tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46529227516406222712024-03-12T20:06:52.281-04:00Sugarloaf CottageLiving Life in a Small Country Village... and Loving It!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-36419512322948210972015-06-18T02:59:00.001-04:002015-06-18T02:59:46.023-04:00A Lonely DayWednesday's are always hard for me. It's mid-week and people are busy. Everyone has things to do, except for me. It's been rather lonely for me as DH has been working a ton of overtime. He is on his 2nd week of 12 hour days. I see him for a very short time before he leaves for the day and a short time before he falls into bed.<div><br></div><div>I have not heard from my family (meaning my sister JH ) in over a month. I know she is upset with me but she is going to have to get over it. I won't go into what happened except that my intentions were good and I didn't do anything "blindly" and it is not my fault she was not aware of conversations that took place before the "agregious action" was done. I am digging in and not calling because I am the one who does all the calling... And this time, I am not!</div><div><br></div><div>I did call my brother ever so briefly. He was called away to do Daddy duty with His 3 year old son. He had arranged for his 3 year old to go out and stay with his daughter in law for a few days. That changed on Monday as the kids were playing on the trampoline and his little buddy fell and broke his leg. Little buddy is in a cast up to the top of his knee and cannot bear any weight on it. He has to be carried to the bathroom and everywhere else. My brother is about to pull some of his gorgeous hair out in having handle this new crisis alone. He has just about a month to go before life in their house will return to normal.</div><div><br></div><div>I have doctor's appointments coming up. I have one with a new cardiologist on Friday. My dear friend (and house keeper) is going to drive me and help me get thru everything. We are going to go to dinner afterward... A rare treat for me! I am looking forward to having some time out of the house. I also have a pulmonolgy appointment at the end of the month. I hate having to gather all the records and test results when having to see a new doctor. I need to remember to call for my records.</div><div><br></div><div>I am dealing with trying to build my strength and endurance. My pain levels have been in a manageable range as I closely monitor my diet. Fatigue still hits me everyday... And I want to sleep and nap all the time. Chronic illness is such an unfun thing to deal with... But I am working at keeping my attitude about it in check. After all... There isn't much I can do about it anyway.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-9933506787317215902015-06-04T21:11:00.001-04:002015-06-04T21:11:59.959-04:00A Restful DayToday has been a much better day... The first really good day I've had since being released from the hospital back on May 10th. I managed to eat almost 3 meals today, stayed awake and alert during the day, and actually got dressed today. I am trying to do a little more each day to improve on my stamina and strength. Tonight, I am tired and a little achy.<div><br></div><div>Today was also a rare day of a million phone calls arranging and rearranging appointments. DH is doing training at work and he is going in 3 hours early everyday. We also need work done on his truck and I need a new windshield in my car. Punky is also not feeling well and needs a vet appointment. I am also juggling PT/OT visits in with all of it. Yikes! I also spent a few hours on the phone with DH's younger brother today... Being a sounding board as he deals with some heavy issues.</div><div><br></div><div>My friend and house cleaning lady came today. She has my house in good shape and we were able to sit and eat lunch together and take our time. I made her come in to the living room and sit and relax with me for the rest of the day and it was so fun. I hope to get stronger so that we can enjoy some of the summer and go places. She is my friend first and my house cleaning lady second. She said she felt as though she need to be doing something.... And I told her she was... She was hanging out with me. Having some rest during the day is important. All the work was done. I wasn't quite up to going out, but soon we will! It's been a good day.</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for reading... Have a blessed day!</div><div>Suzanne</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-55891856138794535422015-06-04T01:59:00.001-04:002015-06-04T01:59:50.207-04:00April Made Me Do It!I have not done any sort of writing in a very long time. I have even thought about taking this off line and being done with the whole thing. I discussed doing just that today, with my sister April. She felt that I should try and continue, so this is her fault! (Just kidding Sissy!)<div><br></div><div>This post is going to be in list style as it's 1:45 in the morning and I need to go to sleep.</div><div><br></div><div>1. I am recovering from a bout of CHF and a visit to the big hospital in Danville. I have a team of nurses, therapists and aides who are working hard to get me healthy again.</div><div><br></div><div>2. My house has never been cleaner. I hired a dear friend to come and clean. She has tackled every room... Every dresser, all the closets and my porch. Really, there are only a couple of drawers in e kitchen that she has not cleaned out and organized.</div><div><br></div><div>3. I have purged my closets of a good portion of work wear, shoes and handbags. Tons of household goods have also left this house... All given to those who can use it. Makes me happy to know someone else likes my things and ,asking good use of them.</div><div><br></div><div>4. Did I ever share that I finally won my case with Social Security Disability? That was a happy day. </div><div><br></div><div>5. We did have to make a difficult decision about Cooper dog... He was becoming more aggressive and he went after DH one night while DH was assisting me with Punky dog, who had a bad dream and was crying and shaking. We put him down, as we realized he couldn't be trusted not to flip out and try and bite us. We've each been bitten by him a few times previous. It was sad, but had to be done.</div><div><br></div><div>6. I have been sick the last few days with a virus. The nurse checked me today and I had a good fever going. </div><div><br></div><div>7. DH called from the freeway his morning on his way to work. Large trucks flew by, kicking a large rock that broke our windshield. Not good.</div><div><br></div><div>That's all I have.... Thanks for reading! </div><div>Suzanne</div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-31554021159376574392014-07-28T15:26:00.002-04:002014-07-28T15:26:57.090-04:00It's Been Awhile...I have not posted in months... mostly because I haven't felt very well and don't want to go on and on about how yucky I feel most days. On the days I do feel good, there is just too much to do to sit down and try to write. I have no discipline, what else can I say?<br />
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The last 7 months have been chaotic. I became ill in January with an entero-cutaneous fistula opening up (again) on my belly. It was a traumatic event for me and I did think I would die from the infection. Once we got things under control, I was sent to see a nationally ranked surgeon at Penn Medical University because of the complexity of my health issues. I started with some testing and a huge dosage of on-going antibiotics. We were also trying to schedule testing procedures around weather and snow storms since it's nearly 3 hours away. Not an easy thing to do.<br />
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In the midst of all the above commotion, we received a call from DH's father, stating that Grandma was in the hospital and she has taken a turn and we needed to come right away. We literally packed bags, made arrangements for the dogs, I rescheduled appointments and finished the rest of the calls on the road as we were gone in less than 2 hours. We were in Connecticut before the sun went down and began a vigil. Gram had suffered a massive heart attack and it was also discovered that she was also suffering from stomach cancer. She spent 4 more days in the hospital and we brought her home on hospice care. She lasted just 36 hours. <br />
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While we waited for arrangements to be done, DH became ill. He came down with a migraine like he had never had. We took him to the ER where he was later shown to have a mass in his sinus cavity that needed attention as it was not there on his last ocular xrays from work. (He has to have one every time he has an MRI because he works with metal, welds, and has metal in his eyes in the past.)<br />
