Friday 07.31.2009

I slept, briefly, during the night, and got up for work this morning. Daniel didn't. He rolled over away from the light.

I had a safe drive down, thank you God. I notice two things on my drive: 1.) It's darker that it used to be, and 2.) the sumac along the road is turning colors like it does in the Fall. What's with that?

The shuttle was there and took us over.

We had a great group today, and it turned into an extremely busy day. We may have had 9 babies on our shift alone! And there were still laboring patients when we left. We couldn't get out of there fast enough tonight.

I had a safe drive home, too, and Daniel was home when I got there. We visited some, I had some of the food I wasn't able to eat for dinner at work, checked my email and wrote here. He has drifted off to bed.

Tomorrow I have a haircut and a Funeral for Miss B's mother.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

P.S. Tomorrow is Daniel's Birthday

Thursday 07.30.2009

Daniel tells me I was "sleeping well" this morning. Good. He was up and out and I went back to sleep, finally waking 9:30 ish to the sounds of the grassy areas being mowed. I took my time this morning. Working 2 days in a row can get to me.

I breakfasted, looked at the computer, looked at television (HGTV--I don't know how anybody gets anything done with that channel and the craft shows and such), stretched, went out for a jog. After I cooled off I showered. Then I was hungry again, so I fixed food and ate.

I decided to go the library, then Meijer. Daniel called while I was driving to say he was on his way home. He said he had fun in Grand Blanc.

We unloaded groceries, and I made biscuits for shortcake and we had a snack and visited.

I work tomorrow.

I noticed in the shower that the pesky breast is firm and tender. It's been sore, and I'd rather have a sore breast than a sore mastectomy site. Whichever, I'm happy to be here.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 07.29.2009

Daniel had gotten up in the night; I dozed back off. When I woke again he still wasn't in the bed. Huh?? I got up to look--he was sleeping in the guest room. Again, huh?? I went back to bed. It was somewhere around 2 AM. When my alarm came on I got up, feeling a little rested. Just before 5, Daniel comes in, carrying his pillow. I asked him why he was sleeping over there. His response?? "You were snoring!!!"

Yippee!!! I finally had some decent sleep!! (sorry I interrupted your sleep, though)

We breakfasted and went on our way.

I had a safe drive down, thank you, God, and the shuttle pulled up just as I was parking. Thank You again.

We had a busy day, and I finally left at 8 PM. Whew.

A safe drive home, more thanks.

Daniel had been able to leave around noon, I think he said, and had slept a couple hours this afternoon. He's getting up early to to the the Buick Open golf tournament in Grand Blanc. He's quite excited.

I'll be sleeping in, then exercising and going out for groceries.

And praying for peace in the Lord, as my cousin is declining with brain cancer.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 07.28.2009

I think I slept a little last night, getting up when the radio came on at 0428. *yawn* I got ready for work. Dan had to get up too.

An uneventful drive down, thank you God, although I saw a stopped vehicle on the northbound side whose front end was crumpled and the creature lying in front of it. I hope no one was hurt.

The shuttle was there as I pulled into the parking lot.

We had a good day; unfortunately we left a lot of patients in labor and delivery, so eventually everyone will be busy tonight.

An uneventful drive home, too, thanks again.

Daniel was home when I got home. We visited a bit while he worked on the schedule for tomorrow. He has drifted off to bed. I'll be going soon, too.

I work again tomorrow.

My "hot flashes" have been different, I think. I seem to be hotter longer. Like sitting on the sofa with the fan on me, and with the air conditioning running. And still perspiring. Sheesh. I hope this doesn't last too long. Or I'll be happy when winter arrives...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 07.27.2009

This extra day off was just what I needed. (My schedule was changed from Mon/Tues to Tues/Wed) I was awake most of the night again, flip-flopping like a fish on the dock. I slept a little this morning, getting up a little after 9.

I breakfasted, read a little, then went outside for a jog. Came in, cooled off, showered, fixed food and ate, then took the van to Discount Tire, as the 2 right side tires were losing air, and Daniel had been there in March to have them looked at/serviced/or whatever they do to tires.

I had made an appointment on the internet, and when I got there I told the guy I had an appointment at 3:45. He busied himself with the computer and documentation and such, and told me I would be there approximately 45 minutes to an hour. I was kind of surprised, but I said again something about having an appointment, and that I would be out in the van for a while. (because there were 2 young children running around, climbing on everything, with the adults being loud to them, etc... not pleasant) After maybe a half hour their vehicle was done and they left. I went inside to the air conditioning to wait.

My vehicle finally was brought in. It turns out that one of the rims had corrosion that interrupted the seal, and the other tire had a staple in it that they removed and repaired. When they brought the van around, there was one other customer left. I approached the salesperson who had checked me in and asked him if it was typical to wait like that for an appointment. He looked at me like I was from another planet, got on the computer to see the appointment schedule, and fell all over himself apologizing for not realizing I had an appointment. He promised to "make it up to me" next time I come in. ooookaaaay. Like he's going to remember. It really wasn't a big deal, other than the naughty adults and kids. After they left, I did some reading. I was glad I had the time to take care of the vehicle maintenance.

Daniel was home when I got there. He had another very busy day as they gear up for the Opening, the first week of August. We visited a bit, I did a little more food prep for my work days, he worked on the employee schedules. After a while he drifted off to bed.

Tomorrow is a workday for me, too. I do hope I get a nap tonight, at least.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 07.26.2009

I can't believe how hot I am at night. Or maybe it's just when I lay down. I listened to the radio via headphones last night for 2 hours, dozing some, and when I got tired of listening I turned it off. Tossed and turned. Hot and cold. Daniel softly snoring rhythmically should have put me to sleep, but, noooo. And even after he was up and gone I only slept a couple of hours. Maybe I just didn't need to sleep much last night....

Anyway, I got up and ready for the day about 9. It was very pretty out--then it would cloud up and almost rain enough to get everything wet. Then it would dry up. This happened several times throughout the day, the last time being about 3 PM.

I went out on the balcony and trimmed/deadheaded the flowers inbetween showers. I went out and picked up my prescription. And that's really about all I did today, other than putz around, tidying up, etc.

Daniel is in bed. I have the fan blowing on me on the sofa. Maybe this is a solution??

Prayers, please, for my dear friend Miss B., as her mother passed away today. She was a sweet woman.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 07.25.2009 Happy Birthday To Me....

I didn't sleep too well, that is, until after Daniel left at 0530. Then I slept until 0900.

As I was thanking God for my life and this day (morning prayers), my phone rang with the first of many good wishes I received throughout the day today. I am truly blessed.

