Just a Shorty, Here!

I wish we could have been on Hunting Island, camping with our friends this past two weeks. I think of all the laughs I missed and the runs on the beach. Both Lizzie and Jack enjoyed HI with such wild abandon. I miss camping with this group so much. Glad they all had such a wonderful time. 

I got a call from one this morning, and it was fun to hear Patricia talk about her days with the group. She, and others, pulled me from the depths of dispair in the midst of the worst time of my life. I know I've mentioned that before, but it deserves another mention. They are wonderful women.

It's looking more and more like I'll never go, again. (Pity Party in Session) I feel sorry mostly for Jack. Look at the boring life he leads now compared with what could have been.

Stole a picture from one of their facebook pages--I know she won't mind. There's another one I'd like to have, but I can't remember who posted it and where it is. Lizzie and Reileigh, I know, were running with them in spirit.

We were together many times, but as you can see from this past post of mine, the pups had as great a time as we did every time we met. You'll have to scroll down to see what a playground a big puddle is for the pups. Now, Reileigh's Mom has Carly--quite the character. She's a Lab, of course. I suspect looking at this picture that they've already run themselves out--that's a morning walk.

Shades of Caddy Shack!

Warning: This video clip may be offensive to some.

I've always been in the habit of leaving things at the bottom of the stairs to be taken up when I go for something else rather than make multiple trips. Yesterday was no different. I got half way up the stairs and remembered that I had left a few laundered items that needed to be put away. I turned around and I slipped--I was in socks and the stairs are wood. Bad combo. I didn't fall all the way down the stairs, but my instinct made me grab the railing and I think I pulled every muscle from my neck to my feet. My back, of course got the worst of it.

It was physical therapy day, today, so after a sleepless night I got up in miserable pain. Part (most) of me really did not want to go, the other part said I had to go. So, I literally dragged myself. I had a hard time getting from the truck to the building and the pool. I felt like I was a hundred years old.

When I got in the pool to warm up, I was glad I had opted to push through the pain because the water felt so good. Fifteen minutes into the session, the lifeguard blew the whistle, oh, no! "Everyone Out of the Pool". The culprit? A little tiny boy on the other side of the pool--learning to swim.

The rule is no one allowed back in for 30 minutes after the pool is cleaned. Rather than wait, I decided to leave so I wouldn't ruin the therapist's schedule as she had another client after me. As I said good bye I told her that I knew what to do, from now on, if she hurts me. So, at least we got a laugh out of it. I was surprised that even just 15 minutes of the water made the walk back to the truck better. Must be that my muscles need loosening in the morning which is my worst pain time. They have promised the first afternoon appointment they have open, they'll give to me, but apparently everyone prefers the afternoon--probably because their pain is worse in the mornings, too.

Susan, my daughter, has been staying with me. Last weekend her appendix ruptured. She had emergency surgery and was in the hospital until Tuesday. She received excellent care at the hospital where she works--VIP treatment! Doctors and coworkers stopped in to see her--all wishing her well. Nice people. So that's where I spent most of my weekend. The surgeon told me that she was very stoic...tell me about it. 

She still has a drain in, but is hoping a post op visit to the doctor tomorrow will change that. So, it was scary and she dodged a bullet, as the doctor told her--appendix was actually in two pieces. She's amazing...she's off getting a haircut at the moment and has pretty much resumed activities with the exception of working out or anything strenuous. Amazing that someone who might have spent two weeks in the hospital with a big scar not that many years ago for the same thing, is out and about in less than a week.

I feel very badly because I didn't think it was anything serious because she didn't present with the usual symptoms. She really should have been in the emergency room a day earlier. By her demeanor, I would never have guessed that she anything other than a good old fashioned stomach ache. Susan has been a life saver since my surgery. She's done all my shopping, walked Jack, and countless other things to help.

I just discovered that I didn't move my Turbo Collage over to this new computer, and I can't start the old one up. Drat. So until I can replace it, I'm just going to put a few random pictures of my dear, Susan. Maybe if she reads one day, she'll know how much I appreciated her help.

DOH, I did move the application to this new computer.

Why, a Child?

Mary, my little grand niece, is having a very difficult time. Complications are making her suffering worse than any child should have to suffer. This miserable disease has stolen her childhood. Please take a moment to watch these kids on the link below, and please rsend positive thoughts. My great nephew, Xavior, is going to shave his head in support for her and to help raise funds for children with cancer. He's just a little guy who loves his cousin. 

