Me in the early 60's December 31,2010

I think this was on a new year's eve many years ago. It is almost time to say good bye to this old year and welcome in the new year! My neighbor over the hill fixed dinner for me tonight at her house. It was good. I am meeting a woman for work for lunch tomorrow.
I thought about this old year and what I had gotten done in service with the community garden, church and Relay. And with visiting family: twice in one year and that was good! And when I broke my arm, all the help that I got from friends and family! I really can't complain but good bye to the old year anyway.
Welcome to the new year and all the good things that are to come.
Happy New Year to You and Yours!

Paper Whites December 30, 2010

My friend brought me over this bulb that she had forced bloom. We used to go camping together. Bud quit and they went to a motor home and traveled all around. He got pancreatic cancer in late August and died in early November. We had so many friends to die this year from August to November. I should feel lucky to only have a broken arm.
I am impressed with your bucket list. The hard part for me is to sit down and say what I really do want to get accomplished in my life time. To say what I really want and what do I really want to put the work into doing is really the hard part.
The book that I was telling you about is Arkansas by Christine Lynxwiler. The first part is about the lost sister.

Reflections in the driveway December 29. 2010

Sometimes I think that the reflection is more beautiful than the real thing. They are more intriguing.
What a shock to hear about La Caille owners. I loved that place. Thank you so much for taking me there. It was like a dream world. I guess dreams can get out of hand sometimes. They did such a good job with it and to have it for such a long time. The economy has done lots of terrible things to people. I am so glad that I got to see it inside and out. Thank you!
I do believe in written thank yous. Yours was easier this way. I have several that I have to get in the mail tomorrow.
Today is my first day at home alone. There are so many things that I want to get done in these 4 days, that I can do by myself and not be interrupted.

San Francisco from Coit Tower December 28, 2010

San Francisco is my favorite city. This shot was taken a few years ago.
I am glad to hear that you are surviving through so much family. That would be too much for me for too long.
Bud is leaving tomorrow for the Rose Bowl Parade trip. I feel so much better now but I don't think that I could have made the trip and enjoyed it. I finally made it to a time of my life where I had common sense! I wonder if I it will last through the year of 2011 or will it make it to 2011. Which brings me to the subject of NEW YEARS RESOLUTION. Will I make any this year or not. I have a few days left to think about this.
Tell Dioni that I got a puzzle this year for Christmas. I got it out this afternoon and put it together. It was lots of fun. I thought about Dione while I was doing it.
I also had a long computer chat today with snapfish. It appears that the Christmas that I ordered for you, Norma and Robin is lost somewhere out in space. They want me to wait 1 more day before I ask them to redo every thing. Merry Christmas for now and hopefully soon I will have it there.

December 26,2010

Almost the same picture as yesterday but I had forgotten my sling. Last night stayed in one bed, didn't sleep much but I stayed put. I hope to get comfortable tonight. I have one more set of exercises to do.
The story of the marbled stone is a good one. I think this slab of marble really put a lot of new veins in throughout this year. It is amazing about the concept of age. I had never given it much thought in the past. Older age used to be looked up to ( I know it still is sometimes) but their is so much more emphasis put on youth. So now that I have entered the phase of old age, I should accept it with grace and enjoy! It is better than the alternative.
I love to read your blogs. They are so thoughtful, put together and say so many provoking things. So professional. You really do need to be writing a book ( in your spare time of course).

Christmas 2010 Family

Christmas Day! What a day! I am tired! Started out the day at Robin's with breakfast, home then everyone over here at 3:00 Lots of food, teaching Bud and Manuel how to use their cameras for the Rose Bowl Parade, then everyone else with their camera phones. You had to be on guard at all times. We had heavy rain all afternoon and still raining. I wish I could get a few hours of sleep.
Sounds like your day was just as busy.

Charlie Brown Tree December 24, 2010

A Charlie Brown Tree. Serves the atmosphere. Kris brought clam chowder over for tonight's dinner. Joey and Riley stopped by for a short time before going to her dad's. Joey is working tomorrow. Everyone else is coming over tomorrow.
Have a Merry Christmas! Stay strong with food.

I have to finish setting the table but I thought I would let you see my theme of trees. Joey has to work on Christmas, so we won't have him and his girlfriend. I guess there should be 10 for dinner.
Not much happening today, I had a nap since I didn't sleep much last night. I did finish reading a book. Robin is coming over tomorrow to help with the house.

