thank you Kerri for all your love. YOU are beautiful inside and out and special in so many ways. Your good looking husband ain't bad either. Just kidding!!!

August 4th.....only 3 more days until VACATION!!!!!!

2011-08-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

I think the chicken and dumplings and sweet tea last night might have just helped my tummy. Go figure. Hope it stays okay. BigD let us sleep in because he knew we were going swimming this morning. Katarina, Roseanne and KennaKat brought me a sausage burrito from McD's - thank you Kat. After Kat braided Page's hair, we all piled in the car and headed out to the pool.

This is the first time we have been to this pool in the morning and what a difference. For one thing, there was no one else in the pool. The other thing was the water was much cooler and so clear. We normally stay about an hour and a half but today we were there almost three hours. KennaKat got braver and braver and Kat, Roseanne and I all enjoyed the water. Brought back good memories of other pools from our youth.

On our way home from the pool, we stopped by Wendy's and picked up some lunch. It is amazing how hungry swimming can make you. After the girls left, Page and I got our showers and studied for the meeting tonight. If you look closely at the pictures, you will see how Page has inherited my genes when it comes to insect bites. Yep - her little arm has mosquito bites on it. I have used my new "green concoction" and it seems to be helping. I had been saving the new dress I bought Page for tonight's meeting - her little green sweater looked great with it. She wanted to wear the necklace I bought her awhile back - so sweet. She also wore the cuff I bought her from Sonia in France. I look at these pictures and see how much she is growing up. We were getting our things together to go to the meeting when Page told me she felt sick to her stomach. She ate a good dinner but said she couldn't tell if she was hungry, too full or just sick. Then she asked me to take her temperature - which was normal - but I didn't want to take any chances. She changed into her pajamas while I text messaged her Mom. Leah called and said she wasn't sure but the last few times she has thought it was nothing, it backfired and was something. She went to bed and watched TV. She also tried to use the bathroom several times and asked me again to check her temperature. She seemed to feel a little better around 8:30 and apologized for us missing the meeting.

For those of you who follow Speckled Kat, you will know that I recently won a drawing she had for a set of "paper dolls and clothes" she created. Kat is one of the most creative young women I know and is always coming up with wonderful things for her kids to do. When I saw she was having this drawing, I put my name in the pot - never for a second thinking I would win. I used to play with paper dolls all the time when I was a child. We would spend hours cutting them out, changing the outfits, and trying to keep them standing up on their little cardboard stands. Being a "tech-age" child, I didn't know if Page would be interested in these or not but I knew I was. Well - last Sunday, Kat put all the names in a hat and had KennaKat pick one. She picked my name! I was so excited and the next day, Leah read the entry too and called me all excited. When KennaKat came in this morning, she had my "gift" all wrapped up. I LOVE them! I didn't really show them to Page too much since she was so focused on swimming. When she started feeling a little better, she came into the living room and asked if she could play with them. It turns out - she loves them. She had me come look at how she had found the "family" and the outfits she was putting on them. It brought back a lot of good memories. I plan to keep them here since I plan to play with them too. I will take them to the beach next week so we can all "play dress up" together. My Mother would have loved this gift since she used to play with us when she could "steal" a few seconds. And life goes on......

August 3rd .......4 more days until VACATION!!!

2011-08-03T19:23:00.003-04:00

As you know, my tummy just hasn't been right and today it took a turn that made the situation even worse! Oh well -hopefully things will even out soon. I decided to let Page sleep in today and sleep she did - until 11:30!!! I think the little girl needed some real sleep. I was glad I stayed home too for other reasons. As I said - hopefully things with the tummy will calm down soon. :-( I had promised to take Page swimming today again with Rie and her boys. It turned our she was wiped out and decided to stay home all day. I really wanted to do that too but Page has been so good about things I knew I would take her. I asked Ann if she and the kids wanted to join me but she reminded me she was meeting some other Moms and kids at the Museum and again asked me to join them. Sorry - already done the Museum in 100 plus degree weather and just couldn't face it. As we headed out, I called Mitch to see if she and Vi wanted to join us and she said yes. I pulled up, she, Vi and Til all climbed in and we were off! I love a woman who makes quick decisions and just "does it". I have always been like that and am so glad I am. My mother-in-law told me there will always be dishes to wash, floors to sweep and food to cook but when something fun pops up - we should just reach out and grab it - all the other stuff will wait...Miss her too......

Page had a good time using her flippers but they kept getting loose and falling off. Hopefully we will be able to adjust them to fit better the next time.

Vi enjoyed using the flippers too. She is a good little swimmer - as a matter of fact, I'm beginning to think Vi is going to be good at most sports. Little Til will be swimming in no time - she has very little fear of the water. Such a cutie. Of course Page was starved and after picking her up something, I rode past Home Plate to get me and BigD chicken and dumplings and sweet tea. I was so hoping it would help my tummy settle down and so far - so good.

After we got back we were hungry so we just put on our robes and ate. Page was surprised to find out she had received some special mail from home. Her Gma and Papa had sent her a musical card telling her how much she was missed. She was very excited and has played it several times. My pretty girl......

August 2 - 5 more days until we leave for VACATION....

2011-08-02T21:13:00.001-04:00

Another long and hot day in service today. It was "real" close to 100 degrees when I pulled into the driveway. Sweet Jami and her sons joined us again this morning and Jon told her he wanted to work with Page. SO cute - it got hot enough that we took turns with one sitting in the car with the kids while two went to doors. Met quite a few people and got to visit with a dear friend who lived on the street and allowed us to take a "potty" break! Thanks Gina. After lunch, Rose joined us and went with me, Page and Eileen on Shen's last study. I decided I was not going to be sad - we covered the last sub-heading in the book and I used the opportunity to review quite a bit of what has been covered. Shen is a smart young woman and I want to believe she will make some good choices. I promised Sara I would come get her after we get back from vacation - I want to buy her a new school uniform. I fell in love with the store Page and I shopped at last week so plan to take her there.

Leah sent me pictures of their new kitchen sink and counter top. Aren't phones amazing? I love both the sink and the counter top but it makes me really, really want a new sink. We were supposed to go swimming with Ann, Boy and Biscuit but after they got here, Ann asked if we could just "hang out" for a bit. She had just come back from taking them to a movie with her sister and I think she was "done" too. Boy and Page were so busy on the computer they didn't realize how much time was going by. Biscuit kept me and Ann totally entertained - even when she insisted on turning Miya into her sweet Lilly - NOT. Miya finally slapped her (didn't break the skin) and Biscuit told her she was a "bad" girl. Of course, she also got in trouble for telling me I was a bad girl too when I scared her a little. Sorry sweet Biscuit - I didn't mean to get you in trouble. Stomach was feeling a little better - until I ate some delicious Italian Pizzeria Pizza. Now it feels yucky again. Page and I have had our showers and are ready for a quiet evening at home with BigD. Sure hope my tummy gets better. : (

August 1, 2011 --- Eighth Month....

2011-08-01T21:06:00.000-04:00

Today is Leah's parent's 41st wedding anniversary. I sent them both text messages - hope they got them. It is also the day I realized just how fast "my" time is racing by. For example, Page has been with me and BigD over 3 weeks now and it feels like she just got here to me. She has been such a wonderful little girl - especially regarding service. Of course as you look at her face, you can see she is about done - over with it - fini. Bless her sweet heart - I'm so glad I saw this because I think she is getting tired. I really don't want that - I want her to enjoy service. After tomorrow, I may cut back each day a little for a few fun things. She is going to go over a chapter in the book she placed with the daughter of my study if she can tomorrow. I made the mistake of taking a long nap yesterday afternoon and wasn't asleep until after 3am this morning. So I was about done or fini before I got started myself.

Page wanted to call her Papa and Gma to say Happy Anniversary - they went on a cruise to Alaska last year for their 40th. A place I've always wanted to "visit" but never wanted to live.

So after a long day in service (Rose joined us for the afternoon) and rushing to WW to weigh in - I picked up dinner for Page and BigD and popped the cork! Yep - that is exactly what I'm talking about. I got tons of paperwork done yesterday and hopefully - am caught up. Page and I are getting ready for bed (we are going to read a while) and hopefully another long day in service and then ahhhhhh. Will go out Wednesday morning but planning to go swimming in the afternoon with Rie and the boys. Vacation is right around the corner - counting the days.

How do you spell RELIEF???? RAIN....sweet, sweet rain.

