Another Day at the salt mine

Having nothing to do except going to Drs, is really boring. My vision isn't good enough to read, which I loved to do; there is really nothing on TV worth watching, and I can't walk very far due to my breathing and my back.  So, Mock came up with a great idea - Audio Books.  Totally neat. Today we went to the Public Library to check out their stock of audio books.  

We forgot that our voting system is allowing people to vote early. Mock dropped me off and had to park in the "North 40."  I have a card for the Kissimmee Library, but I didn't even know this library existed. Mock had been there several times.  Of course, my card wouldn't have worked there even if I had been able to find it.  It's for Osceola County. I had to fill out an application and they will mail me the card.  Mock had his card so I checked out a book written by Joyce Meyer. I believe this is her first novel.  I can't wait to hear it.  I will be prepared next time with a list of books I want to hear.

Therapy for my right arm is going well.  The therapist comes to the house and has me do exercises.  She also gives my arm and "the knots" in my arm a massage to free up the muscles and tendons.  She's also doing some stretching of the arm too.  Today's was excruciating and Ween ran over to the couch to see what she was doing to me.  She's so protective of me.  I assured her I was okay and told her to go back to her pillow (to lay down.)  I look forward to each session as it is freeing up my arm to do routine tasks.  

I don't have any more Dr's appts this week.  (Wahoo) Therapy on Thursday, and Friday Ruth is coming to visit. She mentioned the Red Lobster as a potential place to eat. It is always so great to see her. She has been a close friend for so many years.  She is another one that I could call any time and she'd be here as quickly as possible.  I am so truly blessed.

LIFE IS FUNNY

Why I'm not surprised when things happen, is probably because crazy "earthly" things happen so often with me. Vicki and I are both officially scheduled for surgery on the Wednesday, before Thanksgiving. Dr. Filart's scheduling nurse called today and that is the earliest they can schedule me.  I'm really okay with it.  (God has a sense of humor, doesn't He. )

I'm not supposed to have stress in my life but as you know, life is not always smooth and easy. Right now, someone very close to me is upset because of a misunderstanding.  She won't talk to me about it and only answers my text with sarcasm and curt meaningless statements.  She doesn't know what this is doing to me, emotionally.  I'm trying to stay calm but it's difficult when you have personal relationships that are sometimes out of whack.  I pray we can solve this quickly.

Charles is returning from NY today.  He should have left about 30 minutes ago and will be home around 6:30.  I have missed him but he works hard when he is gone and needs rest when he returns.

Ween is adjusting to sleeping on the floor.  I had to move her to the floor because of Charles' allergies.  When we move, she won't be able to sleep on the furniture so I decided to start early moving her.  She seems okay, but she still tries to get up on the couch because she CRAVES attention.  Such a brat.

Not much to do today.  Mary brought me some "packs" of homemade mac/cheese.  I had to have one.  That was my lunch.  She is an awesome friend. (and cook).  I am so blessed.

Update on Vicki

Vicki called a few minutes ago.  The doctor at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa discussed the options.  The most viable one is surgery to remove the kidney and growth.  The won't know the extent of the cancer until they get to  the growth. After they determine the extent of the growth, they will know how to proceed. Right now the surgery is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving.

Funny thing - my nurse scheduler called yesterday and wants to schedule my surgery for the same day.  If we were in for the same thing, we could be roomies.  I don't think either hospital is ready for both of us at the same time.

I go to my neurologist next week.  I had bloodwork done for her.  We'll see how the medication worked.  I am feeling so much better most days.  God is good.

Gems and Jewels

Jewels in God's crown are friends you can call any time, and they respond with eagerness.  One such friend, Vicki, has just received a harsh blow of earthly reality - she has been diagnosed with a cancerous growth on her kidney, and a spot on her lung.  This is devastating to me. I can't imagine how it was to her.

