Sunday 06.30.2013

Ahh, Summer.

Started the day at 0930----!!!!!----to my surprise.  I was sleeping pretty good this morning when I smelled....hmm....coffee???   Ummmm,  nooo, skunk.  Not real strong, but enough to smell.  I've been awakened by skunk aroma before, wondering if it was a coffee.  Maybe the oil under-scent.....

So I got up, stretched, and went out for a run.  Saw that the blackberries along the way are starting to ripen.  On the way back, I paused to pick about a half cup, holding them in my shirt (hoping they don't burst and stain.  They didn't.)

Breakfast, shower.

Worked on the education piece of the project for a while, setting myself up outdoors. When I couldn't sit any more, I went for a walk, then came in and vacuumed. Fixed food and ate.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 06.29.2013

Here we are, coming into the Mid Summer Holiday.

Cool (mid to high 60's) today, with intermittent rain and sprinkles. A nice break from the high 80's and humid.

Frank came over in the afternoon, and we went out for errands, and had a good visit.

He left, I had supper, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is another quiet day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 06.28.2013

Another workday.

Oddly busy; enough help.

Focused on our own assignment and not knowing/not aware of what is happening within the unit and department.

And then the end of the work day.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms that was light rain when we left. And a steadier rain after I got into the garage.

A quiet night.

Off to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 06.27.2013

Another beautiful day!!

Until the storms moved through this afternoon/evening.  But it did cool off some.

The educational meeting was good.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 06.26.2013

Another great day!!

I seemed to be awake frequently, but felt like I slept in the intervals.  And I even remember dreaming a couple times, which is unusual. I haven't remembered dreaming in a looong time.

Up this morning, breakfast, and I enjoyed a couple hours outdoors before leaving for a meeting which was good.

I made supper when I got back and did a few chores before I ate.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow I have a "mandatory" educational opportunity. I'm sure it will be a good presentation.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 06.25.2013

Another work day.

Busy--all the babies born yesterday (7 on our shift) were twenty four hours old, which means the 24-hour testing needed to be done today.  Add the new patients from today and  yup, we were busy.

And by the end of the day we were both tired, as was the rest of the team.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is an afternoon meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 06.24.2013

Had a great work day today, with a great crew. I'm truly blessed.

And tonight I'm tired.

Tomorrow we're doing it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 06.23.2013

Another Beautiful Day!!

Clear blue skies, mid to high 80's, and enough of a breeze to say "that feels good".

I went out for a gentle run this morning; it wasn't as unpleasant as I thought it might be.  I wasn't sore or hurting from the run the other day, and the breeze was welcome. I did walk up a couple of the hills, though. I didn't want to overdo it in the heat.

Breakfast, shower, pedicure.

I sat outside in the shade, watching the birds, and occasionally reading. To my surprise, I found the robins' new nest. And they are sitting on eggs.  It's too high for me to see into. Bird activities are intriguing to me; I've never really watched them before to see where they go and what they do. And they chatter with each other. This yard is bird friendly, I guess.

Frank came over for a while and had supper with me. It was nice to visit and spend time with him.

Tomorrow is a workday for me.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 06.22.2013

What a great day!!

HOT--hazy and overcast enough so that this house didn't get blazing hot inside from the direct sun on the roof. The central air (set at 78) even turned off a few times this afternoon!!

I was able to do a lot of the yard work that I had wanted to do. I took it kind of slow, and was ssooooo hot.  I was dripping.  I went inside 3 times to take a break--wash face and neck (and the sweat drips off of my glasses), drink water, rest, and cool down.

I had gone to the store to get fresh food this morning, and put together a pork roast/boiled dinner for the crock pot. Each time I came inside I checked on it, and after an enjoyable shower at 6pm, it was time to eat.  Yum!!  I portioned it into containers, labeled it, and will freeze it for "work food".

After supper and clean up, I went back outdoors with a citronella candle and read for a while. So lovely.

Tomorrow is predicted to be another hot one.

Bring it on.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 06.21.2013 Summer Solstice

Yay for Summer Solstice!!  When the weather gets warmer and the days start getting shorter again...... not so geeked about the shorter days.......

Slept like I usually do--interrupted--but didn't have to get up at 0430. I rolled out sometime after 8.

Went out for a run, stopped at 3 garage sales along the way.

Breakfast, shower, bike ride.

Potted the hen-n-chicks that I brought back from the JC. Kind of closes the circle--they came from the yard on Stillwell, which is just a mile from here.

Supper, read a little while outdoors, got chased inside by the bugs. Don't like them bugs.

