Monday, November 30, 2009

Monday 11.30.2009

Can you believe it's the last day of November?? 

I slept ok, overall.  The alarm came on and I got up and ready for work. Daniel got up at 5 and did the same.  We breakfasted and headed out.

A safe drive down, thank you God, and the shuttle took me over to the hospital.  We had a good day today with a good group.  Even if it was just 3 of us to start with.  With the patient census shifting as it does, we left tonight with 10 patients.  I may or may not work tomorrow, though I have to go in to participate in a "peer interview", the last of the candidates for the current open positons. 

I drove home in the dark and arrived safely, thanks again, and Dan was trying to stay awake in his chair.  We chatted a bit, but he went on to bed a short while ago.  I checked email, wrote here, and I'll be off to bed, too.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Sunday 11.29.2009

I slept a little more comfortably, as the cabin had warmed up, and got up about 8:30.  30 degrees, quiet, and frosty this morning.  The lake was mirror quiet with the buffleheads splashing and diving.  There are maybe 30 of them or so now in their group.  Fun to watch.

KS got up too, and we gathered our things together, getting ready to leave, and had breakfast.  I stepped outside onto the (covered) back porch, surprised that everything was dripping as the frost was melting.  And more birdsong and bird and squirrel activity than I've heard/seen in the last couple of times I've been there.  I would have liked to stay out and listen and watch, but 1.) it's cold, and 2.) we have a time frame to leave by.  So, I thanked God for the beauty of the moment and for letting me enjoy it.

We were on the road about 10:40.  We had a good drive south, coming into light rain just north of Saginaw.  Kathy, Tom, and I got her things out of the car, and he and I visited a bit while KS got ready for an afternoon luncheon.  We said, and hugged, our goodbyes, and I continued on my way.

I had a good drive in the rain, getting home about 3.  Dan was home and greeted me and helped me unload.  I was hungry, so as my food was warming I unpacked, started laundry, etc. 

The rest of the evening we've visited, catching up on the last few days.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

Thank you God for this life, for safe travels, and friends and family.

And thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Saturday 11.28.2009 New Porch Roof

Oh, what a beautiful day!!!  The sun woke me this morning about 0800 and I repositioned and went back to sleep.  I woke again a short while later and decided to get up.  I didn't know what time the contractors were arriving to install the roof over the back porch at the JC.

I washed up and got ready for the day.  KS was up shortly after me.

The sun was fighting with the light cloud cover and winning, with the temps about 30 degrees.  The bufflehead ducks were out diving and splashing--different behaviors than the mallards that have been here all summer.  The buffleheads have been fun to watch. 

We breakfasted and had an enjoyable morning.  I was a bit antsy, watching for them to arrive.  The phone rang about 10--it was TruExteriors' guy named Guy--saying they were approaching Hale and How do we get there?"  I told him, and their truck with trailer arrived shortly.  I went out to greet them.

As Guy and I were exchanging pleasantries and looking at the project, I heard a noise and looked up--OH MY GOSH---IT"S THE EAGLE!!!!!  I exclaimed, as I grabbed his arm.  He looked up to see the huge wingspan, and we watched it dip below the roofline over the lake.  It had been sitting in the top of our pine tree in the front yard.  That's a good way to start a project, he said.


Guy and his helper, Jeremy, were two very personable young men, who did an excellent job, measuring two, three times, cutting carefully, looking before proceeding, etc.  At one point Guy asked for a bucket, rubber gloves, and a hose, and cleaned the gutters on both the house and garage!!!  What?!?  How cool is that!! 

Guy asked if I could come up onto the roof.  I could...Jeremy moved the ladder over and held it for me.  Guy showed me some trouble spots up there that would only (only) take a couple hundred dollars and an afternoon to do.  Ok, I told him, do what you need to do, to ward off future problems.  (I was thinking "a stitch in time saves nine..." or "gee, I wish I would have had Guy do those spot fixes instead of having to repair major water damage for a thousand dollars")  He/they will do it on an open afternoon.



Three hours later, the job was done, picked up, put away, and KS and I have taken pictures of most of the project.  Here is the finished product...

It looks soooo nice, much more inviting.  The winter sun is lower in the sky and will come across, as you can see, but the summer sun is higher in the sky, so the door wil be shaded, keeping the back of the house a little cooler.  At least, I hope so.

They left a little after 2.  Kathy and I needed lunch, so we went into Hale, to Big Bob's, and had a lovely meal.  From there we went over to the hardware store to look around.  I found one of those clear plasic window kits with the thought of creating a storm window for this back door. 

We rode around the lake, stopping and walking around some of the homes that are for sale.  Interesting.  The ones we saw had not been "updated" since about the 1960's if not before that, and if at all.

Back at the JC we had a pleasant evening enjoying each other's company.  I was able to put that plastic on the frame of the screen, thus creating the "storm window" that will keep out the wind.

We'll be getting things together in the morning and heading back.  It's been a wonderful day--sunny, low 40's, mild breeze. 

Thank you Lord for this gift of life and good friends to share it with.

And thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Friday 11.27.2009

The radio came on this morning.  Ugh.  I got up and got ready for work after sleeping inbetween periods of wakefulness. 