2011-07-31T13:05:00.003-04:00

Didn't get to the convention yesterday morning - stomach not good - started Friday night and since we got all but about 15 minutes of the program in VA, I decided to "pamper" myself a little. If you look at the picture below, you will notice three roses - yep - these are left over from the bunch of roses I bought quite awhile ago at WalMarts! I'm very, very pleased when flowers I purchase last longer than a week.

Also notice the bright sunlight coming through the windows. Well if you look real hard at the other pictures, you will see that we had a nice BIG RAIN yesterday afternoon. Even had some good thunder - I do so love a summer thunderstorm - especially when it has been hot for such a long time.

And yes - today we did make it to the convention. We grabbed our water bottles, my coffee and headed out this morning under cloudy skies. Got a great parking spot and wonderful seats with a nice brother and sister. I only saw one family I knew across the way but thoroughly enjoyed the symposium. That was the only part I missed at the one I attended so about half-way through the next talk we had already heard - nature called to both me and Page and we headed back home. Well - as soon as we got on the road - the bottom dropped out and it poured again. It stopped right as we pulled into the driveway and the air smells so good. Hope everyone enjoys the drama today and all the new releases.

I "snatched" this picture of Gail and her hubby from her sister-in-law just because it was good of both of them. BigD fixed my printer cable - Miya keeps chewing my cables until he has to splice the wires and put tape around them - BAD Miya. GG came by to tell BigD her AC on the van wasn't working but he got it going - something pretty simple. To show you how he is everyone's hero - he also climbed into the trash can to "salvage" the Sunday funnies (he threw them away) for me to read. Yep - I'm a newspaper funnies junkie - just like my Mom before me. My sister Ann was one too and like Mom and me - she worked the crossword puzzles. Miss them both so much.

She's back.......

2011-07-29T22:50:00.003-04:00

I held out as long as I could but finally broke and drove out to pick up Page from Boy's. Dixie was so sweet - wish I had gotten a better picture of her - such a pretty dog. Biscuit found a play camera and had me and Ann doing all kinds of "poses" for her - then she would count to 10 and say - "say cheese"! Or we had to hold our hands up and she would count to 10 and then we would all go woo hoo! What a lovey she is!

From all reports, once Boy and Page found their special connection again - everything went pretty smooth. Page didn't sleep very well - she gets scared at night these days. Hope this phase will pass soon - hate for her to have that kind of "fear". Remember experiencing it from time to time as a child myself. They had fun swimming - she used flippers for the first time so we plan to purchase some and a snorkle mask after the convention tomorrow.

Ann baked some home made chocolate chip cookies, Page hugged Boy good-bye and we were on our way home. BigD came in this afternoon and took a good nap. It was still 104 degrees when I left Ann'saround 5pm - this heat is really wearing thin. So hope it isn't this hot at the beach!

Feeling QUITE Lonely tonight....

2011-07-28T22:47:00.000-04:00

Page and Boy are finally together. Ann, Biscuit and Boy came by this morning to pick her up. They are going to see the movie Cars, spend the night and go swimming tomorrow. I can't believe how much I MISS her.

Kurt called this evening on his way home from work and I told him I have realized I am still his and Page1's Mom! I was having a hard time NOT calling to see that everything was okay. I really miss her so much. He laughed. Then Leah called (I think she is having the same problem I'm having) and I told her the same thing. I finally broke later this evening and called. Ann said it was obvious that Page had been with older children when they first got together but after they went to the movies; everything fell into place. Of course they are trying to avoid sweet little Biscuit as much as possible. Believe me - "sweet little" Biscuit is a force to be reckoned with and I LOVE IT! She is the cutest little thing in the world and hopefully that will save her as she gets older. LOLOL I'm glad Page and Boy still have that "special" connection and we are ALL hoping it will stay that way for a long time to come. We are calling them cousins because if we all remember, we fell right back into playing with our cousins no matter what our age differences were. I can't wait to see the pictures Ann gets of their little adventure. BigD will be home tomorrow and I may not go meet them to swim - I'm sure Page is in very good hands. I may just wait until BigD gets home and we can pick her up together. I've gotten some things done today and have decided that since I got all but about 15 minutes of tomorrow's program, I'll continue to get things done tomorrow and wait until Page is with me to make up the Saturday and Sunday morning talks we missed. Can't believe she has been with me almost three weeks - it has gone by so fast.

Already Wednesday???

2011-07-27T23:51:00.012-04:00

Where has the time gone? We have had a very busy week so far this week. In service half day on Monday and ALL DAY on Tuesday and Wednesday. I can't tell you how proud I am of Page - she has been such a trooper hanging in with Grandmommie and the other pioneers with absolutely no complaints!

Yesterday was very busy. After service we went out to the Big Mall to buy Page some clothes and a nice watch. We got the clothes first at a store Leah really likes because a lot of the skirts and pants have a waist band that can be adjusted. I found a really nice sales clerk who has children of her own. She was really great! I forgot how much fun it is to buy clothes for a little girl. I loved buying clothes for both of my kids and they both enjoyed it when I took them to do just that! We also had some time to walk through two of my favorite stores - Pottery Barn and Anthropologie. Brings back memories of when I was working and had plenty of money. Oh well - I'm doing what I have always wanted to do so no complaints here. BigD called earlier yesterday to say he was on the way down East to go fishing so we stopped in at a place I've never eaten at on our way out - California Pizza Kitchen. Page said she wanted a tall glass of cold milk - well she sucked that milk down and really wasn't very hungry after drinking it. It became apparent that she was very tired so after I finished my salad, I got her pizza boxed up and we headed home. Ahhh - another long day...That brings us up to today ...another long day in service and then we came home, changed clothes and went swimming.

I LOVE the pool my friend's have given us access to. Rie and her boys came over after she picked them up from school and we were off. These two little boys are both so sweet and they all played so well together. Rie and I totally enjoyed our time in the pool and with the kids. I haven't heard from her yet whether she liked the meat sauce I sent home with her that BigD made for their pasta - hopefully they liked it okay. Can't believe it took me so long to finish this one entry.

Few more pictures and good memories of long ago.....

2011-07-25T22:34:00.002-04:00

Overslept this morning so decided to let Page sleep in. Poor baby is "worn slap dab out"! I have been getting some things done around here and plan to go out after lunch. Deb posted some of the pictures she took at lunch yesterday and I thought I would share them too. Yep - the glass of KJ is MINE! I did share it with Jami though so don't get over-excited.

I promise to try and keep my posts shorter - Leah said it took her thirty minutes to read the last one! Of course most of them are all about her baby girl so it was worth it - right Leah? I had a memory when looking at another blog and wanted to share it.

This is The Angus Barn - a restaurant that is right across the county line from us. It was one of two steak houses (the other one was Hartman's Steak House and my favorite of the two) people went to when they wanted a really good steak and nice atmosphere. I've only eaten at The Angus Barn a several times but want to share my first memory. BigD and I were at the end of our Senior year in high school. We both were in a program where we went the school half a day and worked the other half. His cousin and the sister of my best friend had just gotten married and they wanted us to go to the Barn and have dinner with them! So BigD and I rushed downtown and bought ourselves something to wear. We didn't have time to really "shop" so just bought the first suits we tried on. Neither one of us wore those suits again - didn't like them that much! So off we went and boy did I find out the ins and outs of eating out in a "nice" restaurant. They brought cheeses and crackers, veggies and dips, bread and butter and by the time the main meal arrived - I was already stuffed!

This is Hartman's Steak House which no longer exists. It started out as a small white building run by a family and was around for many years. Their main dining room looked out over a pond with white ducks in it and had a big fireplace. They were famous for their Hartman Salad made with their homemade Bleu Cheese Dressing. BigD has copied that recipe and even made it better. I.T. and his friend owned a wonderful steak house across another county line called Country Squire and it ROCKED! Some nights it really did rock when UNC students had their parties there. I worked there on an "as needed" basis doing everything from seating people, to bringing cheese and appetizer trays, pouring tea, water and coffee. One time there was a college party going on and some of us slipped into the room and danced right along with the kids. Their main dining room had a big fireplace too. We would all have steak at the end of the night and my feet would hurt so bad I would walk bare foot to my car. I still have my name tag from when I worked there.

I was on my way back to KH the other day and this beautiful car was in front of me. I took a picture of it with my phone and asked BigD what it was. He said it was a 1958 Chevy Impala - isn't it beautiful??? The two guys in it were totally enjoying their ride and I wanted to drive it so bad. The first car BigD and I dated in was a 1955 Desoto.

This picture is the closest we could get to the color - we both loved that car. He owned it with his older brother until he bought his 1955 Chevrolet. When he bought it, it had an automatic transmission and the engine was out of it.

