There I was just living my life,
And a lightning bolt fell from the sky.
My life once so directed, fulfilled,
Now was completely awry.
The kids needed money for college,
My husband went back to school, too;
While he still worked nights,
‘Cause we needed the revenue.
I had the job of my dreams
Loved going to work every day,
But found I lost the spring in my step,
Like a horse hooked up to a shay.
Gradually, over the course of a year
Pains began to appear.
My sitter, my joints, all ached
Fatigue caused life to be drear.
I did my best to ignore it all
Then rashes began to erupt.
Every day, in spite of me,
A new hole appeared in my cup.
It felt like life was dripping away
At home life took a slide.
Wasn’t this the best time in life,
Instead, it felt like ebb tide.
Sloshing through “wet sand” each day
Each step began to hurt
All of life was a heavy meal
Where was all the dessert?
Eventually I had to quit work
My body and mind couldn’t cope.
The career I’d loved was “cut short”
While I desperately longed for hope.
It took years to get any answers,
I saw a dozen doctors and they saw me.
Talking about it all the time
Drove my poor spouse up a tree.
Realizing I had to “get a grip”
I examined all I had left,
I had to fill my empty glass
In spite of feeling bereft.
All in my life was “cut short”
Without income I felt like a glut.
I realized my health wouldn’t “grow back”
This wasn’t a bad hair cut.
I had long talks with myself
As I searched for a new way to go,
Windows began to open,
One day, there appeared a rainbow.
The violets on the windowsill bloomed
And something changed within me.
I began to have dreams while awake,
Of new ways my life could be.
I discovered new depths to life,
Pursued talents once untapped.
I now had the time and incentive,
As I began to adapt.
I can’t say life is easy
It’s more like a winding maze.
All curves are not dead ends as
Love and faith light my dark days.
Much time has now passed by,
I have wisdom up to my ears;
But I have survived to tell the tale
After all these pain filled years.
Many aspects of my life
Were indeed “cut short,”
But you can grow new “pieces” of life
And that’s what I’m here to report.
Weekly Dose of Sue 
Hey all:
Been rushing around the last couple of days. Now we have rain tonight 😦 Had a cardiologist appt yesterday. He says all is good except for my cholesterol. So we are upping the niacin to 4 a day, plus my red rice yeast. 4 months from now I have another apt with him and we will check my cholesterol again and see how it is going.
Well GREAT news today. Seems like my older grands are going to come out early and keep me company for a few weeks ! I can’t wait. By then I will have the trailer’s swapped out, and they can help me get things tidied up !
Chris, hope your dad is doing better. Jennie, when I your mom coming ? SUe, hope you are feeling up to par. Suzanne, you too.
Pommum, how is it going since your infusion ? Lyn…well you are probably resting still. I have been so tired of late, can’t seem to get enough rest. I have been taking naps again !
Well, of to never never land !
Love
Tonie
Tonie, great news, indeed! I’m so excited for you!
Tonie, I can’t think of anything that would make you happier than having a visit from the older grands. That’s wonderful. I know you will put them to work and they will do it because they love you so much and just imagine how much they are going to love being in VA. What a change for them compared to AZ. What fun, but also more work for you but undoubtedly worth it. Timing is good for you. How’s all the packing coming along? I can imagine that is part of the reason you are so exhausted lately. Hope your weather is pleasant and you can get your garden in without it being too wet. You’re gonna need those vegies more than ever now…good. Love you gal, Sue
HELLO…….IN A VAST AMOUNT OF PAIN EVERYWHERE, UNDER ATTACK FROM O/A, EVEN MY FINGERS HURT SO KEEPING THIS SHORT……..SUE IN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION….MY MOM’S NIECE IS FROM MY STEP FAMILY, SO NO RELATION TO ME, BUT TO MOM BY MARRIAGE…….AND BY THE WAY SHE IS NOT COMING, JUST TAKING MOM TO THE AIRPORT, I AM RELIEVED IN A WAY, ONE LESS PERSON TO WORRY ABOUT…………I CAN’T DO ANYMORE, GOING TO SEE IF A HOT BATH WILL HELP, BECAUSE THE PAIN RELIEF HASN’T ….LOVE TO YOU ALL……..JENNIE XX
Jennie, I am so sorry you’re having such a bad time with the pain. Let’s hope the hot bath helps and the pain meds kick in. I certainly understand. Yes, I think it’s good only your Mom is coming. Sounds more quiet and like less work. Hope your weather is pleasant because I know that helps the old body.
I had a very full day yesterday with my second PT visit for the week, a long doctor’s appt. here in town with my GP and then Jim and I went out for dinner. I survived it all and then fell into bed. Wonderful to feel progress. Even the doctor said I looked better than she’d seen me in months. Praise God, PT and good docs. The new chemo drug is still a problem so may go on it every other day, Must decide but will try it every day for another week per doctor’s suggestion.
Hope you can rest now and start to feel a bit better each day. Much love, Sue
Sue, your busy day and the fact that you were able to do it makes me smile. 🙂
SUE…THAT’S AWESOME…..WHAT A RESULT, SO HAPPY FOR YOU, I CAN JUST SEE YOU AND JIM IN A COSY CORNER SOMEWHERE, ENJOYING A LONG AWAITED OUTING. LIKE LYN, IT MADE ME SMILE TOO.
DON’T BE WORRYING ABOUT ME LOVE, I’LL BE OKAY, JUST GOING THROUGH A BAD PATCH, BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MY LITTLE MOM………..GLAD ALL WENT GOOD FOR YOU AT THE DOC’S……HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND…………I LOVE YOU….JEN X…..PS. MY DH SAYS “BLOODY WELL DONE”
Ah, so no niece at your home. Yes, a relief. Enjoy your time with your mom. So glad you can have it.
