Wednesday 09.30.2009

I went back to sleep this morning after Dan left, but woke again shortly after 8. And not feeling so good. Head pressure and fatigue. I got up and took a claritin and had breakfast. I looked around on the internet and went back to bed. I was surprised that it was after 12 when I woke again.

Hey! I feel a little better. Not great, but a little better. I had a bite to eat, then took a bike ride over to the post office to mail a package for Dan then to the pharmacy to pick up the rest of the prescription (that they didn't have the other day). The sun was in a clear blue sky, but the wind was still a little cold. It sure is odd/weird to be cold and having hot flashes. The air feels cold on my skin but my torso is hot and perspiring. Geesh.

I was quite fatigued when I got back home and put my bike away. I had read an article this morning about the aromitase inhibitors (AI)--of which the arimidex is one, and the plan is to take that for 4 more years--causing joint pain. This study showed joint and tendon changes by ultrasound, validating that approximately 1/3 of the women who take it really do hurt. Ugh. The recommended treatment for the discomfort is nsaids and acetaminophen (yes, tylenol and motrin really are my friends), and to continue the AI for the duration. *sigh* The follow-up question from us lay-people is, Does it go away when the AI is discontinued? That study is yet to be done.

With that in mind, and with me being on the edge of getting sick, I took some tylenol and motrin. I ended up with a brief nap on the sofa, but since I've been drinking a lot of water today I had to get up. That's ok, I wandered and picked up the house a little.

Dan played golf after work and came in just after dusk. He's feeling better, and said he played pretty good today.

He works tomorrow and I don't. (smile) I hope to beat this bug.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.29.2009

Another really busy day. These are getting old.

I've done pretty good, both physically and intellectually, but tonight I'm really tired. If I had a jetted tub in my house I would have called ahead to have it being filled so that I could get in when I got home. As it was, Dan rubbed my shoulders a little for me, which helped some.

My throat started to get sore just before I left the hospital tonight. I hope I'm not getting The Crud. Ick.

I'm off to bed soon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.28.2009

The alarm came on--it surprised me. I woke and was wondering "what was that music?"...oh, yeah, the radio. I have to work today. Dog. Or, in pirate-speak, argh. I got up.

Dan was up at 0500. He seems to be feeling better. We both went to our respective jobs.

It was a dark and rainy morning. I made it safely amongst the splattered critters on the road. I managed to not hit the bigger chunks of what looked to be raccoons. There were several on the way south this morning. I parked and waited for the shuttle which took us over to the hospital.

We had a great group of co-workers today, and I was B-U-S-Y. I don't like being that busy. But, we got through it. And it was finally time to leave. I was surprised that it was raining this evening. In the lobby, I waited several minutes for the shuttle to take me back over to the parking lot. I don't mind the rain so much, but it was windy, too.

I got home--Dan was sleeping in the chair and didn't know I had even came in. I had put a couple of things away before he woke.

He said he had a good day. We visited just a bit, but he kept dozing off. Finally about 8:40 he went in to bed. And not long after I had a phone call from a wonderful friend and was able to visit a little bit.

I checked email and wrote here. I'm tired tonight, too, and hope I can sleep at least half as good as Daniel does. Tomorrow is another workday for each of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.27.2009

I slept like I do; the better sleep between 0330 and 0900. Daniel seemed to rest better, too, with the help of Thera Flu.

He went off to play golf, while I had breakfast and started a load of laundry. After a while I went out for a jog. I came in, cooled off, showered, and made potato salad. Changed the laundry over and put in another load.

Lunch was good. I made a grocery list and was just going out when Dan came in.

The rest of the evening was not a whole lot of anything. He's feeling somewhat better.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.26.2009

I slept pretty good, as it goes. And Daniel didn't work today, so there were no alarms this morning. It was about 8:30 when I woke--Dan wasn't in bed. He had been up a short while.

Still feeling yucky, he went over to the fitness center (something like Fitness USA, where he has a lifetime membership) and went into the sauna. I stayed in bed, reading.

When I did get up, I moved to the sofa and read more. Fixed breakfast and ate while reading. I finally finished the book so I could get it back to the library, and I went in to shower.

Dan came home and took a nap. I started a pot of soup, knowing I needed to go out for a couple of remaining ingredients. But I had to go out anyway to pick up prescriptions.

I got what I needed at the stores, finished the soup, and after it simmered for a short while longer, we ate. It was yummy.

I finally finished unpacking and putting things away from being at the lake. The rest of the evening I didn't do much.

Tomorrow is another quiet day. I hope Dan feels better. And that I don't get it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.25.2009

Sleep, wake, sleep, wake--0430. Up and ready for work.

I drove the Honda Insight today so the window tint can be applied by Auto Images in Michigan Center. I parked it in the Concierge space--they will take the vehicle over and pick it back up.

We had another busy day again today. Not quite as busy as yesterday, but busy none-the-less. And a great group of co-workers. It was finally time to go home.

Daniel's car looks good. He wanted the tinting to discourage "window shopping", since he most often has his golf clubs with him.

A safe drive home, thank you God. Daniel was sleeping when I got there. I put things away, changed clothes, and wrote here. He finally woke. He's getting sick. Respiratory stuff. I sure hope it doesn't last long, doesn't hit hard, and doesn't get passed to me.

I'm pretty tired and will be off to bed soon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.24.2009

I didn't sleep too well, but I got up and got ready for work. Daniel got up when his alarm came on. We both left.

It was a beautiful morning, though still dark. The stars were bright as the first quarter moon was no longer in the sky.

At work, we were terrible busy. The first part of the morning just kind of "blew up"--we were full with no beds on either unit. The day went on, and thanks to the teamwork of all of our staff, we clocked out pretty much on time.