The guy who owned it had taken the engine out and labeled every piece of it as to where it came from. BigD changed it from an automatic transmission to three in the floor and then he took the engine parts down to his cousin's basement and put it together. After he had re-built the engine, he and his brother got it into a wheelbarrow and pushed it back up the street and put it in the car. In our Senior year of high school, BigD put the car in my name so the insurance would be cheaper. I loved driving that car for the most part - until the gear stick would come off in my hand and I would have to put my fingers down into the floor to change gears. All of my high school friends still laugh about how many times we would push that car off and I would jump in it and pop the clutch to start it. BigD had it all primed and was planning to get it painted when we had a small wreck in the late summer of 1965.

He decided it would cost too much and bought a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air with three in the floor and that is the car we had when we got married. My side of the seat would slide back and forth whenever we stopped and took off again. :) Hey - we were in love - what can I say! We kept the 1956 Chevy until BigD knew he would be leaving (Navy) at which time he bought me a 1965 Volkswagen.

It had been repossessed by the bank and he paid $1900.00 for it. That was in the late fall of 1966. Wow - we bought a car that was only a little over a year old for $1900.00. We put over 100,000 miles on that little car. It required very little work, zipped in and out of traffic, was my first pioneer car and the engine sounded like a sewing machine. We have always felt like it was one of the best cars we ever had. During this time,

BigD drove a 1962 Chevelle Station Wagon. He put another engine in it and drove it for several years. When I got pregnant with Page, he sold the VW for $600 and bought me a nice, 2 door hardtop Plymouth that had a brand new paint job (Marshmallow White) with red interior, and mag wheels. We have been trying to figure out what year it was and we think it was older than the VW but it was in such good shape, the price was good and we had worn the VW out. It was so nice having such a pretty and clean car to drive but that didn't last for long at all. Not long after we bought it, my brother-in-law borrowed it for a date and a young policeman ran into him and tore the right front fender off of it. The good news is the insurance company paid for it, the bad news is we used that money to pay for Page since we didn't have health insurance. So I drove a car without a front fender for quite awhile. I also couldn't turn the car to the right so I had to plan my routes. When Page was still a baby, BigD bought me a 1970 Camaro for $1900.

Oh Yeah! It was HOT! I got my first speeding ticket in that car. Page would not take naps so I would put her on the front seat (we didn't have to have car seats or seat belts in those days) and I would drive her around with the windows open listening to the radio while she slept. I worried about her if I knew she was driving any distance when she first started driving since riding in a car was like a pacifier to her! :) BigD decided to drive it one night when he was going out with some of his friends and blew the engine up. It sat in the yard for quite awhile until he re-built the engine, had it painted silver and sold it. He bought me an old station wagon for a bit and then we got a 1969 Buick. After that we got a nice Cadillac which we loved followed by two other cars we didn't keep but a few weeks each - we didn't like either one of them. SO - I bought a 1971 Gold Volvo. It had a front end that looked like a Mercedes, a big steering wheel and I LOVED it. I went on to buy two other Volvo's after that. We kept the Gold Volvo in the back yard until Page got her license after which BigD had a new transmission put in it, had it painted dark gray and she drove it back and forth to school until her Senior year. We sold that Volvo to a young man for $600 and BigD ran into him about a year or so later and asked him if he still had the car. The young man said he had sold it for $900.

I helped Page buy a nice Honda Accord in her Senior year. I made a down payment and paid for her insurance but she made her own car payments on the balance owed. BigD all but forbid me to buy anymore Volvo's so I bought a Jeep Cherokee. I loved it but he didn't like driving that either so I bought an Acura Legend which we both loved. After Page got married, my company bought me a company car - 1992 Toyota Camry - which Page took over and paid the balance on when that lease ran out. We let Kurt decide whether he wanted to drive the Acura to school or his Dad's old truck. He chose the Acura so we sold the old truck. One day he was on his way to the Grove for breakfast before going to school and a lady backed out of her driveway into him. The car was totalled (he wasn't hurt) so we bought him a

a Volkswagen Cabriolet Convertible. My company bought me a 1996 Toyota Avalon for my next company car and I kept it until just a few months ago when we bought my Cadillac. BigD has been in trucks ever since he started his company in 1979 - all Chevrolet Silverados. I am sorry - I guess this wasn't such a short entry after all but we have had fun with it. I started this post this morning and am just finishing it. BigD has had me looking up pictures of cars and we have been walking down memory lane together. It is amazing the details he remembers about every car. We did have us some fun in cars in those days. If some of those cars could only talk. Night.

Occupied, bustling, full of activity----definitions of BUSY!

2011-07-24T18:38:00.004-04:00

Yeah - that has been me these past few days. We had our CO this past week and that is always a busy week - especially for the pioneers! Our regular CO was called away to teach a school so a young couple who fill in as substitutes served us and we were delighted to have them. Page has been such a big help this week in so many ways - and no complaining at all (unless you count not wanting to wake up real early)! :) We had a full day of service on Monday, stayed home to clean the living room, kitchen, hallway and bathroom - Yep - I am finally getting the hang of this - how to entertain without killing yourself. Got up early Wednesday and cut up all the veggies for the roasted vegetables, prepared greens for fresh garden salad, cut up fruit for dessert, set the table, got me and Page dressed, (Dwight sliced the roasted chicken and put it on the serving platter) and put my favorite Greek yogurt in a bowl to go with the fruit. I had invited Keith to join us so he picked them up from the KH and drove up as I was taking the fresh sauteed salmon out of the pan. Keith picked up some sweet tea on his way over, filled the glasses with ice and made sure everyone had beverages. I made everyone an individual salad (they way they wanted it) and thankfully, I had picked the "perfect" dressing - one of their favorites! I decided to serve everything family style - all the food setting on the table - so everyone could help themselves. They seemed to like everything (took seconds) and I wrapped up all the leftovers for them to take with them. I knew things were good when Dave mentioned that he couldn't believe they were through eating and there was time to sit in the living room to relax for a bit. Keith took them back to the hall and Page and I met them there a few minutes later for an afternoon of service.

So here we are on Thursday with Kerri and Rie - I love both of these young women in their pretty summery white skirts. These pictures show how there is beauty all around us - no matter how much people neglect cleaning up around their homes, you can look away a few feet and wow - there are beautiful young bamboo trees and some lovely horses. Even the dog turned out to be sweet and friendly. We felt so bad for leaving him outside like that since we didn't see any water anywhere nearby. The temperatures this past week (including today) have been in upper, upper 90's all the way to mid 100's with heat index included. I am filling the gas tank almost twice a week because of having to leave the air conditioning running so we can take turns and stay cool. We are being careful to not get too overheated so we can fully accomplish the invitation work.

Page enjoyed working with Jon and family Friday morning (got picture of that beautiful tree and of the lake - we drove down to the marina to see if it was busy and use the rest room but we didn't see anyone on the water) and on Friday afternoon, Rose joined us for the afternoon. I mentioned in front of Kerri that we were going to the Butterfly House at the Museum (Thank You Jami) and she said she would love to go. She and Page really hit it off so we all met back at the KH at 3pm but by the time we got to the museum, we only had about an hour to do anything so we went on to the Butterfly House. I have tons of pictures (including some incredibly ugly bugs) to share with Page1, Leah and Kurt. What kind of bird is that with the red head? They were so cute. I also forgot to go upstairs at the Butterfly House as recommended by Jami so will definitely do that next time. We drove Kerri home and it turned out she lives right around the corner from my sister so Rose, Page and I "dropped" in for just a few minutes. They were getting ready to leave for dinner with friends but I watched her put together her 2 minute fudge that I'll have to say isn't bad at all...Not sure that is a good thing to know.

Yesterday was very, very busy! Cam asked me if Page could work with her and her family in service Saturday morning at which time I told her I was taking Page and two other friends swimming and would love for her to join us. So we all met back at the KH at noon at which time I picked up Abs and JoJo, rushed to Wendy's to pick up some lunch for me and the girls and rushed home to eat. BigD kept the girls for me to rush back the to KH for the pioneer meeting with the CO. When I asked Abs how he did as a baby-sitter, she said - "fine, he slept". LOL I rushed in and put on my suit and a shirt, grabbed towels and the girls, picked up Cam and off we went to the pool! Woo Hoo! Thanks J and R. The pool was large and the deepest part was only 5 feet so it was great. The water was so warm it was like being in a bathtub but it still felt great. I took tons of pictures of the girls holding hands while jumping in the pool with my phone and NONE of them saved - NONE of them! We rinsed off in a shower (no curtain so I'm sure the girls are scarred for life) and changed clothes in a little unlit, un-air-conditioned bathroom and headed for the MALL! Of course the girls were STARVING! I remember when I was younger and we would go to the community pool and when we got out would be so hungry. I bought a pizza at the food court in the mall, picked up a new hair product I've been wanting to try from Aveda, and took the girls to Claire's (otherwise known as bling-bling Gehenna). They were having a sale (of course they were).