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We came back to PA on Tuesday after the funeral and on the way, I called and scheduled an exam with a local ENT physician in Bloomsburg. We were able to get in right away. They sent DH for a more comprehensive CT scan with a different view. It showed a large mass occupying his entire maxillary sinus cavity, cause pressure on his eye. (It also explained why DH had been walking into walks, furniture, edges of buildings... because his vision was compromised.) It needed to come out right away... and it took precedence over my procedure. DH was out of work for just about 3 months with this entire procedure. To say things weren't stressful is an understatement. <br />
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We have been busy trying to get back on track with things... getting caught up on bills and doing some of the usual spring and summer things we do. Instead of doing my usual planting of annuals for color outside... this year I planted a perennial bed at the side of the house. It has turned out rather pretty and has been fun for both of us as it's a butterfly and bee garden. We have lots of bees, butterflies, birds and dragonflies. The feeders are well used as is the bird bath. I have enjoyed sitting out in the evening to watch the birds feed and listen to the all the chatter as they call to each other. <br />
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I have added 2 humming bird feeders to our little patio area and that has been a great source of joy for me as we have 3 that feed with us, 2 females and 1 male. The feeders are less than 8 feet away and we get a close up view... they are not afraid to feed while we sit right there.<br />
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That is pretty much my life these days. I still need to get back to Penn Medicine and restart my work ups. I do need to have surgery to remove the fistula and undergo a small bowel resect. It is not easy to think about, and it does need to be done in the next few months before the weather gets bad again. DH doesn't have much time away to be with me... he had to use all of his vacation for his Grams illness and funeral. His company is rather difficult to work with regarding family issues and FMLA is carefully watched. I hesitate to do too much... if I do this surgery, I think I will have him take me down for the day of the procedure and not worry about seeing me until I transfer to a rehab unit and then come home. <br />
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Time for me to go and get a few things accomplished today. Moving very slowly!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and reading...<br />
Be Blessed! ~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-22231844836392906152014-05-11T17:42:00.000-04:002014-05-12T15:10:03.486-04:00This Spring Season of TimeAgain, here I sit... stating the same thing... that it's been awhile since I last blogged. I have had intentions of blogging, it's just that with my fibromyalgia and my thyroid issues that cause me to have a lapse in short term memory from time to time. I've had that and brain fog a lot lately. We had a visitor stop in and have dinner with us. I made a meatloaf for our supper and he watched as I assembled it. Once it was served and I tasted it, I knew I had left an ingredient out. I couldn't remember what it was that I missed... and our friend began to make guesses on what it was... and DH told him, it wasn't that I knew and couldn't think of it, it was that I really didn't remember!<br />
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The last few months have been full of issues. We were called at the beginning of March the DH's Grandmother was gravely ill and hospitalized, and we needed to come immediately. We cleared schedules, made arrangements for pets, rearranged all my medical stuff, packed bags and readied the house for our departure. We were on the road within 2 hours. I managed to call the bank, the post office, the university, and anyone else who needed to know we were is crisis mode.<br />
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Our stay in Connecticut ended up being 10 days long. We had expected things were at a more advanced stage than they were and it was revealed that we were at the beginning of end stages. That takes around 4-5 days and that is what we endured. We had found a small inn 10 minutes from the hospital and the family home to stay at... but really didn't want to incur the expense. We did anyway and made the best of it. It was a very stress filled time with DH's female siblings. His brother was also in and out of town and proved to be a huge ally in all the turmoil. Things were said, some very rude and blunt, and DH and I quietly bowed out and stayed on the edge of things to avoid anymore unpleasantness.<br />
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The day before our last day there... DH had developed a migraine. I had done all I could to nip it before it became out of control. It did a very quick crescendo that DH said was the worst headache of his life. I The car became lodged between a rut and an ice dam and before I knew what happened, I went lurching backwards and took out the back fence and landed at the back edge of an antique stone wall. We ended up leaving the car where it was and DH's uncle took us to the hospital. After several hours of tests, it was ruled to indeed be a migraine. But it also revealed that DH had a very large growth in his head that needed further examination. We took the test results with us and headed back to the hotel to get some sleep. <br />
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The next morning, we packed up our broken up car with 10 days worth of laundry and life... attended his grandmothers funeral and luncheon and then headed back to our home. On the way, I called an ENT practice associated with another doctor's group we use and made an appointment for the next day. DH had an exam, was sent for further CT scan studies and we were scheduled to see the doctor in a week. DH headed back to work and was met head on by a true crap-storm led by the head of HR for being out for 10 days. They ended up having to involve his emergency vacation time and then 2 days of bereavement to cover all of the time we were gone. (She wasn't too happy about it and decided that he should pay... by taking a simple over site of not cleaning off a machine that he had scribbled on with glue from his finger... and had him walked out. After 2 weeks, she deemed that he was on suspension, thus voiding out his unemployment. <br />
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But let's back up to the doctor appointment... just after that doctor appointment and Ms. HR had DH walked out of the plant, she had the nerve to state that he was a danger to himself and/or others because of his "distracted state of bereavement". So she sent he home... which would have either put him on unemployment or on short term disability. Both of which ended up being denied because of Ms. HR. ... We did go back to see the doctor and he scheduled DH for surgery as he diagnosed a very large growth in the maxillary sinus cavity and had to come out as it was large than a golf ball and filled over 90% of that cavity. <br />
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I will fast forward to the surgery being successful. The growth was determined to be a benign cyst. DH is still out of work and will be out a full 60 days before he goes back. Actually, it translates to him not working for most of the March, all of April and almost all of May. If we had not had all of the expenses incurred with going to Connecticut for 10 days, we'd likely be just fine. Things are pretty lean around here, meaning we've sold or are selling all that we can... and have cashed in some other things. We have a few projects we'd like to tackle... don't want to spend the funds right now. I sprained my ankle and foot while in Connecticut, and walked on it for 6 weeks. I finally went to see my Orthopaedic surgeon and he diagnosed it as a level 2 sprain "now" and put me in an air cast. It's been tough to remember to wear it, it's slowed me down somewhat more than usual. Thus, we have no garden area set up, we have no flowers acquired for the sitting area or any beds... nothing is hanging and no foo-foo has been placed as of yet.<br />
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If I have left anything out of great importance, I will try and update it. Please, I request your prayers for us... and I also humbly request prayer for a dear friend whose husband (and best friend) has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer... and they think it's been caught early enough.<br />
Thank you for reading... please have a blessed day!<br />
