You can't beat the Amish countryside.

 
 

Eileen, this is Rudy's barn. Doesn't it look familiar?

 
 

When my mother comes to visit, these are two of the horses she likes to feed.

 
 

An Amish buggy on a Sunday afternoon is never in a rush.

 
 

I took this picture last night to show the clear countertop. Tim is in the background. I must have known someone would like to see proof.

 
 

Proof

Well, the counter did get cleared. And just to prove it, I took a picture of it. Can't say how long it will stay that way but I can say it made a day! It's nice to know that people are reading my blog, especially when you take the time to post comments on my house "cleaning." And to the "anonymous" person who said to post on my bulletin board, I'll do this instead: post it on my blog. The one thing showing on the countertop is Barry's gift to me: a marble stone so I can "make bread". He's such a joker. But then as TimBa said, I seem to have lots of time on my hands. Ask Barry and he'll tell you that I will never be named House Cleaner of the Year...

I hate paperwork

Am continuing to do "spring" cleaning of paperwork. And my goal for tonight (after I post this small blog note) is to have my kitchen countertop bare! And if you've been in my house, that's going to be a miracle... But miracles do happen.

It was also great seeing my "bosom" buddy Aileen today at her store. It was the first time that I saw her with real hair. Like me, her hair grew a different color and is curly. Previously I had only seen her in a wig.

Well, back to paperwork...

A pretty good weekend

Yesterday we went furniture shopping most of the day. We ordered a bedroom set for Tim, no more twin/bunk beds for him. Growing up. I think his room will be roomier with a double bed. I don't think he'll know what to do with a real mattress though. The mattress on his bed (no boxspring) is probably as old as our marriage of 25 plus years. We also bought a new light for the livingroom. The house is really coming together.

It's been a nice quiet day today. Directly after church today we had a roasting chicken. Mmmmm. And baked potato. Already made chicken noodle soup with the leftovers.

Right now I'm in the middle of finally filing away about 3 months of receipts/bills that I've put off doing. So therefore, a very quick blog. My floor is covered with little piles now. Wish we could live in a paperless time.

One of my better days

I went to work today and got so many compliments about my hair style and color. Truly made me feel so good. Even got a couple of emails from people who had seen me in building and wanted me to know. As the title says, one of my better days. I now know short hair is for me. Barry likes it because it's redder than usual. And he's hard to please...

Barry had his weekly chemo today. Was greeted by his nurses singing "Barry"...Royal treatment at the cancer center. But for some strange reason, there was a lot of Steeler shirts being worn!

Tim's playing in the band at the local basketball game tonight. I was able to go visit Meg and show her my hairdo in person. She had already sent me an email telling me that I looked mahr velous..... She may not blog but she keeps up to date with my blog and emails me directly. Thanks.

Off to do treadmill. Yes, I've been keeping up with it. And drinking lots of water, no soda. Or should I say "pop".

A beauty day for Jane

Saw new dentist today after over a year. And guess what? No cavities. That's a miracle.

Also got my hair cut and colored, nails done. I'm all set now.

I got the full treatment tonight. Nails done, hair cut and colored. Aren't I special!

 
 

After many months, I am back to being strawberry blonde!

 
 

All is calm in God's country...

Well, I've done a second day on my treadmill. Hoping to continue for at least a week! I've gained about 15 lbs. these past few months. Probably due to medication for night sweats along with an appetite for sweets. So I'm trying to do some walking each night.

Tomorrow I'm going for my nail appointment and for the first time in many months a hair appointment. I'm going to get my hair colored like it had been. I do like this new chemo color I have but not as much as my bottled color. And of course, will get it trimmed up. Geez, look at all the money I saved with hair appointments!

If I don't blog daily it's due to nothing new happening. Don't worry. It's just because there is nothing new to report. Barry continues to have chemo weekly. Next month he should be scheduled for his scans again.

Am thankful that Barry's wheezing/cough is better today. Said there was no need to see doctor today. I slept in today. Getting ready for my first day back to work. Tim returns to school tomorrow, also.

The venison stew cooked all night in crock pot. Tim's already had a bowl full. Me, I'm a different story. Tim did feed me one piece of the meat. I just have a mental blockage and have trouble with eating it. Maybe if I get drunk!

Happy New Year!

I have to congratulate Bonnie as being my first blogger of 2006. Leave it to the Arizonian! Sorry I hadn't posted myself. Shame on me....