Hero of the Day!

I watch this whenever I feel sorry for myself. 

And, my niece Jenny, pictured with her girls is a nurse at Good Samaritan's giving her heart and soul to help other people and their children, too. She's the Operating Room Nurse in scrubs saying she wants "her" patients to be in good hands.

I can't describe how brave this family is. I'm not skilled enough as a writer to tell you how cancer affects not only the child who has it, but how it ravages havoc in every part of the lives of all the family members. The Mother whose mixed blessing is to be a nurse so she knows more than most parent would know. The Dad, who's little girl he "can't make all better". The little Sister who is too young to be worrying about her sister, and knows about things no little girl should know. My sister and her husband, the Grandparents, who grieve not only for their little granddaughter, but for their "little girl". They can't pay their way out of this, they can't hope or pray their way out of it; they can only watch a precious little girl's childhood slip away.

I guess I hope by writing this that people will think of places like St. Judes or the cancer charity of their choice. If everyone in this country gave $1, maybe they could find a cure. I can't believe that we had enough money to send people to the moon, but we still can't cure this horrible disease.

Oh, My Achin' Back...

I was so happy to get through physical therapy on Wednesday doing so well. BUT! My back decided to object around 5 a.m. on Thursday morning and is just now letting me start to move a bit. Wow, that was unexpected, but that I could even do anything in the pool was unexpected. I have been in a world of hurt. Thank goodness I don't go back until the 6th. I wouldn't be able to drive to get there. I'm back on pain meds every four hours and even that is not keeping it fully under control, but it's a little better this morning. Except that I think this is probably to be expected, I'd be awfully depressed. Trying to keep a positive outlook.

Susan and Ron took off for Puerto Rico for a little R&R, hopping over to St. John's after two days. 

John came down to visit on Thursday. He's always such good company even if I'm lying on the couch. We just ordered a pizza delivered. He's so easy. Michael is in Los Angles this morning. He'll be meeting my niece, Linda, for breakfast. Then he flies back to somewhere in the midwest for business and home late Tuesday night. Amazing to think how mobile the world is, today. Susan thinks nothing of hopping a plane to go shopping in NY on a weekend or to Florida for a couple of days for a bit of sun in the winter.

I'm proud of all my granddaughters, but Keely, Michael's eldest, gets the spotlight this post. She got a job at Wendy's, and she is thrilled. I remember how happy I was to get my first job as a kid. It isn't as easy for kids, today. Adults are taking jobs that ordinarily would have been left for kids. Michael took her to get her prom dress a few weeks ago. She tried it on for us to see. Can you imagine when her hair is done and some dangly earrings to finish the look? I want to get her her shoes to go with it--some bling to match the bling on the dress. Excuse me while I brag a bit. :)

Clowning Around

Jack is funny. Now, when ever I put him and the little guy out in the yard, he sits and waits for Bogey. He won't come in until Bogey decides to stop goofing off, and it's cold out! I'll bet it was in the teens as Jack sat, patiently, and waited during the night. He used to do the same with Lizzie, but he was in love with her. I think this means he's starting not only to tolerate Bogey, he's starting to like him.

Jack chooses the other couch to sleep after visiting me for a while. Bogey is cold; he doesn't have a lot of hair, like Jack.  He moves down into the spot (thank you for getting off my head, Bogey) Jack warmed up for him; I wrap him up in a blanket and he's in heaven.

Now, posting doesn't seem right without a picture of my boy Jack, even if it is a repeat.

Quick Therapy Update

Therapy was a little more rigorous, today, but I had no trouble keeping up. I even surprise myself. I've been immobile for so long I thought I'd be dying, but the hour flies by and I feel good in the water. Francine is very conscious about following the doctor's prescription. If it is close to what he tells me, she's got some guidelines regarding bending and twisting. A lot of it is balance, weights, and strengthening "the core" (Are you reading, Mike?) :) Medicare requires an evaluation once per month regarding payment of physical therapy. My doctor's appointment is April 3 so I don't know if I have to change it or not. I'll find out next time.

Nothing hurt until the walk back to the truck and driving home. I'm finished until the 6th and 7th, but there are some things I think I can continue out of the water. I keep hoping that I can continue to travel...it's what keeps me going.

What's a blog without a few pictures. I look at them all the time, and I CAN'T WAIT to get back to some of the places! So, I'll tack on a few at the end. I read a blog this morning and some of the pictures reminded me of some I had taken.

