Big family gatherings and......

We had a lot of family in the house this past weekend. Kelly flew in Thursday night and took charge. She is a wonderful organizer and knows how to keep everyone engaged. My sister's family got on the road around 3am Friday morning and arrived in NC around lunch time. They went by my sister's grave site before coming here. It was so good to see them - it had been a year!

Page bought me a pretty blue shirt and slacks and Dwight and Doug new shirts.  She is always on the lookout for us. I hope she knows how much I love everything she has ordered and bought for me. Dwight made ribs and potato salad for dinner Friday night while Lori fixed Tater Tots for Paul. Amy had sent two cakes over and Kelly had made a Chocolate Eclair cake so there was plenty of food. Douglas, Jessie and Page got in later Friday night and pretty soon after that, the Kikuchi's went back to the hotel. Saturday was a very, very busy day with over half of my family being in the house by Saturday night. Kelly organized some activities throughout the weekend including Frankie's Arcade in Raleigh, a new local pawn shop (they were curious about pawn shops after watching the TV show about them) and picking up lunch for everyone at Cook Out. They don't have Cook Outs in Pittsburgh. How sad is that?  Paul chose my favorite Cook Out Shake - Chocolate Malt. YUM. Too bad I now hate chocolate. Kelly did pour me a little of her Vanilla and it was good.

I was taking this picture while Dwight was beside me cooking a huge grill of his famous BBQ Chicken Saturday evening. Faye brought a Banana Pudding to add to the dessert list. Dwight got a little upset because more came than was expected. He hates it when he thinks there isn't enough food. It turned out okay and I think everyone ate.  Dwight said he didn't eat any chicken - not even a chicken wing.

I had to include the picture of Douglas and Stephanie's Tats from Frankie's. They were so proud - called themselves Hulk and Thor.  Sunday was a little more laid back.  Alice came by to say hey to everyone.  Monica worked all weekend but Sid, Jr. did stop by early Sunday morning. He didn't want to wake anyone up but told me later he kissed me on the forehead while I was sleeping.  It was hard saying good-bye for another year but I'm going to focus on how happy I am they came. Then it was just the six of us for a short time after which we had to say good-bye to Douglas and family which is always hard. I made Kelly promise to wake me up before Dwight took her to the airport early Monday morning and just that quick - it was over.

This is what Miya and I did most of the day yesterday. I did have an afternoon appointment with the surgeon who operated on my nose four months ago. He said it is exactly where it should be in the healing process but I have to massage it very hard three times a day while watching TV. I decided I wanted to wear my beautiful watch Brian bought me awhile back and was excited when I had to take one of the links out because it was too loose. Don't get too excited - the extra link was necessary when he gave it to me so it would fit. :)

I sent a picture of it to the kids. He bought me, Jessica and Kelly the same watch and we all love it. I may have overdone it a bit this past weekend. I've had several episodes and am still tres' exhausted. I've got to get busy now and make some appointments for the next few weeks. I also have to decide if I want to try acupuncture again or not. I need to do it soon or I will have to pay the initial fee again.  Decisions, decisions......

Still feeling sleepy

I really thought I would sleep well last night but it wasn't to be. I was supposed to make some return visits this morning with Vera. I didn't wake up until around 9:45am and felt so bad when I realized I had missed this opportunity. I text messaged Vera to see if she had come by and she said yes.  She could see that I was sleeping so she left me to it. Oh man - I'm really sorry Vera.

This is what I see every time I open my cell phone. I know I have posted this picture before but I don't care because I love it.  Starting with her puffy, sleepy little face and ending with her hair that looks like a squirrel took a nap in it. She and Kelly both love to sleep and they look a lot alike when they wake up. It has been very cloudy and stormy off and on since yesterday. As a matter of fact, it looks like it is going to rain any minute now. Dwight just walked in and said it feels like it will start anytime. I certainly hope so. Maybe it will cool things off. He said it is very hot and humid out there right now.  Welcome to summer time in the South. Hot and Humid.

Jamie posted this picture of Geri's house with the storm clouds rolling in behind it. I believe it might have been taken yesterday.  So many wonderful memories of times spent in this home with the special woman who lived there. Jamie also shared a picture of a bite she suffered from a fire ant. She mentioned that it has made her think of the hard time I had with  bites that took on a life of their own  awhile back. Man-those pests carry a lot of pain and venom in their little bitty bodies.

One more little note before nap time....

Sorry - I just had to add one more special note before I try to get a nap. As we move further into the day, I'm wondering if it is a good idea to try to sleep now. Maybe I'll sleep all night if I wait until later.

I was just talking on FB with Shelly and Betsy about yesterday and had to snatch this picture of Aila to share. She looks so sassy in this picture with her leg crossed and the look on her face - almost like she is hatching a plot to cause mischief. I so enjoyed them and look forward to hopefully seeing them again sooner than later.

