Taking it Day by Day

Diabetes

2009-08-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

I just finished up a note to tell some of my stitching friends about the disease that Jim has. I realized how vehemently I can sound sometimes about the disease that starts out as diabetes and then robs people's lives so that they can't function without someone to care for them.

Jim got admitted to the hospital again yesterday - he had been feeling some sick, but nothing earth-shattering until yesterday morning. He sat outside the house about 7:15 a.m. waiting for me to get the car keys when he decided that he couldn't wait for me to take him to the hospital, he needed the ambulance, and crossed himself as if he was dying. That was earth shattering to me as I'd never seen anyone in person do that before. He thought that it was going to be his last day.

I gave him some Nitroglycerine and it seemed to help a little, but then again, the pain started up. So, another Nitro which he immediately vomited. The ambulance took about 10 minutes, but it seemed like hours. He was stabilized in the ambulance and I got to the hospital just when they were leaving and had dropped Jim off.

Anyway - I got off topic.

He now is in the ICU and hopefully will be home after a few days. Don't know what else they can do for him, as his heart function is about 10%, and wonderful is 70%. We'll see what they can pull out of their hats for him this time.

Diabetes - robs a person of being their own person. First a slightly elevated blood sugar, no problem, what's another piece of pie? Then come the hypertension - oh well, just cut the salt out, but hey, the potato chip only has a little salt, right? Pills to take for both of these - we can just 'adjust' a little for the popcorn. Next came the diabetic retinopathy which took his sight, so that he can't see the grandchildren anymore, or the valley in the fall where we have the cottage, and now the end-stage renal disease which takes all the dignity away while you sit and have a drain coming out of your tummy and hoping that nothing gets in the port to make you sick. You can be so clean that there are germs that walk out of the house by themselves and somehow one gets inside of the belly to cause all kinds of havoc. Now on to the heart - what heart - the diabetes has already caused it to be wonky - that it only works once in a while - and there are stents put in everywhere, but now it doesn't want to work at all.

This is a maudlin post, but it's how I feel this morning. Didn't sleep well, a bad night with Jim at home is better than a night without him.

Will let everyone who cares to read about my hubby a note to let them know how he's doing today.

Family Issues

2009-07-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

I just cannot believe how long it's been since I've written anything. Maybe that's because I've been just so busy doing every day living. Jim has been in and out of the hospital at least six times since last year, each time getting weaker and weaker, and he never does gain back his energy levels. We have had visiting nurses, the lab people, and now today, the physical therapy people came out. Oh sure, he does everything while they are here, and the minute they leave, so do his good intentions. I'm certainly hoping beyond hope this time that things will turn around.

Jim's son died this past Monday/Tuesday. We don't know for sure what the problem is - Jim's ex-wife, daughter, son are all so close mouthed about things. We may never know - and I for one, don't know if I truly want to know. Jim (deceased) was 45 years old - and what's so ironic is that his wife died exactly two years ago the same date. I think he died of a broken heart. Jim was such a sweet boy - I always called him a boy, and my son also, who is 41. He loved his wife so much that it was just so hard for him to be without her. So, he is being cremated and placed next to Felicia. I know this is not what Ms. Felicia wanted for him, but she wasn't here to ying/yang with him. He will truly be missed. He was the only one of Jim's family that treated me with any kind of decency. Long story - am going to forget that they ever existed in my life. Too many other things for me to think about.

I'm going to see a very special person in a couple of weeks. One of my friends that I found while getting my business started again is Barb from Plum Pudding Needlearts. She is one of the most down to earth people I know and she's invited my friend Jeanne and I to come to CT to visit her. I can't wait to get away from the house even if it's only for a few days. My SIL Millie and Julie are going to be taking care of Jim - just enough time to recharge my batteries so to speak. I'm sure they'll do fine with everything.

I guess that's all for now - wish I had better news - but alas, this wonderful boy that I knew is no longer. He will always be there in my heart.

Thursday

2008-08-14T15:52:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone who reads this. Today is Thursday - didn't get a whole lot done today except for going to get a mammogram. That is something that is so important to me. With Felicia passing away with her breast cancer, I tell everyone that will listen to go and get a mammogram. I must have passed it, as they didn't call me back for more x-rays. The gal that did the mammogram also worked at St. Mary's Hospital in the Radiology Department when I did, and we chatted the whole time, and it was a piece of cake. They also have a place right inside the room to put the cassette in and the pictures comes onto the computer for everyone to see. It was amazing. I saw a good sized bleb of something on the screen, but then was told it was only fatty tissue. WHEW. I've got little boobs anyway, and if you take away any of it, I'll be flat chested.