I got home ok, thank you God, and Dan was sleeping on the bed. I put a load of laundry in and wrote yesterday's post and today's. Dan got up; he sounds congested and says he's not feeling well yet.

The laundry is done, and I need to get a couple more hours of sleep before going back to work in the morning.

I'm extremely blessed to have this life, which include the ability to go to The Lake, and to share with you.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.23.2009

What a beautiful day today!! About 64 degrees when I woke (about 9) and up to mid 70's in the afternoon. It was actually the warmest couple of days I have had at the lake since the first "hot spell" in the spring.

I got up and took my time with breakfast, enjoying the morning, waiting for the cover of the boat to dry before taking it off. I bug-sprayed the exterior perimeter of the garage and house, straightened and swept the inside of the garage, moving things around to get the next projects set up, and to make room for the speedboat, and bug-sprayed the interior perimeter there, too.

On to the boat. I got the power washer hooked up, applied the TSP "substitute" cleaning solution, let it sit for the recommended time, and blasted it. Oh man, the algae stuff isn't spraying off. But if I wipe it, with just a medium pressure, it slips right off. Hm. I sprayed it again. Nope. Wipe--Oh. I'm going to have to wipe the whole bottom of the boat. *sigh*

So I did. It took me, literally, all afternoon. It was beautifully sunshiney, hot, and somewhat difficult to do with my gimpy left shoulder. I took what time I needed, and whenever I took a break from bending, stooping, stretching, and wiping, and went into the house I picked up and gathered and packed up in there. Then back outside. I saw Bob out with his boat trailer and went over to help get their little boat loaded up. That one was simple.

Anne W. and "the girls" had walked down to say good bye, so that was another nice break. And Mary C. from across the road had come over to say good bye, also, and that was another nice break. I didn't mind; people are more important than projects.

I finally finished the speedboat around 6, got the garden hose and power washer put away, moved the boat into the garage, and called it good. I was really hot and dirty and realized I will need to shower before going home. And I needed to eat.

I ate first, pulling the foods together to take home while preparing and eating. (Multi-tasking?) Then the shower. Whew--that felt good. Now. Finish up the last few things and start carrying them out to the van. I put a snack together and was just getting ready to go out when Bob and Evelyn stopped over to see if I was ok, because it was now dark. I heard Bob's voice before I turned and looked at the back door. Through the screen, a scarecrow, one of those 5-foot, store-bought ones on a stake, was nodding and talking to me. Then Evelyn started giggling and they came on in. Geesh. If I hadn't recognized their voices I might have been more startled. They were concerned that I hadn't left yet and wondered if I was ok. Yes, and I thanked them for checking on me. We laughed and hugged and I used the restroom one last time, locked up and hit the road about 9 PM.

I had a safe drive home, thank you God, and got home about midnight. Of course Daniel was sound asleep. I unloaded, unpacked the cold foods, got my things ready to go to work in a few hours, and went in to take my 3 1/2 hour nap before getting up for work in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.22.2009

Wow! I put the date on there and it hit me about the seasons changing. And putting it together with the smells and the sounds up here.

I've had fun watching the birds this summer. The juvenile birds are still speckled, but the darker, mature feathers are coming in. They are all molting and are very funny to watch as they float on the water with their heads turned all the way around, plucking feathers out. Then, they're sometimes very noisy as they turn their head back and forth on the surface of the water to splash the feathers out of their beaks. There are many feathers floating on the surface, drifting and washing up along the shore.

The duck, loon, and seagull offspring are nearing adult size, with the remaining speckles the identifier, and they are trying out their wings and their voices. The ducks, especially. They are near shore within 20 feet or so, and there are maybe 3 different "family" groups. They went back and forth several times today, splashing and pulling feathers out and gab-gab-gabbing about it. It almost sounded like children playing in the water, or a dog or two running in and out of the water. I had to look several times while I was working out in the back to see what was splashing around in the water!!

I had a good day today. I was awake frequently until 3:30 or so, then slept well and was surprised that it was 0930! I laid there and enjoyed the sounds of the lake. Before long, splashing noises occurred. And the acorns are falling all over. The squirrels are knocking them down, too, so they're up shaking the branches. Then, thunk, thunk, thunk--they hit the ground or the roof or the deck or the awning or the neighbor's aluminum boat that's upside down on the bank. The black squirrel was in the oak branches that overhang the water, and those acorns did a heavy plop in the water, or landed on the docks or rocks. They sound like gravel with the frequency they were falling from the trees. I was surprised at that, too!

I was going to run this morning, but that didn't happen. I was swept the walks and decks and put out the furniture. Then I walked around the house and swept it, too, where it needed it. And the garage. The spiders are coming back and there are lots of moths, big ones, and a few smaller ones. Weird.

It was just after one o'clock. I decided to shower before Krisana from Tru Exteriors comes at 2. I'm done with the shower, drying off, when there's a knock at the door. She was early.

I told her I'd need a few minutes, but to go ahead and look around outside and check out the project site.

She was very knowledgeable, and had drawn up an idea for what they wanted to do, from the photos I had sent. (thanks, Jim and Polly. Krisana said they were great pics) We talked through the entire installation of the product, a "roofing system" with panels composed of a core of extruded polystyrene foam covered with a painted finished aluminum skin. The 3-inch-thick piece of foam has a snow load of 50 lb/sq ft , and a cubic foot of it weighs only 2 pounds. She had told me it was the foam stuff last night when she called to set a time for today, and I had to look it up. I was concerned about the toxicity of the stuff. But, one of the manufacturers has a great site, www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/NES/ner501.pdf , which mostly eased my mind about it.