Tomorrow I hope to do some trimming in the yard.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 06.20.2013

Whew.  Another busy day.

With a phenomenal orientee, we were moving all day. I did not have opportunity for lunch--I pulled an "instant breakfast" packet out of my work bag for just these kind of days.  I can mix it up and carry it up and down the hall; yes, it's frowned upon, but it is a solution that works. If course, I made sure the new girl got her lunch.

I don't think she got supper though. I didn't.

And we were almost an hour late to leave, finishing the documentation that we hadn't had time for all day.  Ugh.

She learned a lot these last, and her first, two days. And kept up. I learned a lot, too.  Thank you, KB.

At home, a bite to eat, winding down.

Chores tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 06.19.2013

Slept fairly well, and had a great day at work.

To my pleasant surprise, I have a new orientee, one of the girls (women) we interviewed a few weeks ago.  She's smart and has life experience to go with her common sense. I'm sure she'll be a great addition to our team.

We had a good day that got crazy busy the last hour. I think we are all trying to put it in order in our heads. The oncoming shift was straightening things out as we left.

And tomorrow will be another work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 06.18.2013

A lovely sunny day until mid afternoon, when it looked like a storm might develop. It never did, though, here.

Meeting in the morning, went home for lunch in the sun, then back for another meeting.

Groceries on the way home, then supper.

The rest of the evening I shifted things in the "dressing room" -- getting it functional. Almost there...

Tomorrow is a workday.

Ready for sleep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 06.17.2013

A pretty good day today.

Had a nice run, (without the dog), breakfast, shower. Several loads of  laundry; bedding dried in the sunshine. *smile*  That's going to smell good tonight...

And an afternoon at the Secretary of State.

I think it was only an hour and a half. The woman who helped me was very kind and patient, as I had 3 different transactions to do, and only one was simple.  But it all worked out; the sailboat and both vehicles are now up-to-date. Thank you, Laurene.

Fixed supper and ate, enjoyed sitting and reading outdoors till the bugs started getting me.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is a couple of meetings.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 06.26.2013 Days for Dads

Another workday.

Kind of busy.

The guys that were there today seemed a bit subdued.  Maybe humbled by the enormity of being a father?  And maybe it was more noticeable today because it was Father's Day.

I stayed after quittin' time to finish patient care that needed to be done at change of shift. And since I knew it would make the shift change workload transition to be smoother, I went ahead and took care of it.

I'm tired tonight.

Tomorrow I have a list of things to pick away at. I hope it goes better than I think it might.

Happy Father's Day to all who parent, mentor, guide, lead, love.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 06.15.2013

I did sleep, with just a couple "interruptions". And the alarm came on while I was sleeping.

A good work day on the overflow unit.

A brief visit from J & P (the Beautiful).

A quick stop at the grocery for fresh food, then home.

I put things away and made a small salad and ate.

And now I'm tired.

Going to bed, to do it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 06.14.2013

The morning was sunny and cool with a light wind over the blue water. Ahhh.  And of course I have to go home today.

So I set about getting my day started, taking my time and enjoying it.

Finally packed, loaded, cleaned, and secured, I went into Hale about 1. A stop at the transfer station, and another at the Fish store, and I was on the way south by 1:30.

A safe drive, thank you God, and and enjoyable "rest" at the rest area near Bay City. I walked around the planted areas (done by Master Gardeners) and a woman joined me. She was the employee there, taking a break. She told me about a lot of the plants as we walked around. Temperature was about 79 now, and I enjoyed being out of the car for a bit.

But I had to get home.

I thanked her and continued my drive, arriving home about 5pm. Surprised to see that the mailboxes had been damaged--there are 3 on the one post. The doors are askew, so the contents are going to get wet. And mine won't close at all.  Surprised, also, to see a card from the local police on the back door, saying there had been a report filed. Ooo Kaaay.  I made a phone call to the property manager and left a message.

Unloaded, unpacked, fed.

Sat outdoors awhile after walking around my own yard and filling the birdbath.

Getting tired tonight, looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and getting up for the J.O.B. in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 06.13.2013

Another great day....

Cool and windy this morning--whitecaps on good-sized waves.  I've seen them bigger, but it was churning pretty good all day.  Sunny with occasional clouds moving through.

I went out for a run this morning. It always surprises me how different the temperature is lakefront compared to roadside.