LYN…THANK YOU…I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HER VISIT A LOT MORE NOW….HOPE YOU ARE OK LOVE, AND HAVE A NICE WEEKEND….LOVE JENNIE XX
Thanks Lyn, I can actually do ten minutes on an elliptical machine, arms and legs going. I’m not fast but it feels good to be working on building up my strength, at last. I’m still curved forward due to the two fractures but the deep tissue massage is helping with some of the pulling and tension over the mastectomy site. I’m kind of a mess but a better mess. Hope you’re feeling more strength. Saw on FB you’re not sleeping well. Is it one of those experiences when the mind is too busy to let the body relax? Love you, Sue
Sue, that’s awesome! Keep up with the PT and I’m sure you’ll be able to work to a more erect posture. Maybe not perfect, or what you were before, but less bent over.
I have no idea about the sleep interruption. No, my mind wasn’t racing, although in past that was often the case. I have less episodes than when I was still teaching full time. This one was at an odd time for me. Not sure why.
Lyn, One of the oldest remedies for sleeplessness, hot milk is still a good one. As for me, I take a Zanax and it works. I just take a low dose and never too close to morning, like after 2or3AM because it makes me depressed and makes the morning hard to face if it hasn’t worn off. So many possibilities for reasons. Yes, I hope the PT helps even more. Have a great weekend. Love, Sue
Warm milk hasn’t helped in past, and since I usually wake around 2 or 3 I don’t like to take most meds/herbs so close to when I need to get up. Too groggy. 😦 It’s a real catch 22. But thanks for the ideas.
Lyn, I just read an interesting tidbit in the medical briefs in the current READER’S DIGEST. I know it’s not a medical journal but this bit was interesting as they spoke of a small study in Brazil. It seems they had women sitting in a dark alcove at their desks and others sitting by a window. By 10PM the cortisol levels were higher in the women working without sunlight and since it leads to higher levels of depression that was interesting. The same group had lower levels of melatonin and the result was poorer sleep habits. I know you get plenty of sun on your walks with Sadie but thought it was interesting. I remember you said the melatonin pills don’t help you.
II made those remarks in a previous comment to you because I have trouble sleeping from pain and when my mind is too filled with something I must do the next day or down the road. It’s an interesting question for so many of us when we awaken and can’t make it back to la la land. Oh yes, a third reason for me is my husband’s massive snoring! Later dear, Sue
Jennie, thanks for your kind remarks and to DH, too. It was just a coffee shop but the beauty was I was hungry for pancakes and didn’t feel at all up to making them. Perfect part of going out is no clean up at home. I’ve had such a long way to go and still further yet, but feel some sense of progress.
I know you will enjoy seeing your Mom and knowing first hand that she is okay. I’m sure she’s shaken but the woman you have always described is very strong and I pray she will have recovered by the time you see her. What an ordeal she’s had, dear lady. Hope you’re doing better by then, also. Love you, Sue
SUE….FEEL A BIT BETTER TODAY, COFFEE SHOP, TOP CLASS RESTAURANT, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE, JUST THINK OF WHERE YOU WERE A FEW MONTHS BACK….WHAT A JOURNEY, YOU ARE EVEN SOUNDING MORE LIKE YOUR OLD SELF. I HAVE PLANS IN PLACE FOR MY MOM, HOPE TO BE ABLE TO GO TO THE COAST ONE DAY…….AND EAT OUT…….JUST GOT TO TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME, THAT IS THE TROUBLE, I CAN NEVER PREDICT WHAT EACH DAY WILL BE LIKE.
WELL WILLIAM AND KATE HAVE A GIRL, A SISTER FOR WEE GEORGE, AND FOURTH IN LINE TO THE THRONE…..SHE DID GOOD A LABOUR OF TWO AND A HALF HOURS…..I STILL BEAT HER THOUGH WITH ONE HOUR….MAYBE NEXT TIME HA HA!!!!…..HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND, AND A GOLD STAR….LOVE YOU…JENNIE XX
Jennie, indeed Kate did well. From what I could see of the shot when they were leaving the hospital she looked wonderful and so soon. The baby looked so sweet and already so loved. What a blessed event for all of you who are English. We need more good news in this old world.
Hope you feel up to going to the coast with your Mom. It will help if you can get away now and then for a lie down or a rest of some sort. I know you’ll be tempted to keep doing, cooking and going while she is there. I can imagine she is so excited about the trip. I pray it will be an enjoyable visit for you and DH as well.
I thought of both of you this morning as I was doing a bit of gardening in the pots on our deck out front. So many weeds because I didn’t work out there at all last summer; was busy going through radiation therapy, etc. in Portland. It’s just plain lovely to be feeling better. Doing my exercises faithfully and can see how much they help me deal with the pain I will always have by making it bearable. Since I can’t take narcotics due to the gut, it is definitely the answer for me. Wish it was easier but what in life is??? Well, I have some fertilizer spikes, tree size, to put in two potted Japanese mini maples we have in pots and I want to get them in them while the soil is still soft from rain a day ago. Much love, Sue
Good evening everyone, It is after 9:00PM here so I wanted to jump in and say hi to everyone before it got too much later. It seems like all of you are feeling somewhat better except for Jennie. Jennie Poo, feel better Hon. I am glad your mom is coming alone. I think it will be better for you both. I hope your hot bath helped you. I will be praying for you. Sue, sounds like you have had some busy things going on. I am glad you got to go out to eat with your DH even if it was pancakes. As you said, no clean up afterwards. I pray that all you are doing in PT helps you. Tonie, I hope you will be able to get your cholesterol down. Eat a lot of oatmeal. So glad your older grandchildren are coming a little earlier. I am sure they will be a big help to you especially with the move. Lyn, I have spells where I fall asleep for a couple of hours and then can’t go back to sleep. No particular reason. It just happens. Sometimes I take an ativan to get relaxed. It might help me to go back to sleep and it might not. If not I will watch TV or read. I am grateful for the sleep I do get. Chris I hope you are at the beach house relaxing. I do hope your dad is doing ok. Do you know when you will get the results of the spot that was removed ? Let us know ok? Pommum Brenda, I hope the infusion has helped. Try and rest. I saw Teddi’s post on Facebook about going to the cottage this weekend. I hope that meant you were better and able to go.