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~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-57582836745647710632014-03-19T22:18:00.001-04:002014-03-19T22:18:05.677-04:00The Seemingly Never Ending Saga...I have been dealing with many things as of late... Health issues, family issues and a death in the family. I have been dealing with pre-operative testing and driving back and forth from PENN medicine in Philly. Along with that... We have been trying juggle trips between snow storms and staying on track with DH's work schedule and it not having a negative impact on his attendance and our wallet. It's not easy and we are very thankful for FMLA and what it allows.<div><br></div><div>Family issues are just that... Family stuff and expectations along with good manners. It is hurtful to me when I go to great trouble to send generous gifts and my phone never rings to acknowledge that gift. Not just from the kiddos it was sent to, but also their parents. I can't be generous like that too often and won't be sending gifts like that again.</div><div><br></div><div>We received a call just over 2 weeks ago that DH's grandmother was hospitalized and wasn't going to last much longer. We hastily made arrangements for our pups, packed bags, and rearranged calendars and appointments, held mail, and called the bank while on the road. We were in DH's hometown for a total of 10 days, staying in a small inn just south of there. We ate all of our meals out except for one, and purchased groceries and supplies for all those staying at his father's house. We bought meals for people staying at the hospital and lent support to his 2 sisters who decided to stay at the hospital for the duration. To say it was stressful is really moot now. It is always that way in these types of situations.</div><div><br></div><div>When DH's gram began to transition, she was moved back home on hospice. DH was able to accompany her on her last journey to her home and comfort her and hold her hand. We stayed close by and tried to be supportive as each person had time with her to say good bye. On what was to be her last night with us, Gram's daughter brought down Gram's jewelry box. We were instructed to go through it and take pieces that would mean something to each of us. I had a small pile of things and had been making certain anything that I saw that was valuable was given to DH's aunt. I ended up taking a small gold bracelet for DH's daughter, a couple small lapel pins, and 2 costume sliding hearts. Nothing of any real value, just nice looking pieces that I would wear.</div><div><br></div><div>Later that night, we got the call that Gram had passed and did we want to come back before they took her. We made the journey quickly... Went in to see her. As we went into the kitchen after, I was subjected to what brings the worst out in people at times like that. DH's sister said ominously that she wanted to talk to me... And tried to push DH out of the way and told him to go away. He stood his ground and stayed to witness the travesty that unfolded... She attacked me about what jewelry I had taken, that it may be of great value and it better not be sold. (I quietly replied, "first wife, yes... Second wife, no.") She then went on to attack me about not being invited to our wedding... And I replied, "we've been down this road." DH's cousin and his aunt were sitting right there... And they both stopped her from continuing on. I was mortified, embarrassed and upset at being accosted like that. I walked away to the other side of the room to get my coat and DH's father was standing there. He saw that I was upset and asked me what was wrong... I think I muttered something to the effect that I didn't fit into his family and Imturned and went out the back door with DH right behind me. </div><div><br></div><div>His father came out the door and proceeded to scream at me about my attitude. I asked him to stop yelling and he continued... So I walked to the car and got in... Not saying another word. I had DH drive me to the inn. I went in and retrieved the small box of jewelry and told him to take it back to his aunt.</div><div><br></div><div>We didn't really speak to his father or his 2 sisters for the duration of our time there. We were relegated to sitting in the 4th row of chairs... And it was very awkward at then luncheon after. DH and I are really speechless at the actions of certain members of his family. It was a sad time only increased by the ugliness of people who were grieving. We have to return in April for the burial... I hope I can take it.</div><div><br></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-48608198649098422062014-02-16T19:59:00.000-05:002014-02-16T19:59:32.941-05:00The Sunday Seven...I have not blogged in quite a long time... because I have been dealing with some health issues. Things that are on-going and some things that are coming up. Here is a list of seven things that are going on or have gone on in the last few weeks! Lists are an easy thing for me to do, so here we go!<br />
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1. We had so much snow this week that my DH's work actually closed for the first time in years!<br />
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2. We have so much plowed snow in our yard that the piles are over 8 feet high. Those won't melt away until late April.<br />
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3. I made some awesome things in the kitchen recently... homemade macaroni salad, Korean beef, Potato soup, thick cut pan fried ham steaks, just to name a few things!<br />
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4. I see my rheumatologist this week... I think she is going to be very surprised to see just how far R/A has progressed in my hands. All 5 fingers and my wrist on the left and 4 of my 5 fingers and wrist on the right all show signs of inflammation and with redness and nodules. I have to be very careful with water in the kitchen now as only light warm water feels ok... hot water is all very hot and very cold water really hurts too.<br />
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5. I have been going through my personal closet and so far I have boxed up over 20 pairs of shoes and decided to part with the majority of my handbags. Many of which are bags costing over $100 - $300. I have a former co-worker than is willing to take all of this off my hands. She is a lucky girl!<br />
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6. I have been working really hard at trying to get my house back under control from my canning season to now... Yeah, it's been that long since I have deeply cleaned because I over-did it so much at the end of Summer and into the Fall. My Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in October and my body aches and fatigue have been off the charts. My endo changed my Synthroid dosage to 225 mcg from 250 mcg... that has made a huge difference in my energy level to not be so "suppressed."<br />
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7. Did I tell you that one of the silliest things to ever happen to me was a few weeks ago. I had taken my usual dose of Ambien and also some pain medicine. I fell asleep at the very edge of my bed. I actually ended up rolling out of bed and hitting my head on the night stand (which is solid maple) and landing on the step to get into bed and then the floor. My husband scooped me up and took me to the ER to have my head x-rayed and to make sure I didn't crack a rib. I had a huge goose egg and my left ear was purple. My goose egg has gone down and my ear is almost back to normal... but for almost 3 weeks, I couldn't touch the left side of my head. (Only me!)<br />
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Thanks for reading... have a Blessed Day!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-30554882072286004462013-12-31T15:07:00.000-05:002013-12-31T15:07:02.616-05:00Cozying UpYesterday was a long day and a long night. My DH worked a double shift and I could not manage to go to sleep alone in the house last night. (I think I was afraid I was "nod out" and not hear my alarm and forget to go pick him up. He insisted that I keep the car in case anything happened... like a 20 pound black and white dog running off into the night.<br />
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I did have a little bit of craziness last night. I reconnected with a girl friend from high school. We met on our freshman year and were very close for awhile. There was another girl that rode our bus and decided she wasn't going to let me have Mz. T as my friend. She drove a huge wedge between us and as I moved at the end of my sophomore year, we lost touch. I had thought of her over the years as her family had the adjoining acreage next to my Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Chet's 5 acre farmette. They moved at the end of the school year as well... to Montana.<br />
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We had reconnected back in the 90's somehow.... I don 't really remember. Anyway... along came social media and she friended me. We have briefly messaged each other and read and comment on posts. Last night I sat down, picked up the phone and dialed her up. We talked non-stop for 4 hours! It was wonderful, insightful, introspective and a great source of healing and reconnection. It was like when we were young girls, sitting and talking about life and our dreams.<br />
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Ms. T has struggled with health issues and suffers with some of the same maladies that I have, and she has other issues with back surgeries and fighting for mobility. Nobody said getting old was for sissies, that is for certain! She is also dealing with her mother having dementia and I was able to give her some insight and comfort in dealing with that issue.<br />
