President Regan January 31, 2011

We went to Ventura last spring for a Elderhostel. Regan's Library was only 30-40 miles away in Simi Valley. We decided to go and this is the plane he used as president. His birthday was not long ago so this is Happy Birthday Ronnie!
Talking about planes, you have several plane trips to make coming up. Should be fun!
The therapist noticed I had some redness on my arm last week and this week too. She said I could have some infection so she called the doctor. The next thing I knew, I had a prescription waiting for me. I think my arm is not doing so good because I can't use the other arm very much and I don't have the sleeve yet. I need to call that company and see when it will be ready.
I spent most of my time going over Weight Watcher's tonight. It seems harder to me this time. I think I have 3 days figured out. It took me awhile to get my recipe in. I was able to calculate some bought foods. This has been a long and busy day. I still have over an hour before my last medicine today. What day are you going to weight watchers?

More patterns January 30, 2011

This is the floor in our civic center downtown. They made a new area a few years ago and I love the whole area. Yesterday's picture was from there too.
I thought about you at church today. The sermon was on the beatitudes. You know- Blessed are .... and on.
Rod looks real good for his birthday. Maybe he doesn't need to go to Weight Watchers. I signed up on line today. I was afraid that I might not do it if I waited until tomorrow. The leader I like does class on Monday at 9:00 and 12:00. Tomorrow I have therapy at 9:00 and probably be finished at 10:00. It is close to a mile to walk over there from the hospital. I need to find my pedometer. If I am too early, I'll walk some more. It is all through different shopping centers. So it will be a safe place to walk. We had a good rain today so I didn't walk.
I just realized what time it is. Hallmark is having a movie on at 9:00 and I need to finish this and get ready to watch it.

Repeat of lines and circles January 29 2011

I love windows and doors or something that leads you in, in a picture. I also like repeat patterns like the pillars and light bulbs. I took that yesterday while going to the art gallery.
I was thinking of you today. After I got my mail and I got a save for taxes envelope. It had to do with the extra retirement money that I didn't know I was getting from my retirement in 1999. I couldn't figure out some of the taxes on it. I couldn't find my original work on it. I thought about you and the Social Security problems you were having. It took me at least 2 hours to find what I wanted and figure it out. After all that was taken care of, I read your blog. I had already planned on going to weight watchers on Monday. That is when my favorite leader is there. I knew the plan had changed but I haven't seen it. Congratulations on your getting started. Most people start on the first day of January and I am starting on the last day.
It is raining now. We had so much rain last month. Hardly any rain this month. I sorta miss it, maybe because I hate fog and we had that. And rain makes me feel lazy and I was starting to get lazy in December.

Another breast cancer ribbon January 28, 2011

Happy Birthday to Rod! So nice to be so young! Will you ever get old?? I hope it has been a good day
I saw another breast cancer ribbon that I hadn't seen earlier. It was next to the gallery.I went downtown Roseville to see a photography showing at a gallery. I have to do that for my photography class. I don't know that I can write as much about it as she wants. That will be another day. I went to arm/shoulder therapy today.He said I could use some 3 lb. weights for triceps and biceps. Now to check it out with lymphedema therapist for my right arm so I can stay equal on both sides. I don't go back to see arm/shoulder therapist for 2 weeks. It is still light, a little cool but I think I will go for a short walk. Iwent over to feed the dog, she was really expecting to walk. I hated to walk away and leave her so I gave her a treat.
I forgot to mention earlier, Congratulations to Terry on his job. I hope he likes it.

What happened to my spring weather?? We are really having heavy fog in the morning and evening. This is the way it was in Fresno. I had to be at therapy today at 9:00. I was glad I didn't have far to go. I have therapy at 11:00 tomorrow. The sun came out today before I had to go to class. So I got my 2 mile walk in.
The therapy was good. She did the massage and I have another appointment on Monday. She measured my arm, said I should always wear long sleeves outside. Forget the tan she said. I don't think I have ever been 'white'.
I met your friend in New Jersey. It is good that you still keep in touch. I think Rod will do good at his geneology talk or class that he is doing. I read your blog this morning and forgot to reread it before I started writing.

Garden toad January 26, 2011

Another one of my fake garden critters.
Meeting tonight at church. Lots more meetings and lots of work to be done. I feel little bit better about it tonight. Still lots of unknown to me. Like I said before, I need this challenge like a hole in my head! Going from a empty calendar to a full one and some double booked. Just trying to be like my sister! Therapy early tomorrow and class with my walk to and from. I now have to do 2 more sets of exercises today. The meeting lasted longer than I planned.

