Bill passed away at 7:05 last night. All the kids were down yesterday afternoon, including our brand new grandson, Michael Paul, who was born Saturday morning at 4:20 am. We all got to say goodbye and I was with him to the end. He's been getting steadily weaker and actually went quickly, which I am so thankful for. Liver Cancer is one of the most painful of the cancers -- if you can differentiate between them all -- I'm sure every kind is painful. It is extremely hard to watch someone you've loved for 29 years go through it.
We spent today making arrangements, with more to make tomorrow. I feel like I've been on the phone all day and my throat can attest to that fact -- I have a very sore throat and earache, and I'm losing my voice, which does not bode well for the Memorial services planned. Hopefully I can doctor it enough to make it through.
I'm going to miss him terribly , but I know he's in a better place.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Thanks
For all the comments and prayers. We appreciate them.
We have called in Hospice. All the doctors in Madison concurred that he is no candidate for surgery or chemo or radiation. He was very weak and was sidelined for two weeks with a virus (cough and cold) that zapped all the strength he had. He is hoping to build up his strength in the next few months and possibly go back for chemo. Hospice will send a nurse out twice a week to check on him and do anything else we need. All I need to do is call them, so that is very reassuring. They will manage his meds also and try to keep him pain free.
We spend a lot of time talking -- I think it helps us both :-)!
Keep the prayers coming, and thanks.
We have called in Hospice. All the doctors in Madison concurred that he is no candidate for surgery or chemo or radiation. He was very weak and was sidelined for two weeks with a virus (cough and cold) that zapped all the strength he had. He is hoping to build up his strength in the next few months and possibly go back for chemo. Hospice will send a nurse out twice a week to check on him and do anything else we need. All I need to do is call them, so that is very reassuring. They will manage his meds also and try to keep him pain free.
We spend a lot of time talking -- I think it helps us both :-)!
Keep the prayers coming, and thanks.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
God, are you out there? It's me, Joanne
Let's just get to it: My husband has liver cancer.
So, if you're keeping count (and I am), since September, Steve's brain tumor has come back twice, he's had surgery, a small stroke, rehab and this last time he had stereotactic radiosurgery, which means they bombarded the tumor from every angle possible with radiation; Kevin was diagnosed and had surgery for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and now Bill has liver cancer. We are in the process of getting all our ducks in a row: we met a great surgeon in Madison at UW Clinic today and will be having more tests done and will have to make some serious decisions over the next few weeks. She can take 1/2 his liver, if the mass and other spots are contained in the half; and if he can tolerate the surgery -- he'll be 84 in May and we have to meet with his cardiologist sometime soon and he'll probably have to have another echocardiogram. They are also scheduling tests in Madison, so we'll be driving back and forth, or spending time up there in a hotel, as needed.
I'm going to be spending less time on the computer, obviously, so am taking a break from blogging (you wouldn't notice because I haven't blogged in a month anyway! vbg).
So, if you're keeping count (and I am), since September, Steve's brain tumor has come back twice, he's had surgery, a small stroke, rehab and this last time he had stereotactic radiosurgery, which means they bombarded the tumor from every angle possible with radiation; Kevin was diagnosed and had surgery for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and now Bill has liver cancer. We are in the process of getting all our ducks in a row: we met a great surgeon in Madison at UW Clinic today and will be having more tests done and will have to make some serious decisions over the next few weeks. She can take 1/2 his liver, if the mass and other spots are contained in the half; and if he can tolerate the surgery -- he'll be 84 in May and we have to meet with his cardiologist sometime soon and he'll probably have to have another echocardiogram. They are also scheduling tests in Madison, so we'll be driving back and forth, or spending time up there in a hotel, as needed.
I'm going to be spending less time on the computer, obviously, so am taking a break from blogging (you wouldn't notice because I haven't blogged in a month anyway! vbg).
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day
What? You mean it's over? We missed it? Darn, and we just finished our Valentine tops, too!