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Because of the phone call, I was not able to relax and sleep like I had hoped. I watched a couple of things on Net*flix.... and stayed awake. I went to get DH early, stopping to get him juice and breakfast. We cozied up to relax and snooze. I napped a couple of hours and DH is still sleeping. I will need to wake him soon so he will sleep tonight. The wind in howling and we are getting snow. I took Punky outside at noon and the cold was too much for her. She started to crash after she came back in, trying to warm up. I gave her honey and some snacks and food to bring her back to recognizing me, poor little dear.<br />
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As we ring the old year out and the new year in... we don't make resolutions in this household. We do discuss what we want to change and try to make a plan to carry that out. I am glad this year is over... glad to see some of my health issues improve and continue to work on others that need to improve. We are grateful to be able to have spent Grandma Jeanne's 95th birthday with her, and reconnect with DH's daughters. I am grateful for the wonderful husband and my Punky and Cooper dogs and how they are my essential spirit.<br />
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Happy New Year... and thanks for reading!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-58196059093470756652013-12-29T21:47:00.000-05:002013-12-29T21:47:26.031-05:00What I Have Been Dealing With...Life in the last several months has drastically changed for me. Over a year ago, at the request of my husband, I resigned from my position with a leading Fire Protection company, handling 1.5 million dollars on a monthly basis for a Florida market. It was stressful and my former peer and now supervisor was making my life miserable. The toll on my body was great and I was in a very unhealthy situation.<br />
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I worked with several doctors to get myself into a healthier place. During the last 6 months, I have had increased pain and mobility issues and a "so called cyst" that would not heal. Since then, I have had another surgery on the cyst, and the surgeon discovered that it was a fistula stemming from my very first cancer surgery in 1988. The doctors had placed several drains in my lower abdomen and stitched them in place, and one stitch was pulled through my mid-line fascia, causing years of drainage and issues that went undiagnosed. My surgeon was quite surprised when I told him of the date of the surgery and said I would always be remembered as one of the more surprising surgeries of his career.<br />
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As that surgery was healing, I was having issues with my joints and pain and stiffness in my hands. I went to see my husbands rheumatologist and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. I have it in my fingers on my left hand and recently began symptoms in a couple of fingers in my right hand. I also have it in my right foot with most of my toes... and of course fibromyalgia also presents across the ball of your foot inside and out. Let's just say it's hard to keep slippers on my feet when I am going up and down stairs. I have to rely on my husband to help me do shopping as of late, as I can't drive very well.<br />
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My husband has not been home very much this year. He clocked a total of 4000 (approximately) hours of work this year. The standard 40 hour work week totals 2080 per year. So, yeah, he's never here! We did see each other on Christmas eve and on Christmas Day. He should be off on New Years eve and New Years Day... so we will likely go see a movie and have dinner somewhere... depending on the weather.<br />
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I had a rough day the day after Christmas. I hadn't heard from my family on Christmas... from anyone. My husband went to work and by the evening, I was dealing with the crazy emotions of cancer and all that it has robbed of me through the years. The one thing that I have always wanted was to be a mother and a grandmother. Knowing that the rest of my family were busy with their own families and grand children was very keening on my heart. (I know that I should be grateful for just having my life, but cancer has twice robbed me of things that I love.) It makes me angry to feel those losses at this time of year. Before I was married, I managed to stay busy... but it's very different now as we have moved so far from dear friends. I have a couple of dear friends here, but I have issues with intruding upon family time. <br />
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I am also dealing with the loss of a couple of friends... one from years ago and one who was my best friend at work. Since I have left, that friend has never picked up the phone and called me. I have called her, met her for dinner a few times, but it's always been me to make the contact. I don't know what I did... all I know is that it's hard for me to keep being the one who calls.<br />
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It's a strange phase of life for me... I am also facing a new doctor's appointment this year with a hematologist to discuss my new diagnosis of having a genetic mutation that is causing my to have very elevated hemocysteine levels. A very serious issue, along with having aortic stenosis and an aortic root aneurysm. I just had an aortic mri, which shows I am maintaining my moderate status.<br />
It's always something. <br />
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That's a little bit of what I am dealing with... I'm trying not to be overwhelmed!<br />
Thank you for reading!<br />
Happy New Year!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-12001600363618052572013-12-23T17:12:00.000-05:002013-12-23T17:12:06.309-05:00Holiday Time!I have been busy preparing for Christmas for weeks now. But somewhere in all the busy-ness, I seemed to lose track of the days... I so need an extra one! Both DH and I thought we had an extra day. Yikes, there is still a bunch to do!<br />
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I did lose some time having an arthritic flare and DH's schedule going to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have times where I need his assistance with things. He can also become quite a mess maker when he works so much and I find that I constantly have to clean behind him. And then there are the things I cannot do on my own, either because of health issues now or issues from past health issues... making it really all about my health. Which, it has improved from last year to this year. <br />
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That being said, I do have to deal with Fibromyalgia and the ever present back pain that radiates to my arms and down my legs. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my hands and in my right foot. It makes it difficult to do certain things like load and unload the dishwasher and washing pots and pans. I drop a lot of stuff! I can no longer be barefoot in the kitchen to protect my feet. It took a while for me to adjust to as I love being barefooted. I have trouble with holding on to most anything, I have trouble with my right toes... my second and third toes are affected and sometimes I cannot curl my toes... and it makes it difficult to keep my slippers on my feet!<br />
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I'd love to be able to share my Christmas tree this year but my abilities to upload pictures is giving me trouble. My laptop has had issues ever since we bought it and my husband did have to replace the motherboard on it once. My power cord has become cracked and it's been taped up. My DH took my entire computer apart and fixed a couple of things... it was out of commission for about 2 weeks. I had to use his laptop for a few things, but mostly used my I-pad. <br />
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So, dealing with Fibro and R/A... has given me lots of fatigue and a ton of brain fog! I don't always remember things I should... forgetting to pay a bill or forgetting just how much money I've spent. DH loves me inspite of my screw ups! Time to go get busy in the kitchen again... making peppermint bark, cookies and dessert for our little gathering at my friend Janey's house! So excited to give her her Christmas gifts... both of which I made for her.<br />
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Thank you for reading... Marry Christmas!<br />
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~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-27219835813083803702013-09-29T11:17:00.000-04:002013-09-29T11:18:37.311-04:00<br />
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FOR TODAY (September 29, 2013)...</div>
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Outside my window... it's been a partly sunny day with temps at about 65 degrees. Fall is here and the colors are coming in brightly on the trees.</div>
