Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday 08.31.2010 Fun in the (Hot) Sun

I slept the usual, interrupted sleep that I have. It's so humid--I'm thankful for the window ac. I can remember trying to sleep during the hot humid summer nights as a kid, whining that it was hot. With at least one mosquito buzzing around. Mom didn't turn on a fan, either, but she would get the Raid out and spray the room. Was that a "good ol' day?"

We breakfasted, and set about doing a bunch of nothing, starting with taking the lawn chairs down and sitting on the pontoon where there was a little more breeze. In fact, it got almost windy for a bit. The temperature did make it to 91, which is a new record. I did some mending while Dan was reading.

After a bit, I uncovered the speedboat to go for a ride. We putzed over to the GC, where T&KS were just getting ready to go swimming. I offered to pull Tom on skis, and to my surprise, he said yes!

He got right up and went for a ride around our bay. He got in the boat and we buzzed around the lake. Back at the JC, Tom offered to pull me on skis. OK!! I got in the water, and Yup, I got up and had a ride around our bay, too!! YaHoo!!!

Yes, I may have aggravated my wrist, as well as the shoulder, but I have to live while I'm alive. And so far, I'm only a tad more uncomfortable.

We got back to the dock, moored the boat, and visited on the deck. I got our new Remington BB/Pellet gun out, and we started playing with that, setting up a water bottle, a couple of cans, and an egg carton as targets.

Dan and Tom each played with the gun, eventually hitting the targets. When it was my turn, they had to inservice me how to use it. I wasn't able to pump it more than once, so they helped me. The first shot, I hit the egg carton. The second shot, I knocked the water bottle off. Oh, Yeah. I'm All That.

Next was KS, and she needed the inservice and help, too, and she was able to hit the plastic duck in the water. We had a lot of fun.

It was time to eat, and we decided to go to LL to Largent's, in air conditioned comfort. We had a good meal, and were the only ones in the restaurant until just before we left.

The rest of the evening, Daniel watched a movie, while I finished another book, watching and listening to the lake. Ducks, loons, fish. And eagles. We had 2 in front of our place today, up in our tree. And tonight the bigger one cruised by right in front of me. Such an awesome bird.

It's still 80 degrees out, and Dan has gone to bed.

Tomorrow is more of ... Hm. What a great vacation!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Monday 08.30.2010 Whew, It's a Hot One!!

It was so warm in the JC. Even with the air conditioning on, the front bedroom was still too warm for me to sleep. I started out on the little sofa in the living room, but moved into the middle bedroom after a bit. It was odd knowing that Dan was sleeping somewhere else. I was just too uncomfortable out there.

And I did sleep pretty good. When I got up about 9, Dan asked if I wanted to go "out" for breakfast. Um, sure, let me shower first...

We went in to Big Bob's for a yummy breakfast, then over to Bernard's Building Center. Dan ended up getting another set of dock posts so we can have one more section of dock out. That might be enough to keep the lower unit of the speedboat off the bottom of the lake. Then over to pick up a few groceries, and stopped at the GC on the way back. No one there.

At home, we were thankful for the air conditioning. It was high 80's today, high humidity, and barely a breeze. A great time to be at the lake...

I saw Tom and KS zoom by in their boat and went down on the dock and whistled. They turned around and stopped for a short visit.

Dan and I decided to go out on the pontoon. After Dan had made a few adjustments to the motor (I'm not quite sure what he was fiddling with) we headed out. It was beautiful. I sat up on the very front with my feet in the water. Probably not the safest place on the boat, but I've sat up there on many a pontoon ride. I felt like a kid.

T & KS were at the sand bar, floating, the first time we went by. We went down to the end of the lake and when we came back through the sand bar, to my surprise, Dan went over and parked the pontoon. We got in the water there, which was a pleasant way to spend an hour or so. We continued on our way to the west end of the lake (which we call the Bar end, because, well, that's where the bar is), then back home to the JC.

I showered, and fixed dinner. I was outdoors with Evelyn and Bob, giving them a hand, when T & KS showed up. Other than being uncomfortably warm and wanting to cool off in the AC, Tom had some research he wanted to do on the internet, and had brought his laptop for a better connection. They stayed for a couple of hours, and I sure enjoyed their company.

It wasn't too long after they left that Dan went to bed. I'm going to read some before going myself.

I am very thankful for air conditioning. My wrist has been a little more sore and bothersome today. Boo.

Tomorrow is predicted to be 90. Woo Hoo!!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sunday 08.29.2010

Wow--neither one of slept too well last night. Different, smaller bed, and warm. We had a fan on, but it just wasn't comfortable. Morning came--clear, quiet. Beautiful.

Dan got up about 8:30, while I dozed for another hour or so.

I had gotten up and breakfasted when there was a knock on the door. Larry, the guy who has already re-shingled the shed.

We chatted a bit, Dan showed him some other things that he'd like done, I wrote a check for the work he's already done, and he left.

The rest of the day was Hot. Mid to high 80's, not much of a breeze. Dan and I went out for a paddleboat ride after Larry left, but that's about all we did. I did rake the side yard of the twigs, and set a fire, then read a book outdoors and he watched movies indoors.