It was hot and crowded with tons of little girls crammed into a tiny little space full of "stuff". I did purchase the earrings all the girls wanted but the two favorite things I bought for Page are the darling little leather purse (I would love to have one a little bigger just like it) and the sleep mask. She was so excited (as was I since she keeps sneaking mine). And yes Fran - she is still wearing her "favorite" pajamas - I took the straps up in back. THEN we went to every store that sold children's shoes in that mall and found Cam some white shoes for the convention in the last one we went into. About the time we left the mall, BigD called to say he had made spaghetti and was getting ready to put the noodles in. It was getting late and I had promised the girls ice cream so I took them back home with me and they all ate spaghetti. It was funny - looking at all four of them sitting at the table facing BigD - he looked like a deer caught in the headlights. After they ate, I piled them back in the car, we bought ice cream cones and I took them home. When we got to Lin's, Page found and put on the Bat Man costume. I LOVE IT! How do I tell you how tired I was but you know what? I would do it again - maybe not tomorrow - but again. Sadly, we came home without the little earrings I really wanted for Page as well as a pair I bought for myself to make the sale work. The girls were taking everything out of the big bag and separating them but I'm almost sure we put them in Page's bag. I asked the other two mothers to look for them but am not holding out much hope. If they can't find them, I guess they were thrown away with the bag.

So this all brings us up to date. Today an old friend was at our meeting with two of her sons and one of them's family. Her sister goes to our KH and they also brought their brother. They invited me to go out to eat after the meeting so Page and I said YES! We had a room of our own and the table got so long it covered the whole room. It was so nice getting caught up with an old friend who is doing so well. We talked about how we met when we were teenagers the first time. They got some much better pictures of Page than I did so I'm hoping they will share. After lunch, we came home to CRASH! We both put our PJ's on and have just been snacking off and on the rest of the evening. We will have full days of service Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but hopefully will be able to take Rie and the boys swimming one afternoon and I still want us to get back to the Museum to go upstairs. Since we won't have a meeting Thursday, I'm planning to take Page out to Boy's to play in the creek or whatever they want to do. I wish I were ahead with my time but alas - I have to get full hours these last two months. Since I'll be at the coast, that means I'll be out the first week of August also so I can enjoy my time with my family the following week at the BEACH! Spoke with Page1 for a bit today - she sounded good. Told her about seeing my friend's youngest son (they went to school together). I'll try to do a little better so posts aren't so long....wanted to make sure family & friends see a few of the pictures.
So - one of the funniest things to happen this week ---- when I told the girls yesterday that BigD was going to watch them while I was at the pioneer meeting, Page said- Yeah - they call Granddaddie the "whipper" and he "growls" when he gets mad! I'm sure that made all of them feel warm and fuzzy. He loved it when I told him. I also told him what Abs said about his baby-sitting skills - sleeping! He laughed. When I told Leah, she told me Page growls too when she is taking her guitar lesson and messes up. Hmmmm - life goes on. Be sure to click on the collages and then click again to see the pictures up close if you want to.....

Where to begin with Page's long visit with her Grandmommie.....

2011-07-20T22:03:00.002-04:00

Where to begin.....Page has been with us for almost two weeks now and what a delight. Memories of my children being this age come flooding back every day I spend with this delightful little girl. What a sweetie patootie! So sweet, talented, interesting, interested, engaged, smart, and did I mention sweet? I know - I'm the Grandmommie so I'm prejudiced....NOT. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty honest when it comes to children - even my own.

Page has done so well with her "new" schedule - long days in service rewarded by a nice visit to a friend's pool. I'll have to admit, I enjoyed getting into this little pool myself. Makes me wish I had one just like it. Really - it is in the perfect place. Ami said that after 2pm - it is in the shade the rest of the day - what could be better than that. It is 4 feet deep - who needs it to be deeper than that I ask? I don't know who enjoyed it more - the girls or me and Ami. What am I saying - of course the girls! Page has had a busy, busy time of it - skating (you can see her little skating badge on her knee above, finally finding some little curlers that actually put curls in her straight hair that last almost all day and swimming!!!!

This past Sunday Page and I went to Dumont to hear Pat give his talk. We all kept waiting for him to make a mistake and speak French but alas - he was too good. After the meeting, we all went over to Em's for lunch and it was so nice being with old friends while watching Page make new friends. I can't wait to show Page1 pictures of Em's house since it was once owned by one of Page1's friends. They have turned it and their backyard into a precious little place to raise a family. That was last week and we are almost through with this week! Wow - time really does fly by when you are having fun. I know Page1 will also enjoy seeing some pictures of her old friends. More to come but for now, we have to say goodnight.

Comments just not working for me.....

2011-07-19T13:57:00.001-04:00

I just noticed that one of my favorite bloggers has evidently decided she doesn't want comments any longer. I actually appreciate the comments I have gotten - especially from those whose blogs I follow. I really wanted to comment on Keith's blog - he has finished his chicken coop and now has three pretty girls. Lately, I have been having a lot of difficulty in commenting on people's blogs - including Keith's. I know it must just be me because I saw a comment on his last entry. Some will let me use my "name" but others just will not accept anything I put there. It used to be I could put my email address and it would take the comment but no longer. Anyone else having these problems?

On a side note, Princess Miya Chula Yum-Yum has been doing so well taking her medication at night now. We give her the whole dose at one time and for the most part, it is like she is resigned to it now. Hope it will stay that way. She went to the Vet last week and got her nails trimmed, her flea treatment and they checked her heart rate and said it was good to go! Good girl Miya!!!!

Lunch last Saturday with old friends....

2011-07-16T21:00:00.000-04:00

Rose called several months ago to see if I would like to meet with her and some of our older friends of many years for lunch. Of course I am all about catching up with old friends so we set a date, time and location. Last Saturday we all met at Tripps and had a grand time eating, laughing and just enjoying seeing each other.

I hope we can do this again sooner than later since none of us are getting any younger. The funny thing is I was back at this restaurant the very next day at lunch with our speaker - Keith! Had the same salad too. Thanks Rose for thinking of this and putting it together. You did a great job.

Few pictures of the Grand Adventure with Gma and Papa.....

2011-07-16T20:49:00.001-04:00

As mentioned in my previous post, Page went on a Grand Adventure with Leah's parents in June. They hit the Zoo and Smithsonian in DC, NYC, Brooklyn, Wallkill and Patterson, NY. There are tons of pictures and videos but I snatched just a few to highlight a tiny bit of their Grand Adventure.

Leah's Mom said the captain of the Circle Tours boat took a liking to Page and sat with her for quite awhile answering her many questions. Leah and Kurt were so happy to hear so many good comments about how people took to Page and how well mannered she was. Makes us all very proud of her. There are SO many pictures so this will just have to do for now.

District Convention with Family -

2011-07-16T18:41:00.002-04:00

Roseanne and I decided we wanted to attend the convention with some of our children this year so we drove North to do just that! We left on Thursday afternoon and I got to see Lauren's lovely home when I dropped Roseanne off. It was also nice to see all but one of her children during the weekend. The convention was overwhelmingly wonderful. They are always exactly what we need at the proper time but having Anthony Morris from the GB speak all three days was over the top good. Since it was July 4th weekend, most everyone had Monday off so it seemed to help everyone stay pretty relaxed the whole three days.

If you look real close, you will see Ash's little baby bump for her twin boys. One evening we went over to Leah's Mom and Dad's to watch the video of their big trip. Page2 took some great pictures too and had a wonderful adventure with her Grandma and Papa.

I always enjoy being with Leah's Dad. Sometime Page reminds me so much of him when she is telling me something. She also laughs like him when she thinks something is very funny. A very special man this is. We were planning to go over to the Lake on Monday to meet everyone there but Roseanne let me know it would be okay with her if I left her to come home with her son and his family. I really needed to get home early and Kurt was trying to get ready to start his new job so it worked out well. On the way home, I ran into a heavy rain that forced almost everyone to come to a stop for several minutes. It rained awhile and then became beautiful for the remainder of my trip. I promised everyone I wouldn't spoil our upcoming convention for them and can't wait to see how the talks might differ a little. I always enjoy spending time with Kurt, Leah and Page - wonderful hosts they are.

Family Reunion .....