We had both left, but I went back in for something, and when I came back to the car, there was a message on the phone.  Dan.  He said it was really slick out and to be careful.  Thanks, Dan, you too.  I got on the highway and noticed that the vehicles were travelling about 60 mph.  Ok.  And then I came to an overpass.  As this was the first time I had driven this car in "weather", I took my foot off the accellerator and coasted over the bridge.  And I was glad I did.  The roadway was greasy and I felt like I didn't have much traction at all.  But I continued to drive with caution and arrived in a timely and safe manner.

We had a good day with a good crew.  And we had discharges that started leaving.  There were 2 people in my job role today.  The census dropped so that we only needed one of us.  And she didn't want to leave.  I stayed through lunches, clocked out after 1 o'clock and headed home.

I got my things together, changed clothes, loaded the car, and headed out.  I stopped at Meijer to refill my water jugs (I've found that the well water doesn't sit too well with me any more) and continued north.  I arrived at T & KS' about 5pm.  We visited for a bit, loaded Kathy's stuff into the car and took off again.

We had an uneventful drive, thank you God, arriving at the Jacque Cabin 7:30 ish.  Beautiful, crisp, 35 degrees.

We unloaded, turned up the radiant heater, but I was unable to get the furnace to stay lit again, so the radiant heater is what we have and we're thankful for it.  That, plus electric blanket on one bed and electric mattress pad on the other.  We'll be fine.  Now if it were to stay below freezing.....

After a while we decided to go out for a flashlight walk.  We bundled up in winter hats, coats, scarves, and gloves.   The moon was nearing full and was quite bright.  The clouds were moving quickly in the sky, too, giving an eerie sensation, like we were moving.  There's no ice on the edges of the lake yet, but some of the leaves on the ground were glistening like they were beginning to freeze.  We walked down to the GC, assuring that all was well there, also.

Back at the JC, the inside temp has come up to 55 degrees.  We are each doing computer stuff, and will be heading off to bed soon.

Tomorrow the people from TruExteriors are to install the new roof system over the back deck.  And we haven't decided if we're going to stay tomorrow night or not. 

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thursday 11.26.2009 Thanksgiving

Two years ago, the day after Thanksgiving, I had the first surgery which removed the cancers at two different sites in my body.  The year that followed was consumed with treatments and side effects.  This past year was all about recovery and hot flashes.  I am thankful today that I am cancer free, the side effects are relatively minimal, and I'm feeling good more often than feeling punky.  (though I'm still hot, and punky still hangs around)

Dan got up and went to work while I finished my sleep, waking to the radio at 0900.  Time to get up.  I showered and got myself ready to go to Flushing to join Dan's family for dinner.  Frank got here about 11 and we left a little while later.

They had a good turnout there, though not as many as the last couple years, as I remember.  But we had a good time, enjoying the company, conversation, and of course the food.  Dan was hoping to be able to leave work early to join us, but it didn't work out that way today.  They sent a plate of food home for him.  When he saw it, he smiled.

Frank and I got back to Holt about 6:30.  It's been drizzly/rainy most of the day and is still doing so.  He stayed another  hour or so before going on to Jackson.

Dan and I visited a bit and he ended up dozing in the chair before going off to bed.  I wrote here, and will gather my things together to take to the lake, as I'm leaving after work tomorrow night.  I'm going to pick up KS on the way.  Don't know if we're coming home Saturday or Sunday; we're going to play that one by ear. 

Safe travels to all who are traveling this weekend.

Thank you for reading, and hug 'em while you got 'em. 

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Wednesday 11.25.2009

I got up this morning when the radio came on.  I was just going to brush my teeth when the phone rang.  Woo Hoo!!  Back to bed I went.  Dan got up a bit later and got ready to go.  I was pulled back from the fog when he told me good bye.  The sounds of the rain lulled me back to sleep.

I woke again about 9.  Wow, I feel better.  I got up and had breakfast, looked at the computer a bit, and noticed that it had stopped raining.  Hmm, I think I'll go out for a jog.

So I did.  It was about 45 degrees, overcast, minimal breeze.  I had a good run.  I came in, cooled off, started laundry, and showered.  And I noticed--I felt really Good!!!  Woo Hoo!!! Praise the Lord!!!

I  had a snack and called Daniel to see what he thought about dinner.  I offered to make something; he agreed.  When I got to doing the actual food prep I found that I didn't have what I thought I had as far as ingredients, so I created something else.  It turned out ok; we weren't hungry any more.

We had a quiet evening.  Dan has gone off to bed. 

Tomorrow Frank and I are going over to the "in-laws"  *grin*  for dinner.  Dan will be joining us after he gets out of work.

I noticed this evening that my upper arm is looking full again, and the wound beds are getting more tender.  Darn lymph fluid anyway.  But I'm thankful to be alive and cancer free.  It's 2 years now since diagnosis, with the first surgery done Thanksgiving Friday.  Wow.  It's been quite the 2 years....

I'm thankful for all of you.  Hug each other.  And me, too.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tuesday 11.24.2009

What a day. I slept fair, Dan got up and went to work, and I got up just before nine. I breakfasted and showered and went to my appointment with Ike.