It has finally cooled off a bit outside, and the bugs have come out.

Not sure what's up for tomorrow. More sun?

My wrist has felt better today, too. Yippee!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Saturday 08.28.2010

Dan was up frequently during the night. He apologized for waking me. I told him that he was up as often as I am awake most nights. Hi intestines were finally empty this morning, and he went out to golf.

I tried to snooze a little after he left, but I ended up getting up about 8:30, gathering my things and adding them to my bags that I didn't really unpack. Shower, breakfast, and down to Jackson.

Lauretta did a great job on my hair. It's pretty short this time. Kind of fun. From there I stopped and did the banking, then on over to Discount Tire to get the tires rotated. Frank met me over there so we could visit, which worked out really well. We were just blocks from Allskate, and he wanted to take me over to see Ashlee, one of the girls who had been at the JC, as she was working today.

As soon as we got in the door, one of the owners/managers asked Frank if he could stay and work right now. He couldn't, though, because he's working OT at his "real" job, and has to go in this afternoon. We tried to keep our visit short and get back to the tire store.

The car was done when we got there, and we went on our ways.

Back home, I finished packing, watered the plants, picked up the house, etc., and got on the road, later than what I had wanted to. But it was a beautiful day and I did what I needed to do.

A safe drive, thank you God. I finally arrived at the JC about 6:40 PM. I called Dan to tell him I had arrived; he was just into Twining. (he had packed up before leaving to golf) We decided to have supper at Big Bob's in Hale. Just as I was getting into town, he called again to say that BB had closed at 7 pm. Hm. We went into Long Lake, Largent's.

We had a decent meal and got to the JC. It was sooo beautiful. Clear blue sky, high 70's, and just a light ripple on the water. And the Weekenders, tearing up the lake. They finally went in after dark.

So here we are for a week.

I've been feeling pretty good today--my wrist has been less uncomfortable.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Friday 08.27.2010 Workday

Got up, went to work, had a good day. Until about 5:30 pm. It all blew up, at least on the overflow unit. My team mates and I took care of business, and a couple of us clocked out late.

A safe drive home, thank you God. Dan and I visited and caught up. We are both off work now for a whole week.

Tomorrow Dan is golfing then heading up north. I have a couple of appointments in Jackson before I go.

My wrist has been oddly sore again today. Boo.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thursday 08.26.2010

Although my bed felt good, I didn't sleep well. And then it was time to get up.

I was dressed, had the toothpaste on the toothbrush, when the phone rang. It was my turn to be on call. Ok...

I brushed my teeth, put pj's back on, and went back to bed. Dan wasn't up yet, and hit the snooze button. He finally got up and at 'em.

I "snoozed" until almost 10. It sure was nice not getting up this morning.

I started laundry and made a list of errands to do. Two pharmacies, library, grocery store. I did all that and fixed supper when I got home.

Dan was home shortly after. We had supper and a good evening. Of course, he's gone off to bed.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us. And then we're both off for a week, and looking forward to sharing that time together at the lake.

My wrist has been a little more sore today than it has been the last few days. Ugh.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wednesday 08.25.2010

Finally--a sunny morning! And I have to go home...

After that beautifully quiet night last night, a storm blew in about 2 or 3 o'clock. I dozed off, and when I woke about 6, there was no power. Hm. I've not been at the JC without power. Now the GC, that's another story. So while I'm snug in bed, I'm thinking about what to do without power--flashlights, lake water to flush toilet, and no tap water/well pump. There is an oil lamp there, too. When I woke again about 7, the power was back on, so all is well. I went back to sleep after seeing the clock blinking time and the sun in the blue sky.

And then I heard the knocking on the door. Geesh. Persistant. I got up. (I saw that it was 10:00) It was Bob, next door, and he had Larry with him. the guy we're going to have re-shingle the shed. I talked to those guys a bit, and after they left I went to check the chipmunk bucket.

Whoa. 1, 2, 3,....7. Seven chipmunks in the bucket. Amazing. That makes a total of 15. From OUR yard.

I got cleaned up and ready for the day, gathering and packing as I went. I finished vacuuming, but it was sooo beautiful outdoors, I had to enjoy it. So I took a coffee and a chair and sat on the pontoon in the sun. Ahhh. It's the first day since last week Wednesday that has been warm and sunny.

I finished up the house, fixed lunch, packed the refrigerator, ate, and left 5:15 pm.

A safe drive home, thank you God, for keeping me AND the idiots cutting in and out too close to other vehicles, safe. I just don't get those kind of drivers. I stopped at a rest area to use the facilities, but also to let those drivers get ahead of me.

Dan was awake when I got home! It was good to see him. He helped me unload, I unpacked, and since I forgot to stop at the trash compactor when I came in, I walked Chippy and friends up to the clubhouse where the compactor is. Bye bye Chippy...

We had a quiet evening, catching up on the events of the last couple of days. Dan has finally gone to bed, and I'm going soon, too.

We both work tomorrow.

My wrist has been a little more bothersome today.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tuesday 08.24.2010

Another overcast day, with a light wind, that finally broke into clouds. By evening it had quieted and cleared.