We talked price, I wrote a check, and she's going to call in several weeks when the materials come in to schedule a time. Yippee!!

It's been a beautiful afternoon, mirror quiet and 70 degrees. I fixed food and ate, had a conversation with Daniel, and just when I was going to start on the garage, the neighbor called to say they were home.

Bob and Evelyn were coming over as I opened the garage and pulled the van out to pick up the boat trailer in the yard. We got it hooked up, and I had to take Bob for his boat ride before we pulled it out of the water. So, we all three went out on the boat.

We took a fast ride down to the boat launch, then back up to the west end. When we got back into "our" bay, Bob had asked about "doing the circles" like he's seen me do. Okay, I said, are you sure? Yup. He wanted to do those "spins". Okay. But you've got to hold on. I asked if it was okay with Evelyn, and she grinned. I showed them where to hang on and to brace themselves, then did a "kind of " one, not going as fast as I could have. After they got the feel of it, I did it again, pretty hard. They were both grinning.

I let them out at the dock so they could take the van/trailer to the launch. I wasn't ready to take the boat out of the water yet, but it feels like a relief, too, to have it out. We got it out no problem. Another fishing boat came in, and while the one guy went to get their truck/trailer, the other guy was kind and lended us a hand, making the actual trailering very smooth.

When we got back, I put the boat in the driveway and got the powerwasher out. I was hoping the algae would rinse right off. Wrong. Disappointed, I sprayed the entire hull of the boat anyway, removing stuff that did come off. It was becoming dusk, but I tried a product to see if it would work. It did.

I was just starting to wipe that stuff on the boat when the neighbor across the road pulled in. He had been out in his garden harvesting potatoes--"would you like some?" Hoo, yeah!! And they're pesticide free. Thank you, Marty. We visited a little, and as night fell, I realized I wasn't going to finish that tonight with the mosquitoes and all. I put things away and covered the boat until tomorrow.

I washed up. Done with outside stuff for today. I went out and sat on the deck, with a blanket, in the dark.

So neat. Those ducks are still at it, quietly chatting in their group, splashing the feathers out of their beaks. No stars yet tonight. And a rustling breeze is blowing on occasion.

Thank you, God, for letting me enjoy your world.

And thank you, Readers, for sharing it with me. Hugs.

Monday 09.21.2009 The Lake

I was pretty tired, I guess. When Daniel got up I went back to sleep, though I struggled to stay awake. Then I saw that the hallway light was on (it turns off automatically) and he'd probably been gone 10 minutes or so. Oh. I thought about getting up, but I chose to sleep instead.

I woke up around 8-probably the sound of the school bus-and got up. I took my time getting ready this morning, and was ready to go by 10:00.

I enjoyed the drive, stopping at the Wilder Road Meijer for duel fuel (auto and human), enjoying the chance to walk around.

Back in the van and off I go. I had come through areas of both light sprinkles and rain but was drying up now. But the closer I got, it was gray skies again. It was wet at the cabin, but not raining while I unloaded. *smile* thank you God. A short bit later it thundered and rained pretty good for 20 minutes or so, then stopped. The temp stayed at 70 degrees, and about sundown the sky cleared. It's mirror quiet and clear, with the stars reflecting off of the lake. Awesome. I sat out on the deck and watched and listened for a while. Very cool.

I've cleaned, eaten, read, and written here.

Tomorrow I'm meeting with Krisana from Tru Exteriors ( http://www.truexteriors.com/) to talk about options for the awning/covering for the back deck. I'm anxious to hear her evaluation and ideas. And maybe get the speedboat out of the water, which includes powerwashing the bottom.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.20.2009

I was dreaming this morning, with the background music being a wonderful, bright violin concerto. After a while I surfaced, and realized that the music was really the radio/alarm, and that it had been on for several minutes. I smiled, listened a minute or two more, thanked God, and got up.

Dan didn't have to get up quite so early, as he's golfing this morning--something to do with the casino. I went into the kitchen for breakfast, finished getting my things ready, and headed south.

We had a good day today with a good group, and it was finally time to leave. As I was leaving the floor, a patient came down the hall with an IV pump beeping. One of the other nurses was unable to fix it; I put down my things, fooled with it a bit, and got it running. Now I left.

A safe drive home, thank you God, and I realize that I'm probably too tired/fatigued to drive the 3 hours to the cabin in the dark tonight. Darn. But I'd rather be safe than timely.

So, I gathered a few more items together, so that in the morning I'll add daily stuff and the cooler stuff, and head north. I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.19.2009

The night seemed long, as I was wakeful what seemed like a lot. I would lie there for several minutes to cool off, then cover up and go back to sleep. Soon it was time to get up.

I got ready for work. Just as I was finishing, Daniel's alarm went off. He got up, too.

We left for our places of employment. I had a safe drive down, thank you God, and walked across to the hospital. We had a great grout of staff and pretty good patients overall. The last hour turned into a busy time, but I finally clocked out about 7:30, changed my clothes, and went over to Miss B's son's wedding reception.

The setting was absolutely beautiful, as were the bride, groom, and the groom's mother. A lot of others looked real good, too. I was brought a plate of food and joined some people I knew. We laughed and caught up with each other.

I left about 9:15--after the dance, the toasts, and the cake cutting--to come home.

Daniel is in bed, of course. I got my things turned around for tomorrow. I'm hoping to leave in a timely manner tomorrow night so I can head on up to the cabin until Wednesday.

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

Friday 09.18.2009

I woke Dan this morning after I saw the clock--0527--he quickly got up and ready and left for work. I went back to sleep and woke about 8:15. I got up and had breakfast, because (singing) I have a massage at 0930!!

