It's Sunday and the Sun Is Out!

It's Sunday and it looks as if it will be a beautiful day. Unfortunately I will be missing out because I am on my way back to bed. I stayed up way too late into the morning. I was packing up blankets, curtains, etc. to make some room for the clean winter bedding.

I was also watching CPTV and enjoyed it immensely. Celtic Women was on and it was a concert I hadn't seen before. Then they had on the Do Wop era and that was MY era. Just loved seeing all the performers with hair as gray as mine and bodies with extra weight. I was right in my element. Then the Ed Sullivan shows came on with all the British bands and that kept me glued to my chair for another hour or so. I wish I could have gotten the CD's of the show. It made for easy working on the bedding packing. It also took me at least three times as long. What a great night!

Today my butt is dragging and I'm just writing to put words on the page before too many days pass me by and I fail to blog for too long a time. It really takes discipline and something to write about in order to make this blog interesting. I am a stay at home mostly, and boring to say the least.

I gave myself a shot of vitamin B12 and I hope that helps me recover a bit from all that I've been fighting the past month. I have zilch energy and my mind left me quite awhile ago. I've been busy playing Catch Up but today my eyes just won't cooperate. So with that said, I'm going back to bed for more Zzzzz's.

Wishing you all a beautiful and relaxing day. It's only 8:30 A.M. so if I can sneak back to bed, I can grab another hour or two of sleep before hubby wakes up.

Hugs

Happy Thanksgiving

It's pitch black outside as I write this and it seems so strange. I'm used to daylight at this hour but tis Fall now and soon it will be winter. I'm not prepared for the freezing cold and the lonely looking trees standing stark against the morning sky.

Oh well, it's Thanksgiving so I should be talking about the things I'm most thankful for instead of bellyaching. Sorry but age has it's privileges. As I sit here clicking the keys and making noise that keeps hubby awake, I can hear his sonorous breathing, not missing a beat as he snores his way to morning. He was up all night watching TV and he is worn out. I awakened to the TV going with a discussion on the best light bulbs to use, but with sound so low I could barely hear it. The flashes of light is what woke me up. I thought, FIRE! Now that wakes you up and gets you moving in a hurry.

I'm most thankful for my wonderful hubby whom God has gifted me with for 49 years. We have been through some pretty heavy stuff together and we have grown closer instead of letting it separate us to each go our own way. At our age we have to take care of one another for we are what we are, two old fogies rattling around the house together.

Of course after so many years together, our physiques have changed considerably. I remember when we used to be thin and walked with a skip in our step. Now we mostly skip a step, period!. Yep, the canes need to come out where they are handy. While passing each other in the long hallway, one must step aside to let the other go by. Our girth doesn't allow us both to use the same space at the same time. It really ticks me off when he presses up against the wall. I'm not that big!! Well maybe just a tad...Gravity hasn't helped our situation any either. That's for darn sure. There's certainly no more showers together. That ended long ago. We ended up laughing so hard at one another naked that we were too weak to climb out of the shower. The tub sides just seemed to get higher somehow.

Ooops, complaining instead of praising and being thankful. I can see this is a lost cause because I can't stay on subject so will just wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your day of being thankful for all God has blessed you with.

Enjoy your day of football and I'll enjoy my Parades. I'm still a kid at heart.

Hugs

Well, That's Over and Done With!

Well, yesterday was THE day.
I went and had the breast biopsy. What an experience!!! I have had them in 95, 97, 2001, 2005, 2007, and then yesterday. I was geared to be cut, etc. and was prepared for all the pain. Well this time was a real eye opener. They now do it a new way.

After I had my vitals taken by a pleasant young man, he wanted to take me to the ER because my blood pressure was 140/98. It sure shocked me too. I'm usually 120/78-82. When upset it can go up to 130 but not higher... I told him to just get started and I was sure it would come down. I had only taken my blood pressure medicine on the way to the hospital and it probably hadn't kicked in yet. Plus the stress so it was not that unusual.

They got me situated on a table with a huge hole in it and there I was, lying on my stomach with my boob hanging down through the hole. They had to take pictures and do calculations so they could hone in on the spot. The young man was sitting down beside the table patting my arm for support. It took them a while to find the spot and make calculations, meanwhile I'm still ahanging. Finally the doctor scoots down after they raised the bed and sits underneath and starts with the Novocaine. By then I'm so sore from the size 42JJ boob just hanging in space, my armpit starts throbbing let alone that lone boob. It felt as if it was pulling part of my chest wall along with it.