I slept good again, thank you God. And though my wrist is sore, it's not as sore as it has been. That can stay gone.

I've cleaned the kitchen today, finished painting the wall, replaced most of what I took off, replaced the furniture. Hung out in the speedboat, letting it run for a bit. (I'm not confident in mooring it by myself without getting in the water) I went for a lovely paddleboat ride about 6 pm for about an hour. I've vacuumed part of the house, getting ready to go home tomorrow. The good part is that I come back on Saturday.

It's clear and mirror quiet tonight, about mid 60's. And a full moon brightly reflecting off of the lake. Beautiful.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Monday 08.23.2010

"Summer" is almost gone. It's late August, and the winds are blowing with a hint of cool. Indeed, it's been long pants and sweatshirt weather for the locals.

And I happily say that I finally slept a "block" last night. I remember seeing the clock at midnight, and just maybe, probably did, see the clock at 0200, but what I recall was the pleasant surprise of seeing that it was 0500!!! I SLEPT! And I feel like I've been "reset" or something. Very odd, but true. I was happy to get up at 0930.

I breakfasted and got ready for the day. I ended up cleaning the kitchen, and drove to the GC to see J&P before they leave, as well as ask if they have anything for the "transfer station", where we take our trash, as I'm going in to Hale anyway.

They were enjoying their day, slowly packing up. We visited a bit before I left, taking a bag of recycling for them.

I dropped off the trash and stuff and went on to the grocery store and the dollar store. I got back home and walked around the yard again, looking at what needs to be done outdoors. It's still kind of windy, but never did clear up today like what was predicted. Until tonight, when it's clear and the moon is coming into being full and the lake is mirror. And temps at low 60's.

In the early evening, though, the wind quieted enough to be able to spray the exterior perimeters of the buildings. I soaked those bees again in the shed. I sprayed 3 small hives last week, and there is/was another area of activity, so I soaked that area again. I think they're the yellow jackets or something. Kind of aggressive, and I didn't want to open the shed door again.

Back inside, I started the painting project; moving the furniture and removing screws and nails from the wall. I wiped the wall down, but it wasn't real dusty/dirty. I had cleaned it when the room was empty for the carpet project. I decided to tape a few edges, and when it was ready to paint, I stopped and fixed my supper and ate.

I washed dishes again, and got the paint opened. And after a couple hours, it looks right nice if I do say so myself. I've cleaned up and moved stuff around so I can get around tonight, and will finish tomorrow. My wrist has been a bit sore this afternoon.

It's really pretty outdoors, though a little cool. Maybe I'll sit on the deck a few moments...

Thank you God for giving me this life.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Sunday 08.22.2010

I missed writing last night. I got back to the lake from the wedding about midnight, and all I wanted to do was get my jammas on and go to bed. And I did.

But I did have a good day yesterday. A safe drive both ways, thank you God. I had a nice visit with Aunt Lois, who had fixed me a "nice" lunch, then went over to the church to witness Dan's niece Monique marry Justin. It was a very nice wedding, and I met Dan at the reception. It was good to see him. And his family. A group of at least 15 came from California, and another niece came from New York City.

Today was a windy day, starting out very cloudy, but by noon-ish, the clouds broke up and was mostly sunny this afternoon.

I walked to the GC to check out the progress on the trailer plumbing project. The Flush Test had just been done, and all was dry! Yippee!! Jim started replacing the sand that had been dug out. After he had gotten the tricky part done, I offered to shovel. I finally got to move a small part of the sand, but I did help. And when it was all done, it looks really good! Thanks Jim, and Polly, and Tom, for a good job.

I came back home and talked to Mary, who has known the Jacque family for many years, and she came over to view the photos that were taken last night. She enjoyed seeing the people she knew but hadn't seen in so many years. I was happy to share that with her.

I went out and harvested the rhubarb again. I don't know much about second harvests, but I ended up with another quantity of about 5 quarts. I walked two bags of freshly harvested and chopped pie plant down to the GC, then took another bag over to Mary. The rest is in my freezer.

I fixed my supper and ate, checked email, had a couple of phone calls, and a fairly quiet evening.

I've been feeling pretty good, though my wrist is still sore.

Not sure about tomorrow. I haven't painted yet...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Friday 08.20.2010

We had funny weather today. Kind of cool, but warm. Long pants and a sweatshirt was sometimes warm, but welcome in the wind. Hm, changing seasons?

I was finishing breakfasting when the phone rang--Jim, asking if I wanted to join them for lunch. No, thanks, I'm finishing breakfast...

Tom was there, and they were working on the trailer again. I told him I'd be down shortly.

I looked out the window at the hummingbird feeder. There was solution in it, but the birds were just coming down and sipping and leaving. Hm. I wonder if the solution was bad? I took the feeder in and cleaned it. Yep, there was black moldy/mildewy stuff around the ports. I found a small brush and even used a weak bleach solution to kill the spores. Refilled it (I made solution this morning), hung it, and within minutes someone was checking it out. Perched and fed. Yep, the solution was bad.

As I was going over to the GC, I saw Mary outside, and took the opportunity to visit with her. While we were sitting on her back porch the sun broke through and boy, did it get warm. It was time for me to continue on my way.

