Oh it's good to be home, but oh so sad that the retreat is over and all of my friends are now in their respective states safe and sound. What a wonderful time we all had.
We all met on Thursday (the gals flying in definitely had the advantage) and one gal, Elaine, and her hubby Sam drove from Wisconsin. Jeanne, Janice and I got in about 5 pm, and I guess I'd forgotten all the time wasted in having to cross the border into/outof Canada. BUT once we got there, the party began and didn't stop until we had to leave on Sunday morning.
We had gifts to give, four of the designers that I purchase items from gave us charts; Ink Circles, Plum Pudding Needlearts, and Blue Ribbon Designs, and the one from Blue Ribbon was signed by the designer, and then Dinky Designs not only gave us her OOP chart from last year but also the silks to go with it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. One gal couldn't come as her parents are very ill, but I did send home the charts to Florida for her with another of the stitcher friends. Thank you Sandy for doing this.
We also had wonderful Cranberry Salsa provided by Elaine and I managed to bring home six of the jars - those will be hoarded for special occasions.
We also managed to go to Stitches n Things new store -which is smaller than the other shop that Deb had, but this one seems to be more manageable for her and she seems happier than the last time I saw her. A few of the other gals went to The Rocking Horse shop about an hour from Frankenmuth, but Jeanne and I decided to go and visit the Outlet Mall right outside the hotel (actually down the street a bit) and did a little damage there. It takes time to look for 'cute shoes', right Jeanne????? Two of the gals went to a yarn store where Sue takes lessons for her knitting and Kristin came home with awesome yarn in colors galore. Just feeling the yarn was enough to make me want to learn to knit, but I doubt that I could be as good as the others, so will stick with my cross stitch.
I am so looking forward to going next year, and we've got four possibilities for the retreat - Denver, Ocean City, Osage, IA, and Sarasota - I don't actually care where we go, it's the getting together that is the most important. BUT I'd like to be able to fly this time around.
Enough for now - will write later.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
A Sad Sunday
This is such a hard thing to have to write and think about today. I lost my dear daughter-in-law (Jim's son Jim's wife) Felicia to inflammatory breast cancer and metastatic lesions to the brain. She put up a very good fight right to the end, having 6 of 9 radiation treatments to her brain before she succumed to the breast cancer. She will certainly be missed, but I know that God has a better plan for her in heaven. She was one of those special people, always doing something different and always having something good to say about someone, even if she was thinking something else.
I didn't know her very well, and I doubt that too many people knew her in the way some people have best friends. I just found out today that she embraced Buddism in her last months, and I'm sure that the people who opened Heaven's gates for her were monks. She was that type of person.
I am writing to ask all who read this message today to go and have a mammogram and also to not stop questioning your MD if there is a problem. Not many MD's are aware of the inflammatory breast cancer and diagnose it as some kind of infection, and while I don't know that much about it, there are areas to go and look, and find an MD who does know about this terrible and horrific disease.
I will know more in the coming days about what else was going on with her and when I find out will let you all know.
I didn't know her very well, and I doubt that too many people knew her in the way some people have best friends. I just found out today that she embraced Buddism in her last months, and I'm sure that the people who opened Heaven's gates for her were monks. She was that type of person.
I am writing to ask all who read this message today to go and have a mammogram and also to not stop questioning your MD if there is a problem. Not many MD's are aware of the inflammatory breast cancer and diagnose it as some kind of infection, and while I don't know that much about it, there are areas to go and look, and find an MD who does know about this terrible and horrific disease.
I will know more in the coming days about what else was going on with her and when I find out will let you all know.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Friday
Good evening. Jim went to see his dialysis nurse today, and all is well there. His bloodwork came back great from the oncologist and the dialysis people were extremely pleased with everything, so I am feeling OK with going to the retreat next week. At this time next week, I'll be in Frankenmuth, MI with friends.
Nothing new here at all - didn't have to work today so spent the day being lazy. Still have to go into the kitchen and clean it up from supper, but that's not a big deal. Julie did some of the dishes, but the rest is up to me. She doesn't like to wash silverware (go figure), so I pretty much do that. She also doesn't like to wash pots and pans. Guess that means she doesn't do many dishes, right? She's good in other ways.