As for me, my back is really hurting. If I don’t get relief when I lie down, I will take a pain pill or muscle relaxer. I really want to feel better tomorrow. It is our counties Relay for Life which is the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year. I have been going for 14 years now. There are teams selling things, cooking and selling food and ice cream. There will be basket raffles and silent auctions all raising money. The biggest thing is at 7:00 PM all the cancer survivors walk a lap together. When we get back to the beginning of the lap, then all the survivors release balloons we have been carrying with us for the lap. It is beautiful! It is so awesome! At 9:00 PM luminaries have been purchased and decorated in Honor OR in Memory of cancer patients. They are placed all around the track and lit and everyone walks a silent lap while a special song is played. That is when the tears come. There are all kinds of games and a Mr. Relay contest where men dress up as women in gowns and walk around collecting money for several hours then whoever gets the most money is crowned. It is hilarious. I won’t really be walking but I will ride my scooter. Got my battery charging now. It is fun and sad at times. So please keep me in your prayers that I won’t hurt so badly.
Sue, I will light a luminary for you again this year. In Honor of a 1 year survivorship. I love all of you. Sending prayers and hugs, Donna
Donna, thank you so much for your concern and for the luminary. How very kind of you. I’m proud of you and all you do with the cancer society. It takes so much care and effort, I know. The day sounds like a mix of life and respect for those who didn’t make it through the hideous disease. So much is going on with you as with so many of us. Please don’t ever think we take your friendship for granted. I’m glad you are part of this group because you enrich it for each of us. Have fun…be blessed. Love, Sue
DONNA….THANK YOU SO MUCH, YOU ARE SO SWEET, I DO FEEL A BIT OF AN IMPROVEMENT TODAY.
OH MY THE “RELAY FOR LIFE” SOUNDS AMAZING, I KNOW ITS KIND OF SAD TOO, BUT A BEAUTIFUL THING TO DO, WE DO SIMILAR IN THE UK…..IT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER, AND CREATES LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS, AND HAVE A BIT OF FUN TOO….GOOD ON YOU PETAL, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS, JUST TAKE SOME PHOTO’S AND POST THEM SO WE CAN ALL SEE WHAT YOU WERE UP TO…….LOVE YOU……JENNIE XX
Donna, glad you will be taking part in Relay for Life again this year. My kids used to walk every year with our church. They would stay overnight and usually walked the wee hours when younger ones (and older ones) were sleeping. 🙂 I always wanted to walk, but with my achy joints and the weather we usually have had over the weekend it takes place I usually haven’t been able. It has also occasionally hit a concert weekend. Really not a good time to be walking. Ours most years takes place about a mile from our house at our HS, the walking is on our track. If we’re really quiet or have windows open, we can often hear the music being played for the walkers. 🙂 Enjoy your time there!
Donna
Do have a great day today.i hope your pain subsides so you can enjoy it more.it sounds like one of those bitter sweet days. How marvellous it all sounds
The mucoid cyst ..well it was going to be burnt out..so no sending away.but he said they grow again from the joint.so as it destroys the nail bed each time it grows,(The nail is all dented) thought I’d leave it for now.it would put a dampener on things as they are at present. Too much happening all around me to go into having it done.so I cancelled it and decided to stay away at beach if I can.my dad is good at moment.also it was on my finger joint which would have messed around with all that’s happening. I thought why get it done I can always have it done whenever there’s a break in my schedule !!
Sue
Pancakes ,love em. Andso good that you could enjoy them…maybe that’s a good sign for the meds too. life is expanding day by day it seems. What a good start to the summer .
It seems my result was a random one so nothing to be relied upon just to watch it.
So anyway I’ve decided to STICK to my diet this time whatever and lose weight round the middle.and try and walk more.and cut down on sweets.trouble is I have them for dry mouth and can’t have sugar substitutes as they give me ibs.so I’ll just keep using the gel…
My cholesterol came back quite good 4.2 here or 162 in USA ,so something’s ok with my diet anyway
Lyn
Sleeping .well I don’t either..altho I find reading very good in bed.
I’m sleeping for about 3 hrs a stretch so it’s getting better
I just wake up slipping down from the pillows which I have to keep me up or getting up to the bathroom,or coughing or pain, or then again anything really!!