On the way down Grace Street I saw Leo out in his garage. We exchanged pleasantries; he mentioned that he had looked at the trailer on our lot and began asking questions. I offered him to come on down and look at it, and he did.

The guys had the second phase of the project done: caulking the pipe. Jim was able to caulk it both on the inside of the crack and the outside as well. It needs to cure until tomorrow, at which time they'll do another "Flush Test" to see if it stays dry. If it does--woo hoo!! Time will tell...

As Polly and I were visiting, we decided we wanted to go "Fishing" -- to the Fish store in Hale. A giant resale shop. We were there for quite some time, she finding a few things, and me finding more. It amazes me, the things people give away.

She dropped me at home, where I caught up with the phone messages and was able to return calls. And then J&P came to pick me up to go to the Bear's Den for supper.

We had great fish, and lasagna, and they picked up a book of 100 years of Hale schools, or something like that. Polly has relatives from that long ago, from this area, and they are enjoying the two books compiled by Jean Bell.

They dropped me back at home. I walked around outside, stirred the (empty) chipmunk bucket, swapped batteries in the solar light to see which one works, and enjoyed the dusky, windy evening on the deck. So Beautiful.

Tomorrow I'll be going to Flushing for Monique's and Justin's wedding, Dan's niece. It will be a long day by the time I get home, but that's ok.

And I see Daniel, too.

I'm feeling pretty good today. A little less wrist pain, I think.

Must be the lake???

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Thursday 08.19.2010

I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked, but I did sleep some. I watched the lake this morning about sunrise--so beautiful and quiet.

The phone woke me shortly after nine--Jackson county was having a disaster drill, the disaster being a fictitious tornado touching down. We at the hospital have been preparing for it for the last year, and today was the day. All off-duty employees are phoned to see if you are available and how long it would take you to come in, and where to report when you get there. I did manage to answer the phone, and knowing I would probably lose the phone signal, I told her I was 4 1/2 hours from coming in. And I lost the connection.

So now I'm up. I fooled around in the bathroom closet, looking at the towels and pairing them up, using them as color swatches/ideas. I got dressed and had breakfast and enjoyed the fresh brew. While I was in the bathroom I heard noises, which I figured out was thunder. We had a pretty nice little storm, with lots of rain again.

It passed after maybe a couple of hours, and as the clouds moved out, it turned out to be a lovely day, mid to high 70's. I checked the chipmunk bucket--3 more. One was a female (it had teats) and the other two might have been offspring. I will say that I miss hearing the little creatures' chip-chip-chipping. But they can't be burrowing into the foundations of our buildings. Bye, bye, Chippy. That makes 8 now that have gotten into the bucket.

I spent the afternoon installing the vertical blinds at the dining room window. It had been a while since I had done that, so it took a bit of time. I cleaned the window frames, too, taking the screen out and cleaning the tracks, etc. I was just about finished when Polly called, saying they were at the GC and Jim was doing his own project--digging under the trailer to repair the waste water line--and did I want to come down for a bit?

Sure--I finished what I was doing, had a sandwich, and walked down. Jim had finished with his Phase 1, and was ready for the test. Unfortunately, though, there was water leaking from somewhere. We talked about options, and he'll do Phase 2 tomorrow.

I went on back home, as I needed supper and to take my meds. Dan called as I was putting a lovely salad together. I finished putting the valance over the window and wandered around a bit. Since that installation went so well, I decided to at least start the living room blinds.

To my very pleasant surprise, I got that one installed, too, and I sure like them. As nightfall is happening sooner, I have lights on in the house, and I don't like the neighbors looking in when they are out in the yard with their dogs. So now I can just close the blinds!

I'm sitting down, enjoying the evening.

Maybe I'll paint tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wednesday 08.18.2010

I sure didn't sleep very good last night. I think I was pre-occupied thinking about Dan's family going up to the lake today. His brother had called last night, saying the people from California (their sister and her family) had arrived for Brad's daughter's wedding this weekend. Unfortunately, I had an appointment at 11:45, and would probably miss them while they were the JC. I felt bad that they would go there and the house is all closed up.

I packed and loaded the car before going to the oncology appointment. I wasn't hopeful of seeing the doctor in a timely manner; there was a patient talking to someone else about her conditions, and that she was scheduled for 11:30. I just took a breath...

I got called back about 12:15. Weight 162. which is the same as last time. Finally, no weight gain. And my temperature was 99.7!! Very weird. If I get sick, I'll know when it started.

After a while, there was a knock on the door, and when it opened, a woman in Indian garb came in. She introduced herself as Eman, the Physician's Assistant. She said that she had been there for about a year and a half. I was surprised that I hadn't seen her before in the office. Maybe as we get further out of treatment the standard of care is that a PA can follow us.

We chatted for a bit, her asking questions, me telling my story, then she says that Doctor will be in shortly. Huh? Ok...

He came in about 5 minutes later. He's concerned about the joint pain, though I told him that it may be letting up a little. He mentioned the Aromasin, which is the third and last of the aromatase inhibitors we have to choose from. I told him I wasn't ready to change to a different medicine yet. He was ok with that, and wants to see me in 8 weeks again.

