Not much happening. Thank goodness.

Just a quick note to say hello. Have heard from a couple of friends directly. Wondering how things were on my end. I haven't blogged lately due to no real news. Which is probably good news in itself. Barry's next CT scans are Feb 2, followed by his next chemo treatment on Feb 9th. Geez, where does the time go? All is fine here. Tim's getting over a cold from last week.
He continues to play soccer and has now signed on to be in school musical as a background singer. Told me it's a real bit part, but I'm glad he took the initiative just to be a part of something. The play is in April and does require a lot of practice time. We're looking forward to the spring.

On the news today I read that deaths relating to cancer are on decline, second year in a row. Geez, you could fool me. Seems everyday you hear of cancer. Just yesterday Benny Parsons died. They killed the tumor in his lungs, but also damaged one of his lungs while doing so. It's just another cancer story that hits home. There was a poll question on a website tonight that I saw: do you believe there will be cure for cancer? About 2/3 who voted said no, I am optomistic and was part of the 1/3.

Again, thanks for wondering about us. We're fine, just was taking a breather.

Angels

You know, God works in mysterious ways. A saying that has been said so many times. This came to my mind. A friend of mine, Tina, is going through chemo for breast cancer. I had not seen her since before Christmas, so I decided to stop in at the store where she works during my lunch today. Gave her a hug and just wanted to tell her I was thinking of her. Never mentioned the words "you look good today" to her since I know how Barry feels when people tell him that. Me, it never bothered but his feelings are present and I understand where he's coming from.

This evening I decided to stop by her house and bring her a Hope charm I had bought for her, along with several of the hats I wore while I was bald and beautiful! They weren't doing any good in my drawer and I figured she might enjoy the bright colors. I pull up to her house and notice many cars in driveway. I realize she has teenagers and that perhaps it was friends playing there. I knock on the door and am greeted by BJ (another friend of mine). She whispers to me "shhhh, the angel ladies are here." Heck, I didn't know what the heck she was talking about. There were other friends there, as they were having a small party/gathering whereas the 2 angel ladies do some kind of spritual readings on you. (for a fee). Tina asked that I stay, which I did for awhile with my coat on. Got my mind to thinking as I was there. I have often said that angels do walk among us. Not only are the 2 ladies who do the readings angels, but all our friends who get together just to socialize/talk with. Perhaps in someway, I was an angel this evening. If I've learned anything these past couple of years, it is to spread Hope and friendship. PS. Without even charging a cent $. :)

Please pray for Gary who is struggling with cancer and it's pain. I just got email from his wife Barb who has asked that prayers be sent his way. Thanks.

Another survivor

I was surfing the web and came across a blog created by Lynne who has been diagnosed with gall bladder cancer. I took the time to read her informational blog, and I posted a comment on it. I know from personal experience that just knowing people are reading your blog it is a big boost to you personally. And as you can see, she has in turn posted on my blog. Just another angel walking among us.

So don't be shy, please post if you are taking the time to read my thoughts. It is a great pick me upper....

Thanks, Lynne.

I'm still here

I know it's been a week since bloggin' but I have no real excuse. Just busy living and working like every one else.

Today was another one of those Rockwell painting moments. Tim got invited to play Monopoly at a classmates house along with a few other friends this afternoon. For some reason this just hit me as one of those days I say "you have to love this town." Teenagers getting together to play a board game. Pretty nice, in my opinion.

I took advantage of this time and had a nap. For the past couple of weeks I've not been my good ole' self. Have weaned myself off of two medicines, one that was used to treat night sweats and the other for anxiety. Both were taken at bedtime. I'm not really liking the side effects, slight as they may be. I'm back to being sweaty and hot, and not having a good night's sleep. Have once again experienced discomfort in my right arm for a couple of days. Feeling very heavy, as if something wrong with a nerve. And my pinky finger and palm ached. Every position I would sleep would not be a good position. I feel that it's time to cut my hair short again just to get it off my head. It was my decision to wean myself off, which I did in a two week process according to my doctor. But since have read that one of these medicines is wicked to get off of. It's almost like the drug companies put something in them to keep you on forever. The doses were even small to start with. Now I ponder, is it worth it? Worth not having a good night's sleep?