That was good. She worked on my upper arm quite a bit; also my back and side. Interesting where that fluid goes. We scheduled another appointment in a couple of weeks.

From there I went to the eye place, Lansing Opthalmology. My favorite optician guy, Bob, helped me. I had taken my previous frames with me because my insurance only covers frames every other year. I hoped that we could just put new lenses into those frames, thus saving over $100.

He looked them over carefully, saying that they are no longer made (of course), and we will send them in for the new lenses to be put in. But if something breaks on them they will probably not be able to be repaired. Ok, I said, let's start with that, and if necessary I'll buy frames. No problem. (as I'm thinking ka-ching, ka-ching) And, once we got all the features added onto the lenses, extra thin, photosensitive, progressive lenses, etc, the cost was a whopping $613!! Just for lenses installed in existing frames!! I'm thankful we have vision insurance, which paid $299 of it. Geesh. They should be ready in a couple of weeks. I thanked him, paid the nice girl half of the balance, and went on my way.

I made a couple of phone calls before I left the parking lot, trying to catch up with people. Next stop, Gordon Foods to make the "wish list" for the singing party. I wandered around in there for almost an hour, looking at what's available, writing down sizes and prices. I'll review all that, make a final list, and pick up what I want just before the event. I'm excited about it--so far I'm thinking about 30 guests, and I haven't heard from the other half of them yet. Woo Hoo!!!

I was getting a hungry headache and needed to get some food. I had to stop at CVS yet to pick up my prescriptions, so I did, with a minimal wait of 2 customers ahead of me. There, on to home.

It was almost 4 when I spoke to Dan, who was on the way home. He had a golf lesson at 6, so we decided to go out to Los Tres Amigos for dinner. Yum. I had a snack of Nilla Wafers and milk, though, to help with that headache.

Dinner was great, we got back to the condo where he let me out, and he went on his way. The rest of the evening was quiet. I read some and checked the computer. He has come back, showered, and gone to bed. I'll be on my way, too.

Tomorrow is work for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Monday 11.23.2009

Dan got up and went to work; I went back to sleep. The radio woke me at 0800.

I got up and showered, breakfasted, coffee'd, and headed to Jackson to meet Frank. We met with a loan advisor, as Frank is considering buying a house. This turned out to be a very good meeting. Rene Silva spent 2 hours with us, going over mortgages and the application process, line by line, explaining everything, making sure Frank understood what it is. Mr. Silva is very knowledgeable, and when he asked Frank if he wanted to go ahead with the pre-qualifying application, he said yes. So. Frank is starting the home loan path. I'm excited for him.

When we left the bank (Flagstar) we met at Bob Evans to chew--on what we had just heard and on some tasty food. We'll see how this all plays out....

Frank went on with his day, having to go to work, and I headed north, stopping into Mason Meijer for a few groceries before going home.

I had a cup of coffee and did a bunch of odds and ends. The evening wore on, with Dan finally coming in about 8:45 pm. We chatted, but it wasn't long before he was off to bed.

Tomorrow I see Ike at 11:15, then at 1:00 I go back to the eye place to get new lenses.

My "surrounding" lymph nodes have been sore/tender today. I'm glad I see Ike tomorrow.

Take care of each other. Hugs.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Sunday 11.22.2009

I got up when the radio came on. I felt like I had rested and was surprised when Dan said I was restless during the night. We got ready for the day and headed out.

The fog was kind of creepy this morning, and I just knew that there were animals out and it could be yucky. I did see a couple of smaller ones shmushed, one real fresh that smelled fresh. Ewww.

We had a good day with a good group, sending more than half of the patients home, closing a unit, and staffing down. We'll refill tomorrow....

I had a safe drive home in the dark, thank you God, and the creepy fog was oozing in again. As I was on the circular on-ramp there were at least 2 deer on the right side of the road. They were just standing there, but one never knows when they will move. Geesh.

Dan was home playing with his new phone. We visited some, I read some, then looked at the computer a little before writing here.

I'm tired tonight. I hope I can sleep.

Tomorrow Dan works and hopes to golf, too, and I have an appointment in Jackson.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Saturday 11.21.2009

Tylenol/motrin before bed helps me rest better. I woke about 1:30 then again when the radio came on at 4:28. I reached over and turned it off, intending to get up. I felt Dan touching my hip--it was 4:40. Definitely time to get up.

I got ready, he got up at 5, and we both left for our j.o.b.s.

I had a good day, and since we had discharges one of us had to leave, too, so I did. It was just a couple hours early, but it was nice to have a little shorter day.

A safe drive home, thank you God, and Dan and I visited and marveled about his wondrous iPhone. Oh yes, he got it yesterday. It is pretty cool.

He's gone off to bed, and I'm about there, too. I'm fighting a little nausea. I hope from my meds.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday 11.20.2009

The sounds of the light rain were the background of my night. Dan's "gut" was active and he was up several times, finally taking some Pepto and settling down sometime after 2. I was hot and cold as usual, but I slept after he was better. The radio came on at 0800.

I got up and lingered in the shower. That felt really good. I breakfasted and went to Leah's.

She did a good job on my neck and shoulders. I know I carry tension and such, but I sure don't realize where it is. Until Leah starts working it out. Too soon the hour was up and I was done.