I guess that's all the news from Spencerport. Will send a note tomorrow if there's anything to report. Am planning on stitching some tonight.
Nothing new here at all - didn't have to work today so spent the day being lazy. Still have to go into the kitchen and clean it up from supper, but that's not a big deal. Julie did some of the dishes, but the rest is up to me. She doesn't like to wash silverware (go figure), so I pretty much do that. She also doesn't like to wash pots and pans. Guess that means she doesn't do many dishes, right? She's good in other ways.
I guess that's all the news from Spencerport. Will send a note tomorrow if there's anything to report. Am planning on stitching some tonight.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
A worrisome Wednesday
Good evening. Didn't post anything yesterday - was so tired that I couldn't think straight, but tonight I'm doing better.
Jim had his CT on Monday, and thank the Lord, everything was fine. They found absolutely nothing, which we both were worried about. I guess it is just muscle that has gone astray. Tylenol is keeping it in check.
I worked today again and took the kids to the zoo - and for a City the size of Rochester, we should be ashamed of our zoo. It is dirty, the animals are so bored they are doing nothing but sleeping, and they have the audacity of charging $8.00 for the privilege of going in to see this. We are only approximately 50 miles from Buffalo, and their zoo is wonderful.
When I got home, there was a message from Jim's ex-wife's cousin that he wanted to come over to see Jim. This other Jim had had kidney cancer, had a kidney removed and also had cardiac bypass surgery. Turns out he goes to some of the same MD's that my Jim does and had a lot to talk about. While they were talking one of the chats was about my husband's daughter in law Felicia who has been battling breast cancer. Now she has metastatic lesions to her brain - and is getting radiation for the mets. I wish I could take away her pain, this has got to be something horrific that she is going through. We don't hear from them often, Jim is not close to his children (who actually are not children any longer). I can only hope that the radiation works and she has a long life ahead of her.
Nothing going on new with me - getting ready for the retreat next week in Frankenmuth, MI and I am psyched about that. Haven't been anywhere in such a long time, so am going to just forget what is going on here. Julie is going to be taking care of Jim for me and I know she'll do fine.
That's about it for now. TTYL.
Jim had his CT on Monday, and thank the Lord, everything was fine. They found absolutely nothing, which we both were worried about. I guess it is just muscle that has gone astray. Tylenol is keeping it in check.
I worked today again and took the kids to the zoo - and for a City the size of Rochester, we should be ashamed of our zoo. It is dirty, the animals are so bored they are doing nothing but sleeping, and they have the audacity of charging $8.00 for the privilege of going in to see this. We are only approximately 50 miles from Buffalo, and their zoo is wonderful.
When I got home, there was a message from Jim's ex-wife's cousin that he wanted to come over to see Jim. This other Jim had had kidney cancer, had a kidney removed and also had cardiac bypass surgery. Turns out he goes to some of the same MD's that my Jim does and had a lot to talk about. While they were talking one of the chats was about my husband's daughter in law Felicia who has been battling breast cancer. Now she has metastatic lesions to her brain - and is getting radiation for the mets. I wish I could take away her pain, this has got to be something horrific that she is going through. We don't hear from them often, Jim is not close to his children (who actually are not children any longer). I can only hope that the radiation works and she has a long life ahead of her.
Nothing going on new with me - getting ready for the retreat next week in Frankenmuth, MI and I am psyched about that. Haven't been anywhere in such a long time, so am going to just forget what is going on here. Julie is going to be taking care of Jim for me and I know she'll do fine.
That's about it for now. TTYL.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Monday
Good morning to everyone. It's now 7 a.m. and I'm up early again today - even though I don't have to work. Awoke about 6:30 and took out the animals for their potty break.
Yesterday was a fun day - went grocery shopping, yippee. I spend between $300-400 a month on groceries, and can't believe it. We don't eat boxed items as I think it is healthier to cook from scratch and I enjoy cooking. BUT when it costs that much, it might be easier to go out for a few meals a week. Anyway - went yesterday and only managed to spend about $125.00 - and I took a shopping list. I usually don't do that, and I end up with two or three of something instead of one of the item I really needed.