Jack and Bogey went nuts when I got home. I'm trying to pay attention to Bogey without putting Jack's nose out of joint. Bogey was through my legs, butt tucked around the house, back through my legs...happy, happy boy! Jack just wanted me to pet him and talk to him. He really is very good natured. Bogey doesn't realize when he's traveling so fast that he can't stop on a dime and many times winds up sliding right into Jack. When he was here in December of last year, he ever so slowly slinked onto part of Jack's bed. I remember Jack opening one eye, pretending he didn't know he was there. I guess he figured he'd let the little guy get a little closer.

That's me on the left side of the picture. Next is Peyton--the little one in the pictures of yesterday's blog. Can you believe how much she has grown up in three short years? Next to her are Susan, my daughter, and Keely, Peyton's sister.

The Old Road - Lewiston ID

My Roomie--so good to see him when I woke each morning

Payette Lake, McCall ID

My goal is to see this little house, again. Mendocino, CA. If I were younger, I'd give my right arm to live in it.

Aquatic Therapy

This morning I had my first aquatic therapy after an evaluation, yesterday. The pool is at a Community Jewish Center. It is quite a complex with schools, basketball courts, baseball fields, gyms, and so much more.

I had a little difficulty parking so I had quite a distance to walk. Mornings are my most painful time of the day so by the time I got to the building, and then walked the entire length of the building to get to the pool, I was in a world of hurt. I was concerned about how much additional pain I'd have in the pool. I was pleasantly surprised. 

I arrived early so I sat down and waited near their "office" and watched a senior aerobics class.

The "Office"

People "Dancin'" to the music

I can see how water exercise can keep you limber. And, it seemed to be a nice social activity, as well, with a lot of laughter going on. Reminded me of grade school. There were more women than men, but the men stayed all together and the women stayed together--a clear division. When I was a kid they had after school dances and usually the girls were on one side of the gym and the boys on the other--little dancing went on from what I remember. They did have one semester of gym dedicated to dancing with boys--yuk--mortifying. That changed (like 180 degrees) a few years later in junior high school, of course. :)

Francine, my therapist, arrived and introduced herself. She's a very nice person. I think we hit it off, nicely. We got in the pool and it actually felt good. The room, itself, is very warm and humid so it was actually nice to get in the water. She said we would start off easy, and it was. She said according to the reports from the doctor I am ahead of schedule (for my age). Yesterday, they had some timed walking tests--first race I've been in for many years! LOL

I had to laugh when she said she could tell that I had been an active person--me, the one who's been on the couch most of the time for a couple of years? She also said that I'm very limber for my age (I hear that phrase so often these days) so we wouldn't have to do much along those lines. The objective is to strengthen my core which helps the back. Mike, my unexpected commenter the other day, said exactly the same thing! She asked what my goal is and of course it's to get back on the road without pain! She said she wants to take her daughter out west and asked me about my travels with Jack. She didn't have anything negative to say about my goal so I'm thinking it's still in the realm of possibility. Let's see what magic she can work. 

I have another session, tomorrow, and I'm actually looking forward to it, especially since it's not as early. 

Bogey (middle son's dog) is staying with me for two weeks. He's a character.  He makes himself at home, here, as you can see. He knows his way around, and wants to do whatever Jack does. That's my pillow that he's sleeping on. Jack doesn't seem to mind his presence. In fact, I think he might like having him around and is amused by his antics. The first few times he was quite put out and stand offish, but I caught him taking a little sniff when he thought I wasn't looking.

Michael dropped Bogey off on Sunday. He and my granddaughter, Peyton, had spent a few days up at their cabin in Blue Ridge. They had a blast. Peyton wanted to go horseback riding. 

Watersound

She's such a good natured kid--fun to be with.

View From the Couch

My kids encouraged me to get a new computer. Susan took my old one in for repair, they sent it back working as slow as it worked going in. In order to get the RAM (which is what I think it needs), I have to order it online and bring it to the Apple Store. I will do that  when I'm up and able to do it, myself. Susan works hard and has a busy social calendar so I don't feel right about asking her to go back, again, though she offered. She knows how to turn a computer on, shut if off, and check hotmail and use google. I can't even describe to her what is going on with it.