The first one is my friend, Kris' and the second is mine. We used mostly her stash of Valentine fabrics (I only had a few, but my borders are my own). I actually finished my quilt and then took the whole thing apart, squared up all the blocks, changed the inner border fabric and put it all back together. Yes, I'm anal -- but ya know if I'd've squared up the blocks to begin with, I wouldn't have had to take them all apart. You'd think after all these years of quilting I'd remember to do that instead of slapping them all together. Whatever....I never would have liked it if I hadn't taken it apart, and now I do!
This was a fun quilt to do together - we have another that we did together -- hers is even quilted and gorgeous. Mine? It's all apart and waiting to be squared up and redone, of course. Kris calls them Garage Quilts or Oil-Change Quilts -- they're orphan blocks melded together. She goes to a lot of auctions and invariably finds quilts that some guy used to lay on while changing the oil in the car - hence the name. They're fun to do and when I get mine put back together, I'll even put up a picture!
Gratitudes:
Getting a short walk outside this afternoon. It was in the mid 30's today. The plan is for another in the morning.
Getting the newsletter printed out today.
Leftover chili for dinner.
The first one is my friend, Kris' and the second is mine. We used mostly her stash of Valentine fabrics (I only had a few, but my borders are my own). I actually finished my quilt and then took the whole thing apart, squared up all the blocks, changed the inner border fabric and put it all back together. Yes, I'm anal -- but ya know if I'd've squared up the blocks to begin with, I wouldn't have had to take them all apart. You'd think after all these years of quilting I'd remember to do that instead of slapping them all together. Whatever....I never would have liked it if I hadn't taken it apart, and now I do!
This was a fun quilt to do together - we have another that we did together -- hers is even quilted and gorgeous. Mine? It's all apart and waiting to be squared up and redone, of course. Kris calls them Garage Quilts or Oil-Change Quilts -- they're orphan blocks melded together. She goes to a lot of auctions and invariably finds quilts that some guy used to lay on while changing the oil in the car - hence the name. They're fun to do and when I get mine put back together, I'll even put up a picture!Gratitudes:
Getting a short walk outside this afternoon. It was in the mid 30's today. The plan is for another in the morning.
Getting the newsletter printed out today.
Leftover chili for dinner.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Happy Birthday, AJ
Our dear, sweet, adorable grandson, AJ is six years old today! Happy Birthday, AJ!
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Busy-ness
I have no excuse for not updating my blog more often! I have been doing some sewing -- actually finished two tops, but still need to piece backings. Planning a sewing day with Kris tomorrow -- we're making Valentine quilts from her stash of Valentine fabrics! Should be fun.
I did receive Bonnie's new book the first of last week -- it's great. I read it through the first night!
And yesterday I finally finished "spring" cleaning the dining room. Took me about 4 hours -- so much for doing a little at a time! I did the top of the hutch a few weeks ago and then got nothing else done, so had to finally get it done. It's nice a sparkly now (although I didn't wash the windows yet -- I'll wait til it's a bit warmer out).
My dining room is not that big -- it holds the furniture, but if we turned the table to raise the drop leaf sides, we have barely enough room to put chairs around it without hitting the hutch and dry sink. We do all our entertaining in the kitchen next to the fireplace anyway. And when the whole family is here for Easter or Thanksgiving, we move this table into the kitchen and put the leaves in both tables!
I took all those pictures off the wall, cleaned the wall and the pictures, and put them back -- that's what took a lot of time. And, I'm thinking it's time to redo this gallery -- time to put some into albums and bring out pics of the grandkids that are all over the house!
Other news: Steve had an MRI last Wednesday -- everything looks good and the Avastin is working!
Monday I went with Steph to her 3-d Ultrasound! Really cool. That 11 oz. baby boy was having a great time -- moving all over, rolling, turning and laughing at us - honest! He's doing great and so is Steph -- no health worries for either of them.
Gratitudes:
Healthy boys -- both Steve and the new baby.
Getting something accomplished -- one clean room at a time!
Finishing a couple of tops -- another accomplishment.
I did receive Bonnie's new book the first of last week -- it's great. I read it through the first night!
And yesterday I finally finished "spring" cleaning the dining room. Took me about 4 hours -- so much for doing a little at a time! I did the top of the hutch a few weeks ago and then got nothing else done, so had to finally get it done. It's nice a sparkly now (although I didn't wash the windows yet -- I'll wait til it's a bit warmer out).