Jen
Hope all is better now the pressure is off a bit.you can look forward to the time with your mum as special
Tonie
Don’t life change….look what’s happening now to last year. New home ,your grandkids…so…look after what you do so you can enjoy it
Suzanne
Thinking of you
Chris
CHRIS…..YUK, DON’T FANCY BEING BURNT OUT, YOU ARE VERY BRAVE, AND I HOPE ALL GOES WELL, GET IT DONE WITH….GLAD THINGS ARE BETTER WITH YOUR DAD TOO. ITS COLD HERE STILL, BUT GETTING BETTER IN THE WEEK. GOING TO WATCH DAY TWO OF THE “TOUR DE YORKSHIRE ” NOW…..HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND….LOVE YOU…JENNIE XX
Chris, I was talking about the black spot on your dad’s neck. Was wondering if you had heard the pathologists report yet since his surgery. Donna
Chris, I can see why you would wait on that procedure. It’s good when one can plan an inconvenience, huh? I hope you do well on your diet if that’s a priority for you. I understand how attached you are to the mouth lozenges. Maybe drinking lots of extra fluids will help as well as help you diet. Congratulations on the good cholesterol. It’s so important. I’ve had good luck with eating oatmeal for mine and have also read that the bulk of metamucil is good for it. I haven’t taken any of that lately. Finally got to the point I couldn’t stomach it.
Congrats to all our British friends on their new little princess. So sweet and didn’t Kate look beautiful just twelve hours later. What a strong young woman.
It’s nice to think of you and DH at the beach house, reading and kicking back. Hope the weather is warmer for you and a new scale…boy, you are serious about the diet. Thinking of you and wishing you well with that…one day at a time. Love, Sue
THANK YOU CHRIS. THINKING AND PRAYING FOR YOU.
XXX
Donna
No heard nothing yet. In fact you’ve reminded me I’ll ring my dad to see if he has had any mail.spoke this am and didn’t ask….I don’t like to ask directly as he will wonder what I’m thinking to ask .he had gone out on buggy so will ask later.but it usually takes about two weeks hear
Jen
I think Kate will come home later today don’t you
Well nice day here but a bit cold
Ordered some scales to see what I weigh up here.be in tomorrow .started diet Monday so we shall see
Been walking 30 mins a day..hips aching so taking pain meds…. it had getter be working!
Back later chris
CHRIS…..A SHAME KATE AND WILLIAM DIDN’T SPEAK TO THE MEDIA THIS TIME, BUT I’M SURE THEY HAD THEIR REASONS….I TOOK A FEW PHOTO’S OFF THE TV, NOT TOO BAD, BUT I GUESS YOU WILL SEE BETTER ONES IN THE PAPER LATER…….FREEZING HERE, GOT THE FIRE ON…….WELL DONE WITH THE WALKING, I AM SURE YOU MUST BE LOSING SOME WEIGHT…..GOOD LUCK WITH THE DIET….HATE THAT WORD….I PREFER “A CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE” WHICH MEANS A BLOODY DIET…HA HA !!!
LOVE JEN X
Yea Jen ..by another name..! What diet?
I haven’t seen news tonite..went out and just come back
I think whoever knows said he wouldn’t be this time…..erked with the press I suppose..but not nice for those people who have been camped outside…
Anyway waiting for news to come on..I suppose she was tired coming out same day to talk to all .i don’t think anyone would feel like it…..
Well that’s it folks hope all ok
Chris
Sue
Does that mean that more sun means less sleep? Have I got it correct ?
Oh dear with summer coming ….
Had two walks today…….hips hurt and knees but it seems my balance is getting better
Oh and Kate and William will be near neighbours…5 miles down the road…..
Just had a sneaky hot choc,but not much sugar
Chris
Chris, no, just the opposite. Higher cortisol levels lead to depression and lower melatonin levels lead to less sleep; apparently both findings a result of not being by a window for a workday. Personally, I’ve always found melatonin caps helpful for sleep and know many travelers use it.
Good for you to be walking so much. Maybe your hips will get used to it. I know mine were crying out when I first started one of my exercises, which is lying down sideways leg lifts but now are better. Balance is so important. I know I worry about falling and feeling stronger is a relief for me. I always hang onto a railing however, just to be sure and watch those wet spots outside…or in my case in thanks to a puppy now ans then. Well, I guess we will have to treat you with a bit more respect now that you have such royal neighbors. Maybe you’ll get a peak at the children one day in a tea shop. How fun. Love you, Sue
Good neighbors, Chris. 😉 And keep up the good work with the walks. I started with 30 minute walks, but now with Sadie some are longer – when I’m up to it. Yes, there are joints that hurt, but the benefits outweigh. Keep it up!
Hey guys !
Wow ya’all have been busy. Too much to comment on tonight. SO tired I can’t concentrate. Busy day. I will post more tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful night. Donna, hope you enjoyed your day !
Love
Tonie
Tonie, I can imagine how busy you are now. Do take it in installments. You know we all share a concern for you but also know how difficult life can be. Sorry to read you lost two more chickens. That darn varmint. Life is cruel out there in the country. Hope Baby and Red are doing well and the pups. Love, Sue
Sue, I got home from church, had a sandwhich and went right to work on the shed. I am so worn out and sore from useing the staple gun, climbing the ladder….but it is done. The babies wouldn’t go back in there tonight. I ran them round and round, but they wouldn’t go, so I let them sleep in the dog pen :). One of them has a sore foot, it had a lot of heat in it, so I gave her some penicillin by mouth. I pray it works. Give her more tomorrow if she isn’t better. Well, dental cleaning tomorrow, then finishing up the posts for the barn tomorrow evening. I have a lot going on this month. Trust me, I am resting. Baby and Red are fat and sassy. Just like their mama !
Do take care.
Love
Tonie
HELLO…….WELL ITS BEEN ANOTHER DAY OF RAIN AND CHILLY…..GETTING A BIT FED-UP WITH IT NOW. MELATONIN CAPS, MUST GET SOME OF THOSE SUE, FEEL LIKE I HAVEN’T SLEPT FOR DAYS…….CHRIS….SO GLAD YOU ARE KEEPING UP WITH YOUR WALKING, I MUST FOLLOW YOUR EXAMPLE, TROUBLE IS THE DOG ALWAYS WANTS TO COME, AND HE PULLS ON THE LEASH….SAY NO MORE!!