I had to order new cables and adapters, today, so that I can move files over from one computer to another. Each time I have purchased a computer, the steps are different. That is the only complaint I have about Apple. They seem to make using existing peripherals very difficult if not impossible. I tried the Migration Assistant. It ran all night and didn't transfer a thing. The people at Apple didn't seem to be surprised. I really didn't want that method, anyway, because I want to "cherry pick" what I want to migrate. This new laptop is smaller which makes it easier for me to use while lying down. It has an incredible screen. I'm learning about the Cloud, but hope to take a class at the Apple Store when I'm able. I'm sure I'm only using a tiny fraction of its capabilities. I was surprised that because of the Cloud my music was automatically moved to the new computer (well the music I purchased from iTunes). The Calendar and Mail was set up automatically, as well.

I can't tell you how bored I am, but I'm behaving. I start aqua therapy on the 28th. I'm hoping that will help the pain. I don't know how long I'll be on pain medication, but I can't imagine being without it at this point, though I am not taking the prescribed dosage. If I'm on my feet for any length of time it really rings my bell.

My son, Michael and his girl friend, Laura, were in Naples Florida on business, recently. They are a lovely couple. Below is one picture they emailed me. They went deep sea fishing, bike riding, and all kinds of things. Susan and her boyfriend are headed down to island hop in the Caribbean in two weeks. John and Lisa spent the weekend up in their cabin in Blue Ridge. Seems like everyone is doing something except for me (whine). The boys have offered to take me for a weekend to their cabins to hang out, but I can't ride in a car for that length of time--about 1-1/2 - 2 hours.

Jack, the Peter Pan dog, cuddles up with me on the couch, then moves to his bed. He makes the rounds all day and at night.

This is my view. You'd think I could have straightened the picture before posting?

Here's Mr. Cuddles. Pictures aren't very good. My kids seem to be able to get great pictures with their phones. I don't have any luck.

Every now and again, Jack gets up and walks into the dining room to look out the window. He's checking to see if his girlfriend, Susie, is coming to take him for a walk. He goes out of his mind when she does come over, and off to the nature center he goes with her.

I sure hope that I will be able to take him west, again. As I said in a previous post, I am getting everything fixed and improved (in some cases) on the trailer hoping that it will be me pulling it. Before a long west trip, I'd like to go down to where Sherry and David were, in the Everglades in cool weather.

I'm going to visit some of the RV groups to see what chance I would have to sell the truck and trailer as a combination. The truck is a 2004 3500 Dodge Diesel Ram. It's in great shape and has been very well taken care of with only 82K miles. If any of you have an opinion, I'd love to hear it. I sold the motorhome in one day on the Escapees site. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Well, I've kept myself busy for a little while. Think I'll get my Kindle out and read a bit. Funny, everything I need to exist (except the bathroom and kitchen) is in reach of me--almost like the trailer. We needed the house while raising the kids, but if I could wish it cleaned out and sold, I think I would do it!

I Never Thought I Would Tire of Relaxing...

Went back for 2nd post op, yesterday, hoping to gain some freedom. Nope. Down for the count. All restrictions remain at least until April 3. No cheating! I will be doing aquatic physical therapy twice per week for 4-6 weeks. My belief that I'm healing was reinforced--I'm doing well I was told.

I just sent the trailer off to have everything fixed/updated on it. Since I couldn't bring it to them, they came and got it. Wild Willy's has done work for me before, and they're honest people running a small business. I'd rather give my money to them than to Camping World. One advantage is that if I can't pick it up I can store it there for $35.00 per month until I can get it. At this point I'm hoping I'm doing it for myself, but it may turn out that I'm doing it to sell. Everything depends on a prognosis that is somewhere out there in my future.

I'm getting everything fixed and improving some things. They will install an electric/gas hot water heater that I can turn on from the inside. It was a pain to try to light it from the outside. Otto has a brand new one that he's going to give me a break on. Have to replace the propane assembly that I dropped in TN. They're putting a new handle lock on the door (Hoorah for Terri and Wilson and the memories of that day). I decided to get a new water pump. It has new tires. I really, really hope I can take it west, again, and look forward to camping with the group of ladies who became such good friends. It will be on the east coast but the laughter around the campfires and all the fun that takes place when we camp together is something I've missed so much.

I'll try to sell the truck and trailer as a combo. I lived very comfortably in it for six months and I loved not having to worry about mountain passes, etc. I hope, if I do have to sell it, someone will enjoy it as much as I did (though that will be almost impossible). It will be better than new with a good Reese hitch anti sway fancy something or other and an electric hitch lift which I LOVE. As one man put it, pulling this combo is like having a flea on the bumper. Wise man.