And that was that.

I went to the window to check out and make my appointment for October 13 or something. Finally--it was after 1 o'clock.

I got on the highway and traveled without difficulty until I got to Bay City area. As I came up a hill and around a gentle curve, there were brake lights in front of me. I stepped on my brakes, then again a little harder. I was ok, but the guy in my mirror had been following me too close for my comfort. He looked up and stepped on his brakes, and swerved some into the other lane so as not to hit me. I don't think he would have, but I was glad to see that he backed off a little after that. I was near an exit, so I got off, which took me to 84. And a few miles down 84, that's under construction, too. And in the midst of this, my gas light bings at me.

I know that I've got at least 1 gallon of gas, and that I get about 26 mpg. And that I was about 10 miles from the Meijer store that I stop at.

But when I came upon a Citgo station I stopped and put a couple of gallons in. I was glad I did, because I got stopped again at a construction intersection. I finally got through that and got back on the freeway right at the end of the first bit of construction I had come across. Just a few more miles, and I was at Meijer.

I filled up with gas then went into the store, to use the restroom and pick up a few groceries. Of course the store was busy, but I got back on the road, and finally got to the JC just after 5 pm. And our company had already left. Boo.

But the house was almost undisturbed looking, and the note in the book says they had a great time. I'll see them Saturday at the wedding.

I unloaded, unpacked, and fixed my supper, eating out on the deck. It was a beautiful 85 degrees here with blue skies and quiet blue water.

I watered the flowers, reset the chipmunk bucket trap, raked the side yard, made the bed, and talked to Daniel, before writing here.

It has cooled off to maybe low 60's. Tomorrow I might paint something.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Tuesday 08.17.2010

I struggled to wake up this morning when the radio came on. I got up and ready for work. I was finishing breakfast and had gotten lunch together when the phone rang. I could be "on call". Woo Hoo! I don't mind being called late like that. Shoot, one time I was halfway there and I turned around and came back home. No Problem.

I put my pj's on and went back to bed. When I woke, Dan had gotten up. I was surprised to see that he was dressed--that I didn't hear him. I finally got up about 9.

I got ready for the day, again, and went in to the hospital for a meeting. After the meeting, I went back to the unit, where the holiday schedule had just been put up. The girls were talking about our Singing Party, and how much fun it was, and how they were planning to attend again this year. It was fun to see them smiling and talking about it.

A safe drive home, thank you God, and I got turned around for the Condo Board meeting. I took a couple of phone calls before going to the clubhouse.

That meeting went well. Dan got back from golfing after I got back from the meeting. We visited a bit before he went off to bed.

Tomorrow I see Dr. Williams, the oncologist, for a follow up on the switch to Femara, and then I'm on the way to The Lake for another week. Woo Hoo!!!! I'm so looking forward to being there.

My wrist has been annoyingly sore today, and the axillary wound bed has been itching. So much so that I looked in the mirror to see if something was there. Nope, just itchy. Hm.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Monday 08.16.2010

I had a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep, which was nice. And I was hearing music. Hm. Oh, it's the radio. Oh. I have to work today.

I got up.

A safe drive down, for me. I didn't know raccoons could run fast. The little bugger dashed right out from the median across my lane, and I caught what I think was it's tail. It was just a small thump. The car in the next lane in my mirror swerved a little. Ick.

I had a busy day. Another co-worker and myself were "floated" to other units in the hospital. Never mind that I have minimal clue as to how to function. The unit I went to was a medical unit, with lots of illnesses, diseases, and poor health status-es, so much so that I am renewed in my own personal health commitment. I'm telling you--you've got to take care of yourself, because it all adds up and you end up with a body that can't be "fixed" anymore.

I finally had a brief break after 10 o'clock, but did a few more things before going to lunch about 11:15. When I returned to that unit, they said a CNA had come in to "replace" me. Cool. (replace? I thought that an odd choice of words) But I was out of there, and happy for it. I went to the other unit to check on my co-worker.

I didn't find her, at first. And when I did, she was even more ragged than I was. She hadn't had a break at all; I said something to the staff and waited for her to be released so that she could rest and eat.

Ugh. Since I had been "replaced", and my unit didn't need me yet, I offered to go back to the floor with my co-worker. We did several more tasks, and finally about 4pm it had slowed enough that I could leave. I went back down to my own unit, only to find that it had "blown up" down there. Since I had been working with infected (aka contaminated) people, I had to change clothes before working on our unit, which is considered a "clean" unit (no infections). I jumped in and was busy until just after 7.

What a day.

A good drive home, thanks again.

Dan was sleeping on the bed when I came in. We snuggled a bit before he got up, and I went in to shower.

The rest of the evening was quiet.

Tomorrow is a workday for me, and I also have 2 meetings, one for work, and the other is the Condo Association Board Meeting. I'll be late, but that's when they wanted to have it.

My wrist has gotten pretty sore tonight as the motrin has worn off. I think I'll try just 400 mg for the night instead of the 600 mg.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Sunday 08.15.2010

Although the sleep is interrupted, I did feel rested today.