It is so quiet here in the morning, so serene, most of the time anyway. Occasionally one of the cats, either Zsa Zsa or Ms. Toots or even their mother, Sophie, are running around, but in the morning when they first get their food, it's all my world. Jim is still sleeping and I hear the quiet if that makes any sense.
Jim has an appointment for the CT scan this morning, so that means that he'll be a bear this afternoon. Nothing to eat or drink for two hours before the scan, he can have a light breakfast, but with the diabetes, that means his blood sugar will drop this afternoon and I'll have to feed him quickly and get the blood sugar up. When that happens, one of two things can happen; either he'll hang his head and need OJ quickly, or he'll become one of the nastiest people in the world - hopefully it'll be the first and I won't have to deal with a grizzly bear. Glad that I can take care of him though.
That's about it for this morning - wish me luck this afternoon with him, and take care.
Yesterday was a fun day - went grocery shopping, yippee. I spend between $300-400 a month on groceries, and can't believe it. We don't eat boxed items as I think it is healthier to cook from scratch and I enjoy cooking. BUT when it costs that much, it might be easier to go out for a few meals a week. Anyway - went yesterday and only managed to spend about $125.00 - and I took a shopping list. I usually don't do that, and I end up with two or three of something instead of one of the item I really needed.
It is so quiet here in the morning, so serene, most of the time anyway. Occasionally one of the cats, either Zsa Zsa or Ms. Toots or even their mother, Sophie, are running around, but in the morning when they first get their food, it's all my world. Jim is still sleeping and I hear the quiet if that makes any sense.
Jim has an appointment for the CT scan this morning, so that means that he'll be a bear this afternoon. Nothing to eat or drink for two hours before the scan, he can have a light breakfast, but with the diabetes, that means his blood sugar will drop this afternoon and I'll have to feed him quickly and get the blood sugar up. When that happens, one of two things can happen; either he'll hang his head and need OJ quickly, or he'll become one of the nastiest people in the world - hopefully it'll be the first and I won't have to deal with a grizzly bear. Glad that I can take care of him though.
That's about it for this morning - wish me luck this afternoon with him, and take care.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday
Good morning to all. Well, up early again this a.m. - awoke at 3:30 and went back to sleep until 5:30 and then up and moving. Reading mail, doing dishes, making coffee, etc. Jim was still asleep until a few moments ago. Now he's sitting in the chair and hoping that I'll ask him what he wants for breakfast. He can wait a bit.
I need to go shopping today for groceries - hate that part of my life - not because I don't like to shop, but because it's always so expensive. I can walk into the store, and figure on spending at least $150.00 just for the three of us, and I don't buy prepared foods. I always thought it was cheaper to make myself, and I do a pretty good job of it, but now wonder if it wouldn't be cheaper to eat out. I printed up some recipes this morning and am going to peruse the newspaper for either coupons or the sale items at the market to see what's feasible this week. I've never had black bean burgers, but am going to make them this week. Maybe it'll be less expensive than burger and probably better for us.
This week will go by fast - Jim has a CT scan tomorrow to see if he has a kidney stone or something more omnious, i.e. his cancer has returned. It also could be nothing more than a pulled muscle. Hopefully it'll be the pulled muscle - and nothing worse than that.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday I get to drive the bus for the recreation kids. Tuesday going to the local bowling alley with the K-3 grade kids, Wednesday to the zoo - with the older kids and then on Thursday to the local park to let the kids blow off steam.
Started again!!! the Summer Sampler from Little House Needleworks and Crescent Colours - actually started it a few days ago and then while moving the Q-snaps, found that I had started it wrong. DUH to me - a shopowner not knowing where to begin the piece. SO, I went and found a prettier piece of material and started over. Those charts are deceiving - it looks so easy, but there are so many stitches.
Have a good day everyone.
I need to go shopping today for groceries - hate that part of my life - not because I don't like to shop, but because it's always so expensive. I can walk into the store, and figure on spending at least $150.00 just for the three of us, and I don't buy prepared foods. I always thought it was cheaper to make myself, and I do a pretty good job of it, but now wonder if it wouldn't be cheaper to eat out. I printed up some recipes this morning and am going to peruse the newspaper for either coupons or the sale items at the market to see what's feasible this week. I've never had black bean burgers, but am going to make them this week. Maybe it'll be less expensive than burger and probably better for us.