Back home, I had a cup of coffee and talked with Daniel a little. Then I got in the shower again to get the oils washed off. Yes, they are nice, but I don't like wearing it all day. I lingered again. When I had gotten out and looked at the clock, it was time for a snack and off to see Ike.

I had to wait about 15 minutes, as she had gotten behind a couple of clients ago. I listened to my story on my Zen device.

When it was my turn, she looked at my upper left arm and right off started working on it. And that hour seemed to go by quickly, as well.

From there I went to the oncologist's office to get blood drawn in advance of next week's appointment.

Lateeya (or something, sorry) came out to get me, and for the first time out of all the times she has drawn blood from me, had to poke twice. The first one, on the inside of the elbow, bled, but reeeaaaaallll ssslllllloooooooooowwwww. There was enough for one tube, but not the other. The second tube was from my hand. We got enough for the second tube there, but it didn't flow very good. What's up with that?!?? Bottom line is that the specimen was collected, and she ran the CBC and gave me a copy. Those results looked great. Praise the Lord!

Next stop, eye doctor. I got checked in and waited to be called. At this place there are two different technicians that see the patient before the doctor does. The second one was Kim, the girl who rechecked the lenses for me after I had gotten them last year. She remembered the visit more than I did, and reassured me that I'm not the only one that gets glasses that are just a little off, though it doesn't happen very often. Next stop was the doctor's exam room.

He came in after about 5 minutes. After examining my eyes he wrote the prescription out, saying he would "tweak" it a little, helping both eyes to work together. My first thought was Shouldn't that have happened in the first place? and next was "What if this one isn't good either..." But the previous script before this current one was good, so I decided that this current one is the fluke. I thanked him for his time and went out to the desk.

My favorite fitter, Bob, was standing there, and I asked him if he had time to help me. He responded that he didn't, that he was late in leaving as it was, but he'd be happy to see me next week. So I scheduled to see him on Tuesday. I was glad, too, because I was getting a headache. Probably from eye strain of "this way or that way", and it was time to eat again.

Back to the car, over to Meijer. I picked up the few items I wanted, and after getting home, I realize that I had forgotten milk. Shoot. That's why I need a list for more than one thing. Sometimes, even for one thing.

On the way back I stopped to get gas, too. Now I was home.

I fixed dinner and ate. Dan came back from his golf lesson, the first for the season. He was happy.

We spent a quiet evening together. We both work tomorrow, and of course he's gone off to bed. I'm ready, too.

I'm a little sore across the shoulders, but I think Leah did something positive, because my right ear seems to be resolving some. Finally! That's been full at least 2 months now.

I'm off to bed. Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday 11.19.2009

The alarm came on this morning, 0500. Ugh. Although it was a half hour later than a regular work day. Up and at 'em.

I got ready and went to Jackson for the last of the Ed Fair days. I will say I'm glad it's over. Doing the same 10-15 minute spiel over and over gets tedious.

I left there in enough time to get to the dentist's office. It was time for the bite-wing x-rays; she put the lead apron over me, placing it way up under my chin. What?!? Protecting the thyroid gland. Oh. Good. I had a good check up there (look, mom, no cavities!!) and headed home. It was 4:15 and I'm hungry again.

Dan suggested we go out for dinner, so we did. We used a gift card for Applebees. While the food was tasty, we both think it had lots of chemicals--preservatives, seasonings, etc--which made it most unpleasant for us. I ate enough that I wasn't hungry any more, but I don't think I even had half of it, and Daniel said his intestines were churning when he stopped eating. And he passed gas the rest of the evening, starting when we got outside the restaurant. I've been slightly nauseated, too, but I also took my meds, which has that side effect. Bottom line: no more Applebees for us. Unless it's ice cream.

I'm happy that my body likes clean food. I've been drinking water, too, to help flush out the crap.

Tomorrow I start the day with Leah and a massage, then at 1:30 I see Ike. At 3 I go to the oncology center for a blood draw, and from there to the eye doctor for an exam.

Dan has gone to bed, and I'll get there before long.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wednesday 11.18.2009

I finally slept well last night. And it felt good to do so. I woke this morning about 8, just before my phone rang.

It was a co-worker, saying that another of our co-workers had passed yesterday evening. She worked night shift, and when she hadn't gotten up to get ready for work, her husband went to check on her. Slept away. (Isn't that how we all want to go?) She was mid 50's. May the peace of the Lord be with Becky L's family.

I enjoyed my morning with Daniel. He dressed warm to golf, and I went to Jackson to do the interviews (as the interviewer) and then a haircut.

Both events went well and I had a safe trip home, too, thank you God.

Dan wasn't home yet when I got home, but when I spoke with him he had had supper, so I fixed myself some food and was eating when he arrived. We visited some before I went out to the library.

The rest of the evening was quiet. I did a little reading, and a lovely phone call, and Dan went off to bed. It's raining now, and I'll be going to bed also.

Tomorrow it's back to Jackson for the last day of the Ed Fair, with my dental cleaning to follow.

Be good to the people around you; you just never know...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tuesday 11.17.2009

Neither Dan nor I slept very well last night. The alarm finally came on for me at 0630. Arghh.