Fantasy Fudge

I had a text message from Jen asking for my Fantasy Fudge recipe. I also got an update on Ennis who is doing okay. They are going to do surgery to put a feeding tube in her lower intestine because her stomach is too small.  I hope she will start feeling much better once she is getting nutrition. Jen is at the coast with her kids and family. She always asks me to make my fudge when she is there. I decided to put the recipe here for anyone who might be interested. It is a fool proof way to make delicious fudge.

Classic Fantasy Fudge
3 cups sugar
¾ cup butter or margarine (I use butter)
1 small can (5 oz.) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup) (Do not use sweetened condensed milk.)
1-12 oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 jar (7 oz.) Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (I normally use more)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

*Secret - use a whisk to stir the fudge - will ensure it is mixed well and kept creamy.

Line a 9x13 dish/pan with aluminum foil while making sure the foil extends over the ends.

Put butter in a large microwaveable bowl on high until melted.  Start with one minute on high. Don’t let it scorch.
Add sugar and milk – stir well.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until it starts to boil (about 3 minutes) Stir - micowave 2 more minutes and then stir again. Keep doing this on high, stirring every 2 minutes or so while making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl until it is mixed well – not grainy. Usually another 5 minutes.
Add chocolate chips and vanilla extract – stir quickly
Add marshmallow crème and stir quickly
Add nuts last (I use a lot of nuts).
Pour into the dish, spread it out and let it sit. Lick the whisk and anything left in the bowl.
When it has set, pick up the ends of the foil, lay it on the table and cut into squares. YUM.

You can make this on the stove top but why would you? In a heavy large pot, bring the milk, sugar and butter to a low boil, lower heat and stir briskly (with whisk) about 5-10 minutes (not too long but mixed well).
Add the chocolate, marshmallow creme, vanilla extract and nuts, and the rest is the same. It is much easier in the microwave.
The most important thing to remember is to have everything open and ready for when you start putting it all together and use a whisk. Enjoy

Still happy but little sleepy....

Guess what?  It has been exactly 9 months since my surgery.  Actually, I'm very happy. I did not sleep at all last night but Dwight said I finally fell asleep around 7am and slept good until 9:45ish. I had plenty of time to get my shower, dressed and was on the way in good time. It

poured rain through our whole drive over and thankfully, we were able to get out under the shelter going into the Clinic. After we filled out papers, we didn't have to wait long at all.  I asked Dr. Scher about the CT Scan and he said he saw nothing on it to be concerned about. Whoo Hoo! I was very, very pleased and so was he. Since I had looked at it myself, I did have a few questions and he answered them right away. Basically, it looked great and I was happy, happy, happy. He numbed me and took several pictures through my nose and throat. He was disappointed there was still tons of gunk down there but I already knew that. One of the pictures shows just how bad the thrush is way back in my mouth. He let me have a copy of the pictures after he went over them but I will not put them here. There is some scar tissue where he took the cancer but mostly it just shows the gunk. He did say the redness isn't as bad now and that it is just going to take time. He is going to schedule me a time to see my radiation oncologist.  He was surprised I had not seen him yet.  I laughed and told him I was wondering about that too and was starting to think he just  didn't love me anymore. We both laughed. While I was getting ready for my appointment, Dwight took a call from David who was asking about coming over. Dwight gave me the phone so I could hit re-dial.  He was driving so Shannon took the call. She said they were on their way to get a bite to eat. Evidently he had been next door at his Dad's so I told her that I would love to see them if they were still around when I got back.  That really would be perfect - having the girls and babies yesterday and then him and Shannon today. What more could you ask for? I sent a text message to his number as soon as we got home but haven't heard from them. Oh well - he only has a short period of time to be here and there are so many people who want to see him. I am not going to complain - I have been blessed knowing Doug got to be with him for awhile and I got to be with the two girls and babies yesterday so I'm definitely happy. I told Dr. Scher I had been lazy about my exercises because of the pain and he said he totally understood that. He also massaged my neck pretty hard from the back and I asked if that was good to do. He said it is good to do it as hard you I can stand it. I'm calling Matt

to let him know we are back on. I also did my stretch exercises while I was waiting for him and promised myself I'm going to do better.  Dwight asked him if he thought I would have a problem coming off the Oxy when it was time and he said he really didn't think so. Now I can focus on this coming weekend with all my loved ones. I have been thinking about this for so long and can hardly believe they will be here in a few days. I love the picture above of Michael and Lori. Until then, I think I'll try to take another nap.  zzzzzzzzzzzz

Happy, happy, happy....

Yep - I'm a happy lady right now. Betsy and Shelly arrived with the prince and princess and there were smiles everywhere. Evidently they had been asleep on the way over and were hungry when they first got here so I got to hold Weston and feed him while Betsy fed Aila. The pictures on FB just do not do them justice. They really are beautiful and full of personality.