TONIE…HOPE YOU GOT A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP……DONNA ..HOPE YOUR DAY WENT WELL AND YOU MANAGED TO WRING EVERY LAST DROP OF ENJOYMENT FROM IT………LYN….HOW ARE YOU DOING?
JUST FINISHED WATCHING THE LAST DAY OF THE “TOUR DE YORKSHIRE” CYCLING, IT WAS AWESOME.
SORRY SUE…..ONLY JUST NOTICED YOU PUT SOMETHING UP FOR ME IN AN EARLIER POST…….WELL IT DOES ME GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE GETTING ON WITH YOUR GARDENING, IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW SLOW IT GOES, YOU OUT IN THE FRESH AIR AND FEELING BETTER THAN YOU WERE…..SO GREAT.
SORRY ABOUT THE MUDDLED COMMENTS, KEEP FINDING MORE STUFF…………HOPE YOU ARE ALL HAVING A GOOD WEEKEND…..MUCH LOVE….JENNIE XXXXXXX
Jennie, I am sorry to hear about the rain and chill. We, on the other hand, have had three gloriously beautiful sunny days, in the high 60’s with a chilly wind. The air here is so clear and one can see from several miles away. I love to work on the pots outside while enjoying the view of the Columbia River and the forests of WA state further across. The shades of blue are something to behold. Jim wet brushed out front porch yesterday and it looks lovely. I bought new pads for furniture out there and will put it out after I’ve washed and varnished the wood pieces. It’s a slow job. One never realizes how much exhaust comes from the car that choose to stop at our stop sign out front. Black, black, black. Some, of course just speed on through.
I had a very full day yesterday and still slept pretty well except for some pain in my sitter. I find doing the exercises first works out to be such a big help. I hate exercising but for the results, I must learn to love them. Had to drink lots of grapefruit juice last night for muscle cramps. One tiny can has 7% of the daily requirement for potassium and really helps. I’m not the type who can take the old remedy of a spoon full of mustard. My gut wouldn’t be at all happy with me.
I pray you will have wonderful weather while your Mom is with you and also for the trips to the airport both coming and going.
Well, Jim’s off waxing his Camaro and I must get on to tomorrow’s blog entry. Always pray first that will speak to someone’s heart. Love to you, Sue
HI SUE….ITS PERKED UP A BIT TODAY, BUT NOTHING SPECIAL……..HAVING A DOWN DAY, NOT SEEN ANYONE SINCE LAST WEEK, I DON’T MIND IF I CAN GET IN THE GARDEN, BUT NOT QUITE WARM ENOUGH YET.
YOU ARE CERTAINLY GETTING ON WITH YOURS, I LOVE THAT YOU HAVE FOUND THIS ENERGY, AND IT MUST BE FROM THE PT. I CHECKED THE FORECAST FOR NEXT WEEK WHEN MUM COMES, AND ITS LOOKING GOOD, SO HOPEFULLY MY JOINTS WILL TOO……XXX
LYN…..MY DOG IS TEN NOW, AND STILL HAS THE ENERGY TO PULL ME OVER, NOT THAT HE DOES, COMING BACK IS EASY AS HE IS AS KNACKERED AS I AM……DH TAKES THE MORNING SHIFT, AS MY BODY IS UNRESPONSIVE THEN, AND I DO THE MINI VERSION IF I CAN IN THE AFTERNOON…….ITS NOT SO MUCH THE PULLING ON MY ARMS AS MY NECK….ANYWAY WE WILL GET THERE IN THE END, GLAD YOU ARE DOING OK. XX
DONNA……LOVED THE PHOTO YOU PUT ON FB, YOU LOOK SO HAPPY, WHAT A LOVELY BUNCH OF LADIES YOU ARE WITH, AND THE FOOD SOUNDS GREAT, WE ATE A LOT OF THAT SORT OF FOOD LIVING IN SPAIN EARLIER.
I WILL CHECK OUT KIM AND ENJOY LOOKING AT ALL THE PHOTOS…….XX
ANNIE…….SO SORRY TO HEAR YOUR HEARTBREAKING NEWS ABOUT YOU MAMA, PRAYER ALREADY SAID SWEETHEART, KEEP US POSTED, THINKING OF YOU, YOU MUST BE STRONG FOR HER, AND I KNOW ITS SO HARD TO DO……..XXX
LOVE TO EVERYONE
JENNIE XXXXXXXXX
Jennie, I’m ok. I can relate to the dog pulling on the leash. Sadie was starting to really pull again and I just couldn’t have it. I had been training (and re-training) her by stopping the walk when she pulled, waiting for her to come back to me, then resuming so she’d learn the walk would only happen if she weren’t pulling. That didn’t work as well as I’d like, but did some. Then, I had picked up something made by Sargent on Amazon called Stop That. I planned on using it to discourage barking. I thought it was a spray that released a scent they didn’t like. One day I decided to take it along on our walk. Turns out I didn’t read the label well enough. I pressed the button and lo and behold it is also a horn! Scared me and the dog. BUT, ever since she has listened and responded much better with pulling and barking. On that initial walk I merely showed her the can once or twice when she was pulling and motioned her back toward me and she caught on quickly. I sneak the can along on walks now, but have yet to need to show it to her again. 🙂 Does DH like to walk with you? Perhaps he could hold the leash. Take care.