Is this Airport Road kitchen???? December 22, 2010

I love the anticipation of Dioni for Christmas. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I have had a hard time of it this year. I haven't been anywhere to see the decorations, I haven't been to Church, I haven't played much Christmas music and I can't get to my Christmas decorations without a real struggle. Used to I could hardly wait for Thanksgiving to start playing Christmas music and getting Christmas decorations down that I've accumulated over the years that bring back so many memories. My friend Sandie took me to get my hair cut and to therapy yesterday. We had 2 hours in between and she needed to go to the craft shop. I found a little artificial Charlie Brown tree with lights on it. It is indeed a Charlie Brown but it brings a little Christmas spirit in to the house. It is still hard to believe Christmas is this week. I tried to get off the Vicadin but with so much rain and lack of sleep, my shoulder/arm has really been hurting. The therapist assured me that having pain was normal for being out of surgery 2 1/2 weeks and that I would have intense pain at times for several months. Not really what I wanted to hear! As I said before, I need more patience, and more stool softner, fiber one and prunes.
All the good things that have happened to you in the last 2 months are due to you and you deserve many more. I am sure you will get them. You are very patient and work at what you get. It is great to be rewarded like you have. You will have a great book once you get started. Your friend Nannette is a great writer. I loved her blog, "Is this the Finale"
Congratulations on the no sugar stuff. It will be hard to get through the holidays but you already have gone through the hardest, that being the first few days to a week. Rule #29
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

Early morning December 21, 2010

The calm and serene of early morning is a great way to start the day. I have not felt it lately. I keep saying that I will blog at the end of the day. By then, I don't feel like it. I had quit taking the vicadin for a few days. I thought I could do without it. Now I have stool softners, fiber one and prunes. I think I will take the pain medicine, just less of it. I was trying to come down with a cold so I loaded up with cold medicine. I feel better this morning. I get my hair cut today and go to therapy. My friend, Sandy wants to take me. She said she had to come down from the mountains anyway and she wanted to bring some food.
Back to the calm of the early morning. I don't think you will see that for a long time. You have such amazing news. It is so hard to believe the turn of events that brought you to this and at Christmas time! It is like I was reading a novel about someone that I didn't know. It is information that has been there but you don't get it until you and Dioni is at a point where you can handle it. Also, it is at a point where you do start that book. I also pray that the sister is at a point in her life where she can handle this. I feel that everything evolved at this time for a reason. If Terry had been working, he wouldn't have had time to play his part in this.
Do you realize all the surprize things that have happened to you these last two months???

December 17. 2010 Christmas bowl and ball

Last year, I was in a art group where we poured different color dyes and inks into a clear ornament. Then we swirled the inks around and then let it dry. The artist people knew what kinds of inks or dyes to use. I chose my colors and then hoped it would come out. I took pictures last Christmas, put it in my blue bowl and took pictures. I found my snowman decorations and put those out. I haven't done much else. Tonight we watched The Forgotten Carols. That put Ryan to sleep. He wasn't supposed to be here. He needed to do his wash and dryer. It costs where he lives. Before, he was going to take us out to lunch. He got here at 4:30. He wanted to know if we wanted to get some Mexican food (that means we pay) we told him we had a late lunch and we did, we weren't hungry. I thought he would leave soon. Remember mother (maybe you were too young) would say when someone would come over at the time we usually ate. "We are not going to eat until they leave, I don't want to have to feed them too." She didn't have company like Ryan. When we didn't feed him when he said he was hungry, he went to the refrig and helped himself, and made a sandwich. At 7:30, I knew we should eat," Ryan, do you want some soup" "Sure that sounds good" So I say get a pan out and open these 2 cans, put it on the stove. Get 3 bowls out of the dishwasher. I open the refrig and said I thought I had some sausage in here to add the soup. He says I made myself a sandwich with that, vegetarian soup is good for you anyway. I wondered what would mother do??? I had to admit defeat! Speaking of my defeat, when does your challenge come up? The one with McKay and Karen?

Crocker Art Gallery December 15, 2010

Our Art Gallery in town built a new wing and it opened in October. Bud and I went in November and it was really nice. So much to see so we will be going back.
We watched Letters to God tonight. That was a great movie. I changed my Netflex to getting more movies a month. I don't get much sleep, not much on TV and I am limited on what I can do. Might as well take advantage of the movies while I can. I talked to Kenny tonight and he is having shoulder problems. I told him if he didn't want to be like daddy and can't lift his arm up, he should get to the doctor and find out what is wrong and get started on therapy. He sure hates to go to the doctor.
Today was a good day again. A couple came over from Church and brought over dinner and another friend came over in the afternoon. What really made it special was a shower, I washed my hair, I even put a bra on. I feel so much more normal. Less pain pills! What I do miss is jumping in the car and doing what I want to. I know that will be coming soon too.

December 14, 2007 Breast Cancer Diagnosis

3 years ago today was my diagnosis and look at me today! Other problems but cancer free. Many things to be thankful for. I went in to ortho today, had x-rays and had 25 staples taken out. The doctor seemed happy with how things looked. I am looking forward to washing my hair. I hope that I can sleep better tonight.

Cat doesn't like jewelry December 13, 2010

The cat wasn't very happy about having it's picture taken. Today was a good day for me. Therapist said I was doing good, I stopped at the restaurant and saw lots of my friends for about 5-10 minutes, then came home to visit with my ex neighbor. She brought over lasanga, salad and french bread. It was good. I am going to try to sleep in a bed tonight instead of the recliner. I hope it works. It is almost tomorrow again so I am going to BED!!!