I'll have to admit, Weston truly is a snuggle bunny like Betsy says. Miya totally ignored both of them so I guess she doesn't want to make them hers. I think she knew she had met her match. Aila is very inquisitive, looks at everything with that serious look on her face and doesn't miss a beat. She loved Miya's little rubber ball and held onto the wand of another Miya toy.

Aila discovered the big mirror behind the sofa and her Mom's hair. I thought she was going to pull her hair out at one point but Shelly is immune to it. She is such a good Mama.

Their Grandpa, who lives next door, came over to visit with them too. He opened my zero gravity chair and tried it out but it was much too short for him. They have long ones for tall people. He looked like he felt pretty good. They talked a little about Shelly's little boy's grand adventure with him and Gma Patsy to NYC a few weeks back.
Betsy and I were talking about how it almost feels like she has grandbabies in these two. She knows a little about having babies close.  Her three girls were born about a year apart. I think that is what we used to call being a Fertile Myrtle. They had to leave before I was ready for them to go. They were going back over to their Aunt's house. She is having dinner for them and their brother who is visiting from Bethel. I know they are all looking forward to being together. While they were all here, Vera stopped by to see when I want to do my return visits. We decided on Wednesday morning. I hope I find them at home. I'm really looking forward to it. I love this picture of Weston. He is all boy. In line with that, I found out he likes to torture his poor sister. I have a feeling she will be able to hold her own though.

Aila will only let about 4 people hold her these days so imagine how thrilled I was that she let me hold her for a few minutes before they left. Her pictures really don't show just how exquisite she is. Wow - my cup definitely runneth over today.  Felt so good to have two sweet babies in the house.  Also to have these two remarkable women I have known for so many years. I am so proud of both of them.  But wait - there is one more happy, happy thing that took place.  Just as they were getting into the car, there was a tiny bit of rain.  Before they got on the road good - the bottom "finally" fell out and we got a few minutes of really good rain.

It thundered a few times but I didn't really expect to see any rain because it has been hitting everywhere but here. It was nice to feel it cool off if only for a few minutes. I'll be so glad when this heat wave we have been having for so long will end. So I think I'll just relax or a bit and reflect on what a nice day I have had today. I'm tired but it is a good tired.

Arrgghhhh...

I am SO angry with myself. As you know, I was tres' disappointed I missed seeing my dear old friends who were here for the Dedication of one of our local KH's. Then I got

a phone call from her this morning telling me she was coming to see me!!! Cubby brought her over and we all three had a quick, fun, getting caught up with each other time. She looks great - never changes at all. Then I got Cubby to use my camera to get a few pictures of us. After many tries, I finally had three that looked great plus a good one of Cubby. I told her I would send them along with a few others I had that she liked. As always, after I edited them, I deleted them from my camera. I don't keep pictures in my camera after I have them on my computer. It prevents having so many copies of the same pictures over and over. So what went wrong this time? I edited them while they were still IN the CAMERA. I normally save them to a folder and edit them there. Once they are in the folder and after I put the card back in my camera, I delete them from the card. I am so bummed. I emailed the other pictures she wanted copies of and asked her to please send me the few she got with her telephone camera. Oh well - it is what it is.
Happily I snatched a few more pictures from the convention in VA. I am so happy Roseanne was able to go and enjoy being with her family.

I liked both of these pictures so much. I look forward to the time in the hopefully very near future when her health issues will be a thing of

the past. I had to put one more picture of Katie up. Like the others, I snatched this from FB and lots of people were asking her where she got that pretty dress. She does have a great sense of style. Dwight has a dentist appointment at 4pm today. He was getting ready to take a nap and asked me to make sure he was awake by 3pm. He didn't sleep any time at all which isn't like him. I didn't think he was worried about his appointment but he was just moaning about having to have x-rays done. I had a nice, long telephone conversation with Zandra (called her Ruth in the past)last night. As I mentioned before, I'm going to start using real names for most people. Anyway, Zandra can't get over how much hotter it is here than in Florida where she lives. It turns out her Mom didn't move into the apartment that is close to her after all. She decided she didn't want to live in that apartment because she wants to live with Zandra. Am I the only person who wasn't surprised by this turn of events? After talking about that and her beautiful granddaughter who has been having serious medical issues for months now, we talked about her coming up to be with us for a bit. She mentioned that her daughter told her she wants to come with her. What a nice surprise that was. At first I told her not to try to come when it is so hot. Now that I've thought about it - why not? We have air conditioning. Of course our Autumns are much prettier than theirs. In other words, we actually have Autumn. I would think they would enjoy the changing colors of the trees as they got further north. Either way - I can't wait to see them.