My dining room is not that big -- it holds the furniture, but if we turned the table to raise the drop leaf sides, we have barely enough room to put chairs around it without hitting the hutch and dry sink. We do all our entertaining in the kitchen next to the fireplace anyway. And when the whole family is here for Easter or Thanksgiving, we move this table into the kitchen and put the leaves in both tables!
I took all those pictures off the wall, cleaned the wall and the pictures, and put them back -- that's what took a lot of time. And, I'm thinking it's time to redo this gallery -- time to put some into albums and bring out pics of the grandkids that are all over the house!Other news: Steve had an MRI last Wednesday -- everything looks good and the Avastin is working!
Monday I went with Steph to her 3-d Ultrasound! Really cool. That 11 oz. baby boy was having a great time -- moving all over, rolling, turning and laughing at us - honest! He's doing great and so is Steph -- no health worries for either of them.
Gratitudes:
Healthy boys -- both Steve and the new baby.
Getting something accomplished -- one clean room at a time!
Finishing a couple of tops -- another accomplishment.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Happy Birthday, Steve
Big 41 today! Funny thing, 2 years ago we were told you'd never see this day. And I think your surgeon is pretty amazed about the fact that you're still here. But the rest of us, we're just glad you're the miracle you are. Twenty years from now I hope to still be wishing you happy birthday on this day. Hope your day is filled with good things.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Rough Week
Wednesday Steph had to have an amnio. It's been a rough few days waiting for the preliminary results. I went up yesterday and babysat for a couple of hours while she went to her regular ob-gyn appointment and then we spent all afternoon talking. She hadn't slept at all on Wednesday night and again last night. I didn't sleep much. Here's our adorable youngest grandson, Will enjoying his lunch with the other kids.
Steph got the phone call this afternoon with the preliminary results: Everything is A-OK! Also -- it's definitely a boy! We were so worried, that hey, not even going to complain that we're getting another boy instead of a girl! He'll be healthy -- and believe me, that's more important.
So, this afternoon I managed to do a little bit of sewing (no way was I going to tackle the dining room today -- couldn't concentrate plus I think I have bursitis in my shoulder and it's killing me. This is the 3rd Friday Block Party block, called Another Star.
I also worked on a new mystery block of the month -- a row quilt from Claudia's Quilt Shoppe.
These are really tiny blocks. I have 3 of 9 done, so I'll show them when I finish them.
Gratitudes:
The doctors' office was very aware of the worry and fear waiting for test results and called as soon as they got the preliminary results. Full results are due next week, but 95% sure is really good. Thank God.
Steph got the phone call this afternoon with the preliminary results: Everything is A-OK! Also -- it's definitely a boy! We were so worried, that hey, not even going to complain that we're getting another boy instead of a girl! He'll be healthy -- and believe me, that's more important.So, this afternoon I managed to do a little bit of sewing (no way was I going to tackle the dining room today -- couldn't concentrate plus I think I have bursitis in my shoulder and it's killing me. This is the 3rd Friday Block Party block, called Another Star.
I also worked on a new mystery block of the month -- a row quilt from Claudia's Quilt Shoppe.These are really tiny blocks. I have 3 of 9 done, so I'll show them when I finish them.
Gratitudes:
The doctors' office was very aware of the worry and fear waiting for test results and called as soon as they got the preliminary results. Full results are due next week, but 95% sure is really good. Thank God.
Monday, January 11, 2010
New Years Resolutions
Here it is 11 days into the New Year and I'm still working on resolutions! Today I started another one: Deep clean (or spring clean) the main floor of the house. I managed to get the second floor done last year and even though it wouldn't hurt to do it again this year, I'll move on to the first floor. I had planned on doing the first floor last fall, but you know how plans go!
So, today I started in the dining room. We do not use our dining room -- it's basically a photo gallery and a place to keep all the china and other stuff we don't use every day! I don't even have a before picture to show because I was disgusted by the dust and dirt! I only did the top of the hutch today, but plan on doing more on Friday! So here are the after pictures -- trust me, those crystal vases are heavy and so shiny once they're clean! I had to take a picture after I put them back up and then another after I put a few pictures back up there.