Barry and I toasted in the New Year last night, along with Tim. No, Tim did not enjoy any champagne but we did. We stayed up until 1:30 a.m. It was a nice quiet evening, a time for Barry to "bond" with Tim.

Barry was up most of the night with wheezing and cough. It seems that most of his crew have been sick with bronchitis this week. He sounds terrible. Hopefully he will be able to see his oncologist tomorrow for some medication. We've been so good in not getting sick and he doesn't need this right now. This time of year can be so nasty with germs. I will go with him to the doctor since I'm off tomorrow.

Today we took down Christmas tree and put it away for another year. Our welcome lights stay up all year so it almost feels like Christmas still. I love them.
Tim took his first bike ride of the year today. He wanted to try out the new Under Armor leggings that he bought with Maureen's check while on the Cape.

PS. I'm cooking a venison stew in crock pot overnight. Tim's treat! Not sure if I'll actually eat it. Call me silly...

Dec 31, 2005 Last day of 2005

Tim's gone for his last scenic ride with Mom and Dad: to the dump! We leave the best to the last. I stayed home. Took some last minute pictures of us. Bags are packed and ready to go.

Mom and Dad drove us to the airport. The flight was right on time. Barry picked us up at the airport. After arriving home, Barry made up some drinks for us. I also got to enjoy a bowl of his pea soup that he made while we were gone. Have to admit it was better than when I make it. We also had some meatballs as an appetizer. It was good to be home.

We had decided to stay home this evening, especially since Tim and I had been gone all week. I'm sure it was a long week for Barry without us being home. Plus he just had chemo yesterday. By the way, Barry is still looking for one of his presents that he wanted for Christmas: a tumor removal kit! I told him he was supposed to ask Dr. G for it, his oncologist..

I've just downloaded a few pictures of our vacation on my blog. I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into the good times we enjoyed on the Cape.

As I look back at 2005 I have so many memories, bad and good. The bad was hearing the word cancer twice: for myself and then for Barry. The good came to us in the form of friendship from family and friends. I'm also so proud of Tim this past year especially. He continues to be a caring person and to get good grades in school. I can't ask for anything more of him.

As I look forward to 2006, I continue to pray that Barry's cancer be a thing of the past. I hope for the day that cancer is behind us. But until that day, I will keep the faith and stay positive. And as Jody once told me, it's a good day when you are 6 feet above the ground! This year as taught me not to take things for granted, to appreciate things more fully.

Thanks to all my angels, here on the earth and elsewhere. Happy New Year.

We were able to have lunch at my brother Doug's restaurant. This was on my to do list...

 
 

I was able to spend some time with my sister Eileen and her grandson, Jamie. What a treat.

 
 

This is a picture of my in-laws, my mother and of course Tim at Christmas. What a view.

 
 

It's quite clear that Tim is a bit taller than Maureen...

 
 

Maureen, Mom and I. What a trio.

 
 

A kid's dream: being in a candy store.

 
 

My parents and me, along with Bud. I had such a great vacation.

 
 

Tim and Bud at window. Through the years we have taken this same picture just to show how tall Tim is getting.

 
 

Tim with his cousins at Christmas

 
 

Since it was our last full day on the Cape, I decided that we would travel to RI and spend some time with my sister Eileen. We got there a little after noon. Yes, we ate out again. This time at D'Angelos subs. Sure beats Subway. Wish they would open some of these sub shops in Pennsylvania. While we were there (Mom, Tim and I) my niece Tina stopped by with her son Jamie. This was an unexpected surprise for us. So in looking back at these past few days, I've seen both my sisters, my brother, my parents, my in-laws, Matt and his family, Tina and Jamie. You know, that ain't bad. I may have even left out a family member. I also got to visit with Peter and the Delaneys. I did all that I had hoped to do while here. And it also was beneficial to my mother, she got to see all her children this week.

We leave tomorrow for God's country. Not sure what if anything we will be doing for New Year's eve. Barry had a chemo treatment today and being in a crowd for him is not recommended. I am thinking that perhaps just spending the evening together as a family is a good idea. I know that Barry has missed us these past few days, more than any other time that we've gone away.

Am so thankful that we had this time to get away and spend this time with family and friends. As I leave the Cape I can say that I did all that I came to do. And of course, maybe gained another pound or so!

More good times

Since being on the Cape, I have been keeping in touch with Barry. Right after we left he made a double batch of pea soup with the ham remains. Said he's just about through with eating it now! He told me that it was the best he's ever had.