I got over to Leah's, and she did a really good job today, with lots of attention to my left upper quadrant. She commented that I was "dimpled" and asked if I'd seen Ike recently. I think it was her subtle way of saying it would be a good idea to get back into treatment.

I left there and came home. I called the carpet company, asking if the teflon product had been applied, as there was no mention of it on the receipt. She called me back, saying that one of the guys wasn't working today, and the other didn't see it happen, so she'll send someone out to do so. Would that be ok?? Sure, thanks.

A little while later the guy calls, and comes over to spray stuff on the carpet in the hallway and main stairs. That was it. Thanks. It was a different guy than either of the ones from yesterday, but just as polite.

The carpet had dried overnight but was a little stiff, so I vacuumed everything again before replacing the furniture, which did soften it. Another hour or so, and the house was put back together.

Dan called; he was on his way home. When he got here, he changed clothes, worked on someone's computer, then we went out to My Three Buddies then on over to pick up the Insight.

Wow!! Does that car look good!! It's a whole different grill/front panel with the fog lights in it. Nice.

We came back home and finished our evening. He has drifted off to bed, and I'm not far behind. Both of us work tomorrow, and my friend Miss B's son's wedding is tomorrow afternoon, and I'm going to the reception for a bit after work. Daniel might join me, depending on his day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.17.2009 Carpet Cleaning

I slept pretty good inbetween wake times, and woke feeling rested. Daniel had gotten up and left to golf; I rolled over and went back to sleep, getting up sometime before 9. I had breakfast, dressed, and started clearing the floors in the master bedroom, living room, and dining room. I wanted to move what I could and vacuum, as well as use the smaller vacuum to get the edges good. I was surprised that it took me about 4 hours to do that.

I was just finishing the bottom stairs when the truck pulled up. Ace Carpet and Furniture Cleaning. Two young men, mid to late 20's. They came in and looked around, impressed that I've moved everything for them, except the dining table, the two end tables, and the sofa. And the bed and dressers aren't going to be moved, nor are the entertainment center or the china cabinet. I showed them the areas of greater soil, and they went back downstairs to get their stuff.

They pretreated and got to work. Since I had been busy since breakfast, I fixed my lunch and went down in the foyer and ate. Whew!! I didn't realize how tired my body was. When I was done, I went back upstairs. They had already done the bedroom and were well into the living room coming into the dining area. It looked like they were doing a good job.

They finished up in just over an hour. It looks so much better. But it seems really wet. It was a steam/extraction process that they said would be "damp" for 8-12 hours. I believe it will be. I went around the house turning on fans to help move the air around.

I removed and cleaned the cover of the furnace filter, and Daniel had brought a new filter back home with him. He was pleased at how much better the carpet looks.

I had been reading out on the balcony until Dan came home, and after greeting him, he went in to wash up and change clothes and such. I continued reading.

I finished my book and asked him what time he wanted to leave. He was blank for a minute, then remembered about the Retired Police dinner. "We'd better go now", he said.

So we both changed clothes, and he realized that we would be late. Which turned out ok, because we came in at the end of the serving line. And his friends had saved us a couple of seats at their table.

We ate and mingled and came home. The carpet in the bedroom is mostly dry; the rest is trying hard. Dan is off to bed. I'm ready, to.

Tomorrow is massage day. Mmmmm. I'm glad for that.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.16.2009 Leasees

We got up about 8:30 this morning. Dan had breakfast and left for golf, I had breakfast and checked the computer, called the insurance company to add the Insight and take the Sebring off. After a while I went out for a run. It was good.

After cooling off and showering, I fixed food for us to eat before going over to the dealership to sign papers on the car. Dan called before it was done, saying that he would meet me over there. Ok. I ate.

He arrived about 5 minutes before our appointment time. This dealership's processes are very thorough--they make sure that everything is done. There was a checklist for when the car was received there, another for making sure it was ready for pickup, a checklist for the salesman, and a checklist for the actual paperwork guy. Our salesperson, Bruce, actually went through the owner's manual with us. Yesterday he had gone over the car, showing us how things work, and today he got in the passenger seat with Dan in the driver's seat, showing him again the displays and such. Bruce had even set the radio to the stations that was on the "Owner's Preferences" checklist when we were doing the paperwork. It did seem a little long, but it was very thorough. When Dan finally drove away, he was smiling.

Me, too. Honda's interest rate dropped by half overnight, (so we were told), so our payments were less than expected. And we got money back, something to do with the maximum amount applied to the lease and the sale of the Sebring. If I remember right, the interest rate was something like 4.35%. It might be a little less, but I don't remember.

Dan put most of the things from the Vibe into the Insight and left the Vibe there, so that when the foglamps/front grill panel comes in he'll have a car to drive. After that, we'll bring it home and put it for sale.

When we got home, Dan ate, then said he was "going out to sit in the car". He wanted to figure out where to put his electronics stuff, etc. I went off to Meijer to pick up a few things.

He was in the house when I got back, and it wasn't long after that he went to bed. He golfs again tomorrow morning, and tomorrow night is the Retired Police get-together.

We also have a company coming to clean the carpet in the living room, hallway, and stairs tomorrow afternoon. That will be nice to have fresh flooring.

Well, that's it. Thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Tuesday 09.15.2009

Dan and I both slept in this morning. He got up about 8:30 and took his meds and laid back down. We dozed until 9:30 or so before getting up and starting our day.

After I showered and breakfasted, we had decided to go to a Honda dealer and look at the new Insights. Off we went.

We spent an hour or so talking with the salesman, Bruce, who was very knowledgeable about this vehicle. And we started talking numbers.