Breakfast, shower, looked at the internet for the weekly sale papers. Not papers, the ads. Just search for the store site--the ads are usually there. There's also a site called SundaySaver.com that has a lot of the stores throughout the nation. Anyway, I made a short list of a few things and went out.

I got the items I wanted, came home, and prepared a pasta salad. Dan had called saying he was going to golf, and I thought some cool/cold food would be good. It's still high 80's with high humidity.

He got home sooner than I thought--he said he played a couple of holes and it was just too hot.

We ate after a bit, and had a quiet evening together.

He went on to bed; I did a yoga series.

I work tomorrow, he doesn't.

My wrist has been a bit better, too. Still ouchy, but not worse. Thank you God for letting it get better.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Saturday 08.14.2010

I slept at intervals, finally getting up about 9:30. By the time I had breakfasted and dressed, it was close to 11. Hm.

I spent the afternoon cleaning, both bathrooms, the kitchen cupboard fronts and appliances and floor, and vacuumed throughout. Dan called to say he was on his way home.

I finished up and "got myself together", as he mentioned going out for supper. When he got back, we went to Los Tres Amigos and had yummy food.

The rest of the evening we chatted, and watched several episodes of "Top Shot", a competition involving marksmanship.

He's gone to bed; I'll be going in a bit.

My wrist wasn't as sore this morning as it has been, but was bothersome this afternoon when the motrin had worn off.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Friday 08.13.2010 Another Lucky Day

As we were breakfasting this morning, Dan says, "You didn't sleep much last night." Which really translates to Daniel not sleeping much. He usually is sleeping and not aware of how awake I am.

I had a safe drive down, thank you God, in the dark and fog.

We had a good workday, with a good crew and a nice pace. though it seemed to be a long day a few different times. The night shift came in, though, and we were able to leave.

A safe drive home, thanks again. Dan was home; it was too hot to golf, with temps in the low 90's and heat index close to 100. We visited a bit before he went on to bed.

I'm ready for sleep, too.

Tomorrow Dan works; I don't. No real plans.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Thursday 08.12.2010

It was good to not have to get up this second morning. Dan got up and went to work; I went back to my interrupted sleep, waking shortly after 9.

I got up and ready for the day; running water on my wrist seems to help with the morning discomfort. I took the Motrin with breakfast, and then it was time to go to Leah's.

She did a great job, as usual, finding pockets of discomfort and making them better. Thank you, Leah. You are definitely part of my "care team". I'll see her again next month.

I stopped at the pharmacy to pick up the motrin refill, browsing around the store and finding a couple of other things that we wanted.

Back at home, I was hungry, and had a snack. I could have taken a nap, but didn't; instead I changed the filter on the water filter that is installed under the kitchen sink. It really wasn't difficult. The hardest part was getting the outer housing unscrewed. I got it, though, and was glad I was able to change it. No problem, easy peazy.

I found some meat in the freezer and took that out for supper. I ended up making a kind of beef and broccoli stir fry, and rice. It was actually pretty good. I surprise myself sometimes.

Dan got home, and we ate when it was ready. After I cleaned up the kitchen I went out for a walk. There must have been a bug hatch, because there were gnats all over me--head, arms, legs--eww. I ended up not staying out very long. It was good, though. I saw another group of baby ducks--maybe 11 of them--on the pond here. Pretty young, too. I was kind of surprised at how young they were.

Back inside, Dan was trying to stay awake. He has finally gone to bed, and I'm probably not far behind.

My wrist has been swollen most of the day today, even with the motrin. The hope is that it goes away at the end of treatment, if not before.

Tomorrow is a work day for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Wednesday 08.11.2010

I had a pretty good day today. Dan went to work, and I went back to sleep, finally getting up about 9:30.

I had breakfast, made a grocery list, sorted laundry and started a load, showered. Looked around on the computer, made a business call that came out in our favor. (love when that happens)

A big storm blew through about the time I was going to go out, but I changed the laundry instead and waited for the rain to pass. It did, and after a snack, I went to Meijer.

I got most of the things on the list and went back home.

Dan got home as I was putting groceries away. He went in and showered while I started dinner. I think he was happy I was home to fix food. He smiled at me a lot.

It was funny--after dinner he sat in his chair and fell asleep after about a half hour. He woke himself when the remote fell out of his hand onto the floor. He tried to stay awake, but went on to bed about 8 o'clock.

I've finished laundry and am going to stretch/yoga.

Tomorrow I see Leah. Ahh.

My wrist was pretty sore this morning when I got up, and again before supper. It's starting to get sore again as the meds wear off. Boo.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Tuesday 08.10.2010

I slept some, more than I thought I might for one of the intervals, awake for longer than I would have liked. And then the alarm came on...

A safe drive to Jackson, thank you God, and we had a fairly good day. I had an orientee with me, and one of our RN's also had an orientee. Fortunately, we didn't have anything out of the ordinary, or "exciting", to show them.

The night shift arrived and took over.

A safe drive home, thanks again.

Dan was golfing, but got back about an hour after I did.

Tomorrow is laundry and groceries.