Feels like spring January 25, 2011

I thought you might want to see what a beautiful day we had today. I wish it could be like this all the time. Sorry about your snow!! It was a good day! I slept better last night. I needed activity to let me sleep better.
I hope you get all Dioni's things together. Problems like that take up so much time. I am glad to hear about McKay. He seems to have it all together. I am glad you can all go in March. I am also glad to hear about Branson. I will be glad to get this lymphedema setteled and under control. Then I can start planning again.
I loved seeing our friend dressed for the winter. You look good also. Wonder what she looks like at Easter??
Time for my last exercise before going to bed.

Crazy elephant in my backyard Jannuary 24, 2011

My friend is into ceramics. She donated a bird house to Relay as a raffle prize and I bought one from her. When I broke my arm, she brought me this elephant that she had made.
So happy to hear the news of Terry's job. I hope it works out for him.
I spent 2 hours in the lymphedema meeting this morning and have a one on one meeting with her on thursday. I should learn more about what to do and how long will this last. She went over only general things this morning. It was such a pretty day. I took the neighbor's dog for a walk. I don't know which one of us was more tired. I brought her back to my yard while I picked up prunings. I think she was happy to go home and go to bed. I felt like going to bed at 8:00 but I don't want to be up at 4:00 am. Tomorrow is my first day back to school. I plan on parking at the Church and walking to school. It is little over a mile there and a mile back. I am so out of shape. Another hour and I can do my last set of exercises and go to bed.

Charter members to church 25th Jan. 23, 2011

Today was our anniversary gathering after church. The pictures went fine. I got one of the visitors to take this picture for us.
It is not spring for us yet. The tulips were from last year, but some of the bulbs are starting to come up. It was in the low 70's yesterday but I think it was in the 50's today. I have been cold most of the afternoon. Even after Norma told me got down to 17 below. It didn't make me feel any warmer.
I like the picture of Laska and Paula. I enjoyed meeting them

Red Tulips Jan. 22, 2011

Tulips from last year. They are starting to come up. I am ready for spring! The last 2 days have been nice and warm ( after a 36 degree start) Good weather sure improves the mood. Today was a good day. A few of us celebrated the birthday of a worker who moved to Oregon 20 years ago and is now back. She is such a sunny, funny, outgoing woman. It is so nice to have her back. A very enjoyable afternoon. I also put together 17 years of pictures, proofs, folders of a girl who is now in college. Her mother lives on the route that I was taking for the birthday lunch so I dropped those off at her house. It felt good to get those out of the darkroom.
Time for my last set of exercises and to bed. Tomorrow is another busy day.

Irish Shamrock Jan. 21, 2011

I thought I sent you a blog yesterday. I don't see it on my blog. I must have forgotten to save. Today's picture is if Irish shamrocks. They bloom from January until the weather gets hot. I am glad you are doing pictures with your blogs. Your blogs are so inspiring even without pictures but I always love pictures. I got 2 new exercises yesterday to go with my other 4. Doing them 4x a day takes up some time. But I am getting stronger. I still have to use those 3 words PATIENCE, TIME AND FOCUS. They will always be with me no matter what is going on.
I am glad you didn't have to make up your mind about Dioni going to CA. Something will work out later and you and Lori Jo will be able to concentrate on Avon and being warm!
We are watching a movie tonight. I forgot the name of it. I think that is a good ides to take pictures of your trophy dolls with the information written underneath.
We had beautiful weather today.

Bike and walking bridge over American river Jan. 19, 2011

Today was a busy day. I almost miss my stay at home days. Oh well, back to the real world! The world I really love(d). Out to lunch with the friends from work. While I was close to the river, I thought I should take a little walk. The sun had come out and I needed a different picture for the day. Then to the grocery store and a board meeting at church. There, I was put into a job that I think is over my head and a lot of work. I always need a new challenge (like a hole in my head). A little out of my comfort zone.
I got dust on the sensor of my point and shoot camera that I like the most. I will have to use photoshop to get the dust spot out and I don't want to work that hard on important pictures. I have to take pictures at church on Sunday for a function. The big camera is a little heavier than I thought I was ready for. My arm is getting stronger and it will take better pictures anyway so I guess I will use it. So I had better do my last set of exercises for the day. It is getting late again.

Utah bird in Utah in November January18, 2011

It is hard to see. He didn't stay long enough for me to do much. What kind of bird is he??
Did your head stop spinning long enough to decide what you are doing at your Avon convention. It is fun to plan for fun thing. Tonight is biggest loser and you have your meeting.
The sun came out today. We haven't seen it for days. I would hate to live in Alaska and not see the sun for months.
Tomorrow is lunch with people I used to work with, then a board meeting at church at night. I got kinda lazy staying at home for so long. It is good to get out but I get tired easier.
I am anxious to hear what your decision is for Dioni.
I hope you can send more pictures now. I enjoyed that.