This week will go by fast - Jim has a CT scan tomorrow to see if he has a kidney stone or something more omnious, i.e. his cancer has returned. It also could be nothing more than a pulled muscle. Hopefully it'll be the pulled muscle - and nothing worse than that.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday I get to drive the bus for the recreation kids. Tuesday going to the local bowling alley with the K-3 grade kids, Wednesday to the zoo - with the older kids and then on Thursday to the local park to let the kids blow off steam.
Started again!!! the Summer Sampler from Little House Needleworks and Crescent Colours - actually started it a few days ago and then while moving the Q-snaps, found that I had started it wrong. DUH to me - a shopowner not knowing where to begin the piece. SO, I went and found a prettier piece of material and started over. Those charts are deceiving - it looks so easy, but there are so many stitches.
Have a good day everyone.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Saturday
I am up so early this morning - I woke at approximately 4:45 this morning and ended up taking out the dogs for their morning break - and now can't get back to sleep. SO, it's easier putting words on paper, so to speak. Read the mail, not much this morning yet, but I was still reading it at 11 last night.
I need to fix something - yesterday I said one of the retreaters was coming from Maine, I meant Massachusetts - so now this is fixed. Sorry Linda.
Speaking of retreaters, can't wait to see everyone - there are still quite a few that aren't able to come this year - and all will be missed, but hopefully next year will be better.
Didn't get to stitch a bit yesterday, am hoping for a better day today. I started a LHN/CC Summer Sampler last week, and worked on it Thursday night for a bit - but nothing yesterday. Ah well, there's always another day, another few minutes.
Julie and I went shopping yesterday, and did manage to find a new pair of sneakers marked down from $59.99 to $19.99 and a peasant style blouse that was a great bargain. Actually was looking for another pair of capri's, but still have next week to look.
Enough for this a.m. - maybe I can get some sleep or at least a nap this afternoon.
I need to fix something - yesterday I said one of the retreaters was coming from Maine, I meant Massachusetts - so now this is fixed. Sorry Linda.
Speaking of retreaters, can't wait to see everyone - there are still quite a few that aren't able to come this year - and all will be missed, but hopefully next year will be better.
Didn't get to stitch a bit yesterday, am hoping for a better day today. I started a LHN/CC Summer Sampler last week, and worked on it Thursday night for a bit - but nothing yesterday. Ah well, there's always another day, another few minutes.
Julie and I went shopping yesterday, and did manage to find a new pair of sneakers marked down from $59.99 to $19.99 and a peasant style blouse that was a great bargain. Actually was looking for another pair of capri's, but still have next week to look.
Enough for this a.m. - maybe I can get some sleep or at least a nap this afternoon.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday
Good morning to everyone who might be seeing this. It is a glorious day here in Spencerport, New York, just outside Rochester, New York. It is a small town, but big enough to not know everyone's business. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, what more could anyone ask for.
Today I am going shopping with my daughter Julie to pick out some new clothes for a retreat that I am going on the 26th of July. The retreaters are gals who have met on the internet and have gone on retreats for several years. We all love to stitch, and gab, and get together to bond in person instead of just writing each other. We have all laughed, cried, and sent messages and prayers for family and friends alike.
This year we are going to Frankenmuth, MI for the retreat and gals are coming from Michigan, Florida, New York, Virginia, Maine, and Wisconsin. This is going to be wonderful to reconnect.
Also am going to stitch today while my hubby takes a nap. I guess that's it for the first note, will write again maybe tomorrow and let you know what I purchased.
Today I am going shopping with my daughter Julie to pick out some new clothes for a retreat that I am going on the 26th of July. The retreaters are gals who have met on the internet and have gone on retreats for several years. We all love to stitch, and gab, and get together to bond in person instead of just writing each other. We have all laughed, cried, and sent messages and prayers for family and friends alike.
This year we are going to Frankenmuth, MI for the retreat and gals are coming from Michigan, Florida, New York, Virginia, Maine, and Wisconsin. This is going to be wonderful to reconnect.
Also am going to stitch today while my hubby takes a nap. I guess that's it for the first note, will write again maybe tomorrow and let you know what I purchased.
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