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.