2011-07-16T17:40:00.002-04:00

It has been a very busy time since my last post so I'm just going to hit the highlights as I remember them. It was hot, hot, hot for our family reunion June 26th. We did have it at the new place provided for us by our wonderful cousins Dwayne and Barry. Aunt Eunice has been hosting this reunion at her home for so many years and they have access to this lovely "air conditioned" building on their own little lake with a fishing dock and it was lovely.

All of my Mom's brother's and sister's families were represented but one. It was nice to have our oldest male and oldest female cousin with us this year. My sister Ann would have enjoyed seeing everyone. I did too much and got overheated so came home a little earlier than the kids. Some of my family and Ann's family weren't there for the pictures - they had gone to get fishing rods for the kids. Turns out Michael caught the biggest fish! It was so nice being with Ann's family for a little while. Lolo said they will come back but want to just be with Mama's family next year and that will be good. I was sad to see them leave but at my age, I have found that next year will be here before you know it.

The Kikuchis are in the house......

2011-06-24T19:07:00.001-04:00

My sister's family got in last night safe and sound after a very long drive. They rented a van this time so they could all fit. After getting settled in the hotel and having dinner they came right over. I couldn't wait to see my Lolo - of course we both were a little weepy. She has really missed my sister but especially since the 50th anniversary came and went a few months ago with all the memories and sadness that she didn't live long enough to celebrate it. They made very good time and got here pretty early. They stayed awhile but I could tell they were tired from the trip so we agreed they would come here tomorrow so we could all go down to Ann's grave together. BigD drove and Tad rode with us which gave us a chance to "really" get caught up. He has lost a lot of weight and said food just doesn't taste that good. He is trying to adjust to being alone after being with someone for almost 50 years so he knows it may never happen.

We all stood back and let Tad walk up first and take the sweetheart roses he brought for her. They were her favorite flower for corsages and he gave her a corsage every year on their anniversary. Then BigD and I stood back so Lolo, Michael, Naoki and Warren could go up. Lolo brought long stem red roses for everyone to place on the headstone. Michael brought a picture of himself with some awards he won.

Warren wanted to see some of our family's graves as well as the one that lists my great aunt's maiden name with her husband's name underneath it in smaller letters. We all got a kick out of that one. Lolo text messaged me that as soon as we pulled off (we had to wait for them for a few minutes) Michael broke down pretty bad. He really misses his grandmother. We drove the back way to Creedmoor to pick up some cucumbers, fresh corn and a watermelon. Then we stopped by Bob's BBQ and headed home the back way. After eating - they headed over to Raleigh to visit with Tad's 93 year old brother and his family. I can't wait for Page2 to see Michael's new hair cut - it is very, very short. And he has gotten so tall - he really wanted to think he was 5' but we measured him and he was an inch short. :) Had a really long email from Page telling me how ready she is to be home and see everyone. BigD called Kurt who was on his way home but then Leah called and was at a standstill in traffic. There was a brush fire on the highway ahead of her. I think we are going to have take-out from Page's favorite Chinese restaurant tonight when she gets in. Her flight is supposed to land at 9pm. Woo Hoo - pretty soon - my whole family will be in the house too!

More pictures to share from Sunday night's dinner....

2011-06-21T17:43:00.001-04:00

My dahlink Katarina posted some lovely pictures she took from our dinner on Sunday night. Since she "snatched" a few of mine for her own blog, I returned the favor and "snatched" a few of hers for mine.

I love, love, love this picture of Roseanne. She is surrounded by most of her babies and some friends and it shows how happy she is in this picture. I'm going to have that feeling this weekend and can't wait!!!!

Her two granddaughters just can't get enough of their Nani. Roseanne was blessed with two daughters and two sons - with the boys being in the middle between the girls. It was almost like she had two sets of kids - one with an older sister, younger brother and the other with an older brother and younger sister. They are all beautiful, responsible adults whom I love dearly.

Here is Bri's princess - such a pretty little girl. So much like her beautiful Mom who will soon be introducing this little one to her new sister.

We have eaten many meals together over the years but there are evenings when there are just the right amount of people, the right people, the right food, the right mood, the right weather......you get the picture. It was a lovely evening......

Good friends, good food, new life......

2011-06-20T17:01:00.000-04:00

Roseanne asked me to come to dinner yesterday! It turns out, her oldest daughter was in town with her little girl so I not only got to see her, but also her son and his beautiful family and another young couple who are very close to the family. I was so sleepy after the meeting that I finally laid across the bed with Miya and before I knew it - at least two hours had passed by. Yum - the most delicious sleep in the world. I put on the dress I bought for summer - beach, gatherings, etc., and BigD got a picture of me just before I left. I really like this one so much better than the other one that all but fell apart when it was washed. This one fits so good, I may even cut it off and wear it for more non-casual wear. I wore the little jeweled silver flip flops and one of the little twin girls was very quick to tell me how much she "loved' my shoes. Such a sweetie. We had the twin girls, Bri's daughter who will be welcoming a baby sister soon, and Katarina and B's little boy and little girl. I love watching these little ones interact as I watched their parents do when they were younger with my babies. When I walked in, I saw her little Lani and immediately called her KennaKat which was wrong! I couldn't get over how much she looks like her cousin. She is really starting to look more like her beautiful Mom with her Dad's blue, blue eyes. I know they are all excited about the upcoming addition to their little family. GM cooked some ribs on the grill that were delicous with a huge salad and other side dishes. Of course we all had a little wine before dinner and Roseanne was as excited as I was that KJ was on sale this weekend. After dinner, Roseanne brought out her famous blackberry and cream pies! OMGoodness - could they be any better? I could sit down and eat an entire pie by myself. It was nice getting caught up with everyone and watching the babies. Made me homesick for my own babies but I'm not going to whine because I will have ALL OF THEM with me in a few days! They are all coming in as well as Ann's family for the family reunion on Sunday. BigD and I are almost quivering with anticipation. I can't wait to see the pictures Page2 got on her trip. She comes home from her grand adventure today. I know her Mom and Dad can't want to see her too. I have decided that it is impossible to take a bad picture of Bri here with her little bundle showing so prettily.

I love this picture of Alex and his little friend. Guess who put the pretty clovers in her hair - yep - Alex. She is one of the twins and such a sweetie. Actually, she isn't the prissy one - her sister is.

This is a picture of her Mom with Bri - another friendship that is standing the test of time and distance. They have been friends since they were children and are still there for each other in every way possible.

Pretty KennaKat - she was shy with me last night but today she was totally comfortable. She and her brother and Mom came to work in service with me this afternoon. It wasn't as long as we hoped but at least Katarina got to go on a good call. I enjoyed visiting with the two of them while we were waiting in the car.

And of course little Lani. Isn't she a dumpling? I love that little denim skirt and her little silver ballet flats. The good news about her having a sister is she will have so many lovely clothes already in her closet! I wish I had taken a picture of the deck - the flowers are so pretty in their big pots. I really need to do something about mine but I can't even remember to water the few I have. Roseanne and I will be heading up to Bri's and Kurt's and Leah's in a few weeks. I'll stay with mine and she'll stay with hers and we are going to the convention with them. I'm looking forward to it.

Things that make us go hummmmmm......

2011-06-16T18:24:00.002-04:00

No - not in a bad way - in a good way. I know - I usually say things that make you go ahhhhhh but hummmmm seems more appropriate. Yesterday was soooooo stressful and today has been the complete opposite. Maybe I am learning some good things in my old age. Even though I put myself even further behind in my time, I knew this morning that I needed to stay home today. If nothing else, I knew my body needed at least one more day to get past the physical reactions it had yesterday with the chemicals. It has been a beautiful day with the front door open so I can look out at the gorgeous sun shining on the green leaves of the trees. I've washed tons of clothes (most of them BigD or bedding), cleaned the kitchen again, found out we finally got the right pillow for BigD to replace the old one that was so lumpy and mis-shapen I threw it away, had Shen's study over Skype and made some much needed phone calls. One in particular should have been made over a month ago when I realized our cable "bundle plan" had run out and our bill was through the roof. BigD reminded me today to "getherdone" so I did. I also scheduled some bills to be paid on the computer and realized I have GOT to do some accounting work soon. Since I stayed up late studying last night, I was pretty much home free with that today. I have eaten a wonderful dinner of grilled pork chops, baked seasoned french fries and sauteed fresh asparagus spears with french herbs. YUM. The only thing that would have made it better was a nice glass of wine but alas, I have the meeting tonight.