He suggested that with the amount of miles Daniel drives that a lease might be a feasible option, as the vehicle will have close to 100,000 miles in 3 years. We asked lots of questions, got it on paper, and left, going home to have lunch and mull over this information.

We took the idea of trading in the Sebring that hasn't sold (we haven't even had a bite on it). Dan went to hit golf balls and I went to get the Sebring to take back to the dealer. On the way over, I passed Dan coming home, and he met me over at the dealership.

After MUCH more discussion, we made a deal. All of the additional dealer options that we wanted on the car and the down payment of the lease, for the Sebring. I was sad that the value of the Sebring wasn't a little more monetarily, but I think that's the emotional side of it. The reality is that we bought it at a very good price and it's been a good car and served it's purpose for us. And we won't have to worry about selling it. We left it there.

We stopped back at the house to pick up the keys for the Pontiac, which I had left down in Rives Junction, then went there to get it. On the way back we stopped in Leslie and had a bite to eat.

We have just a slight bit of anxiety, but overall feel that with Dan's car having over 115,000 miles on it already, we're making a good move. And the Vibe should sell without much difficulty.

Tomorrow afternoon we pick up a 2010 Honda Insight, Spectrum White Pearl. The body style is very similar to the Toyota Prius.

I'm just a little anxious about this, but I do think it's a good thing.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.14.2009

The radio came on this morning. Ok, get up. I was dressed and just going to put on makeup when the phone rang. Yesss!!! On Call. Daniel's alarm came on a few minutes later.

I changed back into my pajamas, and decided I would get up and read while he was getting ready. I really don't sleep anyway, when he's up, waiting for him to leave before going back to sleep.

I went back to bed about 5:45. I remember seeing 6 o'clock, then it was 8:10. I feel better. I got up, knowing that I'll probably be called to work around 9:30 or so.

I dressed and had breakfast. As I was just about finished, the phone rang. Could I be there by 10:30?? Sure, no problem.

That worked out just fine for me. I changed, got my things together, and headed down, stopping to do my banking. And I found a parking place a couple blocks away, though I didn't see the shuttle. I enjoyed the walk over in the sunshine and 72 degrees.

We were getting busy, and it got busier as the day went on. We had a good group and had a lot of fun while doing what needed to be done. When the night shift came in I realized that I still felt pretty good--not like I couldn't wait to "get out of Dodge". That was a nice change.

I had a good drive home, too, thank you God. The house was quiet when I got there. I thought Dan was sleeping again.

Nope. He wasn't home. Hmm. Odd, he didn't message me to let me know he went somewhere. He'll be back before long.

And he was. He came in just after dark; he had golfed at 5:00.

We visited some, catching up a little. After a while he drifted off to bed.

I wrote here.

We're both off work the next couple of days. I think we're going to look at the Honda Insight tomorrow.

I've noticed that my arm and shoulder are more uncomfortable the last couple of days, and the breast is sore, too. I suppose I need to get a new prescription for physical therapy and see Ike, or find someone else, to move that lymph fluid for me. I'm not able to do as thorough of a job that needs to be done.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.13.2009

Not too much sleep last night, what with the temperature fluctuations and excessive audibles from the other side of the bed...

I got up when the radio came on and got myself ready for work. Daniel, however, surprised me by laying back down after getting up and turning off his alarm when it sounded. He said he was just "waking up". He did get up in a few minutes, though, and during breakfast he said he was tired, this being the sixth day in a row for him. (I suggested actually leaving at the end of his shift....)

I had a safe drive down in the dark, thank you God. I'm surprised at just how dark it is right now. I parked and walked over to the hospital.

We had a nice day with nice patients and good staff. Eventually the night shift came in, and we were able to leave.

I stopped at the Honda dealer in Jackson look at the Insight. Honestly?? I wasn't impressed. But the lower cost (compared to the Prius) puts it on the list. We'll have to drive them to really compare.

Back home safely, thank You again, I thought Daniel had gone to Flint after work. I was surprised to see him sleeping on the bed. I changed my clothes and got turned around for tomorrow, then fixed a snack, as I hadn't had supper yet.

As I was eating, he got up. He said he just didn't feel good, and people, both customers and employees, are sick at the casino, and he didn't want to push it with himself. I think his voice sounds a bit, maybe, reverberated? like his sinuses are trying to act up. And one of my co-workers had brought lozenges for a sore throat and her nose had started to run later in the afternoon. Great.

The Message is.... WASH YOUR HANDS. And if you're sick, STAY HOME. Geesh.

I wrote here and I'm going to bed before too much longer. Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Wash your hands. Hugs.

Saturday 09.12.2009

The usual sleep--hot, cold, hot, cold...Dan got up at 5 and got ready for work. I dozed back off but woke again about 8:00. Hungry, but still tired. After lying there a bit, I decided to get up.

I enjoyed breakfast, and was going to shower, but got back into bed instead. I woke again 10:15 ish. There, that's better.

Now I got cleaned up and ready for the day. I did a few chores before leaving for Michigan Center for my hair cut.

Loretta cut my hair pretty good today, and she washed it afterwards. Much better. Since I was in the neighborhood, I drove by Frank's. He was out in the driveway, as was John. (remember the motorcycle accident over a year ago?)

Frank looked good and was happy to see me, as I was him. John looked good, too. His leg is looking soooo much better. He has gained weight, and walking well. Still in physical therapy, he's doing "work conditioning", with a goal of returning to work in a couple of months. The challenge is that he works outdoors, and everyone--boss, therapists, physicians, and him--are concerned how the cold might affect his leg. But he's in good spirits, recovering even more than anyone had hoped. Thank you for praying for him. It worked!!