I got up and got ready to go--and had a safe drive to Jackson in the sunlight.

The unit has gotten busy, with the overflow unit open. So a couple of the stations of the Ed Fair had been moved to different locations within the patient care areas, which were bustling. To have staff in street clothes, some with their ID badges on, coming in and out, was distracting to the staff who were actually working the floor. Everyone did well, though. It was a long day for those of us who were manning (womanning?) a station. And just at 6:30 pm, I had my equipment packed up. Here comes a last group of 3. Ok...

I set my equipment back up, went through what I was supposed to, and got them signed off. As a result, I didn't leave until after 7.

A safe drive home in the dark, thank you God. Lots of raccoons smeared on the road. Big ones. Yuck.

Dan was home when I got there. We visited and spent a quiet evening together. To my surprise, he stayed up until 10:30. I'm tired, too, and will be going to bed soon.

Tomorrow I take part in interviewing 3 candidates for a position, then a haircut at 4 pm.

I've had tylenol/motrin.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday 11.16.2009 On Call, Again

I was up and getting ready when the phone rang. Ok, I'll stay home. I put my pajamas back on, and since Dan was already awake, I stayed up while he got ready. I did some reading and looked around on the internet, and went back to bed about 6:30. I was surprised that I slept until 10:30.

But I felt good when I woke up.

I got up and ready for the day (again) and had breakfast. I made a couple of phone calls, made a grocery list, and went shopping. Dan had called saying he was going golfing after work.

When I got back from the store I put things away and started dinner. It was a seafood/spinach/pasta concoction that was really good.

I cleaned up the kitchen while Dan tried to stay awake, but he gave up about 7:30 and went to bed. I finalized the plans for our Christmas Singing Party for any and all that would like to join us. I rented the clubhouse so we'd have plenty of room.

Tomorrow I work at our Ed Fair again from 8:30-6:30. It could be busy, but since the census is increasing, the turn out could be slow. Hard to say. I'll be there either way.

The side of my rib is sore, like where the side panel of the bra goes. Owwie tender. And at the top of the breast tissue, too. I wonder if the lymphs are filling causing the tenderness.

Whatever it is, I'm glad to be alive and cancer free.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sunday 11.15.2009

Sleeping in "chunks", waking and finding it's only a couple hours later...Dan goes to work, I wake again sometime after sunrise. Dozing, I get up about 9.

I had breakfast and looked at email before going out for a run. Jog, really.

It was beautiful outdoors--sunny, light breeze, 50 degrees. I had a good jog. After cooling down I enjoyed a shower and a snack. Dan would be home soon for supper.

When he got here I fixed nachos, which were yummy. I did a couple loads of laundry, read a little.

Dan fell asleep about 7:30 and has gone to bed.

I've been so hot the rest of the afternoon/evening. Ugh. And I've noticed that my woundbeds are sore, like ouchy sore. It's been a few days since I've had tylenol/motrin. It does make a difference with my comfort level.

We both work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Saturday 11.14.2009

I slept pretty good, in between wakefulness, and didn't hear Daniel much this morning. I woke again when the sun made it's way through the blinds about 0800. I wanted to get up then, anyway, so I would be ready to go to Long Lake when Frank got here, which turned out to be shortly after 10. We got things into the car and headed north. It was 62 degrees and sunny at The Lake.

Jeremy was at the Jacque Cabin when we arrived. It was sooo good to see him. We had enjoyable afternoon together, having lunch at the Bear's Den. When we got back to the lake, we went across the road to see Mary for a minute. Frank and I went out for a paddleboat ride while Jeremy rested. He had only had about 3 hours of sleep since yesterday, driving from South Carolina.

We visited just a little longer before Frank and I headed back south. Jeremy stayed at the cabin to shower ("de-scent") before going back to deer camp, which was just a few miles away.

We had a safe drive home, thank you God. Frank left shortly after.

I am so thankful for my boys, who have grown into wonderful men. It was fun to be together, the three of us. It's been a while.

Tomorrow is laundry and housework; Daniel works.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.



My two boys, Frank and Jeremy

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday 11.13.2009 Lucky Day

I didn't sleep as well as I had hoped, but was glad that I didn't have to get up at 0430. I kind of heard Daniel up and around, but I woke up at daybreak, with the radio coming on at 0800. I listened for a bit before getting up.

It always surprises me when I get up before I "need" to, that I end up looking at the clock and think "whoa, I've gotta go".

I had a safe drive down--in sunshine--thank you God--and clocked in. The rest of the day was very busy, with call lights, telephone ringing, "needy" patients. I was happy to see the oncoming shift, but still stayed over a half hour, what with the call lights and telephone ringing.

A safe drive home, thank You again. Dan had gone to Grand Rapids for a friend's birthday party, so the house was quiet. I realized that I hadn't had supper, so I made a grilled cheese sandwich and enjoyed that, then wrote here. He has called saying he's on the way home.

I'm looking forward to seeing Jeremy tomorrow at the lake. I'll be leaving in the morning for a day trip. I'm pretty tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thursday 11.12.2009

This morning after breakfast and showering, I went to see Leah. She is studying Reflexology, which has something to do with a type of massage on the feet, and I am one of several of her "subjects". Oh, man, did that feel good. I haven't had any miracle breakthroughs on comfort or even hot flashes, but my feet feel better.