Lyn, We had a similar experience with a can that releases pheromones that are supposed to cut down on aggression, and the horn, too. It surprised us because the vet sold it to us to keep George from being so jealous and aggressive toward poor old Jake. It doesn’t work but he does run when he sees the can so for aversion therapy it works great. I think it’s great that you walk Sadie so much and know it’s as good for you as for her. Such a beautiful path you walk as revealed in all your pics. on FB.
Hope you and family are all doing well and getting some of this lovely spring weather. Love you, Sue
Jennie, Don’t worry about muddled. My mind always flicks around from one thing to another. As long as you make sense, never fear. Yes, this season seems to be pleasing and perking up everyone. I’m pleased to hear you’re supposed to have better weather when you Mom arrives and hope that helps you to enjoy the visit and feel a bit better. That’s always the bottom line, isn’t it? Hopefully, since you weren’t up to driving to get her she will understand how strained your health can be for you. It’s an ever widening circle as it affects all around us, doesn’t it? I understand the isolation blues. Get those frequently and am thankful just to go to PT and see the grands twice a week. Others find it hard to understand isolation unless they are in it themselves. Do take care as you clean and bake for Mom. Know your lovely garden is thriving thanks to your dear man. Love it. Sue
Hello everybody, I just want all of you to know that I had a wonderful day at the Relay. I got to see a lot of friends that I only see once a year. Had lots of good food. Of course my favorite the fried funnel cake with powdered sugar was so good. I had two with being out there twelve hours. I shared both of them so I was good. Then one team was selling ” walking tacos” which was individual bags of Fritos then they added the ground beef mixed with the taco seasonings. You could then add lettuce and tomatoes along with grated cheese. It was missing taco sauce and sour cream but it was still good. It was all in the bag with the Fritos and you could walk around eating it with a plastic fork right out of the bag. Hence the name walking tacos. Sold them for $2.00 which was a good price. Of course there was other things to eat including the survivors dinner which was free to survivors. All in all it was good! I was happy that 2 of my daughters and 3 of my grandchildren came and stayed all day with me. It was very hard on me physically. My back hurt the entire time. I took pain pills that helped take the edge off. My girls and grandchildren all took turns rubbing my back. My daughter finally convince me to come home about 11:00 PM. She followed me home and helped me get settled in the house. I went to bed and I didn’t go downstairs until 3:45 this afternoon. It is now 3AM and I am awake after a little sleep here and there. If you get on Facebook and look for (91) Kim Beachum pictures of Relay for Life, you can see some good pictures. I am on my scooter. Other good pictures are on there also in her name with pictures of Relay. My camera wasn’t doing right for some reason. I am not hurting like I did yesterday.Thank God. I am going to sign off as my hand is numb and my battery is dying on my Kindle. LOVE YOU all, Donna
Donna:
So glad you had a good time at the Relay for Life. A great cause and I am sure you have made some good friends in all the survivors there. The walking taco sound great. We used to make them like that in a bowl at home. And funnel cakes, well we just won’t even go there. They are good huh? I used to love the Indian (Navajo) fry bread out west. Get one with pinto beans on it , Yum !!
Maybe you have recupped a little today.
Take care
Tonie
Good for you, Donna! Funnel cakes and walking tacos, huh? Yes, we have them here, too, for all kinds of outdoor activities from Fairs to sporting events and more. Rest now.
I forgot to mention that my daughter has a black lab and he didn’t like walking on a leash either. He had a regular collar and she tried walking him with a harness type collar and he walks with her perfectly now. He just did not like how it felt with the neck collar. He stays right beside her and does not try and pull her anymore.. She was very happy. Donna
Oh Donna, What a fun, exhausting and exhilarating day you had. I’m so pleased you have such loving daughters to watch out for you. Looks like today should be a day of rest. I loved the pic of you with your friends and it did look like you were all close in spirit, you know? The food sounds so good and just knowing you are there for so many and they were and are there for you…well that’s what life is all about, isn’t it?
We use the harness type collars also. I always hated the pressure on the neck as well and we went to them several years ago. I am bad about putting on the dog licenses because of all the jingling..gets on my nerves but at least you know where the pup is in the house. Thanks again for sharing your Relay for Life experience with all of us. Much love, now please rest. Sue
Prayers for my sweet Mama please. She went into hospital Friday night in congestive heart failure and diabetic ketoacidosis. Blood sugar in the 700’s. Her heart rate was bottoming out in the 30’s and they put her in ICU on epinephrine and insulin drips which was really more intervention than we would have intended. Moved to private room Saturday and discontinued all treatments except oxygen and morphine for pain. It’s touch and go at this point. I’m here in Oklahoma with her right now. We will be taking her home with hospice care today. Don’t really have a grasp of time frame- she could live a few days or maybe a few weeks. Hard to say. Praying for s quick and peaceful passing for her. She’s been through so much and I just don’t want her to linger in suffering. My heart is breaking but I have peace in spite of the tears.
Love to all Princess Crabby Pants
Prayers Annie, for your Mom and for you and your family. God bless you and give you the strength you need at this time. We love you !
Tonie
Oh, Annie, I’m so sorry. Of course you will have my prayers and be in my thoughts.