The doctor starts telling me what he is doing as he goes along and keeps asking, "Are you alright Joyce?" I tell him I'm doing fine and just do what he has to and quit treating me as if I'm glass and will break. He started chuckling and told me, "I was easy." The cute young technician is still sitting beside me patting my arm and I feel like a deer must feel when it's caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. All in all it took 35 minutes from start to finish. Well 50 minutes because they had to get me situated on that crazy bed just right. The Doctor told me I was an excellent patient and he wished all were like me. He said it took the least amount of time of any that he had done so far, and I was super. Nothing bothered me except the embarrassment of having that cute young thing beside me the whole time. If only I could have pulled a sheet over my head! I honestly told him I never felt the Novocain because I was so numb to begin with, also didn't feel the long needle he warned me about inserting in order to cut and suck out the biopsy tissue. I only felt the pressure of the sucking motion as they cleaned the area as they went along. In my head I was picturing a poor cow with it's udder caught between two large rocks, and to be truthful, I uttered out loud a very good "Mooooo." Talk about comic relief! We were all laughing. Thank God I chose the safest time to do it. That wouldn't have gone over too well during the cutting process.

Once up and off the table with my pin inserted for further use in case the biopsy comes back and needs further surgery, I got dressed. Can you believe it, they inserted a piece of jewelry inside my boob? How special I am. I came home, iced for 20 minutes, took a Tylenol and then fell asleep in the chair , and woke up 7 hours later. I'm telling you, if only I had known. I just can't do any lifting, vacuuming, aerobics, etc. for two days. As if I'd want to...

Once Dr. Monte left the room, the gal in charge showed me my pictures, (X-rays), and the tissue they removed for biopsy. My gosh, it looked like 3D roads on a map lying in the little covered dish. I should know the results Friday, at least I hope so. Now I'm fine, just typing with my left arm close to my side but otherwise fine.

Let me tell you, they certainly have improved upon biopsies of the breast. It's just embarrassing lying there with a huge boob hanging for so long and a cute young technician sitting beside me through it all. I told him to take my blood pressure now and he laughed. I was so tired from not sleeping I was just dozing while I had the opportunity.

Hubby bought me a box of Russell Stover chocolates, I'm diabetic but the temptation broke me down. I took two and told him he was going to have to eat the rest. What punishment!! Somehow homemade fudge sounds a lot better.

This morning I woke up expecting to list to the right but so far so good. This old ship still sails, a few dips here and there, but still sailing. Friday I will get the results but I'm hopeful and looking forward to more happy days of cleaning house. Now anybody who knows me knows that's a crock!

Have a great day everyone and if there are any males reading, I hope I didn't freak you out. I tried to be gentle...Smile.

I Should Change the Title to The Heart Remembers But the Mind Doesn't

I truly seem to be 'losing it' lately. Call it stress, sleepless nights, etc., but something sure is going on.

Yesterday morning I awoke from a nightmare. I never have nightmares nor dream pleasant dreams. My nights are full of wakefulness and dread for reasons I just can't seem to get a handle on. Worry over my hubby, my upcoming surgery, the flu which has hung on far too long to be 'just flu.' I've decided I'm going to take my health in hand and go by good old common sense. Less TV with all the gory pictures and details of our men and women dying in combat, etc. Hubbies war movies that are so loud they make my heart beat faster and I feel I have a perpetual lump in my throat and an upset stomach.

In these times, I think what most of us need is less TV and more music, soothing if you please.

Just to tell you where my mind was yesterday, I'll give you a few clues. After waking from the nightmare, I sat down at my computer and tried to do some quizzes, to get my mind and body to mesh as one. When attempting to stand, I flew into my recliner even though I had no intention of sitting, but my balance was off and it was a relief to have a soft landing.

Hubby said he was hungry and since he'd had surgery on his mouth, I had to make something soft for him to eat. He said he wanted Pancakes. I raised an eyebrow at his request but then remembered how much syrup he likes and figured they would be soggy enough for him to get down. Then I set about fixing the pancake mix. I quickly threw in the Hungry Jack mix, an egg, milk, tad of oil and cinnamon. The cinnamon cap came off and I was carefully scooping tablespoons of the aromatic stuff and throwing them in the waste basket. That done, I started to stir up the batter?? I couldn't figure out what was wrong with it until I gave the box of Hungry Jack another quick glance. 'Instant Potatoes' ran past my eyes. Of course, I use it for thickening my stews. No wonder the mix wasn't the proper consistency. If I had been able to think quickly enough, I could very easily have made potato pancakes with sour cream, but my mind just went on vacation for a few minutes there. Oh well, he wanted pancakes and pancakes he would get.