I went out for a jog today. When I started out, the roads had dried from the rain early this morning. It was cloudy, and as I was out the clouds got darker and the wind picked up. As I was cooling down the last block to home the rain started. At first, I thought "shoot, it's raining", but the rain was warm and it was kind of nice. I would have liked to have had someone to walk in the rain with...

I came in and cooled off, then showered. I went over to the library then to the auto parts store for windshield wiper blades. This Pontiac G6 has atypical blades that are 1.) expensive and 2.) hard to find. I spent an hour on the internet looking for them at other than the dealer for $35 apiece. Our local CarQuest store was shown to have them.

In fact, they had two models with a $5 difference in price, each blade. The first set the helpful guy put on were $17 for one and $22 for the other. Geesh. Then the other person in the store, the manager, was looking at the old ones and asked were the ones I just paid for like these? The guy said no, and the manager got on the computer for the part number, went to the display, and got the type that were like the old ones. Those, he said, would be $6 more. Ok, I said. And by the way, it's my birthday. How about marking them down for me?? He said he did, that's why it's only $6 more. Ok, I said. He told the first sales guy to change them out while he finished the paperwork. After a minute, he handed me the receipt. "There you go," he said, "I just made it an even exchange." Wow!!! Thanks!! "Happy Birthday", he said. I thanked him again and left.

I looked at the receipt after I got in the car. Those wiper blades retailed for $70; I paid $39. Daniel said they're $80 at the dealer. Geesh. I hope they last about 10 years...

I went on to Meijer for groceries and did well there, too. No great markdowns or discounts, just ok prices.

Daniel was home when I got home. He helped unload groceries and put them away, then we went to Finley's for Birthday Dinner. It was good, and we enjoyed each other's company.

Daniel is on his way to bed, and I wrote here.

No plans for tomorrow, yet.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 07.24.2009 Ahhh...

Daniel got up and left for work; I stretched out and went back to sleep. I woke about 8:30, listening to the radio a bit before getting up.

The bottoms of my feet were still sore, though not as much as last night. I thought I might go out for a jog before going for the massage. I had breakfast, and by the time that had settled and I had stretched, I didn't think I would have enough time to cool off and shower. So I didn't go out. I showered, than played the piano instead. That was nice.

Leah did a great job today. Got the knots out of my neck and shoulders, worked on the axilla (underarm) of the surgical side making that feel so much better, and I asked her if she had time to do my feet a little. To my surprise, she said, "I love feet!!" And went on to tell me that she is furthering her studies in reflexology and taking the class for certification in medical reflexology in the fall/winter. We only had a few minutes for each foot, but they do feel better. Not all the way, but better. And I made a series of 4 appointments with her through February to be a "practice client" (at $25 for an hour treatment) as part of her requirements. (p.s.-- She still needs "Practice Clients")

Boy do I feel better.

I was hungry when I got home, and had a large water and a small snack. Daniel called at 3:40 saying he was on his way home, too. After he got here, he wanted to go to dinner. Ok.

We went to Los Tres Amigos. Yum.

Back at home, he worked on the employee schedule while I went out on the deck and finished the second library book. When I came in, Dan was sleeping in the chair. He somewhat woke up and went into bed, 9 pm.

I looked at stuff on the internet and wrote here.

Tomorrow is groceries and library.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 07.23.2009 Barking Dogs

Dan and I both slept better last night, though I was still awake several times. I got up and got ready for work. Dan had gotten up too, a half hour after I did.

We left in the rain. It was a yucky drive--there were several different places where a small animal (a skunk was one of them) had been hit, and with the heavy rain and poor visibility, had been hit several more times and splattered across the road. Yes, it really was yucky. But I made it to Jackson safely, thank you God.

We had a great group of co-workers today, and a very busy group of patients. I think I only sat down maybe 3 times--twice to chart, and once for lunch. The rest of the time I was chasing the halls. I noticed my feet getting tired maybe around 2:30/3, but by the time I clocked out and changed into my street shoes they were sore. Oh yeah, I clocked out and ate dinner at 7:08.

No shuttle; I walked the two blocks to the parking lot, trying to keep a positive attitude and a pace faster than a small turtle. I made it, though, and was glad to finally get home. Getting out of the car was less than graceful, as was walking up the steps. No matter, home now.

I unpacked my things, changed clothes into my pajamas, talked with Daniel, and got off of my feet. Ahhhhh...... Oh man, my feet are sore. Them dogs have been barking for the three hours I've been home, but they're finally feeling better.

I had the foresight a few months ago to schedule my massage for tomorrow, 1 pm. Ooohhhh yeeaaaahhhhh. Looking good.....

Daniel has gone to bed, snoring almost immediately. I'll be going shortly, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 07.22.2009 Back to Work...

My bed felt pretty good when I climbed in. The funny thing was that neither one of us slept real well. And then the radio comes on for me to get up for work. That's ok; I've had a turn at having time off.

Dan and I breakfasted together before going in separate directions.

I had a safe drive down, thank you God, and there was no shuttle this morning. Hm. I walked over.

We had a good group today, and we got ugly busy about 5 pm. I felt bad when the next shift came--I knew they were coming into what could be a difficult night. Ahh, well, they are excellent nurses and will do a great job.

I clocked out and left. There was a shuttle at the door, and I jumped on for a ride over to the parking lot. It was kind of drizzling, kind of raining. Wet, anyway.

I had a safe drive home, thank You again, and Daniel greeted me when I got there. We visited a bit, then he fell asleep in his chair while I wrote here.

I'm tired, too, and will probably go to sleep soon.

Tomorrow is a workday. Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 07.21.2009 Ahh, Home

I slept pretty good, listening to the night birds when I was awake. And why do the loons call between 2 and 4 AM? Not that I mind, but I wonder...

This morning was hazy/foggy/misty, pinky orange tones over the lake. Almost surreal looking. I was surprised when the day turned out to be clear and mid 60's.

I got up about 8:45 and started getting ready to go. Not in any hurry, I changed the linens on the bed, showered, and breakfasted. Bit by bit I got finished up. Mary M. came by on the paddleboat to say goodbye, and after that, Mary C. across the road came over to say goodbye. I made my lunch to take with me, finished loading the car, and finally got on the road about 2:15.

I had a safe drive, thank you God, in and out of rainshowers all the way down, getting home shortly after 5. Daniel had just gotten home. He was happy to see me, I was happy to see him. It was good.

By 9:30 I've unpacked, done 3 loads of laundry, and got my things ready for work tomorrow.

I posted a link to the Summer Vacation pics here and in the column on the left. (I didn't edit them or anything, just downloaded)

Tomorrow we both work.

It's good to be home, mostly.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 07.20.2009

Hey--I finally slept good!!!