My wrist got really sore and swollen this afternoon, about an hour after I took the Femara and motrin. I hope these annoying discomforts go away in 5 years...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Monday 08.09.2010 Here I Am...

Did you miss me??

I went up to The Lake on Thursday night. I was invited to Sister's Weekend, something that my cousins Sue and Diane have been doing for several years with 2 of their friends who are also sisters. I was honored to have been asked, not having any sisters at all.

Both Diane and Sue were already at the JC by the time I got there at 11 PM. Diane had been fishing in the afternoon, and had had a nap, and Sue had arrived about 10 PM. Surprisingly, we stayed up another couple of hours talking and laughing. Diane had picked wildflowers--brown-eyed susans--and had vases of them throughout the house. It looked so nice in there...

The other set of sisters, though, had to cancel. Some kind of family thing, I think. So it would just be we three.

We had a great weekend. Friday Sue and I slept in, while Diane was out fishing all morning. We didn't do much, lolled around, mostly. I sprayed the exterior perimeter of the buildings again, and we did walk down Memory Lane to the GC to visit Tom before he left for home. Sue tended to the outdoor plants while Diane cleaned and freshened the birdbath. Thanks, girls.

After our yummy supper, which Diane had generously prepared, Sue and I put a fire together. We enjoyed a cooler 60 degree evening watching and listening to the night settle in. There sure are some loud splashes out there in the water.

Saturday was partly cloudy, too, warming to high 70's. Sue and Diane went out into Hale for a few grocery items, then forgot to take the propane tank, so went over to Lupton for a refill. While they were gone, I finally finished painting (priming) the last wall in the middle bedroom. Yay!! Wow, that looks so much better.

We had another awesome supper, thanks to Diane's fishing success and Sue the Grillmistress.

Sunday dawned gloomy, and rained, but was clearing by 10 AM. We picked away at packing and cleaning, but the sun was out and promising to be a beautiful day. We went out in the speedboat for a ride around the lake; a little fast, a little this way and that way, but mostly a slower ride. By the time we got back to the JC, it was blue sky and 80 degrees.

But we had to leave.

And when we got back to the dock, Diane's phone signaled a message. It was from her mom, Lois.

Her hip had dislocated, again, and though she was mostly ok, the neighbor was there waiting with her for the ambulance to arrive.

Big sigh, times three.

So, Diane finishes packing, and leaves, so that she can go home and repack and go to Flushing to be with their mom.

Sue finishes packing, and leaves, so that she can go home, work one day, then fly out to Arizona to be with their dad, who has been recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

May God be with you both, be with you all.

It was about 3 pm--I finished the little bit of cleaning that was left, but it was sooo beautiful outdoors that I had to go out and enjoy it. I ended up spraying the boat cover with Camp Dry. I swept out the empty side of the garage after moving my car up to the back door, put the cover on the boat, and I had to shower before I went home. But I was hungry, so I sorted through what was left in the fridge, put a plate together, and ate. Now for a shower.

I used the Comet Cleanser on the shower walls, and wiped the curtain liner, too, as it was getting yucky. I rinsed all the stuff off, and it looks pretty good.

I finished packing, emptied the fridge, took the trash over to Bob (who came over earlier and asked for it) (thanks, Bob), loaded the car, and finally left about 7 pm. I didn't want to leave.

I really had wanted to leave earlier so I could spend the evening with Daniel, but I had to do the chores while I had the opportunity.

I had a safe drive home, thank you God, and Daniel got up and helped me unload. He didn't stay up, though.

After unpacking, I decided I would fore go yet another night away from blogging, (though I had missed doing that bit of my routine) and go sleep in my bed with my husband. *smile*

I worked today, which was ok since I wasn't so fatigued, and Diane called this evening to say that LoLo had just gotten into recovery from having the hip re-set. Sue will leave for Arizona on an early morning flight. Prayers to both of you girls.

I've had a great few days. Sure my wrist has been sore, but I'm alive and able to share this life.

Thank you. Hugs.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Wednesday 08.04.2010 Post #1,000

Wow. Really, last night's post was number 1000. I didn't realize it until I went to the "New Post" tab today.

So , I've written 1000 entries about traveling through the breast cancer planet and returning to planet earth. I'm still working on the "wellness" part. And until I am no longer taking any medication intended to prevent or kill cancer cells in my body, I am still within a treatment protocol. I am very much looking forward to taking zero medication on a daily basis, which is another 5 years, at this point.

I do think I am as well as I can be at this point of the journey. I'm 20 pounds heavier than when I was diagnosed in November 2007. I have painful tendonitis that has moved around, from both knees to the left wrist, and currently in the right wrist. That wrist pain will wake me when I'm moving at night, like adjusting the blankets, or even just turning in the bed and bumping it on something as light as the weight of the blankets. It doesn't' seem like much, but I've heard myself make noises when it's bumped or moved. I haven't seen or heard of any literature that says that the tendonitis will go away when the Aromatase Therapy is completed. My personal thermo-regulator is malfunctioning--I am hot, cold, and sometimes even comfortable!--and rarely sleep more than 1 1/2 or 2 hours at a time. I am surprised, even pleased, at how well I can function with that kind of interrupted sleep. I read more slowly now and sometimes have difficulty with comprehension; general cognition decreases greatly with fatigue and/or overload. Sometimes I struggle to find words during conversation, which happens all the time, but again, more frequently when fatigued.