Feeding time January 17, 2011

I put out my thistle sock for the birds after being so foggy for several days. The yellow finches love this. They almost cover the whole thing.
I was going to do my blog last night but I started on the puzzle and the next thing I knew it was late and I still had another set of therapy exercises to do.
I hope the colonoscopy went well. The preparation isn't fun, but you get a little nap out of the procedure. What a difference in your blood pressure! I saw a wrist blood pressure cuff for $25.00 on Tuesday morning web. That was a few days ago. I am going to order it if it is still there.
I have bridge this afternoon in Rocklin. A lady from Church lives near there and this past week she got really ill. They don't know what is wrong with her but she is still at home with pain. I am going to leave early and stop by and see her. I asked her what she would like for lunch (she is in her 80's and lives alone). She said a hamburger used to make her feel good when she felt bad. I told her that I would bring her one over.

Mardi Gras In Alabama 2010 Jan. 15, 2011

I almost forgot to do my picture today. I decided to do my memories of Alabama in the Mardi Gras necklace that I bought for a souviner. Bud started cleaning out the garage so I had to be out there and protect my domain. Then I had to clean out another cabinet to put my saves in. Not what I had planned to do today. It was a little bit too much but some of it needed to be done. Some things are more organized.
It sounds like you had a good day. Did you find out good things at the health fair? I like the information that you sent from Maya Angelou. I copied it to put in my favorite sayings and readings.
We watched a movie tonight-"Flipped" It wasn't very interesting.
I have to do my last set of exercises now.

Old lamp post January 14, 2011

The old lamp post is near where I got fitted for my new sleeve. I am tired tonight. I guess I got lazy not doing much. I went to Costco after the fitting then went for a short walk. The weather was really nice today. I should try to walk a little each day. I hope your day was less stressful than yesterday. I believe in the one day at a time, who knows what tomorrow might bring.
I worked on the puzzle most of the evening. Just as I was going to quit, I would find another fit. Finally, I said enough is enough! I thought I should blog before going to bed.
Dioni looked very pretty in her outfit. I am sure she felt pretty also. It is nice that you have Terry close enough to help you when you need help.
The person who did the fitting for me said I might qualify for 3 bras. I have to submit something to my doctor.
Have a good day tomorrow. I keep saying God has been trying to tell me to slow down. Shingles, Cancer, Carpel Tunnel, broken bone and now lymphedema! I don't listen very good. Maybe He is trying to tell you something with little scares. Take it easy.

my yellow solar light jan.13, 2011

My little yellow solar light didn't get much light today so probably won't shine tonight. It is a bright color in the day so it helps this cloudy rainy day.
Today, I shall write my 3 words in larger letters. They aren't going across very good in regular letters. Time, Patience, and Focus
That should help! I do have lymphedema. I go in tomorrow to be fitted for the sleeve. Monday after next, I go to a class on lymphedema. I think after that, it is message and therapy. I stopped at the health food store which is near the hospital and spent $60.00 dollars I got stuff for lymphedema and bones. Now to remember to take it. First, I have to read all the papers he gave me.
I also got my package that had The Chronological Bible in it. It is a omen to have that today.
I just got off the phone with you. Hopefully, your blood pressure will go down during the night and tomorrow will be a good day of eating good and back to a normal good. I think we all inherited daddy's high blood pressure. It is hard not to worry about things, when we don't feel like we should.
As Bud's uncle used to always say " here's looking to you kid" It was from the movie Casablanca. I have another friend who is in her upper 80's is always saying Kid... this or that.
Anyway, here's looking to us.
It raine tod

Jan. 12, 2011 Camellias

I hope my memory is better at bridge than this blog

Jan. 12, 2011 Camellias

I have bridge tonight. My friend is picking me up. I drove around the block today but that was all. I was going to see my 91 year old friend who lives about a mile away. Instead, I pruned my roses. right hand only! With bridge tonight and my first real big outing, I thought I should play it safe and not do more than I should. Bridge always last until 11:00 at night.
I found that my camellias were blooming. Very hard to find something new to take a picture of everyday.
Tomorrow is my day with the oncologist and if I am not too tired, I am going to my art group meeting.
Dioni, I started a very hard puzzle today. I don't know when I will finish it.