Road to Recovery

Always at My Side

I didn't realize just how restricted I would be after surgery, but I've been a couch potato long enough for a hundred people. I go back for my second post op check on February 14th. I've come a long way since December 3 (a very memorable day--sort of). I'm very grateful to my doctor. I had excellent care at St. Joseph's and couldn't ask for more.  I don't think they'll know if the fusion was a success until between three and six months. Even at that, I hope for some improvement in pain while standing and walking since there was more than enough to fix. I saw the x-rays at my first post op check--it looks like I have a bird cage inside of me! I'll spare everyone details of the surgery and recovery. The first few weeks were experienced through a drug haze of sorts.

Now, I can take pain pills every 4 to 6 hours, but have whittled it down to one in the morning and one at night and a half if I wake between 3 to 5 a.m. Haven't had to take that one for almost a week, now.

I get my exercise by walking around the house and trying to keep it above Board of Health standards. I hate clutter, but I have to keep everything at table height as reaching, bending, stretching, lifting, sitting, etc., are off limits.  I could make another dog from dog hair, but I get some of it up by improvising with my own method. I'm breaking the last (sitting) for just a few minutes. Still not proven is whether the pain is eliminated walking past 5 minutes. I am craving a "test walk", outdoors, without pain.

Jack has been ever faithful, but he sure looks forward to Susan coming to walk him. She has been wonderful--she's my link to sustenance and Jack's link to the outside world. We don't know what we would have done without her.

Well my 15 minutes is up. Down I go. Miss all my friends and blogging friends. Still a ways to go, but hopefully will get back to normal, in the near future.

(Note: I wrote but didn't publish some posts before surgery because I didn't want to alarm family in New York. My sister has enough on her plate to worry about. I guess I should have proofed them before I hit "publish"--I have no recollection what I said. It's old news, but there for the record.

Cold Feet? 2

It's November 1.
Hoping to hear particulars by tomorrow and have an opportunity to ask some questions. I have found that doctors generally anticipate any questions and answer them before they are asked. I am experiencing a few jitters, tonight. Not so much about the surgery although it is going to be extensive, but about after care. So many things to think of. Jack is just about taken care of. Hoping to avoid a rehab facility. I've been trying not to read much on the web, but I felt I should prepare myself somewhat, if only to get things I'll need on hand. It's a long recovery just for fusion; don't know that fractures add much to that. Maybe the unstable vertebrae cause the fractures. I don't know. I can think of any number of times I could have injured my back, but my inclination is to blame all the years at a desk job--some days 12-16 hours.

Tomorrow I have to get some things from the safety deposit box and ask my long term insurance if they'll pay for a nurse to come to the house and a bed, walker, etc. I also have secondary insurance from the company I retired from which is supposed to cover what Medicare doesn't. I figured I could have the documents and insurance numbers on hand when the nurse calls me. No driving for 6 to 8 weeks. Even at that I probably won't be able to get into the big truck--can always rent a car for a month or so, I guess. My mind is starting to race. Now, if only Jack could drive! Speaking of Jack, he's spending a lot more time up on the couch with me. I wonder if he senses something or it's just the weather getting cooler. I suspect the latter. Weather changed drastically, today. I'll take it over hot summers any day. I have family on Long Island right outside of NYC that I'm concerned with. Storm surge could become a problem for them.

I never had to think of these things before. Rich took care of everything. My kids are wonderful, but those of you who are couples know that there's a difference knowing you're not coming home to the person you live with. I'm glad Jack is here with me, tonight.

Couldn't you just squeeze his cheeks? When he sleeps he sleeps!

Half Awake

Where He's Been Hangin' out more lately. That's my leg!

And, the Wait Continues...3

Sandy
I was glad to find out that my family in NY all appear to be okay in the wake of Sandy though trapped in their homes--except for my sister who went into work to look after the elderly and people recuperating from surgery. I have forgotten the name of the place, again, but she is Director of Admissions. I asked her a number of years ago what the name was and she said, "The Waiting Room to Heaven."

I thought, "What a pleasant name (I think it was a home only for the elderly at the time)." Anyone who asked me where/what she did I told them that she worked in a home for senior citizens called "The Waiting Room to Heaven".

