Oh and in the midst of our walk today . . . as Joanie and I were walking over the old wooden bridge . . . we heard voices under the bridge. It could have been workmen but I think they were trolls. In fact, I am sure of it.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Photoshop Friday Week 4 . . .
Oh and in the midst of our walk today . . . as Joanie and I were walking over the old wooden bridge . . . we heard voices under the bridge. It could have been workmen but I think they were trolls. In fact, I am sure of it.
Friday, January 27, 2012
the birds are coming. the birds are coming . . .
So it was a damp and dreary morning when I headed out to exercise with Joanie. My cell was stuffed in a plastic bag since I was pretty sure this was going to be one wet walk. As soon as I opened the door, my eyes focused on the garbage can to the right of the driveway waiting for pick-up. But it wasn't the can per se that caught my attention. It was the three foot turkey vulture perched on its lip that startled me. As I tried to fumble my phone out of its baggy to get a shot, the vulture took wing. But worse, so did three others from our front tree. Four vultures hanging in the yard. Not a good omen. Once out the door, I looked around. Shocked, there was yet another on the ridge line of the roof.
It was a toss up as to who scared who more. He too took to the air . . . along with two more of his ilk. By now I was freaked and calling Joanie, sputtering something about attack of the killer vultures. Finally, I gathered my courage and walked around the house to see if there was something dead that had attracted these not so lovely creatures. Nothing.
With trepidation, Joanie and I started our walk . . . visions from The Birds fluttering uneasily through my head. Yes, dear reader, I had worked my little brains into a frenzy. By the time we got home, I was certain the grim reaper would meet me at the door.
Thankfully, my menagerie of three cats and a sloth were all fine and demanding their breakfasts and while the sun never did come out, life as we know it, rolled peacefully through the day. The End.
With trepidation, Joanie and I started our walk . . . visions from The Birds fluttering uneasily through my head. Yes, dear reader, I had worked my little brains into a frenzy. By the time we got home, I was certain the grim reaper would meet me at the door.
Thankfully, my menagerie of three cats and a sloth were all fine and demanding their breakfasts and while the sun never did come out, life as we know it, rolled peacefully through the day. The End.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
alli alli oxen free . . .
After a not.so.very.good.day yesterday, today is wonderful. The 9TS woke full of energy and enthusiasm for the day. Took him for a quick check at his dermatologist and dropped him at the gym to have a sloth play date and lunch. They'll drop him off all tuckered out but very happy.
And so I decided yet again to play with a scraplift of a Dawn Inskip template:
Credits: Paper: Manu Studios, Stitches: Katie Pertiet, Staples: Anna Aspnes, Animals and Wheat: Vinnie Pearce.
And so I decided yet again to play with a scraplift of a Dawn Inskip template:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
inhale . . . exhale . . .
We had lots of family come visit yesterday and it was fun to see them all but I think it tuckered out the 9TS more than we expected. Right about dinner time, he started getting a headache. By 3:30 in the morning it was still screaming until we clobbered it with a little extra morphine. Incredibly, he woke up exhausted but without the monster throbbing head. Another battle won.
Yoga and lunch makes for a good day in and around the cave. Thank you yoga. Thank you Nancy and Joanie!
And finally a little time to play with this week's Photoshop Friday lesson from JessicaSprague.com:
and so to bed.
Yoga and lunch makes for a good day in and around the cave. Thank you yoga. Thank you Nancy and Joanie!
And finally a little time to play with this week's Photoshop Friday lesson from JessicaSprague.com:
Sunday, January 22, 2012
another good day . . .
I dropped the 9TS off at the gym so he could kibbutz with his fellow gym rats and walk some on the treadmill. And although Kidlet is heading back up north, Stacie is coming for dinner and that always makes him feel better.
I should be working but it was too tempting to play instead. The laundry will still be there:
Credits: Stitches: Karla Dudley, Journaling Block: Dawn Inskip, Wire alpha and flower: Katie Pertiet, Circle: Anna Aspnes, Pins: Kitty Designs, Bird: Pattie Knox, Brackets: MzP.
If I had my way, I would be living in one of these cozy bungalows . . . but I must admit, I would add the missing air conditioning. Call me slug.