I was soo tired last night I went to bed at 10:30. I woke at 12:30, and then again at 4 ish. I listened to an owl before going back to sleep. Next wake up was a little after 10. Wow!! And I felt rested! Finally.

After getting up and wandering around, I saw that it was 65 degrees and clear skies, very light breeze. I decided to go out in the paddleboat after breakfast. I took my coffee with me, and had a very pleasant ride with Mary M., KS' mom, who was just coming up to my dock as I was getting my paddleboat ready. I shoved off, and we each rode our own boats down another point then back to her place. She moored, we said our goodbyes, and I came back to home. I floated around the back of the speedboat to make sure all was well with the prop and lower unit and such; it seemed to be. I pulled the paddleboat way up into the egress and I'll turn it over later.

I had been out over 2 hours. I had some water before a quick trip into Hale.

Back from there, I had a light lunch before going out to burn the leaves we had raked up last weekend. I put the sticks and twigs then larger branches in the burner, put a few leaves in it, and had a one-match fire with no paper. Ha! And wouldn't you know, the wind started to pick up.

I burned anyway, watching it carefully, and got it all burned, then put the grate on the top while it smoldered itself out. The neighbors were out, too, and he helped me flip the paddleboat over. So much easier with two people.

I walked around outdoors and made sure everything was done, then went in. I fixed my supper and ate that, looked at email, and before long, Daniel called.

He sounded tired again tonight.

I finished up my evening picking up and packing some things to go home. I finish up after breakfast and get on the road.

The wind has quieted down again, and I'm not far from bedtime myself.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 07.19.2009

What a beautiful day!

I got up this morning to sunny skies and a not-so-windy lake and 50 degrees. Looking out the side window, the loon family was here (in the water) near shore. Two adults, one young 'un. I've seen them feeding the little one, but today, the little one is allowed to dive on it's own. When it went under water, the adult birds would either stick their head under and watch or dive down with it. And if the young one came up with something in it's bill (?)/mouth, it swam to each of the adults and put it near their mouth before eating it. Like it was showing them what he got, and making sure it was ok to eat. Fascinating.

I had my own breakfast, then got on the road to go to Aunt Lois' house for Aunt Donna's 80th Birthday Party.

I had a safe drive down and back, thank you God, and a wonderful time there. It was good to see all those who were there, and seeing the elders looking, well, elder, is a reality check. Yes, I know, it's part of life. I'm thankful to have been able to hug them all today.

Back at the lake about 8:30, it was gloomy, and rained for a brief time.

Tomorrow I'll get mostly ready to leave, as I return to work Wednesday. *sigh*

I've had a great 10 days here, so far.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 07.18.2009

I did pretty good today. Slept fair and was only awake for about an hour about 4 AM, then woke again about 9. I watched the lake for a while, and was surprised that when I looked at the clock again it was after 10. Time to get up...

I did, and had a slow morning. I breakfasted and had coffee, and was just going to get my running things on when there was a knock at the door. Jim came in.

And several beats behind him were my niece and her family: Amber, Scott, Gianna, and Shealyn. And Polly, too. Wow! What a nice surprise!

They are camping in Glennie and were in Long Lake where Jim and Polly found them and brought them over. We had a nice visit.

After they left, I needed to go into Hale for a trash run and to get fruit for the party tomorrow. Those things done, there was a youth group doing a car wash for donations. I let them wash my car, then came back home.

I put things away, fixed food and ate. Daniel called and we visited. He sounded good today. We finished our conversation and I got ready and went out for a jog. It was good.

I came back in, cooled off, showered, had a snack, read a little, and wrote here.

The temps today stayed cool--60 at the lake and 63 in Hale--and the wind was still doing it's crazy pattern of variability.

Tomorrow I'm going to Flushing for the day. I feel kind of "funny" about being almost home, and not going home, but I've got a couple days yet, and I need to clean here before I leave. I didn't want to spend today cleaning and packing and loading and stuff.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 07.17.2009

I was awakened about 0300 by the noisy loons. They were real close, and making a lot of noise. I looked out, but even with dim moonlight I couldn't see anything. Geesh. (I do love listening to them, though) I didn't go right back to sleep, though. I think I laid awake for an hour or so. Hot, then cold. I will say the extremes of the temperature highs and lows are better. I finally dozed off just as the morning birds started calling.

I woke again about 9. I got up, because Tom and Kathy Sue were planning to arrive about 10 to the Goodwin Cottage, and I wanted to visit.

KS called at 10 saying they were in town, and she was over to the Jacque Cabin about 10:40 or so. I had just finished my breakfast.

We visited--it was good to see her. And Polly came over, too. It was nice that "we girls" had a place to be while the three brothers could be together. After a while, we girls went into Long Lake to a little shop, then they dropped me at the JC while Polly and KS went on back to the GC.

The weather was high 50's, overcast, and trying to drizzle. I read a bit, then walked down to the GC. I loitered there for a while. Bruce left for home about 5, T & KS left about a half hour or so later. They brought me back to the JC so I didn't walk home in the rain.

Not too long after I got back Daniel called. He sounded better today. He had been busy still at work, but he said that the day was more controlled.

I had my supper, then got to painting. I finished the ceiling in the front room!!! Yippee! It looks so much better, even with just a coat of the Kilz stuff on it. It certainly needs another coat of real paint, but one thing at a time.

Tomorrow I need to get fruits for the party in Flushing on Sunday. We'll be celebrating our Aunt Donna's 80th birthday. Amazing, isn't it??

I have much to be thankful for.

Hugs.

Thursday 07.16.2009

A very light breeze this morning and mostly cloudy. As the morning went on, the wind picked up, and the clouds got "chunky" and we had patches of blue sky. Even though the thermometer showed just 70 degrees, when the sun was out it was very warm, almost hot.

My neck and shoulders are a bit tight and sore, but I'm trying to just stretch and let things be. I might paint more this afternoon.

I saw activity down at the Goodwin dock--Jim had the Sunfish sailboat ready to sail, and a few minutes later, Bruce had the sails up on his. The wind was strong, and off they went. I got this pic of them across the lake...

...which doesn't truly capture the wind and the water. But the size ratio of the two craft is there. Anyway, I went down to the GC to visit with Polly and wait for them to come back to our end of the lake to get a few more pics.

We chatted for a while, and when time had gone by, and "shouldn't we be seeing them pretty soon?" and we're watching the clock, and we're just convincing ourselves to get in my speedboat and go check on them, we see the sail of the Sunfish.

And as we watch, we don't see the sail of the Spindrift.

Uh Oh.