Leah just called to say she finally got up with her Mom to see how Page2 is doing. It turns out her Mom just wasn't answering the phone. She finally called her Dad who told her they had been quite busy and had not gotten back to the hotel until midnight. We aren't sure at this point what they did but we are hoping it was fun. I love talking on the phone to Leah and Kurt these days - they both sound so happy. I was telling her about the place we will be for the reuion and she got so excited. BigD told her to tell Kurt to bring his fly rod. We are also going to get a badminton net for the kids or maybe a volley ball so more can play. We are all excited we will all be together with Ann's family too - can't wait. So - now to get off this computer, get dressed and get to the meeting on time!!!! Oops - almost forgot to mention the pictures. Yep - they are the same roses I bought last Friday for our little "to do" and they are still beautiful!!! So - maybe I will try Wal Mart's flowers again.

Heterogeneous....

2011-06-15T23:33:00.000-04:00

Are you wondering what that word means? It means miscellaneous. I know - why not just say miscellaneous? I guess I'm just curious about what other words means the same thing as the words I use on a daily basis. Maybe this has come about from the fact I love to read. Once I learned how to read, there was no stopping me. I used to read everything - the backs of hair spray cans, my Dad's Preparation-H box (who knew that particular item would become my friend one day), magazines, the newspaper - if it was printed - I read it. I think I have mentioned how much my Mom loved reading - she was never without a book. I'm getting ahead of myself here. The weather has been really nice the past few days. After the meeting on Sunday, Ami

asked me if I wanted to have lunch with her. I followed her to her new apartment while she changed clothes. The little street she lives on dead-ends in a little circle and that is where her garage apartment is. She has a view of the sweet little pool surrounded by a nice wooden deck and the fire pit where the family have gatherings. The couple who live in the house have two small children and two nice dogs. I was feeling so good knowing that she is probably in one of the safest places she could be in. We went to a nice area down the street and found a cool sandwich shop.

The pictures aren't too good - sometimes my phone does a great job. The food was wonderful. Ami got the wrap and I got a chicken salad sandwich which was delicious. We walked through a nice hardware store. I know - I can't explain it but I love to meander through hardware stores. They have such nice little treasures you can't find any where else. Monday was a great day. Everyone quit early so I enjoyed watching Princess Miya doing her thing.

Between the little animals that run through our yard and the traffic our front, her little neck gets a work-out. She is our watch-cat! Yesterday after service, I headed over to Raleigh to Quail Ridge Books & Music. It is located in an area I used to frequent when I worked in our Raleigh office. It was nice driving through the pretty old streets with the big yards full of trees in that area.

As you know, I met one of my favorite authors - well the big news is I am now her friend on FB and I read her blog. She is the one who told me about Quail Ridge Books. They found me all but one of her Sigrid Harald series that were written before the Deborah Knott series. I had only read two of them so was really excited I would be able to get them all. They had another of her books that I thought I had read so I sat in the little reading circle to read the end of the book. As soon as I started reading, I knew I had read it. I got interested in it and then looked up and the nice lady who was helping me was coming across the circle and with her was ----drum roll ---- my new "friend" and the author of the books I was looking at.

Evidently the sales clerk thought it would be nice for her to sign my books but as soon as I looked up, we both recognized each other from the ballet. She sat down across from me and we had a nice talk. I told her I knew the secret about her next book and hopefully will be able to attend her book signing in November. She laughed and said she thought I had enough to hold me until then. I have started the first one and plan to read the other two I have read in the order they were written (might not read every word of those two). I love it when I'm right about someone. Ever since I read my first of her books, I just knew I would like this lovely woman. My sadness is that my dear sweet Ann didn't live long enough to know all about my being able to meet her not only once - but twice. My Ann was an excellent writer also and I know she would have been just as successfull if she had allowed her dear hubby to do what he wanted and submit them for publication. She was satisfied that her family, me, Page and Ruth have enjoyed them. I called a friend who was with me when I met her the first time and she was thrilled for me too. It is hard to explain to someone who doesn't love a good book. When you find a writer who never lets you know - what a joy to wait for their new books to come out so you can gobble them up. Yesterday was also exciting because we found our Kurt got the job he had applied for last month. He has had to wait for an extensive background check to be completed and he found out he got the job! We are all soooo excited for him and Leah. I helped write his resignation letter and he told me today they accepted it. I talked with Page last night and she wasn't too happy about her job but tonight she sounded so much better even though she was stopping on the way home from work to get dinner and it was 9:22PM! Leah told me yesterday her parents and Page2 are having fun. Can't wait to see all the pictures of their grand adventure. Today wasn't a good day. It started out great - worked in walking territory, placed a book with a nice lady and then stopped by the house to use the rest room. When I came in - BigD had already set off three flea bombs - thinking that I had taken Miya to the vet. I was so stressed and ran into the bedroom where the bomb was still going off to see if I could find her. We both got sprayed and were coughing ourselves silly. We got wet towels and were trying to get her out but kept having to go outside. Eileen came in and tried to help us. Long story short, I let them take my car so a friend could keep an appointment and then I drove Eileen back to get her car. I had called the 800 number on the can and except for coughing - making sure we get showers and wash out our eyes and wipe Miya down with a wet towel, we didn't need to worry too much. I called Keith and he met me at their house and gave me a shirt and pj bottoms. I took a shower and when his Mom got home, I had just finished.

Yep - the reason for the flea bombs - I'm being bitten again. The big difference is I still have the heavy duty cream so maybe these won't take on a life of their own. So I got one hour in service today. Roseanne called to say she wasn't going to go out tomorrow - her hubby is going to work on her car. Eileen said she wanted to go so maybe I can get a few more hours. So there you have it - the heterogeneous (or miscellaneous) happenings of my life so far this week. Scratch, scratch.......

Has it really only been two years?

2011-06-11T23:30:00.031-04:00

Has it only been two years since we lost I.T.? Sometimes it seems longer ago and other times it feels like yesterday. I'm sure his family are thinking of him tonight and remembering their last moments with him. I hope this year has been easier than the one before for them. Only time passing seems to take the sting of losing someone so loved. I'm so happy we have the wonderful hope of seeing our loved ones again - thinking of losing them without that hope all but takes your breath away. When I look at pictures of I.T. when he was younger, I look forward to seeing him like that again. I hope his family can feel the love we all have for him and them on this date.

I miss seeing you on your tractor; miss sharing jokes and laughing; miss being with you at one of our favorite places in the world; miss being able to pick up the phone and hearing your voice on the other end; miss being able to pour my heart out to you about anything that was happening at the time and knowing you truly cared; I SO miss your wisdom. I deeply miss the love you showed to me and my family and will treasure my memories with you forever.

24th Saturday of 2011 ---what?

2011-06-11T20:12:00.002-04:00

How can that be? We are almost halfway through the year and I feel like it just began! Yikes! So - how could this Saturday get any better? BigD decided to go to Bone Fish Grill and pick up dinner. I had the Atlantic Wood Grilled Salmon with two

vegetable sides that was over the top delicious! I had a big glass of KJ left in a bottle from last night that "complemented" the salmon perfectly. Oh - and it is raining again. BigD said the temperature dropped 10 degrees from the time he left and got back with dinner. How can that be a bad thing when we are already having 100 plus degree weather in the first two weeks of June? BigD got the fish and chips so I'm hoping he will like it because I wouldn't mind having the salmon again. I forgot to mention that I told the doctor yesterday that a friend of mine takes a medication with quinine in it to help her sleep and a side effect is fleas and mosquitoes do not bite her. She suggested I either talk to my doctor about it or have a gin and tonic every night. Wow - the second suggestion sounds pretty good and came straight from a doctor! :) I've been meaning to put Page2's poem on here but kept forgetting it. I think it is wonderful but then again - I'm a teeny weeny bit prejudiced.
Pages’ Poem 2011
The horse is remembering when she was a little horse
Running in the sun light, the wind was smoothly blowing
In every step like a dream come true, in the beautiful sunset
It’s like it would never end - until night
With the glimmering stars all around her
It was another dream come true that would never end
Until morning, once again another dream comes true
The sun shined upon her, the sky sparkled everywhere
Dreams never end or start unless you believe it can…
Yeah - I love it to the moon and back..I can see her creative genes working and I love them. It has been a busy few days. Page2 and her other grandparent left on their grand adventure yesterday afternoon. They were in DC all day today. Hopefully we will see lots of pictures of their trip. My cousins in WF and I are working behind the scenes to make a few changes in our family reunion. We aren't going to talk to anyone until we gather some needed information. Hopefully we will be able to send out announcements Monday afternoon to let everyone know what is going on. I got some really bad news about one of my favorite cousins who discovered he has Stage 4 Lung Cancer (two places in bones). He had his first chemo yesterday, is healthy and positive so hoping things will go well.