Prayers for your Mom, you and your family. Love, Janet
Annie, oh dear, I am so sorry to hear about your dear Mom. I know you were not terribly surprised because it’s been coming for awhile, perhaps since your Dad passed, but that doesn’t make it any easier. There is no way to prepare for the passing of your Mom. You know you have our prayers and support…whatever you need. I know you will be there watching over her care if at all possible. Just remember Hospice care is different than the nursing care you are used to giving. I’m glad she will have morphine and be able to pass comfortably and peacefully with her family near her. I know you must be pulled, with work and such and pray for you to have strength to do what you must. Give her over to the Lord and He will watch over not just her sweet soul but all of your family’s as well. Know you’re in my thoughts and prayers dear girl. Love you, Sue
Annie, you and your mom will be in my prayers. It is never easy, but like you, I didn’t want my mom or my mother in law to suffer. They both had sweet peaceful passing. I pray that for your mom too. Will keep you and your family in my prayers. LOVE, Donna
Well, I woke up with the sun this am. It was so beautiful out, warm and green. A little foggy but SPRING is finally here I think. No heaters came on during the night, so that is a good sign. The chickens boded well last night. The little hen with the hurt foot was looking better this morning. I gave her more antibiotics. I am gonna name her “Sweetie” cause she is so humble. Let’s me pick her up and help her.
Supposed to be nice all week, which will give me time to catch up on things, I hope. Seeing and hearing the horses this morning out in the green pasture, so sweet. Rufus crowing, birds singing all the world coming alive.
God bless all this morning. May you have a good day !
Love
Tonie
TONIE……THAT ALL SOUNDS VERY RUSTIC AND PEACEFUL….HOPE THE LITTLE CHICK SOON GETS BETTER, GLAD YOU GOT SPRING AT LAST…..OURS SEEMS TO HAVE COME, TAKEN A LOOK, AND THEN DECIDED NOT TO BOTHER……ALL IS IN BLOOM, BUT SO DAMN COLD, I’VE GOT NO HEART TO DO MUCH TILL THE SUN COMES OUT……..TAKE CARE OF YOU AND THE CRITTERS…..LOVE JENNIE X
Tonie, WOW…do you sound good. Spring has come alive in you as well as all outside I think. Easy girl. I know you have about a hundred things if not more on your mind and to do list. Don’t forget those rest spells, okay? I agree with Jennie. It all sounds so pastoral and beautiful and yes, spring sound like it has arrived for you.
We have three beautiful rhodies blooming, one as tall as the trees in lavender. Have the yard man coming today so have to buy some small bark for our dog run. I pay for it and he’ll go pick it up. It will be nice to have the yard cleaned up, pruned and shaped. Our porch is looking beautiful. I scrubbed and scrubbed on the settee out there and the chair. So much black soot had settled on them from the stop sign, it was amazing. Today or tomorrow I will paint a clear coat on the wood to protect it. Had a much more quiet day yesterday than Sat. due to my body but we’re still moving forward and that’s all that matters. More PT this week for me as I drag this old body back into shape…or some semblance of shape. Have a wonderful day dear friend, okay? Loved you, Sue
Hi all
Sunny day today and went for a walk aching when back so,had,a shower and pain pills.not so bad now .but my muscles feel so weak and my balance goes,.sometimes I’m standing in a queue to pay and suddenly what I’m holding is so heavy ,or my muscles feel so tired
Gives gales rain and thunder tomorrow all change!
Donna well done now rest
Annie so sorry but prayers that your mum has a peaceful parting.i know it is a draining time
Tonie all sounds good….but rest
Jen…have emailed you..I see the royals are up here now.might go for a drive by later in the village
Sue. Well such a lot you are doing.so good to hear.the porch as I’ve said before must be so nice and you can hear the sounds of that river ….stunning.
The sun is still out here and looks like a nice evening to come. Might go for a drive after the washing finishes. Going back maybe tomorrow or next day
My dad has his stitches out tomorrow .DD went to see him today they looked good..but my Dad kept falling asleep
Gonna see to washing
Chris
WELL WE HAVE A NAME…….PRINCESS CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH DIANA………LOVE IT, GOT TWO OF THEM RIGHT………….TERRIBLE HEADACHE, SO MUST DASH, AND HAVE A SOAK TO STOP MY TEETH CHATTERING…..LOVE TO YOU ALL…..JENNIE XX
Chris, you just keep walking and over time will start to feel stronger. You might want to add some exercise for your upper body as well. It doesn’t have to be over the top, but something to help gain back some of the strength you’ve lost over time. (Doing some of that myself. 😉 )
Oh, and remember to add rest time for muscle recovery and repair. 😉
GOOD MORNING, FINALLY, I GO SEE THE DOC TODAY. HAD A ROUGH WEEK WITH PAIN ALL OVER MY BODY. I HAVE EVERYTHING WRITTEN DOWN TO TELL THE DOC. HOPE THIS TIME SHE LISTENS TO ME. GETTING WORSE NOT BETTER.
SORRY I HAVEN’T BEEN ON THE BLOG, SO NOT UP TO DATE WITH ANY OF YOU.
I WISH YOU ALL A DAY WITH LOW PAIN.
GOD BLESS
XXX
Suzanne, Hope your doc can help you today. I suspect so many of the recent problems have been from the Lyrica. Hope you get to the heart of the issues. There are answers. Thinking of you. Love, Sue
HAPPY TO SAY I’M OFF LYRICA NOW AND SUE I CAN ACTUALLY SAY THE SWELLING OF MY LEGS, FEET AND HANDS HAVE GONE DOWN. I’M AMAZED THAT I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER SO FAST. OF COURSE I HAD BEEN WEANING MYSELF OFF OF LYRICA FOR A WHILE NOW. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE SUE? TO FEEL THE DIFFERENCE SO FAST.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL!
XXX
I sure hope you got answers Suzanne. I have been there, it is not fun. Prayers !