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I am thinking... that I need to get some of the housework under control, or that it's time to hire a housekeeper to help me keep up.</div>
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I am thankful for... a hard working husband that works seemingly endless hours to provide for us.</div>
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From the kitchen... there is a meatloaf in fridge and I am making at least one casserole to get through the week.</div>
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I am wearing... a grey long sleeve t shirt and black yoga pants and silver jewelry with hot pink running shoes.</div>
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I am creating... a cleaning list to keep me on track, and hoping to cut pieces for a new quilt.</div>
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I am going... to see my friends in Shickshinny today. They have a cute little second hand shop that I always find wonderful things to cheer me up and decorate my home.</div>
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I am reading... several books on my kindle.</div>
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I am hoping... to plan a little day trip for DH and I in the coming month, provided he gets a day off.</div>
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I am hearing... the television on HGTV, a fan blowing, and my DH somewhere in the house.</div>
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Around the house... the dishwasher needs to be ran and the house needs to be dusted and vaccumed.</div>
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One of my favorite things... snuggling on the sofa with my sweet Pomeranian, Punky!</div>
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A few plans for the rest of the week: Get as much cleaning and order put back to the house today and tomorrow. I have a day surgery on Tuesday and will be in bed for a couple of days at the least. Having a few meals done ahead and having things in order will go a long way in helping me heal. I need to make something with pumpkin in it for my DH... he loves the flavors of fall!</div>
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Thanks for reading... be blessed!</div>
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~Suzanne</div>
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-51939511430748345972013-09-24T14:20:00.000-04:002013-09-24T14:20:32.423-04:00Busy as I can be!I love the end of summer and beginning of fall. Especially around these parts as there are so many wonderful farm stands in our little area. I have my choice of 4 produce stands that are direct from the farm within 5 miles of home. And there are 2 wonderful orchards within 6 miles. <br />
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I have been busy with my canner. I've done my wax beans - at total of 18 pint and a half jars. And I have done strawberry freezer jam. I have done roasted tomato marinara sauce and I have frozen it in zip locks bags, done quart jars in my pressure canner and frozen even more in freezer jars by the quart. I am also dehydrating tomatoes and have one last batch in the oven roasting as I sit and type. <br />
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I have 2 more projects to do... making raspberry peach jam and also canning homemade pork and beans. I hear that they are much better home canned than what we can buy in the store. I am willing to give it a try as my DH loves beans. I hope that when the time comes, he will enjoy the efforts I am making! He's not home much these days as the plant he works at is very busy finishing up their Christmas candies to be shipped across the country. Long 12 hour days and with a few shifts that only have 8 hours in between are the norm for this time of year. <br />
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DH also tells me that they are short handed and a few people were suspended indefinitely last week due to an issue with getting date codes changed properly. Someone was suppose to change it... thought someone else was doing it, a supervisor didn't check soon enough, product had to be pulled from shipping to be reworked. It sounds like a big mess, and they are trying to get it all figured out and place the blame on the proper person. It's all stuff that makes me feel glad I don't work there. I know those things are important, but it also affects so many people when someone doesn't do their job correctly... from other employees and their families, all the way to the consumer if things aren't caught soon enough.<br />
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I am feeling very blessed to be able to be home and do my canning projects. I am also working on doing laundry today and trying to get some weekend housework done. It seems that I am always working on cleaning the house in the midst of what ever I am trying to do. I do know that I need to get my closet sorted out and get rid of some clothing. I have way too much, and I need to let go of some of my older pieces that I no longer wear. (I always think I will wear again soon, and then I don't.) I have a huge pile of things that either need to be thrown away or have a yard sale and then donate the rest to Goodwill or Sals. What a quandary to find myself in. It takes it's toll on me both mentally and physically... more physically than anything, my hands hurt and so does my back and my knees. Time to soldier on!<br />
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Thanks for reading... have a blessed day!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-74469357860878189102013-09-19T20:13:00.001-04:002013-09-19T20:13:28.827-04:00Things I am looking forward to....Fall is upon us... in just a couple of days!<br />
I am looking forward to a few of the following things:<br />
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I am looking forward to the tv show Parenthood returning next week!<br />
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I am REALLY looking forward to Million Second Quiz ending. I am sick of that thing!<br />
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I am looking forward to my DH's next day off... thinking it will likely be Oct. 5th.<br />
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I am looking forward to have a few more things crossed off the "Master Honey-Do list" that is attached to the side of our fridge. This is a long list with lots of projects, both big and small. I would so love to see a bunch of the small stuff crossed!<br />
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I am looking forward to finally getting enough money saved up to get my DH's truck back on the road.<br />
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I am looking forward to doing one or two more canning projects and then putting all the canning gear away for awhile.<br />
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I am looking forward to doing some fall baking... pumpkin bars for one... and some pumpkin scones.<br />
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I am looking forward to sitting down at my sewing machine and starting a new quilt project.<br />
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I am looking forward to starting a few more chapters to the book that is in process.<br />
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Oh... and I am really looking forward to the schedule changing for DH... we are not liking the 11-11 schedule at all!<br />
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That's a pretty good list. All realistic and attainable, don't you think?<br />
Thanks for reading! Please have a blessed day.<br />
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~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-75134022675233942772013-09-17T00:53:00.001-04:002013-09-17T00:53:33.574-04:00StrugglesI don't really have much to say of late... other than I am having struggles on so many fronts. My health seems to waiver back and forth... good days and bad days seem to fight for balance. I went through a tough arthritic flare a few weeks ago that had me in bed and knocked out for days.<br />
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I also struggle with keeping up with house work and chores and keeping my husband ready for his grueling work schedule. He has been working 12 hours days... 21 days in a row. When he finally was able to use some vacation time, it was all spent on getting things ready for winter as he is not certain when his next time off will be. When I have a good day, I grocery shop. The rest of the time, I pack lunches and do laundry.<br />
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I have done some canning in the last few weeks. I just couldn't help myself from taking advantage of all the good produce that is grown locally. I just had to put some things up for the winter. That too, has taken it's toll on me. I get exhausted after a day of working... and need to sleep and nap for the next 2 days after that.<br />