I also managed to spend a little time in the sewing room -- another resolution (to spend some time every day in the sewing or quilting room). I pieced a quick backing for a quilt and brought it down to the longarm to be quilted soon. I also cleaned up my mess so it's ready for another day of sewing.
Gratitudes:
Getting my chores done today and a little extra towards my resolutions.
Spending a little time in the sewing room -- always relaxing.
Talking to Steph on the phone.
So, today I started in the dining room. We do not use our dining room -- it's basically a photo gallery and a place to keep all the china and other stuff we don't use every day! I don't even have a before picture to show because I was disgusted by the dust and dirt! I only did the top of the hutch today, but plan on doing more on Friday! So here are the after pictures -- trust me, those crystal vases are heavy and so shiny once they're clean! I had to take a picture after I put them back up and then another after I put a few pictures back up there.
I also managed to spend a little time in the sewing room -- another resolution (to spend some time every day in the sewing or quilting room). I pieced a quick backing for a quilt and brought it down to the longarm to be quilted soon. I also cleaned up my mess so it's ready for another day of sewing.Gratitudes:
Getting my chores done today and a little extra towards my resolutions.
Spending a little time in the sewing room -- always relaxing.
Talking to Steph on the phone.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Happy Birthday Steph!
Today is my baby's 34th birthday. I hate to tell her this as she's pregnant and down sick with a cold/sinus infection/allergies thing - but these are the best years of your life :-) Enjoy them!
And Happy Birthday from Dad and me!
And Happy Birthday from Dad and me!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
A week's worth
I've had a few days this week to quilt and play. Today I did Friday's Block Party Block. This is a 9" block. This block would make a great quilt. But no, I am not going to make it!
Earlier in the week. my QB (quilt buddy!), Kris challenged a few of us to make a Valentines quilt, completely finished with label that she gave us on it. Here's a picture of my messy cutting/sewing/generic table where I was cutting my fabrics for this quilt. Yesterday I put the top together and today I quilted it (have I told you how much I love having a longarm?!). I've put the binding on and pinned the label on, all ready for the binding to be stitched down. I can't show you a picture of the quilt though until we get together around Valentine's Day to show our creations. It's a surprise! Tomorrow I'll probably stitch the binding down and then clean my messy table...maybe.
I also shortened a new pair of bibs and a new pair of jeans for Bill today -- I hate shortening pants and I've been putting it off since Christmas. Decided I might as well get it done and not having it stare me in the face every time I walk into the room. And then I decided that I was such a good girl doing that work that I wouldn't have to cook tonight! I did however, have to run to the store for milk, so I stopped at Subway on the way back and that was dinner. Not only that, but I bought foot-long sandwiches just in case I don't feel like cooking tomorrow either! One 6" sub is big enough for one meal!
Gratitudes:
I'll be forever grateful for my longarm -- what a pleasure to finish piecing a quilt and go downstairs and load it on the longarm and quilt it.
The snow has finally stopped; it's bitter cold, but the roads aren't bad and we have plenty of firewood for staying home.
Having a group of quilting friends to have challenges with.
Earlier in the week. my QB (quilt buddy!), Kris challenged a few of us to make a Valentines quilt, completely finished with label that she gave us on it. Here's a picture of my messy cutting/sewing/generic table where I was cutting my fabrics for this quilt. Yesterday I put the top together and today I quilted it (have I told you how much I love having a longarm?!). I've put the binding on and pinned the label on, all ready for the binding to be stitched down. I can't show you a picture of the quilt though until we get together around Valentine's Day to show our creations. It's a surprise! Tomorrow I'll probably stitch the binding down and then clean my messy table...maybe. 
I also shortened a new pair of bibs and a new pair of jeans for Bill today -- I hate shortening pants and I've been putting it off since Christmas. Decided I might as well get it done and not having it stare me in the face every time I walk into the room. And then I decided that I was such a good girl doing that work that I wouldn't have to cook tonight! I did however, have to run to the store for milk, so I stopped at Subway on the way back and that was dinner. Not only that, but I bought foot-long sandwiches just in case I don't feel like cooking tomorrow either! One 6" sub is big enough for one meal!Gratitudes:
I'll be forever grateful for my longarm -- what a pleasure to finish piecing a quilt and go downstairs and load it on the longarm and quilt it.