I cooked them without getting the edges crispy, and he said they were delicious. I just gave him a quick kiss on the top of his head and told him I had to sit down. He grabbed me and held me a few minutes to stabilize me and give me a hug. Then he sweetly said, "Hon, you had better sit down and stay off your feet for awhile since you seem unbalanced." Gee, when did he get his first clue? I've been weaving my way around this house for weeks and blamed it on the flu. With both ears acheing and my face also, I have decided it is my sinuses and will have them checked after my surgery Tuesday. I will be careful and use my cane which decorates the wall usually, but think it smart to use it for what it is intended. It's tough when you realize that you are getting older and unsteady on the feet along with other surprises.

On the plus side, I enjoy the days more and the birds. They seem to empty the feeders as soon as hubby fills them. Even the feral cat has come back early mornings to fill her belly. Such a beautiful cat my hubby and I agree. Pretty green eyes and a coat of the softest shade of grey. We had her trapped and spayed last year, along with her shots so it is the best we could do for her. Once she was retrieved from her cage at the Vet's by the Animal Control Officer, she was let loose in our yard and off she took to the woods. She was always having kittens and we would find them dead due to the animals and freezing weather. She was a wildcat and I don't think the vet would want to go around with her again. Of course she would never allow herself to be trapped again as she is no longer vulnerable with kittens to protect. We do love her and try to help her through the winters. Come summer, she disappears until the first frost. We enjoy her while we can and keep trying to win her trust.

The deer are coming back a few at a time. No herds yet but that will come later when the weather becomes intense. Unfortunately we are unable to feed them this year due to our lack of income. SS doesn't go far with house expenses and food to buy. The cats and birds we can manage but the deer food with molasses and the cracked corn just doesn't fit into our budget anymore. It breaks my heart to see animals go hungry. Especially when the deer are being chased by packs of dogs. The barking seems to go on forever. And how far can they run and how long can they last, running weak and hungry? If only I had a magic wand.

I'd best get off that subject and appreciate the beautiful sunny day this morning. I was going to try to go grocery shopping earlier, but thought I should wait until tomorrow. Then I can cook a few meals to last us because I won't be up to cooking Tuesday nor Wednesday. Thank goodness I have a great son and daughter-in-law who will cook the whole Thanksgiving meal and see that we get fed a delicious turkey dinner. And no clean up!! For me anyway.

Well, I think I have typed long enough and have given you an inkling as to why I haven't been able to keep up with my blog. I will do the best I can in the future but it won't be an every day occurence unless something happens to give me instant energy.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the sunshine. You need the Vitamin D.

Hugs

Time Flies, Even When You're Not Having Fun

Oh well, already off to a bad start. I posted one picture to cover the other and now I have two and don't know how to delete it. I'm not even going to go there!

The pictures I took two days before the horrific rains and after the trees were almost completely bare. How's that for timing?

I gave up on my blog due to illness and life just kept getting in my way. I had nothing else to write about except to whine and I'm sure you like cheese with your wine and I was all out. As a matter of fact, the fridge was empty so hubby went shopping while I tried to sleep away the flu. I never knew what day it was and had to keep asking. It really didn't matter since I would drop off again and that would add to my confusion upon waking.

My car, the one we waited on forever to be fixed died on us just a few days after picking it up. The transmission blew! If we didn't have all the bad luck lately, we wouldn't have any luck at all... Nuff said.

Hubby is now down with the flu and it drives me crazy. He came down sick right after I started to get well and after his feeling good for a week, he came right back down with it. We have been playing musical beds in the mean time. I no sooner fall asleep then he comes to bed at 4 a.m. and I'm up again. I came out here to get some relief from the C-pap machine blowing cold air in my ear and lo and behold, he comes out and sits here sniffing. I should have stayed in bed. The past few weeks have been this way so tonight I get the recliner and he can have the bed. I'm headed back to bed as soon as I take my morning meds and maybe I can catch a little shut eye. At least I won't have to listen to the sniffling. He's entrenched in the recliner so that is no longer a choice for me.

Tomorrow he gets 3 of his lower teeth extracted so the gums can heal and they can make his plate with room to add a tooth as need be. He has swallowed an expensive crown, chewed on hard candy and broke the top bridge, as well as losing another crown while biting into a large grinder. That crown he lost because he didn't notice it until the sandwich was completely gone. Need I say more? I feel as though I'm raising kids again. The dentist told him hard candy is to suck on, not bite and crunch with 71 year old teeth.