Since the sloth will in all probability, go out to lunch with Rizzo, Chester and Yolanda, I sneaked into the kitchen and made myself a quesadilla with mozzarella, spinach, chicken, sour cream and salsa. I am trying very hard to resist the pull for a second one but that would not fall under the category of Eat Less. Sigh.
I should be working but it was too tempting to play instead. The laundry will still be there:
If I had my way, I would be living in one of these cozy bungalows . . . but I must admit, I would add the missing air conditioning. Call me slug.
Since the sloth will in all probability, go out to lunch with Rizzo, Chester and Yolanda, I sneaked into the kitchen and made myself a quesadilla with mozzarella, spinach, chicken, sour cream and salsa. I am trying very hard to resist the pull for a second one but that would not fall under the category of Eat Less. Sigh.
Friday, January 20, 2012
more, please . . .
once again, I fell in love. culinary that is. because everyone knows there is no substitute for the 9TS.
As we sat down to dinner tonight, Jen said I 'had to try' the bruschetta tonight. They rarely have this version and it is her favorite. At the sound of goat cheese, I was on it like a flea on a dog. And again, I had it half devoured before I remembered to get a shot. Forgive me:
And that would be herbed goat cheese sprinkled with crushed hazelnuts and fire roasted red peppers marinated with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. First I tried the goat cheese, then the peppers and finally, the goat cheese loaded with peppers. Slurp! And yes, I would order it again.
As we sat down to dinner tonight, Jen said I 'had to try' the bruschetta tonight. They rarely have this version and it is her favorite. At the sound of goat cheese, I was on it like a flea on a dog. And again, I had it half devoured before I remembered to get a shot. Forgive me:
And that would be herbed goat cheese sprinkled with crushed hazelnuts and fire roasted red peppers marinated with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. First I tried the goat cheese, then the peppers and finally, the goat cheese loaded with peppers. Slurp! And yes, I would order it again.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
one day at a time . . .
I read an odd collection of blogs these days. One of the brightest, most honest and hysterical, belongs to Heather Armstrong. Her latest post though, threw me for a loop. You can read it here.
It really is the most profound explanation of loss I have ever read. And this explains exactly how I feel:
Needless to say, our appointment at Moffitt did not go well today. Our oncologist was close to tears explaining that melanoma was winning the battle. It is the cancer that leaves him exhausted most of the time. It is the cancer that has stolen his appetite and left a wake of pain. Although we will meet with their pain intervention team and get more scans done next month, there will be no more medical intervention for the foreseeable future.
My emotions fell from my eyes.
It really is the most profound explanation of loss I have ever read. And this explains exactly how I feel:
"My emotions sit at the bottom of my eyes. I blink often to keep them from rising any higher."
Needless to say, our appointment at Moffitt did not go well today. Our oncologist was close to tears explaining that melanoma was winning the battle. It is the cancer that leaves him exhausted most of the time. It is the cancer that has stolen his appetite and left a wake of pain. Although we will meet with their pain intervention team and get more scans done next month, there will be no more medical intervention for the foreseeable future.
My emotions fell from my eyes.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
and then I played . . .
Credits: Paper: Dawn Inskip, Summer Driggs, Frames: Anna Aspnes, Fence and Lamplight: Julia Makontinsky, Pins: Kitty Designs, Dots and Tissue Texture: Anna Aspnes. Alpha: Pattie Knox, Font: SK Purkage, Cat: Irene Alexeeva.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
it's just been one of those weeks . . .
The medical whirlwind who is my sloth, completed day three of PT, had his Gabapentin upped and Methylphenidate added. He is a veritable pharmacopoeia unto himself. He also has a new pain gel coming from a compounding pharmacy over in Inverness. I think he needs a secretary . . . oh wait, that's me.
Kidlet and I tried to drown ourselves in the bathtub in an attempt to remove all the medical gook from her hair. She who had spent the previous night in a sleep lab hooked up to monitors, came home with something similar to Desitin plastered in spots all over her head. I used large quantities of shampoo and water before we could even raise the first bubble. Finally after several washes/rinses and a session with a rat tooth comb, the mess was gone. Unfortunately, Kidlet resembled a drowned rat and I was sopping.
I have a new favorite meal at La's. I keep meaning to take a shot but for some reason, the food hits my mouth before thoughts of a camera ever surface. Suffice it say, it a quesidilla filled with chicken, spinach, tomato and mozzarella and topped with a spicy remoulade sauce. Slurp!