I try not to complain as I know Barry's going through something much more difficult than me being restless and achy. Just another way that cancer sucks.

A new Year begins

As planned, we went out to dinner last night with about 4 families. We had a very nice time. Afterwards we went to Beckster's house and played Taboo. Not sure of the correct spelling of this game. It was pretty fun. Lots of laughs. We got home at about 11:30 p.m. We opened up a bottle of champagne that had made a home in our refrigerator for quite a long time. Heaven only knows how long. Took Barry all his strength just to unpop the cork.

The 3 of us toasted in the New Year and I undecorated the Christmas tree.

We slept in this a.m. and then I cooked pork chops for lunch. Unfortunately Barry had to go to work early today. Sort of had to eat and run. I did some "spring" cleaning of windows. Tim's friend Ben came over and they played some video games.

And for the first day of the new year, I did not even have a nap! Maybe that will let me sleep better tonight.

I love the ability to look back in time at my blog postings. Otherwise I would not remember what had happened.

Again, have a healthy new year.

Happy new Year

This a.m. we went to a different church. Tim had a friend sleepover, and he was to come with us to our church. At the last minute, I asked if his church was an upbeat music type of church. He said not really, but that his older brother was going to cantor at the morning mass. And I know that both of these boys have such beautiful voices. That was it. We took off to their church and surprised his parents when we walked in. We sat in front of them. It was a small church but with such great warmth. They had usher greeters at the door, and the priest who was lined up to go down the church shook our hands as we entered.

I was truly glad that we went to that mass. His brother sang beautifully. Was especially pleased to see a woman from where I work there, only a couple of weeks from having a stroke. Heard that she was back at church within a week of having it. Apparently a quick healer due to her young age.

Brought Tim to his girl friends' home this afternoon. I took advantage afterwards and too a nap. Ask Barry. He'll tell you that it was not a nap, but a marathon sleep. Felt good.

Well, got to get dressed. Get ready to celebrate the New Year coming in. I saw a sign on a local board today:

May your troubles last as long as your new years resolutions!


Happy and of all things, a Healthy New Year.

Thanks Katie for the carrots. Please come back to see me when it's warmer!

  

My mother treated the horses to carrots when she would take a walk.

  

We only had turkeys in our backyard this week. No deer in site.

  

My mother and I in God's country. Nothing like the country.

  

Christmas Eve with Barry and my mother.

  

A fast week

This week went by too fast. Totally enjoyed having my parents here this week. Worked out great since Barry had some days off from his job, and Tim had no school.
The week consisted of some nice meals, both homecooked and restaurants. Barry did a couple of walks with them and even today we went walking together at the local track.

My mother did good while here. Is dealing with dementia/alzheimers which is a terrible disease. And considering she was in a different environment I think she handled it very well. As is often the case, long term memory is not effected. This at least can be a blessing. She also has a pretty good appetite.

In fact while I was driving them from the airport last Saturday, my dad mentioned that he was looking to sell my mother's car. He had not thought of Tim being a driver in a couple of months. Both Barry and I thought the same thought at the same time: good car for Tim. So we will be buying it from them and getting it in February some time. Barry has already envisioned my driving it to work a lot since it has better gas mileage than my truck. I think it's a perfect fit for our needs.

Again, had a great time with my parents. Have to admit that I shed tears as I left the airport. But have to put them aside and be thankful that they were able to travel here for this special visit. This was the first Christmas in many years that anyone has come to see us. I am so lucky to have had them here. As I told my mom, we are lucky to be mobile.