This morning I took Tim and mom to the mall again. Tim bought a Steven King book, already read one of the books he bought the other day. Damn kid, he keeps reading on his vacation!! I barely read the paper. I bought a couple of tops at Sears.

For lunch we picked up a couple of pizzas to take home. Mmmmm. Good pizzas. Actually thought of buying one, freezing it and taking home in my suitcase for Barry. But Barry and everyone else have said no to that idea. Oh well.

Mom, Dad and I took our naps this afternoon. First time since being here that we've napped. I've enjoyed taking mom with me during our stay. It gives Dad a break and allows me to enjoy her company. Good company. After our naps, we went to Mashpee and took my in-laws out to dinner. Dad stayed home. It was our last chance before leaving the Cape to say good-bye to them.

Tomorrow is our last full day on the Cape before leaving Saturday. Have to say that the time here has not flew by. Going at a nice pace. Thank goodness. Did hear from Eileen that she and Roger won't be down this weekend. Roger's got to work and Eileen is catching up on her rest. She's also been near her daughter Tina lately. Her lupus is acting up lately and causing a lot of discomfort. This house will certainly be quiet tomorrow without Roger's voice. He's a one of a kind guy who adds a lot of excitement when he's around.

Visits

I took Mom and Tim for a trip to see Doug. We played tourists today. Stopped along the Cape Cod Canal for some photos and then went on our way. Made a quick and unexpected stop at the hospital where Maureen works. She met us outside and stayed long enough for a couple more pictures. Long enough for pics and hugs. We then went to Doug's restaurant where he had he had a full crowd. Business is certainly good there. He was able to come to the table to grab a hug and more pictures were taken. As usual the food was excellent and Doug once again treated us. It pays to know the owner! Both my sister and brother had not seen me with my new hair.
Before we left the town we stopped to say hi to an old friend of mine, Peter. It's nice to know we as adults don't change that much.

Took a quick stop to take some pictures of Gilette Stadium where the Patriots play. In less than one week that area will be jammed with traffic. Quite empty today.

We wanted to buy a pie at Grandma's pie shop, but it's no longer there. This was my big disappointment of the day! They always had the best pies. Not sure what happened to them.

And now we've made it home. A great day. Guess what's for dinner? Lobster. Later.

Full day at the Cape

I took Mom for a haircut in the morning, followed by a quick trip the Christmas tree shop. Spent about 2 bucks there... And then we went to the mall where Tim bought me another Thomas Kinkade calendar. Mom and I got our rings cleaned at a jewelry store. I don't think I've ever had that done. I was able to have someone at the mall fix mom's medic necklace. The clasp had got broken. And this woman didn't charge anything to do it. Very nice woman.

Had lunch at a pizza restaurant and Dad gave us a tour around the Kennedy compound. Tim wasn't able to get close enough for a picture of the house though. Just pics of the pier where they sail from.

Mom, Tim and I went to see Mark and Carol D. and family. They used to be our neighbors when we lived on the Cape. I used to babysit their daughter, and now she is 22 years old and in college. They also have a 17 year old son who loves to play hockey. I can't recall the last time I saw them. Even though it's been many years, they looked as if it was yesterday. Very nice people, great neighbors. They now live in a different home which is so nice. We didn't stay long, but I needed to say hi to them for all their support.

We then went to WalMart for a couple of items and then to dinner at Barnicle Bill's. Mmmm. Finally had fried shrimp and fried pepper rings. Another excellent meal. So good I've had to unzip my pants! as I sit down and blog.

Not sure about tomorrow. Perhaps a visit to my brother's restaurant. Dad has already made our dinner plans which will include LOBSTER. It is Cape Cod, you know.

PS. Heard from Dr. today that the knee x-rays were perfect. Nothing wrong. Not much discomfort now. Still taking the celebrex for few days.

Off to the Cape

I'm up and ready to go. Just need to wake up my chauffeur and Tim. Have a good day everyone.

We left the house at 6 a.m. for the airport. Barry dropped us off at the airport and the plane left at 8:45 a.m. after being deiced. We arrived in Providence at about 10:23 a.m. It was so great seeing Mom and Dad as we walked into the airport. By noon, we were in my parent's home on the Cape. Can't beat that.