As Jim fights the wind and comes in to the dock, he says the winds were too difficult for Bruce's boat, and it capsized, or "turtled". Yup. 20 foot mast, straight upside down. And they had a challenge to right it. Fortunately another boater came to help and got it right side up and over to shore to get it bailed out. They decided that Jim would sail back and get his fishing boat and pull the Spindrift back to the GC.

Polly, Jim, and I all rode down to the other end of the lake. Bruce had managed to move the vessel over to the public boat launch, where he was in the process of dismantling the boat. He did not want to attempt towing it back. Jim stayed with boat, while Bruce drove Polly and I back to get Bruce's truck and trailer. The winds were still strong and whitecaps on the water.

Polly stayed at the cottage while Bruce and I drove over to the launch and picked up the sailboat. It was amazing how much water was in the double-hull. It was a process to take the rigging down and the mast, too, but Bruce is a good leader and we got it secured without too much difficulty. When we got it back to the cottage, even more water was coming from the drain holes. It took a couple hours, but it's mostly empty now. Bruce thinks the only things that he lost in the lake were the two sail bags and a bungee cord. And the bottom the boat got scuffed up on some rocks.

We're all thankful that he didn't get hurt, and that the boat is ok, too.

The two guys had their lunch, and I went home to get my food, too.

Daniel called just after I came in. He's had a busy day and sounded kind of tired.

I read some email, and Polly called suggesting an after dinner boat ride. It's amazing how the wind has stopped and the lake is like glass. She came down and helped me get away from the dock, and we went to the Goodwin dock to pick up the guys.

We had an enjoyable putt around the lake, looking at all the properties and improvements and such. When we came in it was about 9:30 or so, and they headed on home.

I thank God for my life, my family, our health, and the good outcome of the day. We are truly blessed.

And I thank God for my friends.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 07.15.2009

The day started quiet and gloomy/overcast. It never really rained here. The same odd wind pattern of being windy then quiet. Temperature got up to 76, surprisingly.

I had breakfast, then went into Hale. Dropped mail at the Post Office, trash at the waste station, then over to Dollar General for cleaning stuff. To Alward's for milk, and they had the whole cooked chickens that I like, so I got one of those, and fresh veggies.

Back home, I put things away and had lunch. Daniel called as I was finishing. He sounded real good, though he says he's "mentally tired". As we were on the phone, I saw a sailboat coming from the far end of the lake. I watched as it got closer then turned around near here. The next time I looked up, it was docking at the Goodwin Cottage! Huh?? Hey--Bruce brought his sailboat!! Awesome!! The sailboats like the wind...

After I finished kitchen chores I walked to the GC and saw my brothers and sister-in-law. (Jim and Polly have returned today, also). We visited a bit, then I came back to catch a ride to Hale with the neighbors. The French Boys Choir was performing at the Catholic church.

We got there and found a seat. The church was full. There were maybe 20 boys, from maybe 7 or 8 on up, and maybe 4 adult males. They sang mostly in French, but the music was wonderful. There were a few numbers performed in English, but with the French accent it was different. And of course the acoustics in the church were wonderful.

After the performance, my neighbors went to check on a property while the owners are away. They wanted to show me the gardens, and a couple of buildings on the property, too. It was a good thing we checked--a door on one of the outbuildings had been left with just the screen door closed, so the heavy door got closed as we left. Then they wanted to show me their other house, which was a few more miles away. Ok. We walked through the house, they sang a couple of karaoke songs (really), we walked through the yard, then left.

On the way back to the lake, we stopped at the GC, as neighbor Bob had wood glue and a clamp for Bruce to borrow to repair a batten. (strip of wood from his boat that broke) We finally left there just before 10.

Back at the lake, I changed into my jammas and wrote here.

Tomorrow is sailboat races, if there's appropriate wind.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 07.14.2009

When I saw the morning it was clear and sunny, with the birdlife and chipmunks making their noises. I laid there for a while listening and watching. Wonderful.

Then I remembered the contractors for the buried telephone line are coming this morning. Time to get up.

I was finishing getting ready for the day when I heard the "beep-beep" of a truck backing up. Yup, it was them. I waited until they were out of the truck and getting oriented to the job before going out and introducing myself.

Tim and Garr did a very good job of doing what they do, and when they left about 3 hours later, in some areas one could hardly tell that the earth had been disturbed. I did my best to stay out of their way, but I did go out and sweep off the garage, the walkway, the decks, and the front of the house. Then I sat on the deck and read.

Even after they were finished and gone, I continued reading. I went down and uncovered the boat and fired it up and let it run a while. I know but maybe next time I'll take it out and try to moor it by myself. It's a little tricky to do by oneself.

I enjoyed it out there in the sun, then as it moved into the trees, the dappled sunlight. Even though it was only about 74 degrees, it's the warmest it's been in a few weeks. The sun was hot and not much wind today. Finally.

I read most of the day. "The Horse Whisperer". What a story.

After I finished the book I made some phone calls then went for a walk. At the end of the driveway I stopped: sometime during the day the road had been sprayed with something to keep the dust down. The road was dark, wet-looking. I hope it's not toxic stuff. Then I hear something from the neighbors: they are fogging their yard with (probably) bug stuff. I hope those bugs don't come over here.

I talked to Daniel this evening. I miss him, and it was good to hear him.

I painted more of the ceiling in the front room. I should be able to finish it the next time. What a nice difference.

I wrote here, and I'll be going to bed.

Tomorrow I may paint more, and I need to go into Hale for a trash run.

Hope all is well with you.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 07.13.2009

Another beautiful day, thank you, God.

I slept pretty good overall, waking only twice. This morning the sun was up over a quiet blue lake. I listened to the birds--the chirping, the cedar waxwings' fluff-fluff-fluff of their wingbeats as they chase the bugs outside the window, the big splash of the diving bird (kingfisher?) that sounds like a large rock being thrown into the water. I put my glasses on and watched for a bit, dozed a little, then read some before getting out of bed.

0930, Vonnie was up and on the dock in the sun with a book and coffee. She said the sun was quite warm, though the air was still cool.

We breakfasted, and went on with our day. We enjoyed being out in the paddleboat ride, and after a light lunch we ended up moving another small pile of larger branches, cleaning up that area so that it can be mowed, and raking the side yard. Then we planted a coreopsis She packed up her things, we had another light dinner, had our good-bye hugs, and she was on her way, about 7:30 pm.

It was a good visit.

I cleaned up the kitchen, talked with Daniel a bit, and wrote here.

It's been windy here today with a cool breeze and warm sun, maybe 70. The wind has changed directions at least three times already.