The snow has finally stopped; it's bitter cold, but the roads aren't bad and we have plenty of firewood for staying home.
Having a group of quilting friends to have challenges with.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
First Finish of the New Year
I sewed the binding on the Valentine quilt and stitched it down this afternoon while printing off newsletters -- plenty of time because the printer is being quite cantankerous today! Also been designing in my mind another wall hanging -- wonder if it'll ever see the light of day. Guess I'll have to fire up EQ6 and see what I can come up with!
Gratitudes:
Another lovely day of rest.
Our minister sang a solo in church today and accompanied himself on the piano - quite a talented man and a great minister, too!
Gratitudes:Another lovely day of rest.
Our minister sang a solo in church today and accompanied himself on the piano - quite a talented man and a great minister, too!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Just for Fun
I spent most of the day working on the computer writing a newsletter. It's finished except for any mistakes that need corrected or last minute additions, so all I'll have to do is print out a few copies for friends that don't have a computer and I'm good to go for a couple more months!
So, in the meantime I spent some time playing with blocks. First is one Judy used to make a really cute quilt. I wanted to make a test block and decide my preference for making this quilt. I love this block, so will be adding the quilt to my list of tops I'd like to start and finish this year!
And then I noticed what fun Jeanne is having doing different blocks every day. So, I decided to join Friday Block Party and do the first block of the New Year. It's called Wheel of Time. I just chose fabrics that jumped off the shelf at me -- I have no rhyme or reason for them yet and I will probably continue doing that for awhile. It's always good to have a few orphan blocks to play with!
I did walk my 30 minutes this morning - yay me.
Gratitudes:
I'm enjoying this long holiday weekend -- even though we are retired here and always have long weekends :-), this particular weekend has felt really nice and relaxed and I've been able to spend a lot of time with my quilting.
So, in the meantime I spent some time playing with blocks. First is one Judy used to make a really cute quilt. I wanted to make a test block and decide my preference for making this quilt. I love this block, so will be adding the quilt to my list of tops I'd like to start and finish this year!
And then I noticed what fun Jeanne is having doing different blocks every day. So, I decided to join Friday Block Party and do the first block of the New Year. It's called Wheel of Time. I just chose fabrics that jumped off the shelf at me -- I have no rhyme or reason for them yet and I will probably continue doing that for awhile. It's always good to have a few orphan blocks to play with!
I did walk my 30 minutes this morning - yay me.Gratitudes:
I'm enjoying this long holiday weekend -- even though we are retired here and always have long weekends :-), this particular weekend has felt really nice and relaxed and I've been able to spend a lot of time with my quilting.
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Years Day, A New Beginning
Starting the resolutions right out the first day of the year! I did do 30 minutes on the treadmill. And I did take the Christmas decorations down and put away my twig tree for another year. And then I spent the rest of the day playing. I zigzagged an edge on old practice quilt sandwiches and neatly stacked them for use under the longarm when it sits overnight -- Gammills tend to leak a drop or so of oil when they sit for a long period of time, so I always put the old practice sandwiches under the machine to catch the drip.
And then I loaded a panel I bought last week at the quilt shop -- just a simple Valentine's Day panel that I added borders to and then quilted it today with an old pantograph: Hearts A Flutter by Lisa Calle. I hope to get the binding on tomorrow and maybe stitched down by Sunday.
Plan for tomorrow -- another 30 minute walk and the rest of the day will be spent working on the computer.
Gratitudes:
The feeling of accomplishment even from something as insignificant as trimming practice quilts to make pads.
The enjoyment of quilting time at the machine.
And then I loaded a panel I bought last week at the quilt shop -- just a simple Valentine's Day panel that I added borders to and then quilted it today with an old pantograph: Hearts A Flutter by Lisa Calle. I hope to get the binding on tomorrow and maybe stitched down by Sunday.