Took a short walk with Mom, Tim and Bud (their dalmatian) around the block. Then we headed over to see my in-laws and Matt and his family. Boy have the kids got old. Not me, just them. It's so nice for this to be able to happen, to have Tim see his 4 cousins there. I took lots of pictures while there. I took Mom with us so I could enjoy her and them at the same time. We had delicious chicken/turkey tetrazzini (not sure of spelling) with salad. As mom said "we had a very nice day."

Tomorrow I'm thinking of taking Mom for a haircut and perhaps for a trip to see Doug at his restaurant for lunch. Time will tell. It's just good to be here.

Merry Christmas!

Am just signing on after going to 10 p.m. mass this evening. We got to see the LeJeunes at church. And when I saw them I thought back to all our friends who came into our lives this year. Angels. Each one continues to give us strength each and every day. We are so appreciative, words can not truly explain.

Most of today has been spent by Barry and Tim putting together a new L-shaped desk for Tim's room. The directions said "easy as 1-2-3" and that an assistant may come in handy. The easy part is false, the assistant part is true. It's one project that really tests your sanity. They are determined to finish it before going to bed.

12:18 a.m. -officially Christmas Day. I'm enjoying my glass of sangria and soon will have visions of sugar plums in my head.....

Christmas day is just about over. It was a success. We were pleasantly surprised by phone calls from Aunt Betty and Uncle Howie, and of course Howie Jr. and Debbie. We also got a nice call from TimBa which totally made my day. Later in the evening we heard from Mel and Lucinda as they were driving to Maryland to see the Vikings play. They don't think Mel Jr. will be playing as he hurt his ankle last week in the game. He's listed as questionable. One of the presents I gave Tim today was a Vikings shirt. Have always said, we follow the player wherever he may go. Hopefully he'll play with a more local team so we can once again go to a game.

We bought Barry a smoker for Christmas as he's always wanted to smoke some ribs. Will need Matt's recipe now. Tim got lots of underwear along with one of his favorite gifts which was a wave blender. Has already made a smoothie drink for himself.

Tim and I will be catching an early plane in morning for the Cape. Will be bloggin' and emailing while I'm away.

And for all my friends who just read my blog, am looking for some new blogging comments. This way I know you are there for me.

Merry Christmas!

Finally the desk is complete. A place where Tim can now do his homework, without fighting the clutter of my kitchen table...

 
 

Barry and me. We both have hair now.

 
 

Barry and Tim talk about his new smoker. Mmmm. I can taste the ribs.

 
 

After 25 years, Barry wanted new Corelle dishes. So he got his wish.

 
 

Our 2005 Christmas tree.

 
 

My Christmas table of Hope.

 
 

Happy Birthday, Barry!

Am happy to report that my knee feels so much better. Must be combination of cold pack on it along with celebrex. What a difference a day makes.

Since it's Barry's birthday today I had planned to surprise him at his job with buckets of chicken wings. We've just come back from delivering them to him. I did tell him about an hr. before we arrived though. Had to make sure he was available.
I know the crew will enjoy them. It's been a rough year for us and I knew I had to do something special for him.


BTW TimBa, my Tim would like to see what a menorah (not sure of spelling) looks like. You got a picture of one?

I've been having some pain in my knee area for the past couple of weeks. With everything happening in our lives, I put the pain aside and didn't want to complain. In fact when I would tell Barry about it, I would feel bad. But while I was having my nails done last night, my nail technician Retta told me about one of her clients who had gone through breast cancer and chemo. Retta was not sure exactly of the details, but this woman had been hospitalized, blood clot or stroke. One of the things that Retta told me of her was that she had knee pain. I then told Retta of my discomfort. She urged that I see a doctor. Later in the evening I did lie on the couch with an ice pack, and for the first time the knee was feeling good.

I went to work and the knee felt pretty good. But with Retta's words in my head and knowing I was going away next week, I made a doctor's appt. today. I saw the doctor and she examined the knee. I could never really pinpoint the area that hurt, just knew it was internally located. But during her examination she found the spot. She eventually sent me for X-rays at the hospital. She prescribed celebrex to me. She thinks it could be fluid in the knee or perhaps arthritis. Should have results of tests in a couple of days.

Just a short while ago Retta called and asked if I had gone to the doctor. I told her I had. She informed me that the woman we talked about last night died today. You know, my knee soreness may be nothing but you can't take any pain for granted. You have to be your own best advocate. Things I used to ignore can no longer be ignored. Health is too important.

Tomorrow is Barry's birthday. He's turning 52 young years. In a couple of months I'll be turning 50. People ask me if that is going to bother me. I say, hell no. I'm going to CELEBRATE. Happy Birthday, Barry. You are my hero.