Tomorrow the crew is coming to put in a new buried telephone line to replace the existing one that was hit by lightning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 07.12.2009

Another beautiful day. Even though it was a bit windy, and sometimes cloudy, the temps got to 77 when the sun was out. But mostly it was cooler and low to mid 60's with the clouds. The "weekenders" were out the first part of the day and the lake quieted in the afternoon.

Kris and I went out for a 3 mile jog which was most enjoyable. You know, they say that you need to be able to talk while jogging/running, which was a good test for me, as I generally go out by myself. It was nice to have that one-on-one time. Thank you, Kris.

After I cooled off and showered, Vonnie and I went in to Hale to pick up a few groceries. That's when the car showed 77 degrees. We had the top down on the way back, and took the scenic route around the lake on memory lane, marveling at it all. We got our food prep done for dinner tonight.

Vonnie and I had Jim, Polly, Jim, Kris, and Ariana for a Bring-your-own-meat-potluck dinner. We had pork steak, made macaroni salad, and I made biscuits for strawberries that we had prepared, and also another batch of yummy rhubarb sauce. Others had brought baked beans, cob corn, green beans, wild rice stuff, another grain type stuff, ribs, and chicken breast, potato salad, and probably a few more things. Jim Sr. ran the grill, cooking our meats to perfection. Thank you, Jim.

After dinner, we girls cleaned up the kitchen. Jim, Kris, and Ariana left to go back home to Midland, and Jim and Polly stayed and visited. They left just before 10.

The lake has quieted down nicely. Vonnie and I sat out on the front deck for a short bit, watching the bats swooping around. The mosquitoes were out, too, and after what felt like a bat picked one off of my hooded-sweatshirt-covered head, I decided it was time for me to go in.
We brought the cushions in and finished up our evening.

Not sure what we're doing tomorrow, other than "liking it".

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 07.11.2009

Another lovely day!! I went to bed and slept pretty good, until the lightning seemed more frequent. I kept waiting for it to blow and thunder and rain, (so I could get up and close the windows) but it only did a heavy sprinkle for a short time, and what little breeze did move through settled back down to a mirror lake. And I was uncomfortably warm. Then slightly cool, then warm again. Even with the ceiling fan on it felt stuffy or something. I was awake from 3 til about 5, dozing again until I got up around 8:30 or so.

I washed up, had breakfast, read some, putzed some. The temperature was already at 70 at 10 o'clock. About noon I went out and uncovered the boat, getting ready for the day. I walked down to the Goodwin Cottage to see how their day was going and when they'd like to go out in the boat. Turns out they were just finishing lunch dishes and thought that boating would be a good thing to do.

As it was, we were out on the water about 2 pm. There were others out, too--wakeboarding, tubing, jet skiing, pontooning, speedboating, sailiing--and the wind was variable, sometimes blowing up whitecaps.

We had a good time, Jim III waterskied, Kris tubed, then Jim and Ariana got on the tube. She's just 2 1/2, but I went very slow and near as I could to shore (100 feet) where it wasn't quite so rough, and she ended up falling asleep. Funny thing was that she woke when we stopped at the dock. And was smiling.

We went up on the deck, and my company arrived at that time. My good friend Vonnie is here for a few days with me. Hugs all around, we visited, the Goodwins walked on back, and we got Vonnie unloaded.

We spent the rest of the evening talking, we fixed dinner and ate, washed up, and as it was nearly dark, we took the flashlights and went out for a walk. That was fun. We heard something rustling and finally found it on the way back. A young/baby skunk!!! We girls laughed and quickly backed away and left the interrupted creature alone.

We then went down to the water and spotted a crayfish, and looked around the perimeter of the house. The stars were out by the millions. So cool.

Not sure what's on the list for tomorrow. Boating? Sunning? Swimming?? We'll see what the weather does.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 07.10.2009

Today when I got up I saw that it was almost 10. I slept somewhat better because I didn't drink as much as I would have liked, therefore not getting up for "biological" breaks.

After breakfast I read a bit, then went out for a jog. When I got back, I stopped at Mary's house across the road to check on her.

We visited for just a bit longer than I wanted to, but all we have is now, so I enjoyed it. She hadn't taken more than the one dose of motrin last night, and wasn't feeling too good. I encouraged her to take the motrin, and tylenol, if she wanted to, around the clock, for comfort and healing. She said she was going into Hale and declined my offer to go with her.

I went in and showered. That felt good. Then I was hungry again, so I had a snack, knowing that dinner wasn't too far away. I putzed around outside, sweeping and such, then walked down to the Goodwin Cottage.

On the way there, one of the neighbors "down the line" hailed me. She looked at me, and after just a brief exchange, she said, "You're....Kathy.....Goodwin" I was amazed. Yes, I am, I responded. She said she was Jan Hill, and introduced me to her husband Jim. Wow. I didn't recognize her, and I'm not sure I even knew who she was way-back-when. You know, in the Old Century. When I was an elementary school kid. But she knew me. And Daniel, and his siblings. We chit chatted for a bit before I went on my way.

Tom had already left for home; I was disappointed that I missed him. But, thank you, anyway, Tom, for helping with the boat yesterday.

I visited with Polly and Jim a bit before going back.

I fixed my food and ate, then went over to check on Mary again.

She said she was feeling much better after meds and a nap. I encouraged her to continue the meds for the next few days. We visited a bit before I went on back to the GC, as Jim III, Kris, and Ariana had arrived. I visited with them until their dinner was almost ready, then left for my place.

I decided to paint more on the ceiling, and had gotten a good piece done, when the phone rang. Come on down for a fire.... Ok, I said. I'll come down when I get to a stopping point....

I got a small chunk painted and put my stuff away, washed up and changed clothes. I decided to drive down there.

We had a nice fire, with fiddle, vocals, rhythm, and smores. I enjoyed it.

The mosquitoes were hungry too, and by 10:45 we broke the fire down. I came home and wrote here.

There are a couple of large groups this weekend--two houses down from me are at least 4 tents, a travel trailer, and a pop-up camper. Halfway to the GC there are 2 pop-up campers, at least 1 tent, and they rented a port-a-potty for their group. (It's all septic around here, and that lot is especially low) It's great to hear people having a good time without being stupid.

I wrote here and will be turning in. Tomorrow (young) Jim III would like to water ski, Kris might like to tube, and I also have a guest arriving. Let's hope for good weather.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 07.09.2009

What a day! I watched the sunrise in a clear sky reflected in the mirror of the lake. Beautiful. I dozed and finally woke for the day just after 10. At that time the temperature was mid 60's, the warmest it's been here in the last few weeks.

I had just finished breakfast and was enjoying a second cup of coffee and a library book when Tom called to offer his help putting the speedboat in the water. Cool.