Anyway - enough of that.

Jim is doing very well. He wore himself out the last few days - and between getting the garage in order and the basement, he's driving not only me, but himself crazy. He says that he dreams about what he needs/wants to do that day - woah - take it a little easy until you get your sea legs. LOL

We got our 'real' water in yesterday - it's only taken 40 years to get. I LOVE it. I took a long shower today - the water is so soft - and it only takes a bit of shampoo for my hair to lather up. It was wonderful.

We went to dinner tonight to celebrate the water and the fact that Jim has taught me how to install a carburetor on his John Deere. Yep, I can do that now - along with doing some of the plumbing and some electrical stuff. Not my favorite things to do, but at least now I don't feel as though he has to do everything. He is fairly patient with me when I ask him how to do things.

Tomorrow is the last day of work - and I'll miss my kids until next summer. I stopped with Jim today to see the kids off and had lunch with them. It's only three weeks until we go back to work and I'll be glad to go, although I don't think I'll like the winter again.

That's about it - nothing really new here.

Until next time.

Sunday, Sunday

2008-08-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all who care to listen to my voice about things. It's Sunday again, and although Sunday is better than Monday, they are almost neck and neck. Nothing happens around here on Sunday, although it is a day off.

Theresa, John (her new DH) and the kids were here this week. I wish that I had had more time to spend with them, but when either Theresa or Tom comes home, it's always busy with them visiting people they never get to see. I am not one of those pushy Mom's who has to be in the forefront, when they have time, it's OK. John is a very nice person, and I would have liked to have gotten to know him better.

We have a well, which means we have a well pump, and the pump is now not working properly. So, everytime I want water for something, either to flush the toilet, wash the dishes, brush my teeth, etc. I have to go down to the basement to turn on the pump via the breaker. What a pain in the butt, but hopefully by tomorrow night, this will be fixed. We are getting 'city water' finally. I think we are the only people on our road who are still on a well. The only down thing to this is that I'm going to have to give up my spring water - that's part of the bargain. BUT that's ok - not having to depend on a well pump is great - so now even when we lose power, I can still have water coming into the house.

I've been stitching but yesterday I found a BIG error on one of the things I'm model stitching - so I had to frog quite a bit to get back to where the problem was. Hopefully today this will be done and I can get it back to the designer. She's a very patient lady and a true friend.

I will wait to hear from Theresa that she got back home to NC safely. She and the family spent the night at the cottage last night to get an early start this a.m. She still has over a 10 hour drive. I will miss her terribly but good thing I've got a phone that has unlimited talking.

Jim is doing wonderfully on his 4-drain a day dialysis instead of the overnight. He seems to have more pep and energy and is almost like a new man. He still gets tired very easily, but he seems to be getting more things done than in the past. Hopefully this will keep up. Just wish I wasn't tied to the dialysis bags like I am.

I guess that's it for now - will try to keep up my blog better.

Jim's Sick (Again)

2008-07-18T04:45:00.001-07:00

OK - he's in the hospital again, no fault of his own, but I'm feeling like such a shit because I'm supposed to be going away this coming Thursday and thinking and blaming him that I might not be able to go. Peritonitis is such a terrible thing to have to happen to a dialysis patient, but I've been taking care of him almost 24/7 for the last two and a half years, and I need to get out of here and away from him for a few days. Jim is not the easiest person to take care of, not physically, but mentally. Physically it's easy - give him his meds, make his meals, remind him to do things that he forgets to do - but mentally seeing him sit in a chair every day because he can't get out and walk around (he's legally blind), gets scared if he walks in the driveway because he can't see the end and might walk into the road. I am going to avidly look into the Association for the Blind to see what is available for him to get out and do. He used to be such a 'get up and go' person, and now it's all gone.

Anyway - cross your fingers for me that things work out and I can get to CT for the retreat. I know in my heart that it's not his fault, but there is always something that comes up that I don't get to do things.

I know, I'm selfish at times, but this time, I really need to go away.