One more week... and it's hello Cape Cod

One week from today Tim and I will be enjoying our Christmas with the family on Cape Cod. I certainly can't wait to see everyone. Last time I was there, I was bald. Now I've got curly hair and a different color than I used to have. Hard to believe that I'm actually contemplating getting a trim! Not used to curly hair. To me it feels as if it's not neat.

I got a pleasant surprise phone call this evening from a neighbor of ours on Cape Cod. They moved away to sunny Naples, Fl. They had received my Christmas letter and wanted to personally say hi to me. In my letter I explained everything that we've been through this past year. I thought that was so special for her to take the time and get my phone number. Very nice.

Tomorrow we are having our Christmas luncheon. Looking forward to that. But then I look forward to any food!

PS. Barry celebrates another birthday this week!!

Leya's wedding day

This evening I went to Leya and Steven's wedding. Leya used to work with me. Her father and step-mom sat with me at the reception. Her father had built our deck for us. They were good company. Barry did not go since yesterday was his weekly chemo treatment. Not a good idea to be in a crowd. He stayed home and put up new blinds in the living room. For 3 years we had no blinds, now our house is really coming together. They look wonderful and will help with adding a bit more insulation.

Well, I got the call from HR today that I didn't get the job I was interviewed for on Monday. Am getting used to that kind of news (unfortunately). But I have to think that I'm just being saved for something better. Just don't know what that something is.

Been snowing, drizzling today. Just a crummy day. Drove home very slow from work since they had not touched the country roads yet. No one behind me so they couldn't get mad at me.

That's it for today.

Food party

Today we had a food party at work. Always a good time with lots of good food. Have never been to a bad food party yet!

While channel surfing tonight I came upon the ending of the original King Kong movie. Tim was watching it with me. He had such a cute comment: "didn't know it was a black and white movie."

Job interview.

I feel so good when people email me directly when I don't blog for a day or so. There are just some days that I don't feel that there is any really big news to write about, just the usual grind.
Today I had job interview in the loan department. It would probably be the same salary, but at least a change in scenery for me. Just ask Tim how I am when I come home from work most days and he'll tell you a word or two! I've been working same job for almost 3 years and about burned out I think. Will know by the end of the week if I got it or not. The woman told me that 4 people applied for it. Better odds than the lottery...
Two weeks from today Tim and I will be on the Cape. Boy, I am certainly looking forward to that. Bring on the seafood. Will be great seeing the family. I haven't been there since summer. Wish Barry could be coming with us. Next year we will go as a family perhaps.

I'm back...

I think I got a request from Hoppe to post things on my blog. I must admit that I haven't been posting. As they often say, no news is good news. Hard to believe that Christmas is 2 weeks away, and then Tim and I will be going to Cape Cod for about 5 days. Can't wait to see my family and eat some fresh seafood.

It was a pretty calm week. Got my nails done one day and Tim had his Christmas concert on another day. We picked up the venizen meat from the butcher last night. Looks like we'll have lots of good meat to get us through a cold winter. I'm a bit hesitant though in trying it. Can only remember it vaguely when I was a child.

Barry had another chemo treatment yesterday. And since I was having my lunch at about the same time, I decided to drive over and sit with him for awhile. His treatments now last about 1 1/2 hrs. He goes every week like clockwork. I'm thinking of making some cupcakes for him to take to the staff. They are so wonderful to us. Barry and I have recently talked that if we come into any lottery money, etc. that we would donate some to the Cancer Center. They do not have cable tv and I think this would make a nice contribution. It can be a long time sitting there with only about 4 channels.

Our Christmas tree is up and decorated. Just need some friends to stop by to also enjoy it. I wanted to get a small 3 ft. lit tree for myself, but the stores are already sold out of them. When will I learn to buy it when they first come out. Would go perfectly in a window and look like a large tree. Next year..

Tim's had a friends house for a sleepover. Thanks BJ for having him over. Will be picking him up in a.m. to go to church.

Oh by the way Hoppe, I took a nice 3 hr. nap today. The best.. followed by steak on the grill. Mmm.

Brrrr.......it's cold outside

2.3 degrees outside and it's not even winter yet! Brrrrr.

This is Tim's friend, Ben holding his 3 pt. buck.

 
 

Another picture of Tim and his buck

 
 

Tim's first buck: 6 pts.