Plan for tomorrow -- another 30 minute walk and the rest of the day will be spent working on the computer.Gratitudes:
The feeling of accomplishment even from something as insignificant as trimming practice quilts to make pads.
The enjoyment of quilting time at the machine.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Year!
Do you make New Years resolutions?
I do. It's a way for me to look back at what the past year has brought and a look forward with a fresh new perspective. I don't make them to stress myself -- more to take a good look at what I'd like to change, improve or even to stay the same. And I don't make resolutions about things I have no control over. I can't take the cancer from Steve's head and I can't determine the gender of Steph's baby -- but I can pray to God about those things.
I make lots of the usual ones: Exercise more (or more specifically, walk 30 minutes 5 days a week). Eat right -- cut the junk out of the diet (this goes good for about a day).
And then I make resolutions about my quilting. These are probably more goals than resolutions, but looking back over the past year it seems that I didn't accomplish as much as I would have liked. I have at least 6 different applique projects going and none of them are close to being finished; so my resolution is to work on only 1 applique project this year until it is finished. The rest will wait their turn. The one I plan on working on is Primitive Garden -- it is now going on 3 years old. I really like it and I really want to finish it.
For the first 6 months of the new year I will be working on projects with Kris -- some are finishing quilt tops that are not finished, some will be starting a few new projects. We have contracted to do the program in July for our former guild and I want to be well prepared for it.
Some of my resolutions pertain to my longarm quilting and also to organizing my sewing areas. I've already started one -- sewing scrap batting pieces together. I'm always surprised at how long it takes to do this -- most of the afternoon, and after piecing 9 new pieces of various sizes, I found a couple of more pieces to add to them, so will finish that project later today or tomorrow. And resolve to do it more often so that it doesn't take all afternoon!
I consider these free battings -- it's just excess batting that I've cut off from quilting tops, or sometimes I've cut the wrong size. I use Warm & Natural almost exclusively, so they're all the same and I have plenty of my own quilt tops to quilt with these.
Some of my resolutions pertain to organizing recipes (I tried that last year, and still have stacks and stacks of recipes to go through); finally doing something with the stacks and stacks of pictures that accumulate, and of course the stacks and stacks of paper - receipts and tax info, etc. I did start a new card file system for paying bills this year that works out really well and reduces the amount of paper to be filed -- I pay most of the bills online anyway and it was getting ridiculous printing off copies all the time. So -- some of my resolutions do get resolved!
I resolve, once again, to take more pictures and post to my blog more often. (If I keep throwing this one at the wall, eventually it will stick!).
Gratitudes:
2009 is almost over! I am looking forward to 2010.
I do. It's a way for me to look back at what the past year has brought and a look forward with a fresh new perspective. I don't make them to stress myself -- more to take a good look at what I'd like to change, improve or even to stay the same. And I don't make resolutions about things I have no control over. I can't take the cancer from Steve's head and I can't determine the gender of Steph's baby -- but I can pray to God about those things.
I make lots of the usual ones: Exercise more (or more specifically, walk 30 minutes 5 days a week). Eat right -- cut the junk out of the diet (this goes good for about a day).
And then I make resolutions about my quilting. These are probably more goals than resolutions, but looking back over the past year it seems that I didn't accomplish as much as I would have liked. I have at least 6 different applique projects going and none of them are close to being finished; so my resolution is to work on only 1 applique project this year until it is finished. The rest will wait their turn. The one I plan on working on is Primitive Garden -- it is now going on 3 years old. I really like it and I really want to finish it.
For the first 6 months of the new year I will be working on projects with Kris -- some are finishing quilt tops that are not finished, some will be starting a few new projects. We have contracted to do the program in July for our former guild and I want to be well prepared for it.
Some of my resolutions pertain to my longarm quilting and also to organizing my sewing areas. I've already started one -- sewing scrap batting pieces together. I'm always surprised at how long it takes to do this -- most of the afternoon, and after piecing 9 new pieces of various sizes, I found a couple of more pieces to add to them, so will finish that project later today or tomorrow. And resolve to do it more often so that it doesn't take all afternoon!