Birthday and Anniversary Woes

2008-06-06T08:32:00.001-07:00

OK - I'm on a mission here - a mission to let people know that I exist. Not only on a birthday or an anniversary, but on any given day.

This past Saturday was my birthday - not a milestone one, but one that to me was important nevertheless. My husband completely blocked the day out of his memory bank, and even after I nudged him a few times about what day it was, he wasn't buying. The buying part was the part I was trying to get across. No card, no flowers, no candy, no present, nada. At about 8 pm I told him that he'd better get in contact with the guy who should be coming with either my card, my cake, etc. He refused to see the humor in what I was saying. He's been eating grumble soup for days now. I am speaking to him only if I am spoken to. It's just amazing how many things I can answer 'yes' or 'no' to. Now before you think I'm just a grubbing person, it's been years since he acknowledged my birthday. Sometimes I get a card that he has my daughter pick up for him, and in his defense, he can't drive anymore because he is legally blind. BUT it doesn't take much for him to ask Julie to get a card, and maybe some flowers of the day for me.

Now, since the birthday is over, our anniversary is on Monday - so we shall see what happens on that day after putting up with the nonsense for l8 years. He used to tell me that because my birthday was the end of May and our anniversary was the beginning of June, that two presents weren't needed. Weren't needed - you mean none.

Why are men born without the gene that makes women happy? Or should I say most men? I know gals whose husbands are wonderful - they go shopping by themselves, they pick things out that they know their wife will like/appreciate, and others get nada? Since I have a son, I was adamant that he learn about these things so that whomever they married would not live like I do. LOL

Anyway - got that off my chest now - it's Friday - and hopefully on Monday will have something positive to say - if not, then he's up for the grumble soup again.

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T18:37:00.001-07:00

Hello - what exactly is Mother's Day? Is it a day where you are supposed to put your Mom on a pedastal or is it a day that your Mom gets unnoticed, or how do you think your Mom feels when no one remembers until the end of the day? Now, I didn't get unnoticed, all three kids contacted me, and I did get a couple of presents, good presents, but I get presents that I think they would like because "I never know what to get you" or "you have everything already". SO, in that vein, I will tell my children what I'd like, and what I don't have. I would like a pedicure, I would like some new PJ's, I would like a GC for a haircut, and I would like a GC from Barnes & Noble.

If I am so hard to buy for, why can I think of great things to give to me?

Theresa's birthday is Saturday - so a present will be going in the mail on at least Wednesday for her to have it directly on her day. I have put lots of thought into what to get her, and hopefully she'll like it.

I love being a Mom, just not on Mother's Day.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

2008-05-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon. I am in such a dither - we've not had a kitchen sink for two days - that means everything we eat, we either have to use the microwave oven with paper plates, or get take out. Yesterday we went and got Chinese, and today had the leftovers. We did have someone come today and look at the plumbing, but he wanted to tear out everything and have us start again. Where are you supposed to get the money for that I wondered? SO, I have called another plumber and guess what, no call back yet. Guess they have more work than they need, so they don't need any money.

Anyway - have been working very little on my stitching for the past week or so. Am doing better as far as my mental health, but with my knees, elbows, etc. bothering me, am wondering if I have fibromyalgia. Am going to see the MD this month at some point, so will ask and see if this is indeed the FM. Hope not - maybe it's just a healthy dose of arthritis - I know I have this in my knees, but don't know about the elbows.

SO, nothing else new here - Jim is still great - although you wouldn't think so. He still sits in his chair all the time with a blanket on him - and just cannot make him believe that he is not sick. I think he's been sick for so long that he just doesn't comprehend that he could get better.

That's it for now. Adios.

Thursday, close to Friday

2008-05-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone - about time I put into words what's been going on.

I have been stitching some, but not a lot - for some reason, I have been out of sorts. Nothing wrong that I can put a finger on, but just not me. I put in a few stitches, and then get called away for something, and then don't get back to it. BUT this will pass I know.

Have just made an appointment for a mammogram. It's been a couple of years, so it's about time. I still have to call and make an appointment for a DEXA scan and then to see the GYN. The doc I see is wonderful - we talk about computers or billing while he does his exam, so I don't mind going. I've had him for so many years that it's almost a pleasure to see him yearly.

I've been working on planning a retreat for July. The gals and I are all going to be meeting in Connecticut with Barb Cooley from Plum Pudding. She's a really nice person and it'll be good to meet her in person. We have these long talks on the phone, and good thing I use my cell phone or she calls me as she has unlimited long distance.

