Good thing I had a wild time yesterday as I awoke during the night with Jack's wretched cold. I should have suspected it was sneaking up on me as my nose was running all day yesterday - if I ran that much, I'd be very thin. The throat, cough and nasal congestion hit all at once and I feel pretty rotten at the moment. I am not going to call the emergency number given to me by MSK because this is not my idea of an emergency. I will doctor myself until I see them on Monday morning. It has not hit my chest and lungs yet and hopefully, it will not. Lots of rest, liquids and cold capsules for me.
Just thought I'd share the misery.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to achoo!
January 31, 2009
January 30, 2009
Friday Evening
Just got in from a lovely luncheon hosted by my neighbor, Peg. We celebrated the birthdays of Jackie and Maureen. It was good to spend some time with Peg and Tina, Meg and Cara along with the birthday "girls." We had a lot of laughs and some really good chicken salad - a specialty of Peg's (along with Shrimp and Tortellini in Alfredo Sauce - old family recipe!) Tina made an angel food cake and iced it with fresh whipped cream and strawberry jam. What could be wrong with an afternoon like that? My eyes are still watering from laughing so much! I had planned a little nap when I got home but it was almost five o'clock - the afternoon flew by! Tina gave us all bouquets of tulips which certainly brightened up an otherwise gloomy house (mine!) The poinsettia is still dying in the den - but not fast enough for Jack to part with it.
I received another favorite food in the mail last week - Jack's friend Bill sent ten pounds of the Honey Bells from Florida. I love these fruits - and usually order some for us but did not this year so I am extra thankful to Bill for his thoughtful gift. Nothing like bright, fresh, sweet oranges on a cold, dark winter day!
I started to make chili and then realized I have no chili powder. Fortunately, I caught Jack in the grocery store. For once, my timing was good as I usually catch him right after he has left or been checked out.
Super Bowl weekend is here once again. Thankfully, Jack goes to a Super Bowl gathering and I can watch whatever I want on TV. Once in awhile I click to the Bowl to see if I can catch a commercial but so many of them have been leaked this year, that I can't imagine too many surprises. I am long asleep by the time the game is over!
When I visit MSK on Monday, I will not only see a different doctor than Dr. Lung O but a different Nurse Practitioner, not BP. Dr. Lung O is working at the hospital this week and BP has a few days off. I will actually miss seeing them but this promises to be a very short visit compared to previous ones.
If you don't hear from me this weekend, don't be alarmed. I get lazy on the weekends and sometimes there just isn't anything to say.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
I received another favorite food in the mail last week - Jack's friend Bill sent ten pounds of the Honey Bells from Florida. I love these fruits - and usually order some for us but did not this year so I am extra thankful to Bill for his thoughtful gift. Nothing like bright, fresh, sweet oranges on a cold, dark winter day!
I started to make chili and then realized I have no chili powder. Fortunately, I caught Jack in the grocery store. For once, my timing was good as I usually catch him right after he has left or been checked out.
Super Bowl weekend is here once again. Thankfully, Jack goes to a Super Bowl gathering and I can watch whatever I want on TV. Once in awhile I click to the Bowl to see if I can catch a commercial but so many of them have been leaked this year, that I can't imagine too many surprises. I am long asleep by the time the game is over!
When I visit MSK on Monday, I will not only see a different doctor than Dr. Lung O but a different Nurse Practitioner, not BP. Dr. Lung O is working at the hospital this week and BP has a few days off. I will actually miss seeing them but this promises to be a very short visit compared to previous ones.
If you don't hear from me this weekend, don't be alarmed. I get lazy on the weekends and sometimes there just isn't anything to say.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
January 29, 2009
Rose Hilliard is 98 Today
Today is my mother's 98 birthday. It is a great milestone but a very sad one at the same time. Mom is in the state of advanced dementia, does not recognize us most of the time - me, never - occasionally Kate or Karen, sometimes, Jack - although those episodes of recognition are getting less frequent and more volatile. The woman who sits each day in a wheelchair and is spoon fed by an aide, bears little resemblance to the proud and dignified woman who was my mother. It is overwhelmingly painful to see her like this and I know, we all know, that it is not the way she would want her life to be. Mom never feared death and always had a deep and abiding faith. She is having her purgatory on earth and I am sure when the Lord calls, she will go straight through the Gates. Her faith sustained her through everything in life - and when all else had become scrambled in her mind, she still recognized the Eucharistic Minister and knew that she was about to receive Jesus - she blessed herself and after receiving a small bit of the Eucharist, bowed her head in prayer and then blessed herself again. It was amazing to witness. She also recognizes her rosary beads - she will hold them and they quiet her but she seems to have lost the words. So, today is a day for celebrating the past and remembering the old days for her. I hope those of you who knew my mother will join me and think of my mother and all she did to help those who needed it; her understanding of the human condition and her unfailing generosity to any and all who were down on their luck. Her life was not easy but she did what she could to make it easier for others.