I've jogged, bicycled, rollerbladed, swim/fin/water aerobics, yoga, walked. Worked full time, found/developed/maintained a marriage, shared the end of my mother's life with her. Re-established relationships, created relationships. It has been reinforced to me that people are what we are here for, to care for each other, to recognize that God is the reason.

The hugs, tears, laughter, fears. I am continuously surprised at myself, at what will touch off a water-eyed emotion, and at how much is communicated with a hug. And that people want to hug me! Which is all ok, I guess, letting people into my space.

I took my pill today, and plan to take it tomorrow. The days go by, and soon it will be another 1000 days. And I will still be cancer free.

Thank the Lord.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, for supporting me. For water-eye moments, smiles, and laughter. And...Hugs.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tuesday 08.03.2010

I slept somewhat during the night. Dan got up and left for work. I dozed a while longer. When I woke about 0830, I listened to my next library book that I had downloaded to my "device" while I did a self-massage on my left arm, axilla, and breast, where I could reach, to get ready for my massage with Leah today. I was able to do 35-40 minutes, while my right wrist got aggravated, inflamed, and more sore. Ahh, the joys of survivorship. But I'm alive, and cancer free, and I thank and praise the Lord for it.

I had breakfast, and it was time to go over to Leah's.

She did a good job, as usual, and after the hour was done I felt better. Thank you, Leah.

Back at home, I showered, then went to vote, and stopped at the storage unit on the way home. I found the clothespin bag and clothespins that I was looking for.

When I got back to the house, I started supper. Dan got home, changed, and had time to eat before leaving for his golf league tonight.

I cleaned up the kitchen, had a phone call, and went out for a walk. Even though it was warm out, there was a breeze and it was really quite comfortable.

I ended up being out for an hour or so. Dan finally got in about 9:30; he had been to Meijer to pick up a few things that I didn't know he needed.

He has showered and gone to bed, and I'll be going soon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Monday 08.02.2010

I slept in between being awake. Dan got up and went to a golf fundraiser for Special Olympics and was expecting to be gone all day. I finally got up about 9:30, wondering if this leftover headache was "just" a sinus headache or a migraine.

I took a claritin, had breakfast, and a motrin. I almost went back to bed, but sitting up felt better on my head. After a while, I went in and had a nice long shower.

That felt good. The back of my neck is sore--hm. My head is just a bit better. I decided to go out and do a few errands.

I had a snack first, and then I went to the car wash. I told the guy I wanted whatever wash that will get the bugs off. The manager came over; I paid the $10, and the manager himself used the brush on the front end of the car. And at the end of the trip through the machine, the manager was there again, and dried it off, I think he wanted to get whatever was left. The car looks a lot better.

Next stop, Meijer. I wandered around in there, picking up what I had on my list, and one other thing that I had forgotten to put on it.

That done, I went up to Lansing Ophthalmology to get my eyeglasses adjusted. Something about sleeping with glasses on that alters the fit...

She was very nice, and took the time she needed to re-adjust the nose pieces and the bows. The fit is much better, as I noticed I wasn't trying to move them around on my face to be able to read.

And on back home.

Dan wasn't there yet.

I put the groceries away, and after a while I was hungry again, so I fixed myself something to eat. It was just canned soup, but I added (lots of ) fresh veggies that I had bought today.

Dan finally got home, smiling. That's always a good sign...

He said he had fun, we caught up a little, and he went in to shower.

He works tomorrow. I don't--I have a massage at 11. *sigh*

Typical wrist discomfort through the day. The headache is mostly gone, but with a little neck soreness and leftover discomfort on the inside of the right temple. I know, weird. But true.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Sunday 08.01.2010

Dan's Birthday today--60!!

I had slept pretty good last night, felt almost rested this morning. I was surprised that in the couple weeks that I've been off work, it is now dark again in the morning. Ick.

We had a good day, and all but 4 patients went home, so we had to staff down. And surprisingly, it was my turn again. I gathered up the items I would need for the Bris tonight.

I met Frank and Dan at Los Tres Amigos in Jackson. I had to send my first plate of food back--there were some kind of hot peppers blended into something, and there was no way I could eat it. And Dan's food was unusually hot, too. We had a good visit and went our separate ways.

I went to an office supply store, then to Lowe's, then sat in the airport viewing area and dozed while waiting for time to pass for tonight's Bris (Jewish ceremony with circumcision) at 8 pm.

I got to the Temple at 7:30, met the parents and the baby, got set up for the procedure, and Dr. Matt Rosenberg and I did the deed. Everything went very well.

I then stopped at the hospital to return the equipment and finally got home about 10. To my surprise, Dan was up. And stayed up for an hour or so. Of course he's gone to bed by now.

I'm tired, too. I was recognizing a headache developing after stopping at the hospital, though since I've been relaxing a little bit, I'm feeling a little better.

Dan is golfing tomorrow; I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.