I got a few peculiar looks, but never thought much about it. It came up in conversation between the two of us and she fell over laughing. She said she was just joking. Mind you, years had gone by. We still laugh about it. She's very, very good to the residents, and I'm sure she's in there today doing the work of aides who couldn't make it in. I never met anyone who didn't love my sister.

Looks like everyone in the northeast has a long road ahead before getting back to normal living. My niece has power, but 80% of Long Island doesn't including my sister. At least I know if it gets very cold Judy and her husband can go there. No damage or flooding for my family according to my niece.

Surgery
I got a call from the surgeon's office, this morning. Surgery is scheduled for December 3. A week before I have a scheduled visit to the doctor for details, and then I'll go over to the hospital for a pre-op exam. Everything is red tape in healthcare these days. This is the first time I have ever had to have a chest x-ray before any surgery.

I was asked if I had any problems, and I was glad to report none that I am aware of.

Nothing like a little waiting to get one's nerves started and doubts swimming around in the brain. (Not so much about the surgery, itself, but about being dependent on anyone during the initial weeks of recovery.)

The short discussion about recovery time/period is enough to scare me away. It made me wonder whether even with surgery I'll ever be able to camp or travel, again. Well, in comparison to other people's problems and sorrows, I won't complain. I don't like waiting--it makes me nervous, but that's just tough as some would say.

Here I ran around and hurt all night last night because I wanted to get documents from the safety deposit box, had my hair cut appointment, etc. only to find out I'll need another before I go in AND now I have to worry about having a fire and losing the papers. I haven't posted these last posts because   my sister has enough on her plate to worry about.

Waiting in More Ways than One...2

Sandy
It's Monday the 29th of October and I'm worried about family and friends in New York and New Jersey, and hope they all fair well during Sandy. So far, everyone is safe and all accounted for.

When I was a teenager I had a summer job in Lynbrook, NY at an insurance company. I took three buses to get to and from the office. We had a hurricane and they let us out early. On the bus closest to home the water came so high that the bus stalled. The bus driver yelled, "Everyone off and follow me to Grand Avenue." I was chest high in water as I got off the bus, and it got a little deeper before we reached the street where we could swim to safety. We just called it a flood. It wasn't until a few years ago that I realized, "Hey, that was a storm surge!"

Mary
Little Mary has her Make a Wish Trip coming up. I hope that the storm doesn't interfere with it. Seems sometimes like that poor little family takes 2 steps forward and 1 backward--never complaining. Crossing my fingers for them.

Busy Day
Today was a busy day for me. I haven't heard from the doctor's office, yet. so I figured I'd use the day to get my papers in order. I went to the bank and got what I needed from the safety deposit box, called my lawyer and he said it was okay to give the hospital a copy of my Living Directive; the original I should keep. I have my insurance policies and the power of attorneys in a folder on the table. I tried to organize everything in case my daughter needs the financial or medical power of attorney. I filled the truck up, went to the bank, had copies made of some documents, and decided to stop for a sandwich for lunch.

Strange Encounter
As I left the sandwich shop, a woman came running up to me and said that her son had been killed in an accident this morning. I panicked. She said she needed to pick up her younger children and take a bus to Canton (there is no bus to Canton). I told her I would make room in the truck and drive her but she didn't want that, she wanted money. I didn't have any cash on me. I told her that we needed to call the police--they would know what to do and how to help her. Well, that set her off--she didn't want that. She collected $25 from several women, inside the restaurant, but said she needed more. The owner threw her out and asked me if I was with her. I said, no but she said her son had been killed. He rolled his eyes at me and said, "I don't think so." By this time I was pretty well convinced that she really was a scam artist. It so happened that a patrol car was pulling into the parking lot (I suspect someone called the police on her as she probably had pulled this with several people before reaching the sandwich shop.)

I flagged down the officer and told him that she told me her son was killed earlier in the day. He took her gently, by the arm, and said to me, "We'll take it from here, M'am. Thank you." I heard him tell her that he would help her, but he had to put her in back of the car. I have a feeling she wound up at police headquarters. I got to thinking (it all happened so quickly), "Who would say their child was dead in order to get money." As I thought about it, I didn't see any tears or hysteria...it just took me by such surprise that I was only thinking of helping her. Takes all kinds.

Jack
I made several batches of sweet potatoes for Jack. They should last two weeks. I'll make some more, tomorrow. They are not just a treat for Jack (though he thinks they are). Dogs with the condition/disease he had cannot digest fat, and some succumb to malnutrition if they are on low fat food. I try to keep up with the research on the web. He's on a nutrient rich prescription food, but after reading about sweet potatoes I decided that he could get a good deal of his nutrition with the potatoes.  The vets are amazed at his excellent condition. So I'm determined that his regiment will not be interrupted.