Frank was finishing cutting his hair, and I trimmed the back and edges for him. He was asked to work at Allskate this evening. He seemed to be doing well, too.

Back down the street, one of my previous neighbors was out in her yard. (I had taken care of her as a patient, too) I pulled over to say hi, and we visited a few minutes. She's doing well, too. She had me come in and see the progress of the remodeling on the house, and as I left, she gave me a big hug. That's really nice to have that warm response from someone.

I stopped at Meijer to pick up some fish for supper and continued on my way, stopping again at the library in Holt to return what I had finished with.

Back at home I started supper. Dan came in shortly after. After dinner he showered then got on his computer. We chit-chatted a little. He went off to bed about 9:30, and I wrote here.

Tomorrow is a workday for both of us. I'll be going to bed soon, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.11.2009 Remember in Prayer...

The great terrorist attack. The fear, the faith, the people who have lost family members and friends and acquaintances and co-workers. Memories. History. God's love. Strength. Wounded who died, wounded who survived, and the rest of the world who are Survivors. Still surreal.

A restless night; hot, cold, uncomfortable. Right side, back, lean left, right side... finally time to get up. I was finished getting ready when Dan's alarm came on.

I had breakfast, he came out and ate, too, then we both left for our places of employment.

The shuttle came and picked us up. Over at the hospital, I clocked in and started my day. We had a good group. A long day, filled with routine tasks, and other not-so-routine-but-very-important-nursing-type-tasks. Finally, the day was done.

When I got home, Daniel was laying on the bed sleeping. I tried not to bother him as I changed my clothes and put my things away. He finally woke about 9:15. We visited a bit, and he went back to bed about 10:00. I wrote here.

Tomorrow is finally haircut day. I hope I'll be rested in the morning.

Beyond that, not much.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.10.2009

I woke up, finally rested. It was overcast this morning, and I was pleasantly surprised that it was below 70 degrees. Great--now I can run after breakfast.

I ate, checked email while waiting a little, and the sun came out. The temperature climbed almost immediately. Hmm. I'm already hot flashing, but I just can't do the outdoor heat and exercise, too. So I didn't go. I did stretch, though, which felt good.

I did some routine housework, then went out to Meijer to pick up a few things there. I took my time and browsed some. Nothing caught my eye.

Back at home, I started supper, so that it would be ready not too long after Dan gets home from work, and finished the last load of laundry.

After our yummy supper he showered, and as he was watching television he fell asleep, waking after a half hour or so to go to bed.

I showered, too, instead of getting up earlier in the morning.

I've had weird hot flashes today. Like circling, or something. Hot, almost the can't breathe kind, then "normal", then cold, then hot take-a-deep-breath-a-few-times, there that's better, then cold, then hot again. This cycle seemed to take about 20 minutes or so, and continued a couple hours or so. Like I said, it felt I was going in a circle on a merry go round or something, through different temperature zones. Very weird. But it's better than having another cancer.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.09.2009

Ugh. I woke about 8:30 with that terrible sinus pressure again. I decided to wait before taking medication to see what it would do.

I dressed and had breakfast, put another load of laundry in. Not feeling much better. It was hazy and damp and looks like it's trying to clear up. Maybe I'll go out for a jog.

I checked the thermometer. 80 degrees!!?? I stepped out onto the balcony. Yep. And humid. I'm not going out in this stuff. It's almost as bad as the hot flashes. And to be working and perspiring already... Nope.

So, I took a lovely shower instead. The warm water loosened my sinuses. I was surprised to see a bloody streak in what I blew out. But the pressure is less.

I checked the Internet, looking at email both personal and from the hospital, had lunch, and went out to Horrock's. Horrock's is a lovely grocery that has lots and lots of variety and produce. With good prices. I ended up with 3 bags of fruits and veggies and a gallon of milk for $17. I will still go to Meijer tomorrow for a few miscellaneous items.

When I got home, Daniel was home from work and in the shower. I got supper ready.

We ate, and spent a quiet evening together.

He has gone to bed, and I wrote here.

Can't wait to get back to the lake. I've got a couple weeks yet.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.08.2009

I slept better--Daniel said he was up 3 times during the night. I didn't hear him. I was busy snoring. The radio had been on several minutes before I surfaced. I finally got up several minutes later.

I got up and got ready for work. Dan was up just before 5. We breakfasted and left.

It was pretty dark this morning. And wet just north of Leslie. The shuttle came and took us over to the hospital.

We had a fairly decent day, and when the night shift came in, I had one more task to do before clocking out. Ahhh.

A safe drive home, thank you God. Dan was home when I got there. We visited a little, and I tried to stay awake while writing here. I'll be going to bed pretty soon.

No plans tomorrow. Maybe groceries or something.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.07.2009 Labor Day

Morning came fast. I wasn't ready to get up, and Dan had a hard time, too. But we did, and headed out. It was dry the first half of the way, but around Leslie the road was wet, and in Jackson, it was sprinkling with large raindrops, although the roads were wet there, too. And very few drops on the walk over to the hospital.

It had been a busy weekend in our area, and today was the leftover stuff. Still busy, but winding down. And we only worked 8 hours today instead of the 12 1/2. I had a good day, with a good co-worker.

I was so tired when I got home. I was going to start laundry and have a bite to eat. I ended up eating, doing 3 loads of laundry, visiting with Daniel who got home about a half hour after me, and writing here. He has gone off to bed, of course, but I'm not far behind. We both work again tomorrow.