Happy Birthday!
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you.
Happy Birthday!
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you.
January 28, 2009
Wrinkle in Time
Our weather is awful today - snow, rain, ugh! Just a mess out there and dark and dreary as well. A good day for napping!
Nothing new to report. I'm feeling great but tired as usual. I am sending back some books (Crochet for Dummies and Crochet Patterns for Dummies) back as I have a little more crochet skill than I realized. I just need to refresh my memory on how to mix the stitches to get the pattern - these books are way too basic for my needs. Amazon makes it really easy to return and makes me want to shop through Amazon more often.
Here is my mail order complaint of the year.....I have been using Murad face products. It is an automatic delivery system and a tad expensive. The product is really wonderful but I don't need it delivered as often as it is (every 3 months.) So, I called about six weeks ago and canceled it explaining that I was happy with the product but did not need it so often. They offered to send it every six months but I said to cancel it. CANCEL IT. Jan assured me it was canceled. Last week I received another shipment. I called and complained and explained that I had CANCELED the order. Gal tells me that instead of canceling it, someone hit the wrong button twice and I was in for receiving 2 shipments. She canceled all shipments. Yesterday I received ANOTHER shipment which I am returning. (I decided to keep the first one and pay for it as I will need it in another month or so and don't want to have to order it and start the cycle again.) I have to call American Express and tell them I am disputing this charge but I don't have the energy to do it today. This is the first time I have ever had this kind of experience with any mail order product and it is a nightmare. I love the product but will NEVER order it again. What's a wrinkle or two among friends? It is just so frustrating.
Guess I did have something to say today after all!
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
Nothing new to report. I'm feeling great but tired as usual. I am sending back some books (Crochet for Dummies and Crochet Patterns for Dummies) back as I have a little more crochet skill than I realized. I just need to refresh my memory on how to mix the stitches to get the pattern - these books are way too basic for my needs. Amazon makes it really easy to return and makes me want to shop through Amazon more often.
Here is my mail order complaint of the year.....I have been using Murad face products. It is an automatic delivery system and a tad expensive. The product is really wonderful but I don't need it delivered as often as it is (every 3 months.) So, I called about six weeks ago and canceled it explaining that I was happy with the product but did not need it so often. They offered to send it every six months but I said to cancel it. CANCEL IT. Jan assured me it was canceled. Last week I received another shipment. I called and complained and explained that I had CANCELED the order. Gal tells me that instead of canceling it, someone hit the wrong button twice and I was in for receiving 2 shipments. She canceled all shipments. Yesterday I received ANOTHER shipment which I am returning. (I decided to keep the first one and pay for it as I will need it in another month or so and don't want to have to order it and start the cycle again.) I have to call American Express and tell them I am disputing this charge but I don't have the energy to do it today. This is the first time I have ever had this kind of experience with any mail order product and it is a nightmare. I love the product but will NEVER order it again. What's a wrinkle or two among friends? It is just so frustrating.
Guess I did have something to say today after all!
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
January 26, 2009
Life Continues to Ebb and Flow
Monday already! The weekends fly by even when each day is like a weekend day! It is cold out again today - I can tell from the attitude on Calico Cat. She wants to go out and sits by the door meowing until you open the door and she turns around and walks away. The sun is shining, though, which is pretty as it streams in the windows.
Had a call from NSUH today telling me MSK pathology department has requested some "undyed" slides from my 2006 tumor. Of course, this has peaked my curiosity and emptied my purse of $50 which was the cost for NSUH to send the slides. (Hopefully, they will be the correct slides this time.) At least I did not have to be the middle man as the request went from Pathology Department to Pathology. I think there is excitement that the growth on the pancreas did not show up on the last CT scan. I am trying not to be excited until the next CT scan as these scans are so exact that if it is a millimeter off, you see something else. I wonder what they are looking for in checking the slides again. And, except for still feeling tired, I am really good. I am optimistic and cheerful. My sugar, without medication, is in the normal range. I have been baking some new recipes. Tonight Jack and I are having Chinese food to usher in the Chinese New Year!
Actually, today is the 35 anniversary of Jack's dad's passing. It is hard to believe that so many years have flown by. I remember how happy he was to know that I was pregnant. We found out shortly before he died. He, however, told me I was going to have twin boys and to name them Sean and Seamus. Missed the mark on that one! God rest his soul.
Missed seeing Gingie Girl this weekend but am happy to tell you that one of the Crone's has become a Grandmother. Crone Eileen H.'s daughter gave birth on January 20 to a beautiful baby boy. I can't wait to give him a million kisses. We all love each other's children and we all love each other's grandchildren as well! It just goes on. I wish all good things for this little fellow and his family. He has a very special name, too, but I will wait to announce it until I ask permission.
Life flows on. I just read an Irish blessing that I'd not heard before so I will leave you with it today in honor of the entire H & W families, especially Crone Eileen and her sweet darling.