Back to watching about Sandy. Please keep everyone in its path in your thoughts--especially little Mary.

So, I Ask Myself....

It's October 28
What is the difference between other surgeries, health crises that I've faced in life and this one--I know the answer. Have I ever been afraid? No. So what's the problem, then, Nancy? I think that all I had to face was the surgery. If I made it, that was great. If I didn't, Rich was here to make everything okay. Would I be worried about Jack? No.

Lizzie, Jack, and I had a bond that was pure love, comfort and feeling safe; feeling not alone after the most important person in our lives was gone. Now, of course, it's only Jack and me so if something happens and I don't return I've provided for his care, financially, but he doesn't have me, Lizzie or Rich any more. Who will be with him 24/7 as the "significant other" in his life. Sure, I know how crazy he is about Susan, but she works. That means that he spends time alone with no one to curl up with. No one who understands everything he tells them with his woofs and moans.

I don't know if I'll publish this or not. Just feeling kind of disconnected, tonight. I miss Rich. I miss him with my whole being. He was the strength in our relationship. He was my hero. He is my hero.

Days of waiting would have been filled with laughter and occupied with things outside these four walls. Sounds like I'm afraid, but honestly, I'm not except that I have a pup who relies on me for his every need and care with the exception of his daily walk with Susan. I know she'll do her best to make him happy, and truth be known he may be happier with her because she'll have him doing all the fun things he loves to do. She loves him as much as I do. But, what when he gets old.

My kids are all so well adjusted and so well prepared to face anything in life that I don't worry about them though they are my heart and soul.

Better Late Than Never!

I didn't take many pictures at Thanksgiving for a couple of reasons. My eldest son, John, and his wife, Lisa, come late because they have a Thanksgiving at lunchtime at Lisa's Mom and Dad's each year. Amanda came with her brand new puppy adopted from a shelter and left her with us until coming back later in the day. Her name is Emma. Everything was in full swing when they arrived. Michael's pups, Bella and Bogey, were there. Bogey is full of energy so we had to keep him and the puppy separated. This is probably only making sense to me because it seemed like we did a lot of shuffling dogs! :) Add to that, I just wasn't very mobile partly because it was more comfortable sitting and partly because I was enjoying a lot of the afternoon outside.

John and Lisa

Peyton

Keely

Susan had a big crowd this year--more people than usual so pictures got lost to conversation. It's hard, many times, to get the grand kids to sit still long enough for a picture or a picture without a funny face, any way. Kellie, my youngest granddaughter, had to leave directly from her other grandparent's house--a friend of hers was killed in a car accident the night before. She wasn't aware of it until she was over there. What an awful shock for his family.

Jack enjoyed himself, as always. Here he is (as though it would ever happen) hoping that Susan drops something. He enjoyed being outdoors, too. As always, we had a wonderful time. Susan really is a great hostess and cook, and everyone always feels so welcomed and comfortable. I can't even begin to tell you how much food was there nor how delicious. It's nice to let the young ones do the dishes. John and Lisa are always the first ones to pitch it, and Peyton helped, as well. Peyton is planning to go to culinary school after graduation. Won't it be great to have a chef in the family. She brought two delicious deserts. I managed not to overdo, and I'm glad I didn't, but the next day I was thinking about leftovers!

Thank you, Susan, for such a lovely day.

Hostess With the Mostest

There's always hope!

Keely, Peyton (doing that picture thing), Missy, Amanda, and Emma (new puppy)

Amanda, happy with her new companion

The weather was perfect so some of us at one time or another were in the driveway enjoying her new fire pit. We didn't have it on for the heat, but for the ambience. We were tired by the time we had desert, and went home about 8:30. Jack was so tired that he didn't even walk me down to the street to put the garbage out when I came home. He just stood looking at the door as if he was willing it to open!

Around the fire pit on Thanksgiving

Enjoying the outdoors, too

Peyton and Michael

I have a friend staying with me for a few days. No grass grows under her feet. Dixie is on her way (eventually) to help her daughter to move to DC, but will be camping with friends in SC before, so she usually stops here as a layover when she needs to bide time before Florida and wherever she's headed. We were up late last night so she is still sleeping. No more 70 temps, here, now!