I "snatched" this picture of Lin and Ran from a friend's blog. Aren't they both beautiful? I love this young family so much and am so proud of them. I hope they know that.

I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture of Dee and Dorothy Marie. You can see the love in Dee's eyes for her best friend of so many years. I can't write too much about it or I will be bawling but this friendship will be coming to an end in the very near future and we are all too sad for words. Some animals come to mean so much to us that it hurts more than words can express when they leave us. Dorothy Marie has been blessed with the best friend she could have ever hoped for and I think on many levels she knows and appreciates it. How do we reconcile the facts of life with the emotions of such a deep relationship? We don't - we just go with the flow and grieve as we would for any living thing we have loved as deeply as we have. It doesn't matter if that friend is human or an animal - the love and grief are the same. Pretty soon, Bentley will be facing a similar situation and I hope he knows that it will be healthy for him to grieve for his dear CoCo who took such good care of his dear Mom while she was so sick and has been a faithful and loyal friend to him who appreciates being rescued.

On that note, I'll end today's message with one of my favorite of these creatures - a cat. I'm going to study for tomorrow and hopefully get a good night's rest. I didn't sleep well last night - had turned the air down a little too low and felt chilled several times. Have a wonderful Saturday night dear friends.......

Hope your Saturday is a Great One.....

2011-06-11T17:23:00.001-04:00

I really do hope you are having a good day because so far, I have. My leg feels a little better and hopefully the cream will start working soon. My leg took a real bad turn for the worse Thursday night so I called to go in to see the dermatologist yesterday and she ruptured all the blisters. She said there were blisters inside of blisters and that she got the big one that had started oozing as good as she could and it would take a while to heal. She also said that my lymphoma could be one of the reasons my allergic reactions have become even worse than before. Oh well. I came home and tried to make some headway in making this little place presentable enough for company. As always - everything got piled up in the office/laundry room and the rest was hit with a lick and a promise. I do like my new vacuum cleaner. Yep - I finally broke down several weeks ago and bought my Dyson Ball. I went to Sears and handled both of them and

still decided to go with the smaller one for all the reasons I have had all along. The bigger one is easier when it comes to using the wand but the one I got is just fine in that area. It is very lightweight and takes up very little storage space. I just pick it up, extend the arm and it takes no time to do the living room carpet, push a button and do the kitchen and hallway for a quick clean up. I've offered my old one to a young friend who just moved into a garage apartment and is living alone for the first time. On Wednesday, Rie asked me if a friend had sent me a text message. I told her I didn't know so she checked my phone and sure enough, there was a message asking me what I was doing Friday. When I told Rie, she said - "yes, Friday is going to be her last day of work (she drives a school bus) and we were talking about getting together to have a glass or wine to celebrate." So I'm like - alright - that sounds like fun! Then Rie said in her hesitating so as not to make you mad voice - "well, we were kind of hoping to have this at your house". LOLOLOL and of course I said YES - I would love to.

Luz was the first one to arrive in her lovely pink outfit with matching shoes. She was laughing when she came in and said, "I don't get to go out or get dressed up too often so thought this was an appropriate occasion." I knew right then we were all going to have a very good time. Rie had told us earlier in the week about a very simple and quick pasta she makes for her family. I had bought some of the ingredients thinking I would try it and asked her if she would make it for us so we could all try it and watch how she does it. Vera's younger sister wanted to come and brought one of the best salads I've ever eaten. Gail made delicious garlic bread so we had a feast. This was an expensive week for Kendall Jackson so I finally bought several bottles at Wal Mart where I also picked up a nice cheese ball to go with some crackers I already had.

I also picked up a small bunch of roses at WalMart but didn't hold my breath over how long they will last. As it turns out, I think they are going to be the first fresh flowers I've purchased in a long time that do last.

Everyone decided they also love Kendall Jackson - except for Vera who likes her sweet wine. I didn't care as long as she was enjoying herself. We all LOVED the pasta which was delizioso which is the Italian word that sounds a lot like the Spanish word for delicious!!! After we finished the pasta, we had some of my fresh fruit salad with a big serving of Greek yogurt with a little honey added. Everyone said they liked that too.

Poor Vera was so tired she would just sit with her eyes closed and listen to us talk. Everyone started getting real comfortable while some music played in the background. It was an excellent way to wind down and cool off after a hot week in service.

When Gail pulled the chair out to recline it she said - "that's it - I'm gone". I had the digital frame Kurt and Leah gave us for our anniversary last year on and everyone was looking at the pictures while Vera was trying to not snore. She swears she heard everything we said but I doubt it. At one point she realized I was taking her picture and "discreetly" pulled pulled her shirt up.

Once she was quiet again, Gail was going to tug on her shirt to scare her while Rie and Luz pointed but Luz's arm got in the way. Not long after everyone got here, it started raining. We were laughing about all the things we heard as youngsters about when it rains while the sun is shining. Mine was that the devil was beating one of his wives. That brought up how we were also all told thunder was the sound of the angels bowling. Then we started remembering the first time we saw it rain across the road from us or down the middle of a car. As the evening progressed, the rain became a downpour. When it first started, I opened the back door thinking it would be cooler but it wasn't. By the time everyone left, it had cooled off a bit.

Miya enjoyed watching the rain also. Of course she had to greet everyone and fell in love with Vera's younger sister Monay. It turns out she isn't like her older sister and actually likes cats! Everything feels really fresh today because of the rain last night. As long as I don't go into the office or look around too hard, the house looks pretty good which is why I probably should have a few friends over every month - it forces me to do what needs to be done. I feel so honored that people actually enjoy coming to my little cottage to wind down for relaxing but fun conversation. They know they can kick off their shoes and nothing is off limits - hopefully they will always feel this way. I wish Marlan could have been here but she was in Virginia with Bri who found out there is a 95% probability she is going to have another little girl. Woo Hoo! Can't wait to meet the little princess.

Bites are taking on a life of their own....

2011-06-09T23:44:00.000-04:00

This is getting crazy - the bites on the back of my leg are going nuts. The cream I've been using wasn't helping at all. My leg was tight and the red was spreading.

I took these pictures before I left to take Miya to the Vet's office. Of course, everyone there was freaking out about my arm and leg - especially my leg. I told them I thought it was severe reaction to flea bites and they were like - NO - it can't be that. The young woman who was going to put Miya's flea meds on and clip her nails came in and I showed her my leg and said; "what is it?" and she said "fleas". She said she has bad reactions too. The mystery of the day is that neither of us saw fleas on Miya BUT they could still be in my house. As many of you already know, my house had fleas before Miya moved in and the meds we put on her helped get rid of them.

Miya was quite anxious while they were clipping her nails and applying the flea medication. She hates that medication - acts like she can almost taste it. We put her back in her cage so she could calm down before they checked her heart rate. We were very pleased with her heart rate - 152!!! I couldn't wait to call her cardiologist who was also happy because that means her meds are helping her. Whew - don't feel like such a bad Mommy right now. I called my dermatologist about my leg. They couldn't work me in but knew about my previous visit to Urgent Care for the bites on my upper arm a few weeks ago. They called in a prescription for a very, very strong cream. If it doesn't help, they will try their best to work me in tomorrow. I made sure the cream wouldn't interact negatively with my other meds and told the pharmacist how they had hoped I could take Zyrtec. She told me I can take it 12 hours before the other med for two or three days and might sleep but if I felt I needed it to use it. I put the new cream on and am so hoping it will do the trick. I almost stayed home but really didn't want to miss the meeting. I was so dreading everyone freaking out about my reactions - especially my leg. Of course the larger blister started oozing during the meeting which made things worse.

Everyone thinks it is poison oak/ivy and it does look like it but I'm still quite sure it is some kind of bite. Please let the cream do the trick. Of course, one of the bites on my arm has red spreading out from it so I can't win.

Wachapreague, fishing, bites......

2011-06-08T22:00:00.002-04:00

BigD had a good fishing trip this past week while Roseanne and I were down East. There were 10 guys on this particular trip and even though they usually stay in Wachapreague, this year they found a nice house right on the water a little further South.

He is getting real good at taking pictures with his little phone. I am constantly amazed by some of the pictures we get on our cheap little phones - sometimes better than my "new" camera.

Here are a few of the guys who went this year. BigD always calls me each evening to let me know "they got back in". I act pretty casual about it but am actually waiting for that call every afternoon I know they have gone out. My dear hubby has no fear when it comes to taking a small boat out into the big, bad ocean so someone has to be concerned.