The house next door was emptied out by the new owners; it was difficult to see a household put into a dumpster. And we know the people and history of a lot of it.  *sigh*

But I happily encouraged some neighbors from "down the line" as they were out there "dumpster diving" this evening. They salvaged many of the wooden kitchen-type chairs and lots of miscellaneous other items. A van full.

Around dusk, the sky darkened, and a light misty cold rain came down for a half hour or so.  It's still windy, but no whitecaps this evening.

J & P and I went into town this afternoon and went Fishing. A few good finds for each of us. I looove the Fish store. They loaded up and left for home shortly after.

I went to visit my old neighbors at the JC--it was good to see them, and they seem to be doing well. They helped me dig up my "hen and chicks" plants that I had at the JC.

Tomorrow I have to load up and go home, too. That's ok--I'm ready.

I am humbled by the love of my family and friends.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 06.12.2013

Another wonderful day.

The loons were noisy during the night; I heard them because I didn't sleep much.

We've had kind of funny weather--humid, cool, then really warm, a storm tried to blow up but went by, sprinkley, then it's cool and breezy again.  Tonight quieted down with occasional breezes.

T & KS stopped in for a few hours today; it was good to see them. Taking care of business.

I had a quiet afternoon/evening.

I sure do like it here.

Hoping for more of the same tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 06.11.2013

What a great day!!

Woke to low 60's, high humidity, and overcast.

I got up and got the rest of the things together to go to the lake; then had breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, packed the cooler, and loaded the car.

By that time, the sun had burned through, and it was getting very warm along with the humidity. Although I left a bit later than intended, I had a nice drive in the air conditioned vehicle with temps at 79 degrees.

A stop for fuel and a walk around a Meijer store in Bay City, I arrived about 4pm. It was hot there, too, 78 degrees.  J & P were there, and were well into the waste water drainage project.

The good news is that the line was not plugged--in fact, it was an operator malfunction that the toilet did not flush. One needs to hold the handle down until swirl has completed and bowl has emptied.  Oh--I didn't know.  Sorry.

But the drain line had been deteriorating, and it was timely that it was dug up. It has been replaced, and all is well.  Thanks so much to Jim and his ability to repair it. He moved a lot of sand....

And finished before the rain came. It has cooled off nicely, maybe mid 50's tonight.

And I'm in the trailer. Odd as it is. Small, but very functional.

I hope I can sleep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 06.10.2013

A morning phone call saying I was "on call" and "first to come in....".  Back to sleep for me. I do sleep better between 4 and 8.

A quiet morning--I checked the weather map and it looked like a pocket of no rain was opening soon.   It did, and I went out for a run.  In the first half mile, a dog was sitting in a yard, came out to greet me, and decided to go with me.  I went back to the house and knocked, though no one answered.  *sigh*  

She accompanied me the remainder of the 2 mile run, plus the extra half to take her back home. Oh, she was a nice pup--maybe a chocolate lab, more than half grown. No collar. Stayed right with me, mostly, and when there was another dog, she got right in front of me to protect me. I kind of liked her, but I can't keep a dog. I'm gone too long for work, for one, and I simply cannot financially afford vet bills and food. And I'm not interested in picking up poo.

Down the street where she was, no one answered the door again, although there were vehicles in the yard and windows open. Hm. I told the dog to "stay", but she didn't.  One of the neighbors said she had seen the dog the other day, and another neighbor took the dog back to the house (again). While they went that-a-way, I went the other way, and went back home.

Shower, breakfast, and Frank stopped over for a visit before work.  When he left, I got my bicycle out and went for a ride. The sprinkles started again as I was coming back down my street.

Phone calls, supper.

Tomorrow I'm going to the lake for a few days.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 06.09.2013

What a great day today!!

The best co-workers ever, a handful of patients, and a nice day.  Although "business" picked up the last couple hours, and I think the night girls may be pretty busy.

And I'm scheduled to do it again tomorrow.

I enjoyed a little time outdoors before coming in for the night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 06.08.2013

What a lovely day!!

Had a nice morning, baked a Most Yummy Rhubarb Crisp. Frank and Danielle picked me up shortly after noon, and we went over to welcome Drew home from his overseas tour.

We had a good time, laughing and eating and making music. And the sun warmed the afternoon.

A quiet evening.

Scheduled to work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 06.07.2013

Whew.  Worked today, tired tonight.

Hope to sleep, and to sleep in, in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 06.06.2013

Kind of a gloomy day today.

Went out for a gentle run--heavy sprinkles started as I walked up my driveway. Yay--I got the timing right!!

Breakfast, shower, phone call.

In the afternoon I went out for fresh food, then fixed supper and ate.