I came home, fixed a light lunch, then headed down to Jackson. I'm working at our "ed fair" from 1 to 10 pm.

That worked out really well. We had a good turnout today, with two more days scheduled next week. I finally left there about 10:30. I had to get gas on the way home, too, so I didn't come in until about 11:20.

Of course Dan is in bed. I picked through email and wrote here. I'm off to bed, too.

Tomorrow I go in at 10:30 am. I'm glad I get to sleep until 8. Dan works tomorrow, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Wednesday 11.11.2009 Veteran's Day

To All Who Serve/d: THANK YOU. I'm glad you're back. Or hope you are safe and are able to come home soon. Military personnel and families are soooo under appreciated.


Dan got up and went to work; I went back to sleep, waking about 8:30. The sun was shining. I got up and had breakfast and got ready for the day.

I had a few stops to make today, starting with dropping off prescriptions, then on to groceries. Returned empties, gathered items, stood in line. Finally got through the check-out. Next stop, Target.

I walked through there, but didn't find either of the products on my list. Next....

Library. We have a beautiful library here, and the parking area has just been modified, but there is still no drive-up drop box to return materials. So, out of the car again, walk up to the building, and back to the car.

Next, CVS. I had "bucks" to spend, and had to look around to find the items we needed. I finally did, then went back to pick up the prescriptions. We had several. The person at the counter rang everything up while the last two were being filled, then we finished up.

By this time I was hungry again. I stopped at home, unloaded and unpacked the groceries, had a light lunch, and went back out to pick up the sewing machine.

I got home just before Dan called and said he'd be home soon. I got dinner together and into the oven.

We ate, he did a load of laundry for us, I cleaned the kitchen, and in the evening paid bills.

Tomorrow I see Leah in the morning, then I go to Jackson to work at the "Ed Fair" for our unit. We present new information and review old stuff and do unit specific competencies. I'll be there from 1 until 10 pm. Friday I'll work the floor from 10:30 am -7 pm. (wasn't it nice to get the morning off??)

Saturday, Frank and I are doing a day trip to the Jacque Cabin to see Jeremy, who is coming to Michigan to hunt. And that's the only day I have open to see him.

I'm off to bed soon.

My shoulders are achy, the pesky breast is bothersome, and the temperature instability is annoying. I'm glad to be alive and cancer free. Thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday 11.10.2009 On-Call, Again...

The radio came on, and the phone rang. On Call. Again. It's nice to have enough staff scheduled, but we have 3 of our docs off this week. So our census is down. Ahh, well, back to sleep...

Dan got up and left for work. I woke about 9, feeling energetic. All the things I could do today. First was to get up.

I decided to make bread in the bread machine, and put the ingredients in and started it. Then I had breakfast. While waiting for that to settle, I checked email and read a little.

I went out for a jog, which was very nice. I'm still surprised at the areas I perspire. Like my arms, the left one especially, are moist, and the inside of my elbows actually drip. Who knew?? And is it new?? Probably not, but after having the effects of the chemotherapy I sure notice different things about my body.

I cooled off and showered, and needed to eat again, so I fixed a plate of nachos for me. Yum.

Dan had called saying he was on his way home, but when I realized much later he still wasn't home yet, and was just going to call him, he arrived. (seems he had the "master" keys in his pocket which had to be returned. He hadn't gotten very far when he realized it, though.)

We had a quiet night and he has since gone to bed. I've done some more reading and will be going to bed soon myself. I've been hot and cold most of the day, and my breast has been making itself known.

Tomorrow is groceries and other errands.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday 11.09.2009

Finally settled down to sleep about 3:30. I remember thinking, "Oh, good, I'll at least have an hour before the alarm comes on..." I got up and got ready for work.

I had a safe drive down, thank you God, and the shuttle was there to take us over to the hospital.

We had a good day with a great group of co-workers. Lots of phone calls and call lights, even though we didn't have many patients. All part of the work day...

I had a safe drive home, thank You again, and Dan was trying to stay awake while waiting for me. We visited for a short time, and he went to bed a little after 9. I checked email and wrote here.

I'll be going to bed soon, as I'm a bit tired. It's unlikely I'll work tomorrow--we have plenty of staff and 3 of our docs are on vacation. Ahhh. Enjoy what life brings.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sunday 11.08.2009

I slept pretty good last night, and this morning watched the lake again. Mirror quiet, almost eerie, because there's not much birdsong. Occasional geese honks, and quiet duck gabble, and I did hear 2 loon calls. The lake is so still it looks like it's covered with dust or dirt, and the leaves and other stuff just laying on the surface. There has been a hatch of a small fly, almost gnat-like, and they are floating on the water, too. The water birds are eating these, and I suppose the fish might, too, though I've only seen a couple of "rings".

I got up and had breakfast, gathering my things and packing up as I went. It's 50 degrees this mid-morning, and sunny. The breeze started stirring after noon, gently ruffling the water, and clearing away the floating debris.