I went out and tried the second boat cover that Overton's has sent. Unfortunately, it's the same misfit. I was just rolling it back up to send back when Tom pulled in with the van.

We went over to the neighbor's, who has graciously given me permission to use their boat lift. I took an outdoor power cord (it's an electric lift) and we hooked it up and lowered the bunkers so that we can put the boat on it when we get back.

First stop, gas station. $35.00 to fill the tank. Next, to the boat launch, where we had to wait our turn. We were 3rd in line, but it went quickly.

As Tom backed the boat down, I was a bit anxious. I haven't done this since 2001. I'm glad I had the mechanic go over it so I know it runs good. Ok. The back end is in the water, I climb into the boat. Hm. Blower on, Tom's backing down further, and I'm floating. I turn the key, and blub, blub, the engine fires up and all is well. It takes me a few minutes to re-acclimate, but it comes back to me, and I'm maneuvering the vessel out into the lake. Ooohhhh yeah. This is good. I wave to Tom and he takes off.

I putzed slowly to let the engine warm up. And when it finally did, zoom, I'm off. Oooohhhh yeah. I'm liking this.

Fast, then slow, then fast again. I go back to "our end" of the lake--I see that the van is back so I toot the horn to let him know I'm out front.

I pull onto the lift. Unfortunately, it is not in deep enough water for my boat to get all the way onto it. Tom and I tried a couple different ideas, but it wasn't going to work. So. We'll need to put in the screw in poles in the water to hook the boat to at the Jacque dock.

We dropped the boat trailer in the yard and Tom went on back to the Goodwin Cottage. I was pleasantly surprised when he came back in his fishing boat with his bathing suit and water shoes on. He got in the water, and between the two of us we got the stakes where they needed to be and the lines and clips adjusted to the appropriate lengths. He did a good job. Thank you, Tom.

I had called Polly to bring over the stakes I had over there, as we needed the other clips from them. She did, and after we were done, we all got in and went for a boat ride. Wonderful!! It felt so good being in the warm sun (it made it to 70 today)--even though the wind had picked up and the water was quite rough. When we came back in we hooked up to the tie-outs just fine.

Off they went on back to the Goodwin Cottage. It was getting close to 5 pm--time to eat. I put my stuff in the oven, and while it was heating up I went out and took care of the lift and the power cord.

Dinner was yummy, I washed the dishes and Daniel called. We talked a bit, then his dinner was ready so we ended our conversation.

After dinner, I rode my bike over to the GC--Jim decided to bring his computer over to the JC, so after visiting a few minutes we all went back to our place. He got on the internet and figured out what he needed to figure out, and they left. I thought I would paint more of the ceiling, and was getting ready to do that when there was a knock at the back door.

Mary, the lady across the road.

She came in, and was very concerned. She's older, maybe 70's. She told me she fell about 4:30, and now in her middle ribs it's really sore and hurts to take a deep breath. (Ain't it great being a nurse....) I listened to her, then asked her if she wanted me to look at it. She did. I didn't see any discoloration yet, but it did feel a bit swollen, and was definitely sore. After asking her if she has used motrin, she said yes, so I suggested that she take some and maybe ice the area? And would you like for me to come and check on you tomorrow?? She seemed greatly relieved that I offered. We visited just a few minutes before she left.

Now I'm kind of sleepy. Maybe I'll just read a little before I write here, instead of paint. And that's what I did.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 07.08.2009 Vacation!!!!

I slept at intervals. I kept hydrated yesterday while we were so busy, and as a result, I was up every couple of hours. The longest interval was between 0530 and 0830. I'm still having hot flashes, though not quite as strong as during the previous year. I still awaken with the "sense" of something, then I'm warm, so I usually just get out of bed. I think I am able to return to sleep most of the time.

I got up and started getting things together to go to the lake. Daniel had said that the UPS guy usually comes between 9 and 10, and UPS tracking shows that the second boat cover will be delivered today.

I had breakfast, showered, packed, carried things downstairs. The mailman came and rang the doorbell--he brought a printer that Daniel had ordered for us for the lake. (It was actually more cost effective to buy another printer than to buy replacement ink cartridges. Go figure.) Then the Fed Ex guy came and delivered something for Dan. It's well after 10 o'clock, and no UPS truck. I'm mostly ready to leave now, other than the cooler and a few dry foods. I watered all the plants, made a batch of hummingbird food. Hm. Hey--I'll spend the time playing with my new piano!

I enjoyed going through some of my music and playing. I was surprised that my right hand was so unaccustomed to opening/stretching to reach an octave. It won't take too much practice, though, and I was able to pick at some of the easier pieces. I did better when I didn't try to think about it so much, just let the brain do it's thing.

I played for about an hour, and when I was done it was just after 3. Still no truck. I checked the tracking again--still shows that it's to be delivered today. Breathe.

I decided to make a sandwich to eat on the road. And just as I finished, here comes the truck. Finally.

By the time I packed the cooler and foods, carried them downstairs, loaded the car, Daniel called and said he'd be home in about 20 minutes. Shoot, might as well wait and get my hugs. I did, and I ended up actually leaving home around 5 pm.

I took my time traveling and had safe trip, thank you God, and arrived at the Jacque Cabin about 8:45. All well, neat and clean. (Other family members ended up being able to enjoy the place over the holiday weekend.)

I unloaded the car, put things away, and checked out the new internet service. Ooohhh yeah, it's good.

The temps were mid 60's when I arrived, dropping to near 50 tonight, and the lake has quieted to a mirror. The full moon is rising over the water, lighting up the lake with it's wide white stripe. So cool.

Tomorrow I'd like to put the speedboat in the water.

I'm off to put the linens on the bed and tuck myself in.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 07.07.2009

Up and at 'em and off to work. An uneventful drive, thank you God, and I rode over to the hospital in the shuttle.

We had an amazingly busy day, and as a team and with each of us "doing what needs to be done" we got through the day. Very busy.

It was finally 6:55. I clocked out shortly after 7. I am officially on vacation until my next scheduled day, July 22. Yippee!!

I really tired, though, tonight. I got home and Daniel was talkative. We had a nice visit, catching up on each other's days.

Tomorrow I'll finish up packing, loading, and cleaning so I can get to the lake.

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

Monday 07.06.2009

I got up and got ready for work. Daniel did too, but he said he still felt tired. I wonder about him...

I made it to work safely, thank you God, and I was especially thankful as I heard several stories about deer/vehicle collisions that were either near-misses or fatalities.

We had a good day, with a good group of co-workers. I can even say enjoyable. It's long, though, and after 12 1/2 hours I was ready to go home.

Another safe drive, thank You again.

Daniel was subbing in a golf league, so he wasn't home when I got there. I had mostly gotten my work things turned around for tomorrow when he got back.