He really liked the place they stayed in and kept talking about how the young guys were cleaning the fish. When he got home, he mentioned it again saying, "I think this is the first fishing trip I've ever been on that I didn't clean the fish". I'm sure he was out there overseeing everything. :) I have never known another man who gets as much out of fishing as my husband. Anyone who thinks that going out with him is going to be a walk in the park has another think coming. He works at it but enjoys every moment of it. I have wonderful memories of our trips with GG and David. Nothing like being on a boat on the salt water with the sun, wind, birds, and slapping of the water against the boat. It takes a few hours to really feel yourself winding down the first day. This was before cell phones so there you are - no phones, no job, no housework - just you, your loved ones and nature at it finest.

Speaking of nature - this is not it's finest. Yep - I've been eaten alive again by who knows what. I was asleep but realized I was trying to scratch the back of my leg last night. This morning I realized something had been chewing on me through the night. The pictures don't show how red and swollen the whole area is has become. I also noticed I have new bites on the back of the same arm as before.

All I know for sure is that I'm miserable again. The ones on my leg are really bothering me because the bites are right where your leg touches chairs, car seats, recliners - you get the picture. I've put some of the cream I got for the last bites and used it this morning and tonight as directed. Please let it start working sooner than later but I'm not holding out much hope. I had to drop some things off to Roseanne at Urgent Care to take to Virginia with her for Leah to pick up before Page2 leave for DC and NY. She is going up to be with her daughter when she finds out what sex her baby is going to be. Exciting!! I showed the bites on my arm to Sher and we pretty much agree that my body just reacts very strongly to anything alien to it. Too bad it doesn't react that way to fat isn't it? I noticed the blisters that had appeared so sent these pictures to her and another friend to get their opinion. I'm going to call the Vet tomorrow to see if they can clip Miya's nails, apply flea meds (even though I still can't see any - but just in case) and listen to her heart for me so I can call the cardiologist with the results. I was going to take my car to be serviced but don't think I'll have time for all of that. Maybe next week. Today was Page2's last day of school. Wow - she will be in the 5th grade next year - when did that happen?! Her Mom is trying to get everything ready for the big trip this coming weekend. What a grand adventure she will have. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Back to reality.....

2011-06-06T14:57:00.010-04:00

We woke up Sunday to the knowledge that it was time to head back to reality. Since everything about our trip was so nice, it wasn't as hard as it could have been. Even though it was hot, every day was gorgeous and special to us. On Saturday we had lunch at Ballyhoo's and it was delicious. We were sorry the owner (Mae's grandson) wasn't there but we were not sorry we had lunch there. We got there a little after the lunch rush and the service was great. Roseanne got a nice, juicy hamburger and waffle fries and I got the Spinach Wrap and Sweet Potato fries. They say a picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words - I think this picture says it all don't you? Since we had used all our coffee, we decided to pick up breakfast on our way out Sunday. Everything was packed and ready to go - except - for - PRINCESS MIYA CHULA YUM-YUM who decided she wasn't ready to leave. She got way up underneath Eileen's king sized bed and Roseanne was laying flat on the floor trying to coax her out while I was squeezed down as far as I could get between the wall and bed on the other side with the long duster trying to push her out. THAT didn't work. SO - I closed the door and we went to pick up some sorely needed coffee and breakfast. After we ate - I opened the door and she was right there - all poised to take off again. GOTCHA! Poor Roseanne is allergic to cats - especially Siamese. As long as Miya didn't get close to her face, she was okay. She was careful each night to close the door to her room so Miya couldn't climb on the bed with her. That worked well until Roseanne woke up to her sleeping on the bed one morning. Oh my.....she is a curious little bugger.

Time to say good-bye again. Thank you so much Eileen and LC for sharing your wonderful slice of Paradise with us. We both appreciate it more than you will ever imagine. Speaking of reality, I have been home all day trying to wade through laundry (BigD got back yesterday from a fishing trip) and paperwork.

Almost over......

2011-06-04T11:22:00.001-04:00

Oh well - I didn't get to sleep until quite late last night while feeling really bad because I had failed to get Miya's meds in her the night before and she was still hiding. When she finally tried to get in bed with me later - I knew I had to get up and give her the meds. Then I couldn't get back to sleep! Arggghhh!! I finally gave up and started reading my book again to go back to sleep. It felt like I had just gone to sleep when I heard Roseanne making coffee and getting ready to walk on the beach. I decided to opt out of a walk this morning and take it easy. I can't believe this is our last day here. It makes me remember the few times we went to the coast for a week when I was still young. I don't know how Mama and Daddy did it with all of us girls. I was just talking to Roseanne about it and how the last two years we came as a whole family for a week - my parents let me bring my friend Eileen. I know that was an added expense as far a food but Mama not only knew how to make any spot we were in for longer than a day feel like home; but how to stretch a dollar to the limit. I wonder if that is the reason I always unpack my suitcase when I go somewhere and put things away as if I live there? BigD never unpacks his suitcase - even if we are at the coast for a whole week. I used to unpack for him, but he asked me not to since he knows where everything is when he wants it. Go figure.

I decided to open the blinds and let the outside in - at least until it gets too hot. Roseanne decided to organize some of the treasures she bought in Beaufort yesterday. We both love pottery (even though I have NO ROOM for any more) and we both love dragonflies.

Roseanne bought the bigger one and I chose the smaller one that has a Baked Brie recipe in it. I plan to use mine for my fruit salads. Some people will never understand what that means - but eating out of a plate or bowl you love makes everything you eat out of it taste special. Kind of like when I drink tea out of one of my dragonfly cups I bought from the same shop many years ago.

We are trying to decide what we want to do on our last day in this little piece of paradise. Sit around the lovely cottage and watch shows we never have time to watch, read our books, and eat our special treats or get in the hot car and drive in the weekend traffic to go to shops and spend more money we don't have? Hmmmmm - that should be a no brainer but we'll see.

Emerald Isle 2011......

2011-06-03T19:29:00.000-04:00

Yep - Roseanne and I are one of my favorite places (and now one of hers) - Eileen's lovely beach cottage. I just can't imagine what else she could do to make this place more of a Paradise than it is! I LOVE the fireplace - got a picture for BigD to look at to see if it is what we want in our living room if we ever switch to gas and get a new TV.

I guess you could say Princess Miya likes it. As a matter of fact, she likes this entire cottage. Daisy isn't here this time and she is the ruler of the roost so to speak. We left Wednesday morning and "stopped by" Krispy Kreme to pick up a few (a dozen) chocolate glazed doughnuts.

And if you think we only got two of them you are NUTS! Great news is there were 3 left as of today and they may not get eaten at all - we'll see said the blind man.

Since I forgot my bathing suit and we needed just a few things from the grocery, we drove to Wally-World and I bought a floral bathing suit that is really a bathing dress. Yeah - I already look like a beached whale so let's add a few flowers to the mix. We ate at Chowda-Head our first evening down and it was yummy. We were going to eat at Ballyhoo but they were closed and wouldn't be open until after we wanted to eat. Last night we had sauteed salmon, roasted veggie, and wine. Yesterday we made the rounds to Swansboro, Cedar Point and all in between. We had yummy hot dogs and cherry cokes at Yana's and Roseanne blew her wad in the shop next door. Hot dogs, cherry cokes and she got one small order of fries - $20.00!!!! Cha-ching. I got BigD a new shirt and we picked up a few other doo-dads. Today we drove over to Beaufort and had a scrumptious lunch on the waterfront. I bought a cool pair of earrings and a little button for the both of us.

BigD has called from Chesapeake area every evening when they get in to let me know how it is going with him. I can tell he is having a good time but all he asks me every evening is - "are ya'll behaving yourself?". What could he mean? Why would he ask that? Could it be, he is hearing the Cha-Chings all the way up there? Man - are we both back in debt but you know - we are on VACATION!! It isn't like we have bought only for ourselves (well at least Roseanne didn't). LOLOL We bought a bottle of another of my favorite wines in Beaufort for tonight and are just resting. Roseanne has read one book and half-way through another and I'm still working on Margaret Maron's latest. It has been so much fun being on her FB and hearing all they things she and her friends talk about writing. How did I know she would be so nice and down to earth? Hmmmm We found out on our way down that my friend who died a year ago yesterday's youngest daughter's twins are going to be a girl and a boy! We were squealing when we found out and are trying to stay in close touch with her to show as much support as we can. She misses her Mama. So a few more pictures from our little escape to Paradise and maybe more later.......

So - Roseanne and I will say so long - don't be tooooooo jealous.....and yes BigD - we ARE behaving ourselves. Yuk, Yuk, Yuk