We have a May Day picnic today at the bus garage. Should be fun.

Well, that's about it for now - will write again soon.

Wednesday

2008-03-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all - or no one - depends on if anyone is looking or if they've gotten used to not seeing anything new so won't even bother looking.

I have been busy - between working and taking care of things around the house, and stitching, and stitching and stitching. I have a few finishes and also some new items up on the walls. If I can ever figure out how to move things from the picture area to the blog, will do so.

Anyway - things are not terribly new around here. Jim has gotten ALL of his MD appointments with a clean bill of health. No cancer, nothing new in the renal department, his heart is good, and yet he's just content to sit and do nothing. Hope his new blood pressure med (it is supposed to increase his B/P) gives him some more energy. He has absolutely none.

Easter was good - nothing out of the ordinary - quiet - my SIL Millie and my nephew Matt came and a friend of Julie's. We had a lovely dinner, ham, quiche, and fresh asparagus. YUMMY - and we finally finished up the quiche this morning.

Things are getting better with the cross stitch business, which is great. I've picked up a few more customers and also added quite a few places for me to order. I now order Threadworx floss and they are making the same colors as Needle Necessities. Pretty, pretty colors. www.threadworx.com Also Carriage House Samplings and others.

I finished up the exclusive from Busy Needle, and picked up great material to finish it off into a pillow. Will take a pic of it when I get it done hopefully this w-e.

OK - now I'm back to blogging, but this is just a sample of what I've been doing. Will write more later.

Bye

Terrible Thursday

2008-01-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I've written, don't even know if I remember how to do it. I've been so busy lately with Jim, and Julie has been home with bronchitis for two weeks, so instead of one patient, I've had to take care of two.

Let's see if I remember any highlights of my life for the past month or so. Christmas came and went, and nothing special happened.

New Year's Eve was spent being mad at Jim, we were invited to go to a party, and before I even made a final plan, did ask him if he wanted to go. He said 'yes' and that should have alerted me that something was up. The morning of the party, he decided he didn't want to go, so I spent the better part of 4 days not talking to him. It wasn't the idea that we weren't going to the party, I didn't care one way or the other, but after he had me make a cheesecake (that wasn't cheap by the way) he didn't want to go. SO, I took the cheesecake to work on Wednesday, and the people there didn't care that it had been made a few days earlier. Actually I like to make the cheesecake at least a day earlier, lets the flavors really blend well.

SO, with going back to work, I finally got my new bus. I don't know many women who would get excited about getting a bus, but I was ecstatic. After using a bus that had over l00,000 miles on it, a brand new bus with less than l,000 miles on it was wonderful. The kids that I drive, I told everyone that I drive special needs kids, were jumping up and down on the seats because there actually was some give to them, and one of the boys who likes cars, said that the bus was like a Cadillac. Not quite, but close.

I finally got a haircut last week. The last week of June of last year I went for a haircut and the stylist went a little crazy with the scissors and I walked out of there looking like I was growing my hair back after having chemo - I kid you not - it was that short. It has taken 7 months to actually 'need' a haircut - and it was more for a style than anything else. My hair is snow white and really needs to be kept short and decided to get a 'wedge', so that's what I asked for. I love it. So easy to take care.

Friends have gotten together for stitching, and I am happy about that. A few of us are meeting this Sunday at Barnes & Noble for stitching. It's hard to find places to go unless we go to one another's houses - and sometimes that's not the easiest thing to do.

My grandchildren are all good. Gabby had her llth birthday on the 3lst of December - she's getting to be so big. All but Gabs went to Washington state to see their father for Christmas - Theresa couldn't come home, and Tom and his family didn't come home either. It was a very quiet, dismal day.

Oh well, I guess that's it for now. Will write again when I'm not in a funk.

T-giving week Monday

2007-11-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Monday and it's Thanksgiving week and I'm searching for things to give thanks for:

1) Jim is feeling well.
2) Theresa (oldest daughter) is moving into her new house this w-e, which is good, but that means she won't be home for the holiday.
3) Julie (youngest daughter) is still working and her car is running.
4) Tom (only son) has just bagged his second deer.

For these items above I am thankful.

Now to get on to the non-thankful things.