Kaiser sculptures Jan.11, 2011

Today is my Red Letter Day!
I was given permission to drive. I haven't done it yet, but I can. My x-rays are good. I am all pinned together. I am also starting on strengthing exercises, same ones that I had when I had rotator cuff problems. I get a new therapist next week. The one I have is going to be off for 4 months with a spinal fusion. And I thought I had it bad. He is young. I hope I like the other one as much as I liked this one. I don't go back to the orthopedic doctor for 4-6 weeks.
We may get rain this afternoon.

The sun came out today Jan. 10, 2011

It is still very cold out but not foggy. That helps a little but not much. This is why my picture. The sun was shining on my plant and I have a screen in front of it. So I took a picture of the screen.
Congratulations to being old! But your birthday is not until March! Then you are OLD! As I look back into my youth, the 60's were mot old, but when I got into my 7o's that is when I become old. Maybe you can wait until your 80's.
This is how I think your new year in Avon is going:
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."
– Anatole France

Bowie Jan.9, 2011

Not much happening today but this is to record my year of whatever or nothing. I went to Church today, that was a first since thanksgiving. I was happy to see my little 19 year old friend was there. She is the one that I taught in sunday school 10 years ago. She only came for a few months. She came back on her own several months ago. You never know what you teach years ago stays with a person and makes a difference. The age of the people in our church is old, but in the last few months 2 college age boys started coming. It is so nice to see the young people especially since it was announced that 3 of our widows are now having some life threating health issues. So sad! I feel bad that I can't go see them now. I have some cards ready to send.
Today was my last day with taking care of Bowie (the neighbor's dog) She is always so happy to see me. It brightens up my day. I like a part time dog.
I emailed my oncologist about possible lymphedema. I am anxious to see what he has to say.
Lori Jo, I challenge you to do one picture a day and send it on a blog to me. You don't have to write. I am trying to do one picture a day and record it. It is hard when you don't have kids, animals or can't drive anywhere to find something different, BUT that is my challenge.

Exercise handle Jan. 8, 2011

Wow! What a two days you have had. I got tired for you! So many good and encouraging things that are going on. When you lay your head down to sleep, your brain must keep going. Such good news to find out about Dioni's family's medical history. And many years ago, who would have thought that McKay could become the person that he is becoming??
Nothing new here. I try to think my three words: patience, focus and time. We are still having cold foggy days. I am getting a few things done that I want to do. Last night was cleaning out the file cabinet (one of them). Sounds like fun! Anyway, it needed it and I filled a waste basket full of old papers. I have quite a few other projects like that, that should be done.
The picture is a little arty rendition of the handle of my handle to my pulleys for therapy.

Another cold day Jan. 6, 2011

Another cold and foggy day! I guess this is what winter is about. A fire sure helps. We are going to need to prune more trees for next winter.
Today has been a good day. The cloud that you see in the commercial that follows a woman around is gone. I didn't even know that I had it until this morning. I woke up feeling great. I started on some of the few Christmas decorations and put together dinner in the crock pot. Almost normal. Still not much strength in the left hand but Bud is pretty much my left hand.
My horoscope today, even if it wasn't mine, I would still like it.
Meditate without worrying if you're doing it correctly. Notice your breath, slowly in and out. The clarity this provides easily solves practical issues.
The reason that I like this so much is, in Pilates, the main function is breathing and that is the way I get through the hard parts of my therapy.
Hope your phone call was good.

Not quite there Jan. 6, 2011

I thought I was into my cat stretch pose but I see that I am quite aways off. I guess I will move the pillow next, If I got on the floor, I would never get up. Anyway, this is quite a stretch with me. I go to the doctor next week, X-rays first, then to the doctor, then to therapy. If the x-rays look good, I may get to drive, also I will find out if the head of the bone has good blood supply and if the plate and pins are where they are supposed to be. That will only take me to the next step. I have to remember my 3 words: FOCUS, PATIENCE, TIME

A cold day Jan.5, 2011

We have had some cold weather also, but nothing like yours!
I got my first letter from the 11 week program. PUSH UPS! I was afraid of that. I looked at the healthy section and they still had push ups. I will be glad when I can use that arm to get up with. I have done them before and I know you can
do them. I like the way that you are sticking to your plan. FOCUS, the word you used, I need that to add to patience. Time is another key word and it is going pretty quickly. Sometimes I don't think so.
So my new words for the first 6 months----PATIENCE, FOCUS AND TIME. If I can keep those in my mind, everything will fall in place.
As far as Phil's first letter of your name, I have been thinking about that.
I would like to be Merry and Meditate to be Motivated to do the things that I should. There must be more.

Truck in Arizona Jan 1, 2011

A truck for Kenny!
Happy New Year! I just sent you an email but I wanted to start a blog on the first day of the year. I need to do one more set of exercises and watch the news, Have a good year.