A new Photoshop Friday lesson appeared and of course I had to play:
Credits: template: Jessica Sprague, papers: Carina Gardiner & Dawn Inskip, Brushes: Anna Aspnes, everything else from the PSF megakit.
And in case you don't recognize the little beastie, that is Pippin trying to conquer the ladder just because she can. It's a good thing the a/c guys put a cover over the temporary hole in the ceiling or we would be chasing her all around the attic. Ah, but it is good to have heat again!
Hopefully, next week will be calmer. Fingers crossed she said as she glared upwards toward the Gods.
Kidlet and I tried to drown ourselves in the bathtub in an attempt to remove all the medical gook from her hair. She who had spent the previous night in a sleep lab hooked up to monitors, came home with something similar to Desitin plastered in spots all over her head. I used large quantities of shampoo and water before we could even raise the first bubble. Finally after several washes/rinses and a session with a rat tooth comb, the mess was gone. Unfortunately, Kidlet resembled a drowned rat and I was sopping.
I have a new favorite meal at La's. I keep meaning to take a shot but for some reason, the food hits my mouth before thoughts of a camera ever surface. Suffice it say, it a quesidilla filled with chicken, spinach, tomato and mozzarella and topped with a spicy remoulade sauce. Slurp!
A new Photoshop Friday lesson appeared and of course I had to play:
And in case you don't recognize the little beastie, that is Pippin trying to conquer the ladder just because she can. It's a good thing the a/c guys put a cover over the temporary hole in the ceiling or we would be chasing her all around the attic. Ah, but it is good to have heat again!
Hopefully, next week will be calmer. Fingers crossed she said as she glared upwards toward the Gods.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
sloth update #7957 . . .
the Gabapentin seems to be helping. Nothing like a little brain altering medicine to help with the pain . . . haven't I been advocating that as far back as 1969. Hum, I seem not to remember, we're talking brain cells after all. You can breathe again Kidlet, your mom is kidding. Mostly.
He has also started physical therapy. Stretches and strengthening exercises for his weakened left leg. It's making him feel better so I vote for it. They cannot or will not use their magic machine until we have clearance from Dr. K. Something about liability for spreading the cancer. Oh, and if your wondering about the specifics of their 'magic machine' you have to ask them. Some type of ultra sound or something. I had it done once to my slightly destroyed right shoulder and chalked it up to quackery but fool me once, it worked.
So now I drive the 9TS to the gym most mornings and he walks the treadmill and kibbutzes with his brother gym rats. On the days he doesn't want to go, I know Mel and Anoma are doing their cardio exercises and it's time to up the morphine.
On the home front, our yoga teacher tried to kill us Tuesday. It's not our fault she closes down from mid December to mid January. But after one too many sun salutations, my body admitted defeat and my thighs are still burning? In which direction is this woman's moral compass pointing and since when did hell get added to the 360 degrees of that circle.
I will have a better attitude come next Tuesday. Hopefully.
Kidlet had to change some classes around and now has Thursdays and Fridays free. She'll be home either late tonight or tomorrow. The sun always shines just a little bit brighter when she is home. p.s. don't tell her that. The sunshine makes her head swell.
Oh, and my new favorite song: Red Solo Cup. Makes me smile. It's the redneck in me.
And, last but not least, this is how Pippin falls asleep:
He has also started physical therapy. Stretches and strengthening exercises for his weakened left leg. It's making him feel better so I vote for it. They cannot or will not use their magic machine until we have clearance from Dr. K. Something about liability for spreading the cancer. Oh, and if your wondering about the specifics of their 'magic machine' you have to ask them. Some type of ultra sound or something. I had it done once to my slightly destroyed right shoulder and chalked it up to quackery but fool me once, it worked.
So now I drive the 9TS to the gym most mornings and he walks the treadmill and kibbutzes with his brother gym rats. On the days he doesn't want to go, I know Mel and Anoma are doing their cardio exercises and it's time to up the morphine.
On the home front, our yoga teacher tried to kill us Tuesday. It's not our fault she closes down from mid December to mid January. But after one too many sun salutations, my body admitted defeat and my thighs are still burning? In which direction is this woman's moral compass pointing and since when did hell get added to the 360 degrees of that circle.