I have a bathroom that I hate. I have a house that I almost hate.

I hate the kitchen, it has no counters, and I can't believe that when my DH and his ex put up the house, she had any sayso in the kitchen. It's ugly, brown floor, brown cabinets, formica counters where there is a counter, and a sink that needs to be changed. BUT, you'd think that things were just put in last week instead of almost 40 years ago. When Jim put the house up, he put things in that he knew would last, and last they did - and I can't kill anything.

SO, on to the bathroom, the floor is the same pattern as the kitchen, except it's in white. Now why in God's name would people put in a bathroom floor that is white with 3 kids tramping in and out? Beats me - I wouldn't do it. AND on top of everything else, it has a pattern that has ups and downs in it. SO, there I was yesterday on my hands and knees cleaning out the downs in the floor. I am so stupid at times, my back just got better, and there I was, cleaning the floor on all fours.

On a different note, I finished up my ornament for the Prairie Schooler exchange and if I can figure out how to do it, will send a pic of it at the end of the week. I want to wait until my partner gets it and has a chance to either 'yeah' or 'nay' it. LOL

I haven't been stitching much, too many other things to do.

We are having a very untraditional turkey day this year - no big bird - my Mom is probably moving around in her cremation urn because there's not a 30 pounder in my stove. BUT with only 5 people to cook for, why bother. I remember Mom getting up in the middle of the night to put the 30 lb bird in - nope, can't do that. SO, we are having turkey breasts instead, and for Milly (my SIL) who likes dark meat, I am cooking two turkey legs.

BUT I do have lots to be thankful for. My grandchildren are all well and doing great in school, they are well adjusted, and are good kids. My children are all good as are their partners.
Jim is doing as well as he has been for the past year - he is cancer free.

All in all, a lot to be thankful for.

Happy Saturday

2007-11-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

I am pain free - finally - was off of work all this week due to a back problem - zigged instead of zagged, so to speak and had to be out of work. Not that I mind being out of work, but when you don't feel well, it's terrible. Had to take Flexeril for the spasms and Vicodin for the pain, but the two of them made me loopier than usual and put me to sleep, so not a lot accomplished this week. Anyway, the pain is gone, hurrah.

Have worked on Spencer's stocking but it's such a slow go at the bottom of the stocking. I'm almost finished with that and once I get into the main body of the stocking, it'll be fine. Hopefully that will happen either today or Monday. Tomorrow I go and give my first 'live' Tastefully Simple party, www.tastefullysimple.com and while I've had orders go in for book parties, going and showing the products is second to none. Such good products.

Not much else doing here, quiet this morning, Jim is still in bed. We do have to drive down to the cottage again today, forgot Jim's medications and his glucometer last week when we closed it. SO, off to spend another $30.00 in gas to go and get the items. BUT it's a nice day today and with the sun shining and it being crisp outside, it'll be nice. The car is nice and warm and I don't mind driving at all.

I went to the nicest little gift shop yesterday, called The Enchanted Rose, and they had the nicest things there that you wouldn't fine anywhere else. Got a couple of presents, and for a couple of people, they are done for Christmas. Had lunch with Jeanne and she met Julie and I there to do a bit of shopping too. Have to order some other things on line, and go to the mall at least once for getting in the Christmas mood.

We have a couple of new Lizzies join this week - welcome to Sue and to Stacy - and hope they find the Lizzie group to be happy and helpful. Stacy had been a member a while back but had to leave because of family. I know this feeling, and it isn't fun.

I guess that's it for now - will write hopefully tomorrow - and will post a picture if I can figure out how to do it of the stockings and their non-completion.

Sunday, Sunday

2007-10-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello again, another Sunday, and nothing much to report, but then again, once I get going, maybe something will come of it.

I guess I do have some good news to report. My daughter #1 had hurt her hand at a job she had about a year ago, and hasn't really been able to work at a job that is repetitious. Recently she took a job that required her to use her hand and it was just too hurtful for her to do. So, she had to quit her job even though it was one that was paying her benefits, and she decided to call the insurance company and ask for a settlement. To her surprise and mine, they are paying her very well - and hopefully now she'll be able to get some kind of job that will limit the amount of movement of her hand. She won't have to take just any kind of job, she'll have time to look around and get something that she'll be able to stick to.