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I also struggle with things from my past, things that are triggered by news reports. I have done a book outline, preface and have started to write in order to cope with all that troubles me. Someday, I will finish and be able to share it. But for now, it will be a memoir for my family.<br />
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I wish this post was more positive... but I do know that I can say that I have a wonderful husband who loves me deeply and takes such good care of me. I have my sweet Pumpkin-dog who adores me, and my silly Cooper-dog who entertains me as much as he drives me crazy. That is quite a lot in scheme of things these days. Yes, I am very blessed.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-7083704924691278262013-07-25T20:14:00.001-04:002013-07-25T20:14:59.588-04:00Pumpkin... the dog, not the vegetable.My Pumpkin-dog has been sick for a few days. Needless to say, that has contributed to my aches and pains. (Meaning I've had to clean up a lot of messes at the bottom of the steps, clean carpets and get her out when she is able to communicate her needs during the day. Most messes were done while I was either sleeping or in the shower or just too plain stupid to figure it out.) Anyway... it has caused more than a few angry moments that included some shouting that I am not proud of... poor little confused dog.<br />
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I think we are on the upward swing of the episode of illness for her. I sure hope so because my back and right knee are killing me. The fact that we own a small spot-cleaning machine has made it easier for DH to help me. (I am still not suppose to lift or carry more than 10 pounds.) It's been a tough few days. Here's to baby aspirin and pepto bismal to help her out.<br />
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I've been trying to do a little more lately. DH does not like when I buy bananas for a whole week, so it seems like all I ever do is go to the grocery store. Yesterday I went to buy bananas and found they had his favorite energy drink on sale for 10 for $10. That's what I bought. And I took my own bags to the store... and the clerk put all 10 bottles in one bag. Along with the yogurt and a few other items. ALL in ONE Bag. I wasn't paying attention as I was distracted by looking at the flowers in the floral department next to the register I was at. I checked out and took my groceries out to the car. I tried to catch the courtesy clerk at the curb but he was on a mission to collect shopping carts. I lifted that bag full of quart sized bottles into my trunk. That move pretty much put me out of action for the rest of the day. (No, I didn't carry it into the house as DH was home.) But, I don't remember much of my drive home because I was hurting so much.<br />
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I have an ultrasound on my neck and collarbone tomorrow... right where my pain is. Holy cow, even using the computer and keyboarding is not comfortable. Time to end my little story, hydrate Punky-dog and grab the ice pack for my shoulder and neck.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-35736491473415665082013-07-24T14:14:00.000-04:002013-07-24T14:14:17.051-04:00It's been awhileI haven't been posting as of late because I haven't been feeling all that well. Most days, I feel like I've been ran over by a freight train. I ache all over, my right knee is barely holding on as it feels like my lateral ligament is about to let go at any moment. Fatigue grips most of my afternoons. It's all I can do to take a shower and get myself out the door to grocery shopping. If DH is still sleeping (as is the norm when he works 3pm to 3am) I struggle to bring in my purchases and put away the perishables. My day is pretty well shot after that... and I struggle with getting DH's lunch made.<br />
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I am starting to wonder if I don't suffer from fibromyalgia what with all the pain my joints are in or if in fact it's arthritis spreading. Most of my summer plans for the yard have been placed on hold due to how I feel and that DH is not home much. He works almost all the time... weekends included. And most of the time, it's a 12 hour day.<br />
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We did manage a fast trip to Connecticut for the 4th of July and DH's Grams 95th birthday party. It was a fun time and so many family were there to visit... it was a great party inspite of the heat and humidity. Punky dog didn't take to that heat/humidity combo... she had 3 nice cool dunks in the bathtub to help keep heat exhaustion at bay for her. (That meant I got to spend most of my day in a soaking wet t-shirt in front of the a/c to keep her cool. She's such a cute little dear-heart of a dog that I didn't mind. She is our baby after all!<br />
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I think the highlight of my week was seeing a couple of girlfriends from work for lunch this past Friday and having DH home for Sunday. We went out for dinner, it was a lovely evening but I've been exhausted ever since. I bought canning supplies to do some freezer jams, but have yet to go to the Amish market to buy anything. (There's always next year.)<br />
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That's all I have... sorry it sounds like a laundry list of aches and pains.<br />
Thanks for reading...<br />
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SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-60807266369477058742013-05-09T21:20:00.001-04:002013-05-09T21:20:59.831-04:00Thursday This and That<ol>
<li>I have become totally engaged on the Jodi Arias trial. I didn't know she was from Siskiyou County... the same county I went to grade school in and later lived with my first husband.</li>
<li>DH had vacation 2 weeks ago... we ended up not going anywhere. Instead we tore apart our guestroom and painted it. We moved our bedroom into that room. We are still working on putting stuff back into both rooms. (My house looks like a bomb went off.)</li>
<li>I decided to keep the car yesterday and took DH to work. He ended up having to work until 3 am... just my luck!</li>
<li>Things escalated with the neighbor kid and his Dad, who rang our doorbell yesterday to talk to us... the kid can no longer come to visit me because he was lying to all of us about his situation at home and his grades among other things. Makes me sad.</li>
<li>My bestest friend in life is graduating from college tomorrow in North Carolina. She's been working on her teaching degree for the last 5 years. She is graduating with honors. So proud of her!</li>
<li>One of my dearest work friends became a grandma yesterday. She is over the moon!</li>
<li>I have been buying flowers... and need to get my pots from the basement and get stuff planted.</li>
<li>Punky dog went to the groomers for a grooming session and they did exactly what I asked them not to do... they shaved her down instead of cutting half of her coat off... I know it will grow, but she looks like such a different dog when she's cut so short with the classic Pomeranian cut... and it changes her coloring.</li>
<li>I need to get 3 doctors appointments in this month... and have a huge ct scan coming up next month. I hate having to go to the doctor so much.</li>
<li>DH thinks he may have the weekend off... I won't get my hopes up until its here!</li>
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That's all I have for now... Thanks for reading!<br />
~Suzanne<br />
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-17675971507004493322013-04-22T16:53:00.002-04:002013-04-22T16:53:51.605-04:00Still Here!This is my third attempt to do a post today. We are still here... working on living life! (The posting issue is due to "user" error... ahem!)<br />
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DH has officially started 10 days of vacation! We are having a staycation... because I have a huge "honey-do" list. DH is working away at it and more than likely will be able to finish most of my list!<br />
So far he's installed a new bathroom fan and light, cleaned up the yard and hauled 14 full wheel barrow loads of yard debris to the back side of the barn. He's finished my bookcase shelves in my craft room, installed a new hose reel outside and moved one of my wrought iron hooks for a hanging basket. That's just what he's done from Saturday to Sunday!<br />
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We've also semi-adopted our neighbor boy. He doesn't have the most ideal living situation as his fathers girlfriend treats him badly and does some real crazy stuff to this kid. His Dad seems to treat him more like he's a bother in their lives. I've taken him in... trying to give him guidance and good food. He's a good kid, goes to school every day, gets good grades, but doesn't play sports, which causes the girlfriend to think there's something wrong with him because he isn't play basketball or running around like all the other kids in this area do.<br />