I was looking for a copy of my resume; I couldn't find either the hard copy or the saved file. So instead of going to bed earlier than midnight, I wrote up a basic resume. (I've been invited to teach at Career Quest Learning Centers, for their Certified Nurse Aide program, and need to submit a resume). I'm pretty tired, but I got it done with the very strong probability that I'll be editing it when I look at it again.

Tomorrow is my last workday until July 22. WooHoo!!!! Look out vacation, here I come. I've got plenty on my list, and I hope that "nothing" is on there a couple of times too. Anyone coming to The Lake??

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 07.05.2009

I knew that Daniel got up for work, but didn't hear him leave. I woke wondering why the hall light was on--it's on a sensor when the door opens--and it turned off as I was thinking about it. The door alarm/chime must have woke me. Anyway, it was almost 6 o'clock. Of course I went back to sleep. And when I looked at the clock again it was just after 10. I was surprised.

I got up and thought about my day, making a list to keep me on track. First thing, breakfast.

I looked at stuff on the computer while waiting for breakfast to settle, then went out for a jog. I showered after cooling off, and boy was I sleepy again. I closed my eyes for a few minutes. Since it was 3:30, I called Daniel to see when he would be able to leave, and what he'd like to do for dinner. He suggested Los Tres Amigos. Ok, so I won't cook....

I went instead over to the library, then the pharmacy. Books and drugs for vacation.

Just as I was getting back, he called saying he was home and ready to go eat. I picked him up and off we went.

After dinner we grocery shopped. At home we put things away, I went out on the balcony and trimmed and watered/fed the flowers. I've done a couple loads of laundry this evening, as well as listed the Sebring on craigslist. I've not done anything with craigslist before, but the girls at work seem to think it's the way to sell or buy.

Dan has gone off to bed, and I'm going soon. We both work tomorrow.

My arm feels full, as well as everything else in that left upper quadrant of my body. Other than being tired today, I feel pretty good overall. I think the Arimidex is a much nicer drug for this body, at least so far.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 07.04.2009

It was nice to not get up at 0430 today. I woke around 0530 for biologic purposes then went back to bed. I expected Daniel would be home around 8; he didn't get in until almost 9. I got up shortly after with sinus pressure. Ick. I took a claritin, then tylenol/motrin.

I did a load of laundry, had breakfast, paid bills. I was just finishing that when Dan got up (it was about noon). We visited some, then it was my turn to get ready for work.

An uneventful drive down, thank you God. I walked across to the hospital.

We had a nice afternoon/evening with a good group of co-workers. And after an 8 hour shift that felt like 12, it was time to go.

I walked back over to the car and reach for the key. Uh oh. Where is it? You know, I don't remember having it this morning... I looked inside the car. Yup. There it is, right in the ignition. With the doors locked.

Hm. When Daniel went to sleep this morning he turned off his phone, and I know he's asleep now. I wonder if he turned it on this afternoon. I called.

It rang then went to voice mail. I called again. He answered. Whew.

"Baby, guess what I did," I told him. I don't think I've ever done that before. When I told him, he wasn't upset at all. He got the other key fob and put it to his cell phone. I held my phone down be the car. Nope, didn' t work. I have co-workers that have done that successfully, so I know that it really does work. Hm. He said, "I have to get dressed; I'll be right down."

Thank you, Dan.

I went back over to the hospital and into the cafeteria and had my supper that I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy earlier. I had just finished when he called and said he was here.

He unlocked the car and handed me the key and we came home.

Daniel had hit a skunk on the way down; boy does the car smell.

He went right to bed. I wrote here. I'll be going to bed soon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 07.03.2009

I was pleasantly surprised when the radio came on this morning that I felt almost rested. I was a little slow getting ready, especially when Daniel is up and getting ready, too.

I had an uneventful drive down, thank you God, in the G6. So different than the van. I parked and walked across the road.

We had a fairly good day with a good group of co-workers.

My phone rang about 9 this morning--it was the service technician for the internet service. He needed to get inside and wondered if anyone was there. I got his phone number, called Jim who said he'd go over to the Jacque Cabin, and called Bob back. After several phone calls back and forth to keep me updated, it was determined that the telephone line had been struck by lightening some time after the phone was gone and there was no dial tone. Equipment was checked, a "temporary drop" was installed, and wa-la! internet service. Some time (next week?) the crew will be out to run a new underground service. Big thanks to Jim for participating in that.

I finally got to leave after a long shift. Daniel was already home when I got there close to 8pm. He had been trying to rest before going in for the midnight shift tonight. I don't think he rested much. We visited a bit before he left for work.

I had a snack and wrote here.

Tomorrow I work second shift, 2:30-11 pm. The good part is that I can sleep in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 07.02.2009

I watched the quiet sunrise this morning in what looked to be a partly cloudy sky. It was very pretty, and I dozed back off to the sounds of the birds, and was surprised that it was 10:00 when I woke up.

As I got up and moving around, I was picking up and putting away and generally getting things turned around to go home. I finally had breakfast about 11:30.

Just as I was sitting down to eat, Jim and Polly came in. We visited a while, they left, and I finished getting ready to go home. I called Overton's about the ill-fitting boat cover, and they are going to exchange it. I rolled it back up as best I could.

When I ordered the internet service, the lady told me that it would be on after 5pm on the service day. I did all my cleaning and packing to leave, and at 5:05, no service. Hm. I called customer service and asked about it. "5:00 Central Time," he said. Ugh. So I putzed around for another 45 minutes.

6 o'clock, 6:05. No service. I called again. Of course, I was on hold, in the que, and when I finally spoke with someone, he had to start from the very beginning, with the service address, billing address, etc. He checked the modem (from Texas!) and declared it functional, but something is not physically correct with the line into the house. (I don't think the technician ever came out like the very first lady told me he would.) So he put in another work order, and supposedly the person will be out tomorrow. That's all good and well; I won't be there. Evidently they call if they need to get into the building to check the service.

Needless to say, I was very disappointed, and frustrated, too. I was ready to leave before 5 and wanted to get home. I finally got into the van at 6:40 pm and headed south.

I had a good drive home, thank you God, although the folks northbound on I-75 were backed up stop-and-go from Bay City to Saginaw, about 10 miles. It's good to see that with our economy the way it is that people are still going "up north" on a holiday weekend.

I finally got home about 9:40. I unloaded the van and put it at the foot of the stairs in the foyer, and when I came in after parking the van, it was all upstairs!! I tell you, that Daniel is a good man.

It was good to see him. We visited while I unpacked, then I showered. That felt good.

I wrote here, and I'm off to bed.