After I got home, I stopped by the Beckster's home for a quick visit. After finding out that none of us had New Year's Eve plans, she has arranged a get together for a few couples tomorrow night. This is the best way I can see of ringing in the new year. Friends. That's what it's all about.

Merry Christmas!

As expected, and I'm glad to say so, I'm just getting online at 8:20 p.m. Christmas Day. Too busy enjoying family. Santa arrived safe and sound.

You can tell when your kids are getting old when they ask to go to someone else's house for a holiday meal. This happened today when Tim went to his girlfriend's home.

Barry and my father went for short walk today. My mother and I never left the house. Just stayed inside. Even that was nice.

Tomorrow I head unfortunately back to work. At least Barry will be able to have a few days off with my parents, along with Tim.

Again, Merry Christmas!

Another nice day with family

Tim cooked Mom and me eggs this a.m. Then we went for walk up to see and feed the horses. Have been taking pictures to remember this great visit.

We went to 5 p.m. mass since I was a eucharistic minister at that time. Church was filled on all sides. Our newly formed children's choir sang songs before and during the mass. Just 2 months in the formation of this choir but you would never know it. Beautiful voices which I truly enjoyed.

As soon as we got back from church, Tim went to another church service with a friend of his. Both times he was dressed up so nicely.

Well, other than that a quiet relaxing day with family.

And just in case I don't sign on in a.m. :

Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year to all my friends and family.

A safe trip to God's country

My parents arrived safe and sound this a.m. to where I call God's country. My 7:30 a.m. they were in Pa. It was so great seeing them. All 3 of us went to the airport to pick them up. We then went out to breakfast at a local restaurant. Came home and then went out to Sam's Club for some meats for rest of week. Wasn't even that crowded considering it's Christmas weekend. Tim cooked us hot dogs on the grill, and later on Mom and I went to feed the horses up the road. I was so pleased when she remembered the clip clops and the Amish buggies. Both dads rested a bit.

We had Mexican food for dinner. Fajitas proved to be too much for my parents. On our way home we thought briefly of going caroling at Beckster's home, but Barry didn't want to catch her once again in her Victoria Secrets!

Good night.

Happy Birthday, Barry!

Birthdays...

I want to wish my friend Beckster a Happy Belated Birthday. And I also want to tell everyone that Barry's birthday is TOMORROW... So if you see either of them, please wish them well.
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Tonight Tim and I went to see (or should I say listen to) our school's Christmas Concert. And yes, it is still called a Christmas Concert. We live in a small town and even though we may not be politically correct, the chorus is able to have such a concert. Once again, another reason why I love this town. So many talented kids, good kids. In a world where you hear so many stories of kids that have gone bad, it's such a blessing to see and hear good kids. From singing to playing instruments, we have a lot of good talent. The chorus was made up of 80 High Schoolers and 64 Middle Schoolers. I was drawn to going to it by overhearing a conversation of my friend the Beckster. She was explaining that the chorus is still able to sing Christian type songs in this day and age. And that her son would be doing a solo part in the concert. Put these 2 things together, and how could it not be enjoyable.
Even Tim was swaying with his friends at the back of the auditorium.

A great time.

Tis the season

Sorry I haven't blogged this week. Past couple of nights, I've taken Tim to do his Christmas shopping. He's actually a good shopper. Comes up with cool ideas.

Now off to bed. Couple more days and guess who comes? Can't wait.

My parents are coming for Christmas!

I've just got confirmation that my parents are flying here for Christmas! Last minute planning, and boy are we excited. For the first time they will be flying, rather than the long drive. In the past Tim has gone to the Cape for Christmas break, but this year it chose to stay home (I think to be with Barry!). I can't remember the last time we were together for this holiday. Will work out good since Tim will be on break. Originally I had planned to go there for the holiday, but due to not having any vacation or time left of any kind I wasn't able to do this.

You see, miracles do happen! I'll even be serving at Christmas eve mass.