Had a call from NSUH today telling me MSK pathology department has requested some "undyed" slides from my 2006 tumor. Of course, this has peaked my curiosity and emptied my purse of $50 which was the cost for NSUH to send the slides. (Hopefully, they will be the correct slides this time.) At least I did not have to be the middle man as the request went from Pathology Department to Pathology. I think there is excitement that the growth on the pancreas did not show up on the last CT scan. I am trying not to be excited until the next CT scan as these scans are so exact that if it is a millimeter off, you see something else. I wonder what they are looking for in checking the slides again. And, except for still feeling tired, I am really good. I am optimistic and cheerful. My sugar, without medication, is in the normal range. I have been baking some new recipes. Tonight Jack and I are having Chinese food to usher in the Chinese New Year!
Actually, today is the 35 anniversary of Jack's dad's passing. It is hard to believe that so many years have flown by. I remember how happy he was to know that I was pregnant. We found out shortly before he died. He, however, told me I was going to have twin boys and to name them Sean and Seamus. Missed the mark on that one! God rest his soul.
Missed seeing Gingie Girl this weekend but am happy to tell you that one of the Crone's has become a Grandmother. Crone Eileen H.'s daughter gave birth on January 20 to a beautiful baby boy. I can't wait to give him a million kisses. We all love each other's children and we all love each other's grandchildren as well! It just goes on. I wish all good things for this little fellow and his family. He has a very special name, too, but I will wait to announce it until I ask permission.
Life flows on. I just read an Irish blessing that I'd not heard before so I will leave you with it today in honor of the entire H & W families, especially Crone Eileen and her sweet darling.
May God give you...
With every storm, a rainbow,
With every tear, a smile,
With every care, a promise
And a blessing in each trial.
With every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
With every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer to each prayer.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
January 25, 2009
Mea Culpa
Sorry I haven't been blogging for a few days. I did not realize how worried this would make some of you! I have just been a little under the weather - just a little - and very tired. And, believe it or not, I had nothing much to say which is a miracle in itself.
Try this one. It is really a good laugh. http://www.whereisnudedude.com.au/
I may add some more later but right now, I am going to have a nice cup of coffee to warm up. My family in Milwaukee has winter at -13 this morning so I am not going to complain about our spring like NY weather today. After all, it is a balmy 17 degrees.
For the record, I thought Aretha Franklin's hat was perfect for her. I loved her hat and would wear one like it if I would look that good. You see, the secret to wearing hats (and you know I love hats) is that YOU wear the hat - the hat does not wear YOU. Aretha wore the hat.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
Try this one. It is really a good laugh. http://www.whereisnudedude.com.au/
I may add some more later but right now, I am going to have a nice cup of coffee to warm up. My family in Milwaukee has winter at -13 this morning so I am not going to complain about our spring like NY weather today. After all, it is a balmy 17 degrees.
For the record, I thought Aretha Franklin's hat was perfect for her. I loved her hat and would wear one like it if I would look that good. You see, the secret to wearing hats (and you know I love hats) is that YOU wear the hat - the hat does not wear YOU. Aretha wore the hat.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
January 21, 2009
Short and Sweet
Just a short hello tonight! I think I am fighting off a head cold as I have a bad headache, runny nose and feel cold and tired. So, I am going to get under those lovely, warm and cozy covers and watch TV until I fall asleep - which should not be very long!
I had a great time at lunch today with my friend and colleague from my working days. Dolores and I always have a few laughs when we get together. She retired about four years ago although she continues to work a few days a month. She was the first person I worked with when I started 23 years ago so it is nice to still have her as a friend and even nicer to be able to spend some "retirement" time laughing together. Actually, Dolores was the only person who ever got me to save money by insisting that I put a small part of my salary each payday into a 501 k fund......or whatever it is called. I call it the "Dolores Fund" as there would be no savings if she hadn't pushed me into it. Unfortunately, I did not listen to her when I rolled it over to another company and put half in savings and half in mutual funds. You can guess what happened to my mutual funds.....I should have listened.
Incidentally, I joined Facebook the other night as I was bored and found it so annoying to use that I canceled out of it today.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
I had a great time at lunch today with my friend and colleague from my working days. Dolores and I always have a few laughs when we get together. She retired about four years ago although she continues to work a few days a month. She was the first person I worked with when I started 23 years ago so it is nice to still have her as a friend and even nicer to be able to spend some "retirement" time laughing together. Actually, Dolores was the only person who ever got me to save money by insisting that I put a small part of my salary each payday into a 501 k fund......or whatever it is called. I call it the "Dolores Fund" as there would be no savings if she hadn't pushed me into it. Unfortunately, I did not listen to her when I rolled it over to another company and put half in savings and half in mutual funds. You can guess what happened to my mutual funds.....I should have listened.
Incidentally, I joined Facebook the other night as I was bored and found it so annoying to use that I canceled out of it today.
Believe! Hope!
As always, love from me to you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)