Cleaned that up, finished the budget review.  Can you hear the squeek?

Thankful I have a job.

And I work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 06.05.2013 Five Years Post Treatment Done!!!!

Today is the anniversary of my last radiation treatment.

I'm five years done with treatment, and what a 5 years it has been.

I can say I'm mostly physically healed, with a little bit of leftover and ongoing processes (the back up of lymph fluid, and sore and numb wound beds still). My hair is back, my weight fluctuated the last couple of years but it's currently less than when I was diagnosed, and I'm physically active.

I'm spiritually stronger--thanks to each and every one of you for praying for me and with me, for the good thoughts, the cards, emails, texts, and phone calls. Hugs, kindness, caring, and support.  Our God is an Awesome God!!

I'm mentally stronger--finding the strength and courage to walk through the oncology office doors for chemotherapy, holding on to positivity. Believing in healing. Believing in myself. Believing in the power of The Creator.

Cognition has been a challenge. Chemo Brain is a popular phrase. I do think that a lot of my "thinking function" has come back. I don't think it's 100%. I know when I'm fatigued, or hungry, that I don't think very well, and have a hard time staying on task. I think it's been almost a year now that I've noticed that it is better that it had been.  Combine chemo brain with five more birthdays and no estrogen/progesterone!

Hot Flashes--Yes. Still.  Again, the no estrogen/progesterone reason. Not as frequent as the first few years, but still several times throughout the day and waking me during the night. Occasionally they take my breath away (literally) and I'm nauseated and "just not right".  A few deep breaths and conscious relaxation help me through. Night time is bad; I've learned to turn on a fan. And sometimes I'm so chilled....hands and feet cold with heat radiating from my head and torso.

I'm emotionally...going forward.  It's been difficult this last year and a half with the loss of my marriage, and both homes.  The blessing of a grandchild has made a huge difference to me.

I'm blessed to have good people around me; I love and am loved. I have a job that I love and am good at. A wonderful family and good friends. A roof over my head and a vehicle that runs. (and just turned over 100,000 miles, today!)  My children and grandchild are healthy, too.

Here's to Peace, Love, Happiness, and Disease-Free Living!!

Amen and Amen!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 06.04.2013

Worked today.  Was a nice day again, and since I had coverage, I was able to attend a meeting.

Which was good.  Lots of discussion; making progress with the Project.

Went back to the unit and finished out the shift.

Enjoyed a quiet evening at home.

Tomorrow is a morning meeting followed by an early afternoon massage.

Looking to sleep a little longer.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 06.03.2013

Worked today, had a good day, thank you God.

Tomorrow I get to do it again. Thanks again.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 06.02.2013

So nice to be home today.

Breakfast, shower, laundry. Finished unpacking. Paid bills. Then caught up on outdoor chores--cleaned the birdbath (after the robin had a drink and a bath, splashing most of the water out, and the squirrel jumped on for a drink!), potted up the rest of the plants I had gotten a couple of weeks ago. Trimmed up some overgrown branches, cut another armload of long grass and weeds. Came inside to make a nice salad and eat, then went back outdoors to read for an hour or so.

I was sitting near the house, trying to block some of the cool breeze.  I didn't know that a chipmunk was trying to get back to it's hole, near where I was sitting. I hadn't seen it attempting to get by. The thing came charging across the driveway from the side of the garage, leaped onto the landscape blocks (which entailed running very close to my feet) and scampered into the vegetation.  I laughed at it--the expression on it's face was terror and anxiety. (chipmunks have expressions??) It seemed "on a mission" to get to it's hole.  I wonder if there are babies in there....????  Last fall when I would sit there, it would come up and freeze, then turn around and go away. After several attempts it would launch itself to get past me. Tonight I only saw it as it came racing across towards me. What a hoot!!

And...tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 06.01.2013

Another Beautiful Day at The Lake!!

Sunshine this afternoon, with a light wind. I went for a walk down to the JC--so sad to see it empty and untended. My neighbor-friends weren't home so I didn't get to visit with them.

Back at the GC, I started getting things ready to go home. I decided to go this evening so I could wake up at home, get unpacked/put away, and maybe a quiet afternoon, before having to get up early for work on Monday morning.

I was able to Skype with Matilda and her parents this afternoon. She is definitely mobile--crawling away, pulling herself standing.  She smiled at me on the computer. That's the Best!

T, KS, and I had supper in beautiful downtown Long Lake, and I left for Jackson about 7 pm.

An uneventful drive, thank you God.

All was good at home........

Thank you for reading. Hugs.