On another note, my baby turned 34 yesterday - where do the years go? She is a wonderful girl most of the time, LOL. The others are 41 and almost 39, and it seems like yesterday that they were babies and they actually needed me.

I've been doing lots of stitching, and it really feels good to have some finishes. Stitched two bands that I'm going to make into pillows for DD#1 and DIL and have to finish up two stockings for the smallest grandchildren - both boys - one is finished and ready to be made into an actual stocking and the other is in progress with the stitching. I've also got 7 ornaments stitched and ready to be finished. The other is an ornament that I signed up to do for the Prairie Village group - it's turning out very nice. I've got such a wonderful idea for finishing it, just have to pay attention to what I'm doing with it.

Since no one will be here for T'giving or Christmas, it's going to be very quiet around here for the Holidays, just Jim and I most of the time, and Julie is in and out a lot. I'll have to rely on friends for companionship during the holidays. Most of them are going to be around, and we can get together for stitching and chatting.

Was going to NYC in early December, but this might be put off for a bit, have to call my sister Lee tonight or tomorrow and find out what's going on. She wants me to see everything that NY has to offer. I called her today and she now has a Wegman's supermarket not too far from her, and she's loving it, goes all the time to see what's new.

I went and had coffee with a friend today, got rid of a lot of stitching items that she had ordered, so I am flush again with money, LOL. Bid on a couple of items from ebay, but lost both of them, will try again or just go to the store and purchase what I want. Makes me mad that I lose track of what time the items are going off and then don't win them. Oh well, so be it. If it was meant to be, they'd be mine.

Enough for today, back to laundry, cleaning up the kitchen, etc. Will write again later.

Sunday (I think)

2007-10-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning all. It is morning I think. Sunday morning, at almost 4:30 a.m. What am I doing up so early, you say. Well, the dog sleeps on the bed, the other dog sleeps on the bed, Jim's dialysis pump goes off early in the morning (as he's too tired to sleep on his side for the drains), and I have to get up and get the cats out of the bedroom. That's why I'm up at 4:30 a.m.

Anyway, things here are hectic. I have decided NOT to do the typing job as I was afraid that if I started doing a job that the lady says is about 2 hours a night, it will turn in to an overnight and I really can't do that. I have started another job with Tastefully Simple, and that is doing wonderful. The items sell themselves, and they are delicious. SO, if anyone needs/wants/can't live without something, please let me know.

I have also had a lot of requests for the Breast Cancer Awareness chart that Barb has designed. One gal has already sent her finished picture for all to see, and that will be posted on the website. I had no idea that 'free' items got so many requests.

I have also been working very hard on the stockings for Christmas for Spencer and Jackson. Jackson's is already done, but Spencer's is the one I'm working on. It's a slow go, but it'll be finished and ready for Santa to fill this year.

Other than that, things are quite the same. Nothing new around here to report - getting ready to close the cottage and that's sad for me - only been there about 3 times this summer. We'll be going down probably the last w-e this month to do that. Doesn't take but a couple of hours to do, but it's still something else to add to my busy schedule.

I guess that's about it for now - can't think of anything else at this point in the morning, so will close now and maybe do some other lamenting later on today.

Thursday's Children

2007-09-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all - can't believe it's been almost a full month since my putting anything into words. I guess my life is so mundane, can't think of anything new.

I have been working, working, working - between the school bus driving, and cleaning house, have been stitching quite a bit - that is my sanity. I love to just sit down even for a few minutes and pick up a needle and get going. Unfortunately, I think I have ADD or something like that as after about 15 minutes I have to get up and go and do something else, and then I'm back to stitching.

I have taken on another job, it's going to be typing at night working for a laboratory typing gross pathology reports. I won't start probably until next week. I also have become a Tastefully Simple consultant. I love their products, believe in them wholeheartedly, and since I like to eat (and anyone who knows me knows this), this is a great way for me to make some new things for the family. No one likes to eat grilled cheese once a week, at least I don't.

I think I am going to take on another job, but it's related to stitching. I am going to see about finishing up some items for other people. Have done this in the past when I had the brick and mortar store and it worked out pretty well. So far the only items I've finished off are mine and my daughter Theresa's, so would be good to see some other people's stitching.

Nothing new in the way of Jim - he's doing great - and for this I am truly grateful. I don't know what would happen if he were to get sick again - I know that we'd take it one day at a time like we did before, but it'd be rough. Watching someone get sicker and sicker is not fun for anyone.