I consider these free battings -- it's just excess batting that I've cut off from quilting tops, or sometimes I've cut the wrong size. I use Warm & Natural almost exclusively, so they're all the same and I have plenty of my own quilt tops to quilt with these.Some of my resolutions pertain to organizing recipes (I tried that last year, and still have stacks and stacks of recipes to go through); finally doing something with the stacks and stacks of pictures that accumulate, and of course the stacks and stacks of paper - receipts and tax info, etc. I did start a new card file system for paying bills this year that works out really well and reduces the amount of paper to be filed -- I pay most of the bills online anyway and it was getting ridiculous printing off copies all the time. So -- some of my resolutions do get resolved!
I resolve, once again, to take more pictures and post to my blog more often. (If I keep throwing this one at the wall, eventually it will stick!).
Gratitudes:
2009 is almost over! I am looking forward to 2010.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
JR Update
An update on JR: his surgery went well. He's not a happy camper with the cone or having to stay in his cage for any length of time. We'll have to put him in it when we head to Wisconsin tomorrow for our Christmas celebration with the kids and grandkids, but he's mostly laying next to me wherever I am all day long! Doesn't he look pitiful here?
Merry Christmas to all and I hope 2010 will be a healthy year for everyone!
Friday, December 18, 2009
One more surgery
So, just to end the year with good measure, we have one more surgery to get through.
Late yesterday afternoon, I let JR outside to take care of his business (we live in the country, he's 9 yrs old and doesn't like the cold -- he sometimes goes wandering through our woods, but never off our property). I did not go out with him. He came in a few minutes later limping. We assume he chased a squirrel or a deer -- he does think he's Rambo.
So, today we got him in to see the vet and as was the case 2 years ago next month, he has torn the ligament in his knee -- last time it was the right rear leg, this time the left rear leg. Needless to say, his surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. He'll go in early in the morning and we'll pick him up late afternoon.
The vet thought he'd have to put it off for a week -- into the new year, but I'm glad he got him scheduled this week -- I want to start the new year being through with surgeries!
Gratitudes:
The vet did not have to put him out to make the diagnosis - this is one of those good things/bad things. It was quite obvious without sedating him. It also makes me hurt to see him limp.
I bought the Susan Boyle cd the other day -- what a treasure her voice is. I'd definitely recommend the cd.
Listening to my new David Bailey cd's today -- he's a folk-type singer that writes his own songs -- he's a 12 year brain tumor survivor.
Late yesterday afternoon, I let JR outside to take care of his business (we live in the country, he's 9 yrs old and doesn't like the cold -- he sometimes goes wandering through our woods, but never off our property). I did not go out with him. He came in a few minutes later limping. We assume he chased a squirrel or a deer -- he does think he's Rambo.
So, today we got him in to see the vet and as was the case 2 years ago next month, he has torn the ligament in his knee -- last time it was the right rear leg, this time the left rear leg. Needless to say, his surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. He'll go in early in the morning and we'll pick him up late afternoon.
The vet thought he'd have to put it off for a week -- into the new year, but I'm glad he got him scheduled this week -- I want to start the new year being through with surgeries!
Gratitudes:
The vet did not have to put him out to make the diagnosis - this is one of those good things/bad things. It was quite obvious without sedating him. It also makes me hurt to see him limp.
I bought the Susan Boyle cd the other day -- what a treasure her voice is. I'd definitely recommend the cd.
Listening to my new David Bailey cd's today -- he's a folk-type singer that writes his own songs -- he's a 12 year brain tumor survivor.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Winter has arrived in all its glory
I took these photos this morning, but could have waited all day -- the snow is still laying heavily on the branches of the trees. We got about 8" of snow yesterday into last night, then rain and sleet, which I'm sure melted some of it, and then another 4" or so overnight. The roads are going to be terrible tonight -- after the plows cleared the snow which was very wet, the temps are falling and the winds are picking up, so I imagine the roads will be a sheet of ice soon. Supposed to be windy all day tomorrow also. The nice thing about it: I'm going to quilt all day tomorrow!
This first shot was taken from our back porch looking northeast towards the road at the front of the house and includes our view of the fields and woods and hills across the road.