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I have been trying to get potato salad made for this week. We are going to grill steaks tonight... I am very excited about that. Red meat is a treat for me anymore these days. (I eat so much chicken that I could squawk like one!) We are going to try and head to Lancaster tomorrow... very excited about that.<br />
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We also went out last night and enjoyed the meteor show... it was fun to snuggle up with my DH and watch for those gorgeous shooting meteors. It was quite cold... didn't real just how cold until I came inside at 4:45 and it was 31 degrees outside! Brrrrrrrrr!!! It took me forever to get warm enough to fall asleep. There is a very cold breeze blowing today as I sit here at my patio table... my hands are frozen. (That would be the aboved reference of "user" error. lol)<br />
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We do plan on going out tonight to view the ISS as well... it will be passing over us tonight at 9:00 pm... coming from the Northwest to East at 50 degrees. It should be wonderful viewing night as it is very clear and the air is dry despite the coldness of the Canadian air we are dealing with. (Can you tell I am ready for the cold to stop... it's Spring, I want Spring temperatures!<br />
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Thanks for reading about life here today!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-23234874147154832712013-04-07T19:03:00.001-04:002013-04-07T19:03:11.053-04:00Simple Woman's Daybook<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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FOR TODAY (April 7, 2013)...</div>
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Outside my window... it's been a lovely day at 62 degrees with high thin clouds. Spring had finally arrived here.</div>
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I am thinking... about Spring flowers and planting. Also about being able to get our patio furniture out to so I can sit outside.</div>
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I am thankful for... a hard working husband that works seemingly endless
hours to provide for us.</div>
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From the kitchen... Grilled chicken alfredo from our trip to Sam's club yesterday.</div>
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I am wearing... an aqua and balck floral sprig dress and silver
jewelry.</div>
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I am creating... a painted border clay pot for my porch.</div>
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I am going... go nowhere today... I ran myself ragged the past 2 days with errands and shopping.</div>
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I am reading... Rod Stewart's autobiography... almost done with it.</div>
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I am hoping... to plan a day trip when DH goes on vacation later this month down to Lancaster.</div>
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I am hearing... the tv, the air purifier in the other room and a sleeping Punky-dog in her crate.</div>
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Around the house... there are some things to put away from shopping and the dishwasher needs to be emptied!</div>
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One of my favorite things... watching "Call the Midwife" and "Mr. Selfridge" - both on PBS!</div>
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A few plans for the rest of the week: I have to pick up medical records to visit my cardio-thoracic surgeon later this month and I see my pulmonolgist this week. I am hoping to be well enough to schedule lunch with the girls from work this week.</div>
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<br />Thanks for reading... be blessed!</div>
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~Suzanne</div>
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-70013371284057320812013-04-02T19:46:00.000-04:002013-04-02T19:47:08.979-04:00We've been Busy!Yesterday was a much needed day of fun! DH and I had a date day where we went off together to do a few things that I cannot manage to do without help. We made it a fun day together. (I think we have turned the corner on being sick and are starting to feel better!)<br />
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Anyway... we headed north to do some shopping. I needed to go to Hobby Lobby... and I can't maneuver through the store on my own. They don't offer electric shopping carts, only wheelchairs. So... DH has to push me through the store. Someday, I will have the ability to walk through that place. (I can't wait for that!)<br />
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We shopped at Harbor Freight as well. DH got some longed for bench tools... and he's promised me to get the garage cleaned out and a new work bench installed for said tools. (I can't wait for that! I love doing projects on bench tools!) We also went to Petsmart for some goodies for Punky and lastly stopped at the fabric store for me. I bought some beautiful dress goods and can't wait to get sewing on a cute dress pattern that should give me some great dresses for this summer. (I love wearing dresses in the summer.)<br />
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We stopped for a yummy steak dinner at a place we can only go to up north. It was really good food and a great atmosphere. We had a lovely time together. We love to people watch and visit... it has been a bliss-filled 4 days off together. Even being sick and trying to get some things done at home were nice because we were together. It sweet and DH did do several things that I need help with, carrying laundry and changing bedding. (He's a real sweetie and does all he can to help me so I don't over stress my heart or back.)<br />
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I have done some cooking in the last 4 days as well... we have lots of good eats stocked in the fridge right now. There is a great meatloaf, easter ham, a pot roast with potatoes and carrots, a yummy mashed potato casserole with bacon and cheese, red bliss potato salad, and left over steak and salty baked potato from last night. It's nice to have so much to chose from for dinner while DH is at work... and then for him to heat up when he comes home tonite. <br />
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The weather has been fairly mild... yesterday was fabulous! It was in the 50's and sunny... only needed a light jacket. I wore a t-shirt with an insulated vest and jeans... it felt great in the sunshine and no cumbersome coat! <br />
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It's hard to believe I have been home from work for 4 months now. After driving north yesterday, it felt great to go past my old exit and not have to worry or think about all that stress of my old job. I do not miss that drive at all... and really wondered how I managed it for over 2 years. I am so grateful for DH to work so hard that I can be home. He's a wonder!<br />
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Thanks for reading... please have a blessed day.<br />
~Suzanne<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-19503245114621799482013-03-28T23:27:00.000-04:002013-03-28T23:27:25.384-04:00CancellingI am still not feeling well. I am not sleeping more than a few hours due to congestion and coughing. (TMI???) I am still taking my antibiotics and using inhalers along with a decongestant. It's keeping some of the crap at bay... but I still am hacking up crud.<br />
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We are suppose to go to my friend Miss Jane's for Easter dinner. She has been following my progress on feeling better on Facebook. She left me a voicemail tonite to call her... and to not feel obligated to come on Sunday. She's also afraid that I could pass this on to her mother-in-law or her father, both of whom are quite elderly. I totally understand that issue and wouldn't want to pass this on to anyone.<br />
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DH and I discussed it briefly before he went to work today. We didn't come to any conclusion but now I have confirmation that I should cancel this visit. I need to plan on what we will have for our own Easter dinner... likely a ham and a potato casserole that won't be taxing on me. It's also a matter of still having enough air in my lungs. I went out with Punky tonite and made it to the top of the drive way. I came in and climbed the stairs and got winded... but I only had to rest a little bit and my coughing was as head splitting as it has been. So, there is a little improvement.<br />
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Tomorrow begins a 4 day weekend for DH... and some much needed time off for him. We are planning on doing some catch-up chores and laundry. (There's always laundry!)<br />