Christmus Catcus December 12, 2010

I am anxious to hear all about your weekend. I know it was great and a beautiful winter land. Ski areas are so beautiful, if you didn't ever have to drive in it.
My friend brought me a Christmas Catcus. It is a beautiful white one. I have one in pink. Mine is blooming now. They are supposed to bloom at Christmas and mine doesn't always do that but this year it is. I had to take a picture of the one Jeanne gave me. I was shocked that the little camera felt as heavy as it did. I am trying to be very faithful about doing my exercises 3x a day. The therapist says I can't hurry the recovery time. At least, I don't want to make it longer.
Tomorrow is therapy again. After that my tennis team is meeting for lunch. I want to stop at the restaurant and give them some cards and pictures but not stay. My ex neighbor from Carmichael is coming at 1:00 to visit and bring over dinner for that night. Keeping busy makes the time go by so much faster.
Also I found my DVD of The Forgotten Carols. Right in plain site but so much commotion of getting caught up on things and moving furniture back into place, it's a wonder that I even knew where I was . Bud has a meeting tomorrow night, if he gets back in time we will watch it then. If not we will watch it on Wednesday night.
Ellene called me yesterday. Interesting phone call. I asked her about some things of the past and she gets pretty confused. She said for me to tell you and Norma "Merry Christmas" if she didn't get in touch with you. Her arthritis in her shoulders makes it hard to write. And the weather there has been colder than usual.
Have you set up an appointment for Dioni yet?

Believe December 11, 2010

I found this great word in a great person's house. Regardless of what I wrote last tine. December is a month for believing! Believe in everything good. I do believe that December will be over in 20 days!
And I am sure that will be good also-just different!
Robin is over cleaning house, that is really good. Manuel is going to take my place going to the Rose Bowl parade. I am glad he can go, this way, Bud will go and I won't worry about him.
Thinking about you in Park City and I know you are having a wonderful time. You both deserve it.

My DREAM picture. December 9. 2010

ok, this is not one of MY pictures but some day I am going to stretch out like that! Both arms over my head and completely relaxed. Wow!! So for now, I will just "Carry On" and someday, I will be there.
But in the meantime I am canceling December!
Next December, I am going to be a CAT!
Today has really been a good day. No one came today. I relaxed all day, even took a nap. My exercises were a little bit easier. I go to therapy tomorrow to see if I am doing them the right way, get some new ones.

Park City Moose December 7, 2010

Check out the moose while you are in Park City and see if she is in Christmas finest dress.
it is almost time for biggest loser. I didn't realize it was so late. The next rule is rule #16

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
( It also helps in rehab)

Park City December 6, 2010

Aren't you lucky or blessed? I think it is all because you are married to such a nice honest car salesman! Don't you think?? He is defintely a keeper. You will go far with him! You didn't do bad for your self either A very successful week end. Good work!
I am trying to let my pain pills take effect before I try to find a good place to try to sleep. Sleep is not a easy thing right now. I got started on physical therapy today. Some of the exercises are hard but should help.
Today, I read the book today on slow down. I started the other one. It starts out very depressing!
I am starting to get sleepy now and I need to brush my teeth.

My Orchid with a filter December 3, 2010

Thank you so much for the books, cards and beautiful pictures. Such a beautiful place! You are now spoiled and Rod is going to have to work hard next year. I love your Christmas necklace.
As your card says, I need to fast forward a little but then Pause at the good times. I have read a lot of Susan Polis Schutz writings. I like her. I don't know what is happening tomorrow but I will put my books in my bag just in case I stay. If I do stay,I have 2 friends who said they were coming to see me. Robin was here last night and she is really sick now. Once I get my surgery, they will be giving me antibotics, just to make sure that I don't get any hospital acquired infections. Maybe that will help with everything.
Tell Dioni that I like her card. The card makes me think of her.
Hope all your parties are going good. Rule # 35
35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

It's never too late.

Truck December 1,2010

Think Kenny can fix this ole truck up?? It is going to be tomorrow soon so I had better hurry, make this short so it can be on one day. I know you have lots going the next few days so you don't have much time to read anyway.
# 42 The best is yet to come.

Gulf Shores November 30, 2010

It was the last day of November when I sat down but now I see it is the first day of December. So hard to believe! It is hard for me to get good sleep, harder to toss and turn. Tonight will be especially hard. The doctor's nurse called at 5:00 tonight and would I like to have surgery on Wednesday (which is now today)
I thought why not. At one time it was for Wednesday anyway.
She tried to call the doctor but he had already left, so she couldn't give me any details. Don't eat or drink after 12:00, show up at hospital admitting at 9:00 in the morning but she didn't know what time surgery was. I want to get this over with so I hope there are no more changes.
My friend came over with a crock pot with a whole chicken, carrots an potatoes and bread for dinner, for lunch another friend brought over chili, cornbread and biscotti. They were all very good. I don't usually eat this good!
Another rule from the Life Lessons goes with the conversation we were having before I got the phone call coming in.And that is rule #17
17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
We were discussing all the stuff that takes up so much time in
our lives. Wish me luck, blessings prayers and any and everything else for my surgery tomorrow.