I decided to paint a little before going out for a walk, since the temperatures are conducive. (The paint can label says both product and surface need to be above 50 degrees...) I finished painting, rinsed out the brush, and Mary across the road and I went for a stroll.

We went down to the Goodwin Cottage to make sure all was well. It was. We circled around down the back road. Everything looks so different without foliage! Buildings, beehives, water.

Back at the JC we said our goodbyes, and I went in to get ready to leave. I pulled the trim-tape from my painting project, fixed my food, vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom, loaded the car, and left about 5:30. It was just after sunset. I saw 3 deer before getting to Hale, but none after that.

I had a safe drive home, thank you God. Dan was dozing in his chair but did come help me unload. I was unpacked and showered by 9:15. He has gone to bed.

Tomorrow is a work day for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Saturday 11.07.2009

My flashlight walk was fun in the moonlight. Windy and cold. Looked like all was well, and I was looking to see if anything needed attention for today. Just leaves, from what I could see. The lake level is up from the rains.

I didn't sleep as well as I thought I would, but that's ok. The sun was shining in a clear blue sky this morning. I watched the lake for about an hour before getting out of bed. Still windy, but looks like it might settle down.

After breakfast I got ready to go outside. It was 50 degrees. I picked up sticks, raked a whole oak tree's leaves that had blown up next to the aluminum boat/trailer that is beside the garage. And they were wet. I spread them out to dry; maybe I'll do something with them tomorrow before I leave. I had brought more blocks from home (scavenged from a waste area within the complex) and got those out of the trunk, placing them in different areas for erosion control, etc. I also shoveled the ashes and stuff that got dumped out of the fire burner thing. Several buckets of stuff that I moved to the other side of the lot. By that time the temp is 58 and the wind is easing. Maybe I can go out in the paddleboat after all. I went in for lunch.

Ugh. I'm sore. I know that raking and shoveling both aggravate my shoulder. I was going slow, trying not to. Tylenol and motrin are my friend.

Lunch was good, and I tried to sit outdoors in the sun to eat, but the wind was swirling so that I was unable to get out of it. When I came back in I was chilled.

As I was warming up, Daniel called. He says it was 73 in Holt today, and of course he went out to the golf range.

It was almost 4 pm, and the lake was quieting nicely. The sun is getting lower in the sky and the air is cooling off, so I put my winter coat on and took my gloves, and went out on the paddleboat.

I had a lovely ride. It looks so different with the leaves off of the foliage. And smells like wet leaves. On the way back I saw a group of ducks I hadn't seen before. Black, smallish, diving. One had lots of white markings on it. Hm. When I got back in I looked it up in the bird book. I think they were "bufflehead" ducks, on a stopover from somewhere north of here on their way to somewhere south of here. Kind of neat.

Back inside, I was hungry again and fixed my supper. Not much else exciting going on, other than a mirror lake. So cool.

Tomorrow I'll clean up and head home. Dan's planning to golf tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Friday 11.06.2009

This morning I woke a few minutes after the radio came on. I called the unit, knowing the census was down, and asked if anyone had requested "on-call". No--I said I would, which solved a staffing question, and went back to bed. Hmmm.

Dan got up, got ready, and left for work. I went back to sleep.

I woke at 0800 with the sun slatting in through the blinds. I smiled and rolled over like a dog in the sun. I was surprised that it was 0900.

I got up. 46 degrees. I had breakfast, looked at the computer while it warmed up a little.

I called the hospital to see if I would be needed in the next couple of hours. They said they had "plenty of help". Cool. I went out for a jog, came in, cooled off, showered.

While I was out, the sun was so nice. I was kind of queasy a couple of time, and when I was just about around, I walked a bit. I was surprised at how nauseated I was.

And then I passed gas. A lot of it.

Whew. Wow. That's better.

It kind of surprised me. I started jogging/running again, and all was well.

I cooled off, showered, and thought about going to "The Lake". I took my time putting things together, because I really couldn't leave.

Dan called, saying he was on his way home. I ate, then called the unit; they were good. And since it was well after 4, I left.

I had a safe drive up, thank you God. In fact, I didn't see any dark areas on the road; only 1 dead deer. Lots of skunks, though. I got here about 7:45.

It's about 43 degrees and breezy.

I've just gotten in the house and picked up the dead mouse in the trap and I hear footsteps in the leaves: Evelyn.

We chatted, then went outside to see her garage roof project in progress. Bob came out, too. We didn't stay out too long, though. The wind was nippy.

I unloaded the car, unpacked, and tried to light the furnace again. What I've found is that there doesn't seem to be enough gas coming in the line after releasing the red button. The radiant heater has brought the temp up to 56 so far. The bed is warming, so I'll be fine.

I'm going to go out with the flashlight and the just-past-full moon. So awesome out.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Thursday 11.05.2009

About 0100 I woke up, tossed and turned, gave up, got up and took tylenol/motrin. 45 minutes later I dozed off. 4:30 the radio comes on. Up time.

I got ready for work, and Dan did, too. We left for our drives in the dark. On the way to Jackson there were three different areas where a large animal, most likely a deer by the amount of debris, had been completely pulverized in the road. And it was still kind of fresh--moist dark red with bits strewn among the lanes. But nothing identifiable. Ick.