I will have a better attitude come next Tuesday. Hopefully.
Kidlet had to change some classes around and now has Thursdays and Fridays free. She'll be home either late tonight or tomorrow. The sun always shines just a little bit brighter when she is home. p.s. don't tell her that. The sunshine makes her head swell.
Oh, and my new favorite song: Red Solo Cup. Makes me smile. It's the redneck in me.
And, last but not least, this is how Pippin falls asleep:
Monday, January 9, 2012
a little bit of heaven . . .
In case you are wondering how come I am not losing weight even though I walk so much:
That, my friends, is called Pasta Rambo. It normally comes with crab meat but I like mine with chicken and sausage. Slurp! Oh, and the olive oil with the spices to dip my bread in . . . the top right hand corner . . . that might have something to do with it too. Swoon.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
and so . . . .
In case you are wondering, I am still hauling @ss four morning a week . . . five miles a pop. It feels good and I am addicted . . . well except for mornings like today, when I rolled over, texted Joanie and told her I was wimping out. Hey, an hour and a half of strenuous exercise five times a week is a good thing. So happy that yoga will be back Tuesday.
And in case you thought I was playing slug today, I was indeed, not. I did three loads of laundry, shuttled the 9TS back and forth from the gym, paid all my bills, did all my hand laundry, ironed the ever growing stack into nothingness, marinated the salmon and drank wine. Amen.
See, that's the thing about having a blog. I can be as self absorbed as I want. It is, after all, my blog. Thank you, my friends for putting up with me.
And in case you thought I was playing slug today, I was indeed, not. I did three loads of laundry, shuttled the 9TS back and forth from the gym, paid all my bills, did all my hand laundry, ironed the ever growing stack into nothingness, marinated the salmon and drank wine. Amen.
See, that's the thing about having a blog. I can be as self absorbed as I want. It is, after all, my blog. Thank you, my friends for putting up with me.
Friday, January 6, 2012
carpenters, cats and cold air . . .
I'm trapped like a rat in my bedroom with three totally freaked out beasties clinging to the underside of my box spring by the tips of their little tiny claws. Bear is wide eyed and frantic, Ninja a tad more stoical but none the less, twice her normal size. Pippin is, well Pippin. She is dancing between the bedroom and bath, her brain churning in 90 different directions goaded by the sounds outside the doors.
The men are installing the new air conditioning unit. Now. Hooray. It will be an all day job. If all goes right, they will be done by 6:30 and we will be warm once again.
Meanwhile I swear the cats have already picked up on the fact that two of them are headed to the vet's office this afternoon. I think they will all need a little kitty valium.
And speaking of critters, the installers just let us know that the attic is housing a colony or two or three of carpenter ants. EEK. I hope they are building something useful up there!!!! A kitty condo maybe or a second kitchen. I always thought it would be nice to have a wet bar upstairs . . .
I just keep telling myself tonight we will be warm and toastie once again. And I remind myself that things could be worse . . . what if we lived in Alaska??? But then, we wouldn't have our gifted carpenter ants building creative accoutrements for the those too lazy to go downstairs for ice.
Over and out, spaceman.
The men are installing the new air conditioning unit. Now. Hooray. It will be an all day job. If all goes right, they will be done by 6:30 and we will be warm once again.
Meanwhile I swear the cats have already picked up on the fact that two of them are headed to the vet's office this afternoon. I think they will all need a little kitty valium.
And speaking of critters, the installers just let us know that the attic is housing a colony or two or three of carpenter ants. EEK. I hope they are building something useful up there!!!! A kitty condo maybe or a second kitchen. I always thought it would be nice to have a wet bar upstairs . . .
I just keep telling myself tonight we will be warm and toastie once again. And I remind myself that things could be worse . . . what if we lived in Alaska??? But then, we wouldn't have our gifted carpenter ants building creative accoutrements for the those too lazy to go downstairs for ice.
Over and out, spaceman.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
and so it came to pass . . .
My friend Robin, when hearing about the Miata giving me fits and knowing all the rest of what has been going on, suggested tongue in cheek that I go outside, raise my arms to the sky and shout: BRING IT ON!