My kids on the school bus have been so funny. As many of you know, the children I take to school all have some sort of disability. One of my guys who is in middle school likens himself to an FBI agent, and what's so funny is that he truly believes it. He came out of his house yesterday and announced "So, you don't think I am FBI - right?" I said OK Jon - show me your badge, and he pulled out a piece of paper that said FBI on it - and that was his ID tag. Too funny, they keep me in stitches most of the time with their goings on and every day I am so happy that my little people (children/grandchildren) are all well and having normal lives. Theresa and her new beau John will be coming from NC for Thanksgiving with the kids. I can't wait. It seems so long since I've seen them, and they grow so fast. It's hard to keep up with what their life is doing.

Well, I guess that's about it - have sat for more than usual - LOL

Will write later. Have wonderful days.

It's Monday and I thought today was Sunday

2007-09-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Ah well, that's my life in a nutshell. Never knowing what day it is. I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night almost in a sweat, not knowing what day it is. Now for some, that's fine, but I have this thing about knowing what day it is, what the date is, and where I am. Jim and I went to the lake this past Friday - and I woke up on Saturday morning not knowing where I was. DUH - it was me who wanted to go.

Today I thought it was Sunday all day, even though I went to a lovely picnic yesterday and I knew it was Sunday. It wasn't until the TV came on this afternoon and Oprah was on that I realized that today wasn't Sunday, but Monday. Since I have to start working again on Wednesday, maybe this is my way of telling myself that I don't want to go back to work, which is very far from the truth. I am one of those people who likes to work, and take on the challenges that every day brings taking kids back and forth to school, and since I drive the special needs children, this too is a challenge.

I have been stitching Quackworth Sampler from Ink Circles and loving every stitch of it. I am doing it with Wildflowers floss in the Spice color and it's amazing how much is done already. I started it on either Monday or Tuesday of last week and I'm already almost half finished. I can't believe that it has held my attention this long.

Julie leaves for SC on Wednesday - she'll be gone for a week and a half, so this means I'll be having to stay home at night with Jim unless I can get him to go out with me if I do indeed need to go out. I'll probably be so tired that I'll stay in too.

Nothing much else to chat about - will post again in a few days.

Thursday, Thursday

2007-08-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Good early afternoon - have been busy doing laundry, doing dishes, and waiting for the mailman, to no avail. I was hoping that he was going to bring me some new items for the shop, but not today, so will wait until tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a busy day too - I have to go and pick up the packet for bid day on Tuesday - this means that I'll get a chance to bid on the bus run that I'd like to have. It doesn't always work out, but hopefully tomorrow no one else will want the run I had last year. It worked out great - time off in the middle of the runs so that if Jim had an MD appointment, I could take him, or if I just wanted to go to lunch with one of the gals I could.

I am so looking forward to going back to work - the tedium of being home is killing me - I just don't know how other people stay home all the time. Every time I think I have to go and get something, my sensible voice says to stay home, get something else done, why waste the gas. I'd like to throw that voice out the window and just go and do what I want without having to pay the consequences for it. I do have to go out today and get some new speakers and a new pair of headphones for the computer. I am going to start working from home in the evenings when school starts and instead of having the bulky headphones from long ago, Ms. Jeanne tells me that I can use something like the iPOD earphones. How great is that??????

Have been working on Trix or Treat from Blackbird Designs - should have it finished by the w-e so that I can banner it. I bought some cool material from the local quilt shop for it and I know it's going to be great.

Well, I guess that's about it - will post again tomorrow or Saturday -

A DIFFERENT SATURDAY

2007-08-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a different kind of day - I thought we were going to the lake, but didn't, so made the best of it and didn't do anything. LOL I got up fairly early, and made coffee, and then proceeded to get on-line. For some reason, the computer decided that it didn't want to work properly, and Julie ended up going to Time Warner and got a completely new modem. It's working now, so I'm making the best of it.

Jim and Felicia had given us a gift certificate to a Greek restaurant here in Rochester, named Mykonos. I called and asked them about the GC since it was two years old and we just hadn't been able to go, as Jim was in the hospital most of last year - and I was told by the owner since it was two years old, that they were only going to give us 50% of the total amount - and since the original amount was $50.00 - that was not acceptable to me, and explained that there was no expiration date on the GC. FINALLY, she agreed to give us the full amount of the GC after I faxed the GC to her so she could see that there was no expiration. DO I LIE? I didn't think so.