Oh me, I think I'm in need of the funny farm to rest and gear up for the next attack. Eye surgery on Dec. 2. After nearly getting hit a few times and going over curbs while pulling out of parking spaces, hubby will actually be able to see where he is going. At first we thought it was his medications because the last time we saw the eye doctor he said cataracts were a long way off. Here it is his 6 month check up and it's definitely time to have surgery. At our age I'm glad he is going first. Can you imagine the two of us driving like that. I just had my check up so I'm good to go for some time. Now that was good news. If only I had my Chevy Blazer to drive! Oh well, I guess we take the good with the bad and be thankful things aren't worse.

Sorry for the tale of woe but to be truthful, with all that's happened and will continue to happen, we have both been kind of grouchy. I'm sure you've noticed that by now. No one can feel great when they are sick and down. Hubby isn't used to being down. He has to be going, going, going. When he is not then I know he's really sick. I guess I'll make him some pudding for a treat later on in the day after I've slept some. I never cook when I'm tired anymore. Just not that much on the ball since I turned on the wrong burner and ruined a good pot and set fire to two pot holders. Oh well...

Have a good day everybody and enjoy our warmer weather. It's sure to change soon.

Hugs

"The Perks of Getting Older

Yesterday I spent the day watching Nascar races and football, not because I really wanted to but it was some togetherness with hubby. That was one way to get answers from him as he loves talking about football and as for the races, there was a horrible accident which had my heart in my throat for awhile but it turned out well in the end. The drive was cut out of his car and walked away hurting but with no serious injuries.

Have lots to do today so can't really write much, so I'm cheating and hope you get a kick out of the following. It came in an email this morning and it applies to many of us I think. Of course she didn't mention running to the post office in her nightgown but most applies.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it). MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

Have a great day folks.
Hugs

November 1st Already

This is how I feel today. Can you tell that I'm not at my best? Hot and cold, sweats and chills, just can't get comfortable in my skin. I've been running my fingers through my hair with the hot flashes and this is about how it looks now.

Yesterday started off okay, but got more interesting as the day went on. Son called with a request to put money in his account as he used what he had to renew RV registration. It was 11:30 and bank closes at 12:00 on Saturday. I was still in my red flannel nightgown and there was no time to change. I just threw a jacket on over it and rushed to the bank. I made the deposit with 5 minutes to spare. All the way home I prayed the car wouldn't break down nor the police would stop me!

Son Mike and wife Val made dinner for us last night. It was an on and off day with all the coughing, sweats and chills. The window must have wondered what was going on because I kept opening it and closing it, We left it wide open and I felt much better but then I went to bed and hubby stayed up playing Free Cell. I got up this morning to a cool house and yes, the window was still wide open. Hopefully the fresh air killed some of the germs.

Our cat was feeling a bit frisky last night and son kept throwing a small blanket over her. She really tore into it and we were in fits of laughter at her actions. She went at it with her back legs and would stick her head out every so often to watch us and then she would begin again. This morning I put a little cat nip on the kitchen rug in front of the door where she surveys her kingdom and she ate what she wanted and then disappeared. I expect her to come pounce on me any minute from it's effects. LOL, I just turned to look out the window and there she is on her cat bed, fast asleep. I thought that stuff was supposed to make her lively? Maybe it's just slow acting...

The deer were here this morning. Two of them were grazing in my potted plants. The three pots of Mandeville Pinks which I hoped to cut back and put in the garage over the winter seemed to be their favorite. I had just told hubby yesterday that I needed help carrying them out to the garage. Horrors, my plants taking up space in HIS garage. Today I guess we don't have to worry about it.

Yesterday I posted 8 items on Free Cycle and they were gone within two hours. I'm so glad to get rid of things I no longer use and things I bought as gifts but never sent. Mainly because I couldn't fine them when I needed them. A teacher answered my post on craft items and materials for the Children's Programs at the local library. That set me off digging through all my boxes of goodies and I think she is getting more than she bargained for. She also asked me to be a volunteer with the December's craft project so that will be fun. I love working with kids on crafts. I never could figure out what I'd like to be when I grew up so I didn't grow up, just out...

This is about as exciting as watching grass grow so I'll close for now. I hope others are leading a more exciting life today. Enjoy it while you can because winter will soon be here. I know, I know, Killjoy!

Have a happy day.

Hugs