This second view was taken from the back porch, just outside the library doors, just looking at part of our woods back there.
I do love looking at the beautiful fresh snow -- but am glad I don't have to go anywhere in it!
Gratitudes:
We had plenty of warning about this snowstorm, so I managed to run up to Steph's on Monday and run into our little town on Tuesday to pick up a couple of gallons of milk. Now we can sit by the fire and watch the world go by.
I made spaghetti and meatballs from scratch today -- just seemed like a good day to do that.
This first shot was taken from our back porch looking northeast towards the road at the front of the house and includes our view of the fields and woods and hills across the road.
This second view was taken from the back porch, just outside the library doors, just looking at part of our woods back there.
I do love looking at the beautiful fresh snow -- but am glad I don't have to go anywhere in it!Gratitudes:
We had plenty of warning about this snowstorm, so I managed to run up to Steph's on Monday and run into our little town on Tuesday to pick up a couple of gallons of milk. Now we can sit by the fire and watch the world go by.
I made spaghetti and meatballs from scratch today -- just seemed like a good day to do that.
Monday, December 07, 2009
More Good News
I spent the day at Steph's today and she pointed out to me that I had not made the big announcement on my blog at all. (I am really getting old, because I was sure I had -- I've told everyone to think Pink!). So -- here we are -- Steph's pregnant! YAY! THINK PINK! She's due in June, and she's considered high risk, so is already on light duty, no lifting. Three sonograms have gone from egg yolk to blob with heart beat to baby with heartbeat, arms legs and a head! She's somewhere between 11 and 12 weeks, so we won't know what it is for awhile -- but THINK PINK! (And really, our grandsons are wonderful, so if it is a boy, that's okay, but I will be calling him Katie!)
And, Kevin's pathology report today showed that the margins are cancer free, so it looks like they got it all and he won't have to have further treatment at this time, other than a PSA test every two months for awhile.
Gratitudes:
A new baby.
Good news at the surgeon's office.
A safe drive to and from Wisconsin today.
Bill got the snowblower prepped and wood in for the fireplace -- winter storm heading our way by Wednesday!
And, Kevin's pathology report today showed that the margins are cancer free, so it looks like they got it all and he won't have to have further treatment at this time, other than a PSA test every two months for awhile.
Gratitudes:
A new baby.
Good news at the surgeon's office.
A safe drive to and from Wisconsin today.
Bill got the snowblower prepped and wood in for the fireplace -- winter storm heading our way by Wednesday!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Good News
Kevin's surgery went very well Monday afternoon. We won't have the pathology report til next week, but the surgeon was confident it hadn't spread and he got it all. We left yesterday and expected him to come home on Thursday. However, they are on their way home now!
Steve's new chemo treatment was today and it went very well also. The infusion of Avastin was 90 minutes (for the first one; it'll be 60 minutes next time and 30 minutes each time after that). He was able to eat lunch while he was receiving the chemo and doesn't expect that nausea will be a problem with this protocol. He will continue to receive it every other week for 9 months - 1 year. He will have an MRI sometime in January.
They are also on their way home from Madison (they were able to stop and visit with Kevin before they left -- that's how we know all 4 of them are on their way home this afternoon!)
It's nice to finally have some good news!
Gratitudes:
Obviously -- our sons are doing well today.
All the prayers sent up from all over cyber land for us. We can't thank all of you enough.
Friends and Family.
Steve's new chemo treatment was today and it went very well also. The infusion of Avastin was 90 minutes (for the first one; it'll be 60 minutes next time and 30 minutes each time after that). He was able to eat lunch while he was receiving the chemo and doesn't expect that nausea will be a problem with this protocol. He will continue to receive it every other week for 9 months - 1 year. He will have an MRI sometime in January.
They are also on their way home from Madison (they were able to stop and visit with Kevin before they left -- that's how we know all 4 of them are on their way home this afternoon!)
It's nice to finally have some good news!
Gratitudes:
Obviously -- our sons are doing well today.
All the prayers sent up from all over cyber land for us. We can't thank all of you enough.
Friends and Family.
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