The shuttle took us over to the hospital. We had a good day, and with the discharges, we had to staff down again. I offered to go, as the other girls preferred to stay. So I was able to leave by 2 pm. Woo Hoo!! The sun was shining and the car thermometer showed 52 degrees.

I was able to stop at the credit union on the way home, which was helpful. And when I got home, I took the car back to the body shop to have them adjust the window where it was gapped against the seal. It was minor--a clip had gotten shifted, and it was as simple as moving it back into place. Wa La!!

Dan was home shortly after. We visited, had dinner, and he's gone off to bed. I caught up on email and wrote here.

Tomorrow we're scheduled to work again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wednesday 11.04.2009

Dan was up, getting ready for work this morning, while I snoozed. My phone rang. It was the hospital, wanting help. Sorry, I said. Dan left and I went back to sleep, finally waking about 9.

I had breakfast and looked at stuff on the computer a while before going out for a jog. It was only 42 degrees, but the sun broke through the clouds while I was out. Woo Hoo!! The sun felt warm, but the air was crisp like winter was coming.

When I came back in, I cooled off, showered. I decided to make a baked macaroni and cheese, which turned out really good. It was picturesque--golden brown and bubbly. Yummy, too.

Dan got home, tired. We had supper, and I cleaned up the kitchen while he showered. He sat down in the chair and it wasn't long before he was asleep. He finally went to bed about 8:45.

The rest of the evening I haven't done much--looked at the course that I signed up for, looked at some other stuff, wrote here.

I'm off to bed soon, too. We both work tomorrow.

Overall I'm feeling about the same, though both of my shoulders are achy. And of course my body temperature is unstable. My right ear is still trying to clear up.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Tuesday 11.03.2009

It seemed like I woke a lot last night, but rested pretty good after Daniel left for work. I had to get up, though, when the radio came on at 0830. I noticed the sheets smelling "not-so-fresh" and stripped the bed, putting on a clean set and the dirty ones in the washer.

Ike did a good job again. She worked on the more complex areas today--shoulder, armpit, and woundbeds. My arm is feeling much better. I scheduled again for a week and a half from today due to each of our schedules and coordinating them.

Back at home, I put the sheets into the dryer, checked email, fixed lunch, and left for a 2 o'clock meeting in Jackson.

A safe drive down, thank you God. A meeting that we actually accomplished something, and a safe drive home. Thanks again.

Dan wanted to go to Los Tres Amigos for supper, which we did. It was yummy. By the time we got home it was dark.

We visited some before he went off to bed. I've been checking email, reading, and wrote here.

Tomorrow I hope to exercise. Jog, maybe?

My shoulder is a bit achy, as is the axillary woundbed. And yes, there was smelly urine again today. I'm off to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Monday 11.02.2009

I thought I slept pretty good, overall. I'm still waking up warm at intervals, sometimes perspire-y, but not as overwhelmingly hot as I had been. Enough that I wake, uncover, restless, get up, go back to bed, and generally am able to go back to sleep. During the day I've had less intense and less frequent "events", too. Whew. Thank you God. Even though I'm still temp unstable, cold and hot.

The radio woke me at 0800. I got up and showered, started laundry, breakfasted, and went to therapy. Ike did a great job moving the fluid around. The after-effects were nausea, smelly urine, sore achy shoulder, decreased itching, and an almost normal feeling arm. I see her again tomorrow.

I left there and went to Meijer for groceries. It seemed that I was in there a long time. I did have to wait in the checkout line about 20 minutes or so. Ugh.

At home, I put groceries away, changed laundry over, fixed lunch and ate. Vacuumed, picked up the house. I was done with chores and the last load was going into the washer when Daniel got home.

We visited a bit before the guy from The College Network arrived. His name was Ken, and he was talkative. We went through the paperwork, which was almost like buying a house or a car, and I signed up for the RN program, which is through Exelsior College. It's a self-study, proctored test program with comparable cost to other on-campus programs, without having to go to campus. Testing sites are nearby, and I think it will be a good program for me.

We had a short evening after he left, and Dan went to bed. I'm getting sleepy, too.

Therapy in the morning, and another meeting in the afternoon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sunday 11.01.2009

Another work day. Dan woke me after the radio had been on about 10 minutes. I tell you, that's my best sleep time in the early morning...

I had a safe drive down, thank you God. I parked and walked over to the hospital.

We had a good day today, sending a lot of the remaining patients home, and a couple of staff also. We only had 2 deliveries today to replace the masses that left over the weekend.

I had a safe drive home, thank You again.

Dan was laying on the bed sleeping when I got home. I put my things away, had washed up, and was changing when he woke. He didn't stay up, though. In fact, he turned in for the night.

So, that leaves me to myself for the evening.

I've caught up on reading the email, made lists for tomorrow, and wrote here. I have a 10 o'clock appointment with Ike and am looking forward to it. Dan works.

I don't think I mentioned that when I got on the expressway yesterday morning there was a truck pulled off on the shoulder, just at the end of the on-ramp. And there on the side of the road was the young buck I had seen earlier in the week. I'm quite sure it was the same deer--the rack looked the same. Bummer. It wasn't there this morning.

I'm off to bed. Thank you for reading. Hugs.