I had a great week at the lake. I am truly blessed to be able to be at "the lake", and multiple-y blessed to have people that I love, to share it with. Thank you Lord, and thank you to each of you who have been able to be there with me.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.06.2009

I slept a little better last night. It was foggy each time I woke; I couldn't see much beyond the end of the dock. I got up about 0900, and the sun was trying to burn through the fog. I changed the bedding, as Dan and I have to leave tonight so we can each work tomorrow.

I dressed, had breakfast, packed up my clothes and other things that were in one of the bedrooms. The fog was lifting, and I was hoping the boat cover would dry off a little before I removed it.

About 10:30 or so I got the boat uncovered and started to warm up the engine, then turned it off while Frank poured two six-gallon containers of gas in. They're heavy, and we were able to do it without spilling ANY into the lake. Frank and I went to the Goodwin Cottage, where Jim, Kris, Ariana, and Polly were on the dock waiting for us.

They got into the boat, Jim got in the water and ski-ed first. He needed a couple of tries, but got up and had a good ride, twice around our end of the lake. The other boaters and jet skis were coming out, and the water was starting to get a bit bumpy.

Frank was next. He bounced right up, and of course was cutting side to side, lifting one ski, then the other, grinning. He had a good ride, too, and we went through some really choppy water. His legs were "rubbery", he said, after we were done. Yeah, I remember that.

One of the times past the JC we saw Dan out working on the dock, and another time by we saw that Dave and Catherine had arrived. We dropped the Goodwin's back at their dock and Frank and I went back to the JC.

Woo Hoo!! It wasn't too long before other guest arrived. Jim, Polly, Jim, Kris, Ariana, Kim, Ollie, Alex, Anne W., Frank, Dan, Dave, Catherine, Michael, and myself. We had a great afternoon with lots of good conversation and food. Dave made a peach cake in the Dutch Oven with the charcoal. Neat way to do it, and it was yummy. Thanks, Dave and Catherine, for bringing your party over to The Lake. A good time was had by all.

Folks started drifting away about 4:30 or so. We cleaned up, put foods away, and I sent Daniel on his way back to Holt about 5:30. Everyone was gone by 6 ish. Frank and I finished up the house, I packed up my foodstuff to take home, and Frank helped me load the car. I helped him (not really) get a kayak out of the shed and down to the lake, and waited to see him paddling around in it. When I left at 7:40, he was grinning, heading out for an adventure.

I had a safe drive home, thank you God, arriving just before 11. Daniel was sleeping and didn't hear me come in. I unpacked the cooler and put dry food away and went to bed myself.

(I wrote this Monday evening...)

Monday is a workday for both of us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.05.2009

I didn't sleep much last night. I don't know if it was because Daniel was here in this smaller bed, or if I wouldn't have slept anyway. No matter. It was a beautiful morning, clear sky and ruffled lake, high 50's.

We got up and breakfasted. I walked up to the Property Owner's Association Meeting, primarily to hear what was going on with the beetles in the lake for the invasive Eurasion Milfoil. Of course there were lots of folks there, this being the holiday weekend and such. I found the meeting very interesting, as they covered a lot of different topics and areas of concerns, updating on what's going on and what the status is of projects. That meeting was an hour and a half.

When I got back, Daniel had been to Hale and back getting new pieces and parts for our dock. Tom had come down in the boat and they were visiting. I updated them on the meeting, and we visited some before Tom went on his way.

I was hungry so I fixed myself something to eat. Dan and I talked about dock stuff, and he decided he wanted a few more pieces. I didn't know that he was waiting for me to go with him; I was planning to go back out in the yard and continue/finish my edging project. But, since he had waited...I went.

When we got back, he fixed his food while I went out and got back at it. I worked outside a couple of hours, but I got it finished. The walkways look a lot wider, now that I've reclaimed them from the overgrowth of mosses and grass and stuff. I tried to place the sodlike pieces and chunks in areas where they kind of blend in.

I washed up and took my book out on the glider. The lake was busy, and it was kind of windy, too. I had been out there about a half hour when Dan joined me, then not too long after, Frank and Amy arrived.

Amy stayed maybe a half hour before continuing on to her parents' place in Oscoda. I think she's planning to come back tomorrow afternoon for our party.

As dusk arrived, I saw the fire lit down at the Goodwin Cottage, and we three got ready and walked down.

We had a good time, singing, s'mores, and visiting. We headed back close to 10. Dan went to bed; Frank and I went out for a flashlight walk. Pretty uneventful in the full moon's light. We didn't see anything until back in our yard, where we saw the young rabbit hopping around.

We each got on a computer. Frank has drifted off to bed. I'm going to shower then turn in, too.

Tomorrow, Frank and Jim (the younger) want to water ski. We're going to try to get out about 10 AM if the lake isn't too busy or windy. Right now it's mirror quiet again. And Dave and Catherine are hoping to arrive by noon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.04.2009

I woke about 8:30, and laid in bed listening to the sounds of the lake. Birds, chipmunks, ducks, boat motors, etc. It was clear and sunny and hardly a breeze again. There was a light fog on the water when I had gotten up at dawn that was gone now. I must have dozed some, as it was 9:15 or so when I got up.

I wandered around, had breakfast, looked at the computer, and was getting ready to go out for a jog when there was a knock on the door. A neighbor, Janis, with a plate of warm oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Mmmm!!!

I had a good jog today. Lots more traffic than during the week, but all were courteous. I came back in, cooled off, and showered. It's almost 3, and I'm hungry again, so I had a snack. That wasn't enough, so I rummaged around and fixed something more substantial.

Now, time to get on a project. Daniel had called a couple of times. Traffic was terrific and he would be arriving between 5:30 and 6.