Love
Tonie
HELLO, JUST GOT BACK FROM THE DOC’S OFFICE. SHE HAS NOW TAKEN AWAY THE LYRICA CAUSE I TOLD HER I HAD STARTED TAKING IT AWAY FOR AWILE NOW. I HAD ONE PILL LEFT SO SHE TOLD ME TO STOP IT RIGHT AWAY. HOPE NO SIDE EFFECTS FROM THAT. I WILL BE GETTING A NEW DOC IN AUGUST. FOR NOW SHE HAS GIVEN ME , I THINK ANOTHER NARCOTIC THOUGH. I HAVE TO LOOK IT UP TO FIND OUT WHAT EXACTLY IT IS. SHE ALSO GAVE ME TWO CORTISONE SHOTS ON BOTH THUMBS. HANDS JUST SO PAINFUL. WELL THAT’S IT FOR NOW, VERY TIRED AND IN PAIN.
THANK YOU ALL AND THANK YOU SUE FOR YOUR CONCERN. I STILL DON’T HAVE ALL MY ANSWERS CAUSE I’M GETTING WORSE AND SHE TOLD ME THERE IS NO PILL TO MAKE YOU BETTER. JUST TO CONTROL THE PAIN. HMMMMMM
GOD BLESS YOU ALL. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO I’M MISSING , PLEASE PASS IT ON.
XXX
Suzanne, There are many medications that treat inflammation. Is this doctor a rheumatologist? Those shots do sound painful so glad they helped. Glad you’re off the Lyrica because so many of your problems seemed to start there. Don’t give up but do try to get another opinion. It’s discouraging and we all know what that is like but you have to get through this down time and find a way or a doctor to give you encouragement. There are many things that can be done. Yes, arthritis does usually get worse but you can delay it and find medications to make it less painful and less inflamed. Hang in there sweet lady. Love, Sue
WE DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE OF DOCTORS AROUND HERE. THEY TELL YOU WHO YOUR DOC IS AND THAT IS IT.
NO IT WAS MY FAMILY DOC THAT GAVE ME THE SHOTS. IT ALWAYS TAKES MONTHS TO SEE A RHEUMY.
HOPING THE NEW DOC WILL CLICK WITH ME AND VICE VERSA, BUT THAT WILL ONLY BE IN AUGUST.
THANK YOU SUE. YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH BUT SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE IN A BETTER SPOT RIGHT NOW.
I PRAY IT WILL CONTINUE MY FRIEND. YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD AT IT.
LOVE YOU BIG.
GOD BLESS.
XXX
Hope you got answers from your Dr Suzanne and all will be well
X
Suzanne:
Are you on methetrexate ? Or any other type of suppressant for Ra ? Also, how painful was the shot in the thumbs ? I am going to have to get something for my forefinger on the right hand. So swollen and hurts so much. Dread that, bet it hurts like the dickens.
Well today is officially a day to lay low ! Very tired and much pain. Yes, I know I do it to myself. Too tired to go to water aerobics today. I have to go check on the house. They are coming home next week, YEAH ! But I have to get back into the routine of work again. And more hours so that is a good thing. Tomorrow is the community horse show, looking forward to that. Hoping to get time to work with Baby and Red. I did give them a brushing last night. I need to give them a good bathing, they are so dirty. Especially the mane n tail. They enjoy being brushed. And getting their ears scratched.
Pray you all have a good day.
Love to all
Tonie
Tonie dear, sorry I didn’t get back to you earlier. I had to shower and get ready for PT while fending off nausea. I sure hope you got your easy day but suspect you did more, now in retrospect than you had planned. I know you bring a lot of this on yourself but so do all of us. Hey, we can’t just lay around all day like books. We have lives to lead. I see it kind of like the tortoise and the hare. Some days we’re one and some days we are the other.
I’m sure you’re looking forward to the horse show. Are your horses going or were you just saying they needed baths? Both of our pups need it and I suspect yours do also now that you’re in the country they seem to be having a good time whooptee doin’ it in the woods. Hey, who doesn’t like getting their ears scratched, huh? Love ya, Sue
NO TONIE, I HAVE OA. IT JUST DEPENDS ON WHAT TYPE OF SHOT YOU ARE GETTING TONIE. I THINK BECAUSE I HAD BOTH THUMBS DONE AT THE SAME TIME THAT WAS NOT TOO SMART CAUSE IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH WE USE OUR THUMBS AND DON’T EVEN REALIZE IT. I WAS TOLD TO REST FOR 48 HOURS AND I DID EXACTLY THAT. (HAD NO CHOICE REALLY) TODAY I CAN SAY THE PAIN FROM THE SHOTS IS GONE. THEY FEEL SO MUCH BETTER NOW. DON’T HAVE THAT PAIN ALL DAY LONG. I’M HAPPY ABOUT THAT. THE SHOT ITSELF DIDN’T HURT ME CAUSE I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN ANYWAYS. I’M THINKING YOU WILL FEEL THE SAME WAY.
HAPPY YOU ARE GETTING MORE HOURS, ALWAYS HELPS DOESN’T IT.
OH YOUR HORSES SOUND SO NICE. DO TAKE GOOD CARE SWEET PEA.
LOVE YOU BIG! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO A GREAT MOM.
GOD BLESS
XXX
Suzanne:
I go for my first visit with the new pain Dr on Thursday. Probably no shots that day, will have to follow up visit. I am with you, don’t matter if it does hurt, I need relief on this finger ! Glad you are feeling better.
Love
Tonie
THANK YOU SU E. YOU HAVE SUCH A TALENT WITH WORDS. HOPE YOU ARE FEELING A LITTLE BETTER WITH EACH PASSING DAY. I WAS HAPPY TO HEAR YOU WENT OUT FOR A NICE DRIVE. ALWAYS LIFTS OUR SPIRITS DOESN’T IT.
LOVE YOU LOTS MY FRIEND. XXX