We went, and the meal was at best OK. The appetizer that we got was wonderful - six artichoke hearts with kalamata olives, white wine, lemon, and feta cheese. This was the high point of the meal. Jim ordered a steak, his was done to perfection and there was no waste at all. I ordered steak au poivre - and I know how this is supposed to be cooked, and it wasn't. Not only could I not cut the steak - there was no taste to it at all. SO, I sent it back and got another one, but this too, was just OK. SO, I brought it home with me - no use fighting. I did tell the owner about the problems - but she offered nothing except that they had a new chef. Amazing that there are restaurants in Rochester who are so bad, who have such a good reputation. Guess I should have ordered lamb.

I finished a piece today - called You Are My SunShine by Erica Michaels. I did it for Jim's dialysis nurse and am going to make a banner out of it. Have to go to the local quilt shop tomorrow to pick up some material that will make it stand out. I did it on 32 ct antique white linen, and the colors just pop.

Also got the new charts today from Erica Michaels - mainly We The People and Toil and Trouble. Have to get them into the mail on Monday to those who ordered. Hopefully on Monday the new Lizzies will be here too, and they can go out at the same time.

I guess that's about it - nothing else to report - so will write again in a few days.

ANOTHER MONDAY

2007-08-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

It's Monday again, can't believe it. Where do the weeks/months/years ago? It seems just yesterday that my children were getting ready to go to school in a couple of weeks, and now it's me getting ready to go to school, only not school per se, but driving the kids to and from school. Where does the time go?

Went shopping today with my friend Janice - we went 'fat quarter' shopping at our local quilt shop, named Betty's, right here in Spencerport. She was having a sale - $1.00 a fat quarter and I purchased 21 fat quarters. So many, but I have lots of pillows to make (small ones) and also backs for Christmas ornaments.

I've got some pictures of what I purchased today, but cannot figure out how to get them here - so will have to wait until I find out what to do - how to do it. I am so saavy in other areas, but apparently not in this one.

The w-e was unremarkable. Jim and I were supposed to go to the lake on Saturday and Sunday, but he's not feeling up to par again - he's sleeping a lot, and while I know this is part of the disease, it makes it hard for me to plan anything. Today he's sleeping but he's got to get up soon for dinner.

I guess I'll go, and hopefullyI'll figure out how to find the pictures I took today.

MONDAY, MONDAY

2007-08-06T04:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it's raining - finally - and it would be such a nice day to be in, but alas I have to take the little munchkins today to the Strong Museum - a wonderful place for them to play - but for me, BORING. I've been there at least six times in the past two years, and the only thing that holds my attention is the butterfly exhibit.

We went to Felicia's memorial service on Saturday - not a dry eye in the house. We drove up to a bagpiper playing and that started me crying. How sad. She wrote the eulogy herself, wanted to thank everyone who was there for being in her life. If she only knew how important SHE was to us. Her sister and brother got up to talk about her, and what a wonderful sister she was. She had such an unhappy childhood, and was actually glad to reach adulthood. Then when it was over, the bagpipes started again. It was so poignant. She will be missed terribly. Her husband seems to be doing pretty good and he had family around him the last couple of weeks, so I think it'll hit him hard when he realizes that she isn't coming home this time. I'll call him every few days, and have his father call him too.

I have been working on ornaments for the group - have finished three already and am going to start another today. Then next week I can go to the local quilt shop and pick up some fat quarters that are on sale for $1.00 each. I can definitely go crazy with the fat quarters for the finishing of the ornaments. Hopefully everyone will finish theirs differently, and I can put up a small tree this year for Christmas - we haven't had a tree in years.

Am going to be starting another job the early part of September. I'm going to be typing for one of the labs, doing gross pathology reports - not gross like yuck - but the first report to go to the pathologist. It's only for a couple of hours a night, so should do OK.

I guess that's about it for today - have to get ready to take those little monsters.

BACK FROM RETREAT

2007-07-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

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.

A Sad Sunday

2007-07-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Friday

2007-07-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

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.

A worrisome Wednesday

2007-07-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Monday

2007-07-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Sunday

2007-07-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Saturday

2007-07-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Friday

2007-07-13T06:29:00.001-07:00

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.