So of course I did. And the Gods replied, "Let the temperature drop below freezing and let your AC/heat unit die the death of a 1000 dogs.
And so it was . . . .
But, we still have a small stack of seasoned oak and more being delivered at 4:00 this afternoon, we have ceramic space heaters and the man cave is on a separate unit.
Not that I want to tempt the Gods yet again but we're doing fine. However, if our 24 year old hot water heater gives up the ghost, I will have to admit defeat with a final score of: The Gods 4, us ZERO. Amen.
So of course I did. And the Gods replied, "Let the temperature drop below freezing and let your AC/heat unit die the death of a 1000 dogs.
And so it was . . . .
But, we still have a small stack of seasoned oak and more being delivered at 4:00 this afternoon, we have ceramic space heaters and the man cave is on a separate unit.
Not that I want to tempt the Gods yet again but we're doing fine. However, if our 24 year old hot water heater gives up the ghost, I will have to admit defeat with a final score of: The Gods 4, us ZERO. Amen.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
very, very . . .
Well, besides my little Miata's clash between its master cylinder and slave cylinder, our A/C slash heat system has decided to slowly pass into oblivion during the first freeze of the year. We are gathering estimates tomorrow. The dishwasher, not to be left out of the fray has gone on strike and is literally throwing rusted pieces of the racks like cupid darts, out of the machine and into anything in their path. Not to mention that unless the dishes are 99% clean before entering the washer, they aren't coming out spotless. My karma must be bad. Very, very bad.
To top off my otherwise joyous day . . . the lunch bunch met and happily slurped lunch at La's . . . my next door neighbors decided to trim the large, fully matured Laural Oak in my front yard without asking for permission. Now I understand their right to trim those branches that cross the property line into their yard but pulling their ladder and gas saw onto my property and hacking off limbs at the trunk of my tree made me see red. Color me hostile. Very, very hostile.
So we will be camped out tonight in front of the fireplace, soaking up the warmth and ignoring the fact that tomorrow morning will bring chilly temperature both outside and in. We will be very, very comfy for the time being.
We have a half cord of oak being delivered tomorrow at 4:00. Very, very happiness!
Stay warm, enjoy your family.
Peace out.
To top off my otherwise joyous day . . . the lunch bunch met and happily slurped lunch at La's . . . my next door neighbors decided to trim the large, fully matured Laural Oak in my front yard without asking for permission. Now I understand their right to trim those branches that cross the property line into their yard but pulling their ladder and gas saw onto my property and hacking off limbs at the trunk of my tree made me see red. Color me hostile. Very, very hostile.
So we will be camped out tonight in front of the fireplace, soaking up the warmth and ignoring the fact that tomorrow morning will bring chilly temperature both outside and in. We will be very, very comfy for the time being.
We have a half cord of oak being delivered tomorrow at 4:00. Very, very happiness!
Stay warm, enjoy your family.
Peace out.
Monday, January 2, 2012
snort . . .
I don't know how many times I walked past our neighbor's house before I noticed the differences between Mr. and Mrs. Moose. Particularly the anatomically correct part.
Credits: Template: Studio DD, Paper & Frame: Katie Pertiet, Font: Matilde.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
9TS update 7956 . . .
The 9TS met with a pain management physician here in town on Friday. She prescribed Gabapentin for the nerve pain caused by the surgical removal of the bottom lobe of his right lung eighteen months ago and by the pain those rascals Mel and Anoma are causing within the ribs.. It's one of those drugs that needs to be increased in small increments before its full benefits are recognized. Hopefully, it will do what it is supposed to and change the way the body senses pain . . . meaning, the 9TS will no longer feel the pain. I vote for that. If it works . . . one in three chance . . . he can reduce the amount of morphine taken on a daily basis. YAY!!!
He also starts PT this week so they can show my favorite gym rat what he can and cannot do for exercise.
In other news, Kidlet texted me at 2:13 a.m. last night to tell me she was home safely and I could now sleep. How well she knows me. Gotta love that kid.
And before I forget, a very Happy New Year to you all.
He also starts PT this week so they can show my favorite gym rat what he can and cannot do for exercise.
In other news, Kidlet texted me at 2:13 a.m. last night to tell me she was home safely and I could now sleep. How well she knows me. Gotta love that kid.
And before I forget, a very Happy New Year to you all.
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