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Thanks for reading. <br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-48578288937078976052013-03-26T15:24:00.001-04:002013-03-26T15:24:32.512-04:00Still Here!I am still here... wrapped up in my favorite blanket on the sofa. I did go to the doctor... well, actually I saw the PA. He gave me stronger anti-biotics instead of a trip to the hospital. I am still doing all my other breathing treatments and get some relief. But if I over-exert myself at all... I end up sounding like a sea lion as I cough and hack. Once that is under control, I still have the peacock sounds of wheezing and feel the pressure of trying to breathe.<br />
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Yesterday we had a heating oil delivery. The driver needed help with the doors so I was required to get down stairs to get him inside the garage. It was cold, snowing and windy. Between the activity of the stairs and getting the door open and the weather... I thought I was a goner! I made it inside to the staircase and sat on the 2nd step to try and catch my breath. I sat there until the delivery driver was done and he brought our receipt. He looked at me and asked if I needed medical assistance... he was concerned. I told him I would be ok in a minute or two. He asked again if he needed to get me some help... poor guy. I told him I would be ok and to have a nice day. I made it upstairs and took a hit on my rescue inhaler and rested. I felt that exertion in my chest the rest of the day.<br />
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I can't seem to stay in bed all night... I end up going back to the sofa to sit up for sleep. Getting good rest is important to getting better. I hope I can get some good rest soon. <br />
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Oh. Happy News too! DH has a lovely 4 day weekend coming up! He has Good Friday and Easter as paid holidays this year. We are grateful for needed time off. He needs rest and I also need some help with the basics of housework right now. <br />
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Thanks for reading! Have a blessed day!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-62526179445621862882013-03-21T20:47:00.001-04:002013-03-26T15:25:08.979-04:00It Abounds Here!Sickness.... upper respiratory infections... Z-packs.... they all hang out here! I am wheezing so badly that in a quiet room you would swear we had peacocks outside! Even after doing Symbicourt, Albuterol rescue inhaler and albuterol breathing treatments... it's not letting up.<br />
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I am going to the doctor in the morning. I am afraid I won't get to come home. I have no real appetite, a slamming headache and fever and chills. This is really sucky! I am suppose to go to a birthday party on Saturday afternoon... but I quietly cancelled today. DH was home from work on Monday and Tuesday. He's doing a little bit better than I am. He's stronger and gets more fresh air.<br />
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Oh... and that's another thing... No fresh air! It's been so cold and I've had such chills, it's rather like being in a germ incubator in this house. I am so sick of the wind, cold air and snow... we are thinking that someone needs to take out a hit on a stupid groundhog named Phil!<br />
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Thanks for reading... I have no more energy than this.<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-70033966797702789652013-03-17T14:49:00.000-04:002013-03-17T14:49:30.452-04:00Happy St. Patty's Day!Top o' the Irish to you!<br />
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I'm not Irish... for years I thought we were. Until my brother and I actually met our half sisters and learned of our actual heritage. It's been 8 years since we each got an email and made the trip to Texas to meet the girls. It's been something that has been wonderful in my life... to have such wonderful big sisters who are so loving and care so much. They might not have been raised with us... but we are all so much alike that it's just uncanny sometimes!<br />
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Not much is new here around this little cottage. DH has been working some crazy long hours. I have been to see a pulmonologist. I will be going for lung function studies and blood gas work in the near future. He changed my inhaler and also gave me a rescue inhaler for the Spring. I will also be going for another CT scan with contrast in June to check the size of calcification's on both of my lungs. It seems that my body grows these things... I have one at 4 cm on my right lung and one at 5 cm on my left lung. <br />
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Along with the above mentioned calcification's... I also have one on my heart and one on my spleen. Anyone see any kind of correlation, since I have had cancer twice and the Pulmonologist also was concerned about a mass I have on the left side of my neck where my thyroid used to be. He was very emphatic that I mention it my Endo Dr. when I see her to double check my last ultrasound results. <br />
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Thursday was an errand day for me... did some grocery shopping. It was so beautiful out... 54 degrees! Mild and sunny... when I walked Punky before going into the house, I saw 4 robins having a feast on the lawn. I was so excited by that little notion of Spring! And then it snowed yesterday... all day! We got over 2 inches. DH just left for work and said that it had started snowing again! When will all this snow end and bring Spring in bloom??? I am so ready! <br />
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In fact, I am going to start doing some tole-painting on some clay pots to go out by our front door. I have done this style of painting in the past... and I am looking forward to doing a little collection of them for our side yard area. It will keep me busy during the snowy and rainy season ahead.<br />
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That's all I really have to share for now... I need to get some laundry done and a little house work as I have a technician coming in the morning to set up a lovely CPAP machine for my bedside. (Oh... how glamorous is that???)<br />
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Thanks for reading. Have a blest day!<br />
~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652922751640622271.post-11401374621145566782013-03-11T16:33:00.000-04:002013-03-11T16:33:14.953-04:00Changing the ViewWe have had some delightful Springtime weather the last few days. It's been warm and sunny and quite therapeutic for me. I love feeling the sun on my shoulders... and it's been very needed!<br />
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DH has been very busy with work. He's been doing a ton of overtime... and working a double shift here and there. He's missed some of the sunshine trying to catch up on his sleep. We finally went and did a get-away day yesterday. We took a slow, meandering drive... and landed down near Reading. <br />
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DH took me shopping at a fabric store... and let me kind of go crazy inside. I did splurge on a few wonderful things, but really kept myself in check. There were so many wonderful kinds of fabrics and patterns and I wanted it all. I did get a cute pattern for a dress... but was so overwhelmed with one project I have wanted to do, that I didn't buy any dress yardage! (Silly me!)<br />
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It was a fun trip to the city... and included dinner at one of our favorite places to eat... Chipotle! I adore mexican food and love the simplicity of the menu and how healthy it is. I did indulge in guacamole... and loved every bite. We had such a nice time together... laughing and talking and sharing in the day. It was exactly what I needed after spending so much time at home in the last 3 months. I really have been housebound through the winter. I can't wait for better and warmer weather... to be able to work in the flowers of the yard and sit outside with a nice cold drink and play with Punky-dog. <br />
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Speaking of Punky... she had a much needed grooming session on Friday. The groomer did such a fabulous job on removing her undercoat... she looks and feels like such a different dog! She knows hows how nice she looks and enjoys all the praise and attention we give her as we tell her how pretty she is! She smells so wonderful... and her mani/pedi turned out lovely. She is such a pretty Pom!<br />
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I also spent time with one of my best friends from work... having dinner and a nice long talk while I waited for Punky to be groomed. It was a delight to be able to visit with her. It made me feels so good to share and laugh and feel normal for a change! <br />
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That's what is new... what's been happening here for the last few days.<br />
Thanks for reading...<br />
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~SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10957860673427207798noreply@blogger.com0