Work day tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 07.01.2009

I think I’m doing better with the Arimidex than the Tamoxifen. I feel like I’m actually resting when I sleep, even though it’s interrupted. And I don’t feel like I’m buried, looking for the surface all the time. That’s a good thing.

Today was slightly breezy at times alternating with the mirror of the lake. It’s so beautiful. I enjoyed watching the loons, the ducks, the blue heron, the hummingbird, purple martins? and the eagle for a great part of the morning. Soooo restful to my soul. There is no way I can thank God enough.

On the way to pacing myself, I took it easy the first part of the day. I went into Hale and sat in the Senior Center parking lot and connected to the internet, picking through email and posting the last few days of blog entries after stopping at the “transfer station” to drop off the trash. I was getting hungry, but on the way home I had a strong telephone signal, so pulled into a parking lot and made a phone call. Geesh.

I had a nice lunch back at the cabin. It looked like the high clouds were breaking up. The jet skis and other boaters came out onto the lake. The temperature was up to a whopping 62 degrees. I have to say I, too, went outdoors, trimming and feeding the plants, sweeping the deck, etc. I looked at that boat cover again—it’s not going to work.

Daniel called and we visited a bit. I had a couple of other phone calls, too, one of them being Polly inviting me down for supper. Cool.

I was going to go out for a paddleboat ride, but the hard things I’ve been stepping on in the carpet were calling for attention. I got scissors and started cutting the shag carpet of the debris. I don’t know what it is (maybe something really gross that has hardened), but I ended up with 2 good sized piles of fuzz. And I found another small gold fish hook imbedded in the carpet. It’s a wonder I haven’t found it before. I have found a couple other of those fish hooks. Scary.

6 o’clock. I got my bicycle out of the garage and rode down to the Goodwin Cottage, where Jim had prepared spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread. Yum! It was nice to visit and share a meal.
I didn’t stay long. I rode back home—and just as I got to the garage door, my foot slipped off the pedal and caught the back of my ankle/lower leg. Ow. I put the bike away and went in to assess the damage.

Lots of abrasions that were bleeding a little. I washed it up and put the triple antibiotic ointment on it. It’s swollen and bruised, too. Looks like a bad shave job.

I got back on the ceiling project. I ended up doing quite a bit this evening, finishing approximately a third of the ceiling. And I washed the walls below where I painted. They were sure dirty and will need another washing yet. I ended up painting and cleaning until maybe 11:30 or so.

I wrote here after cleaning up.

Tomorrow I’ll be leaving late afternoon. I’m anxious to get home and see Daniel.

I work all day Friday, then 3-11 on Saturday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 06.30.2009

I slept pretty good overall, but woke with a slight headache. Probably a response to all that dirt I kicked up yesterday. I had breakfast and brew and lotsa water. I took it easy this morning, enjoying my library book while waiting a little before going out for a jog.

Temps almost 60, light wind, and overcast today. I had a good jog and a shower after.

Lunch. Now I have to go out to the garage and get the second coat of wax on that speedboat.

I wasn’t very perky out there in the garage. I came in and took Tylenol/motrin for neck pain that felt like it could lead to a migraine (which I haven’t had since stopping birth control pills in November 2007). I went back out and took my time. I got it done. I sure looks nice. Then I put on the new cover I got from Overton’s. It’s supposed to be sized for this boat, but it just doesn’t fit right. After walking around it and tugging on it several times, I decided to close up shop for the evening.

That put away, I came in and talked with Daniel on the phone. He’s had a busy day again at work.

I had a snack, read a little more, and wrote here. I’m thinking I could be painting, but I’m thinking that pacing myself is a better thing to do. I can paint some tomorrow. And maybe get someone to help me put the boat in the water. We’ll see.

That’s all for now.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 06.29.2009

Quiet and overcast with a hint of clearing skies when I woke at 7:30 after my usual interrupted sleep. I thought about getting up. When I looked at the clock again it was 9:30. Guess I wasn’t ready earlier.

It’s been low to mid 60’s today with intermittent light rain showers interspersed with peeks of sunshine. Not too bad, really.

My shoulder, well, the whole upper left quadrant, is uncomfortable. Tylenol and motrin help.

I had a productive day. I went out for a walk, and when I came back in it started to rain. In fact, it rained on and off all day today.

I ended up deep cleaning the front room and started painting the ceiling in there. It’s just dry USB board, so it soaks up the Kilz stuff I’m putting on. But it’s a start. And smells so much better already.

Not sure what tomorrow may bring.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 06.28.2009

I slept last night, but sure wasn’t ready to get up at 0430. I felt like my brain was being pulled from it’s vacuum-packaging. Ugh. After a few deep breaths and attempts at consciousness, I made it. Daniel was still sleeping, sounding like he was still in the vacuum. He surfaced about 2 minutes before his alarm came on.

I left and had a safe drive down, thank you God.

The hospital was either busy or understaffed on the other floors, as 3 staff from our floor had to “float” out. Not a popular option. Our floor was nicely manageable, and after our discharges we had to staff down another one of us in my job role. No such luck—another one of us had to “go out” and cover the other unit’s lunches. Since I had gone not too long ago, the other girl went, saying that if she got sent back I could go home. Very generous of her.

3 of our girls were released from the other areas about 2:30. We shifted our staffing around, they changed into hospital scrubs (the other units are considered “dirty” and we are a “clean” unit), reported off, and those of us who were leaving, did. I clocked out 3 pm. Whew.

I got home and started turning things around to go up north. Changed clothes, went to the library to return and pick up materials. Back home, I loaded my bicycle into the van. I got the other items on my list collected, all but the food. I had plenty of time for a nap. I rested for about a half hour, enough to feel somewhat refreshed.

I made my sandwich to eat on the road, along with an apple and a few chips and packed the cooler and dry foods. Loaded up, on my way.

First stop, Meijer, to pay the bill. The person at the service desk listened to why the card number was not active, clicked around on the computer screen, and “no problem”. Cool. Thank you.

I had an uneventful drive, stopping when I wanted, lingering if I felt like it, arriving at the Jacque Cabin about 11:30 pm. I saw one deer go across the road, and a couple other on the side, and several in the fields. Thank you God for keeping me safe.

All was well inside the Cabin, and I got unloaded. I’m surprised at how “buggy” it is outdoors. The temperature was mid 60’s and the lake mirror still. I finally turned in about 12:30.

Today was the first pill of the Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor which inhibits the amount of estrogens being produced. Doctor Williams felt that my hormone levels are such that I am now “menopausal”, therefore can switch from the Tamoxifen, which is an estrogen receptor blocker. After reading the side effects of the Arimidex, it makes me wonder, but I’ll try it. So far, so good.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.