I got the shovel and started cutting along the sidewalk where the grass and moss have grown over it. In some places it was many inches. I was pleasantly surprised at how wide the cement really is. I was not pleasantly comfortable--in fact, using the shovel really aggravated my breast, which surprised me. So I went in to get the tylenol/motrin and take a short break.

Daniel finally arrived. It was good to see him. He went in and changed, and we started measuring and trying to figure out how we are going to mount the awning over the back deck. He finally decided to chew on it overnight. (whew)

I returned to my sidewalk project. He picked up the pieces of sod/moss and placed them around the yard, as well as swept. It looks so much better.

We went in and caught up. He's on the computer, I wrote here.

Tomorrow we'll decide about the awning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.03.2009

I seemed to be awake frequently, but it also felt like I had been "sleeping" when I woke--and was surprised that the intervals were only 30-45 minutes. At least until 3 or so, when next I saw the steam? fog? rising off of the lake in streaks. Almost like a drawing. You know, the lazy S shapes coming up from, say, a cup of coffee. It was just daylight. Really cool. I went back to sleep after thanking God for letting me see that.

I woke again about 9:30. The sky was clear blue and the mirror lake reflected it. So beautiful. And it was almost 70 degrees on the thermometer on the tree!! Woo Hoo!! I got up and got ready for the day.

First, breakfast. As I was enjoying my coffee, I saw the neighbor out with a boat that he hadn't had in the water for 15 years, preparing to launch it. I went out to see if he needed help.

He didn't. Bob and Evelyn had it under control, and the boat went into the water without difficulty. He was tickled. And when he attempted the 5 horse Mariner motor, it started on the 3rd pull. He grinned. I went back inside.

Several minutes later, he knocked on my door, asking if I would take pictures of he and Evelyn on the maiden voyage. Of course I would--I went out and did that. One of the other neighbors came out, and since I hadn't met him, I introduced myself. We enjoyed watching Bob playing with his boat and helped him back at the dock. Next, Keith's wife Connie came out, and we all went up onto Janis' deck. We had a nice time.

I then left to go into Hale--I needed to pick up a few groceries. I took my time in the store. A lot of other people were in there, too, getting ready for the weekend. On the way home, I stopped at the Goodwin Cottage, where Tom had arrived. We visited a bit before I continued on. And their neighbor Judy was out picking blackberries, and I talked with her a bit.

At home, I put things away and had lunch. Polly had mentioned a paddleboat ride. I got the boat cushion, my hat, sunglasses, and beverage, and headed down to get her.

Since the lake was still quiet, just ruffled from a light wind, we ended up going all the way across the lake and into the inlet. It was neat to explore like that, and not to have a time frame. Other than having to use the bathroom on the way back across the lake. We stopped at the JC for biological purposes, ending up beaching the paddleboat and walking back to the GC. I stayed there for a bit, watched a little of the evening news, and left.

On the way back, the neighbor Craig was out. I spoke to him briefly. Down a few more places, and Jan and Jim were out on their back deck and summoned me to join them. So, after a bit of a chat I finally made it home.

I went back over to Janis', as we had agreed to earlier, to show her the bathing suit I had gotten from Swim and Sweat. I stayed there maybe a half hour or so. When I got home again I called Daniel.

He had gone to a get-together after work, and was now on his way home. We talked for most of his drive, while I had a bite to eat. He plans on coming up tomorrow. What time he'll actually be able to leave we'll find out tomorrow.

So, the only task I got done today was getting the few grocery items that I needed. Although, we could say I "established new relationships" and "maintained previously established relationships". Oh yeah, and how about all the paddling in the paddleboat?? Does that count?? I'm going to say Yes. Days like today are what "It" is all about. Again, thanks to God for my life and the people in it.

Like my youngest brother Dave, who has been in my life for 50 years. Happy Birthday, David. Love you.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.02.2009

I woke to mirror lake and clear blue sky this morning, and thanked God for this beautiful place on earth. And to be alive to enjoy it.

After breakfast I got my water shoes and flip flops and water bottle and drove down to the Goodwin Cottage, arriving just in time to see the demonstration of the repaired power washer. YaHoo!!

Polly and I went in to Hale Hardware to get the Krud Remover stuff and browsed around some. I got the lamp parts that I wanted, and she got vacuum cleaner bags.

Back at the lake, Jim fixed lunch. We ate, then got on our project, washing the trailer.

We did good. We had a couple of times that we had to stop for repairs and adjustments on the power washer, but in all, we were done in about 4 hours. And it looks SOOOO much better.

By then I was tired, and sweaty, and had soapy dirt, dirty soap, splattered over my upper half. I was ready for a nice shower. And dinner.

I fixed myself a lovely salad with a side of tilapia. Yummy. Ok. Now I can shower.

Wait--I might as well get the shop vac out while I'm cruddy. So I did. I cleaned around the perimeter of the great room, both floor and ceiling, for cobwebs. Also the window and door tracls. Now I can shower.

Lovely. I finished picking up after myself, and Daniel called. We visited, then I wrote here.

Not sure about tomorrow, other than it's supposed to rain.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.01.2009

I slept pretty good, overall. It was fascinating to watch the fog/haze over the lake about 0300, and to wake at sunrise to see it gone. I woke again about 9, listening to the lake noises and reading a little before getting up.

I breakfasted and a short while later went out for a jog. Very nice--clear blue sky, just a little breeze. Back inside I cooled off and showered. I was looking for a snack when I saw Jim and Polly motoring over in their fishing boat.

I went down to greet them, and we visited on the deck a while, enjoying the serenity of the quiet early evening. They left to finish their boat ride.

I found something to eat, then read most of a book before writing here.

Tomorrow we're going to attempt powerwashing the trailer again.

Maybe I'll read a little more before drifting off to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.