No one can compare with Vicki - she is a solid, giving, loving, christian lady. She has never refused to help anyone with anything.  She has painted my house. She has helped me move at least 4 times.  She's purchased beautiful live Christmas Trees, brought them to my house, set them up and even helped decorate.  She calls to cheer me while I've been sick.  She even made a platform bed for me so that Ween could get onto it to sleep.  
We've been to retreats together.  We've attended Bible studies together.  I can't even remember half of the things we've done over the years. It's been such a "wild and crazy time."

She has two married daughters with grandchildren.  Her husband, Hank, is a strong Christian man who supports her in all her "Adventures."  Other than him being a Seminole, he's okay.

I love Vicki as a sister in Christ.  She has been such a wonderful example for me to follow. Please God.  Heal her.

THE BIG APPLE

Law and Order, even on the plane.

The "BIG APPLE"is pretty much the way I remember.  We were there to celebrate Charles' birthday. He takes such good care of me. He rented a scooter for me and it was invaluable. I don't know what I would have done w/o it. Jenn, Kenny, Pat and David were also there.  Tom couldn't make it.

Horizon from the plane

Saturday we arrived at LaGuardia about 8:30 am. Everyone else went to tour. I rested. I also had a friend, Lucinda, come to the hotel and we went for a tour of Broadway. She was so patient with me and helped me get through the "hoards" of people.  (I thought Main Street traffic was bad.)  True New Yorkers crossed the streets against the lights.  I was too chicken and slow to do that.  Lucinda didn't want to risk it either.  It was great to see Lucinda again. She brought me a piece of Red Velvet Cake that was unbelievable.  Evidently there is a small bakery that is famous for it's cakes, especially Red Velvet, so she went there, stood in line for over an hour, and purchased 2 pieces.  One for her and one for me.  (See what kind of friends I have.  They're awesome.)

Restaurant

Lucinda took me to her favorite place to eat in Manhattan.  It was a small "diner-like" bistro that had good food and lots of atmosphere.  I didn't even realize that we hadn't paid until we were leaving.  I asked Lucinda if she paid, she said no she just walked out w/o giving them any money. She, of course, was joking.  I didn't even realize she had paid.  I was too busy checking out the restaurant.  Very colorful.

Gang

Pat and David have never been to NY, so all is new to them. For dinner we ate at a neat Tex/Mex restaurant and then went to The Met to see Carmen. It was fantastic. I miss going to concerts with Tom, my husband.

Sunday was another "tour time" for the group.  I wasn't feeling well, so I stayed in and ordered room service.  We had tickets for a matinee of "Mary Poppins."  The group went to "Bills" for burgers afterward.   Charles brought me a burger back to the room.  Delicious.

Monday is our day to go home.  We have all day as our flight is not until 6:00 pm.  I woke nauseated so once again the "group" went touring without me.  Kenny and Jenn left very early, so they didn't get to go, but this is mostly a "shopping" day.  Disney Store, Broadway shops, and "Kodak" moments.  I took the scooter back to the valet area to be picked up some time today; then went back to bed. I don't know why I get sick some days; some I don't.  

Lobby of Hotel where we stayed.

When they returned, Charles took me to the hotel restaurant.  I got a BLT.  For some reason, bacon always seems to settle my stomach.  Crazy huh? I felt much better after I ate.  We were picked up at 2:00.  (Charles is great for details.)  Went to the airport, and went through security.  It took me longer because of the pacemaker, but they were thorough and I don't mind that at all.  We had to wait again at the gate, and by 6:00 were boarded and left good old New York.  

WAHOO

This is my third good day; more normal; level vital signs, AND, I am starting to remember better.  I am walking more, cooking, and more energy.  It's about time.  I am so thankful.

Going to New York is on the menu for Saturday.  We are going to celebrate "someones" birthday.  Friends are meeting us there, plans are made for an opera and musical.  At this moment in time, I am planning to go.  I pray that I will be able to do that.

Once again, I'm going to board Ween.  I'm trying the new Disney kennel called "Best Friends."  It's a luxury resort type kennel and hopefully she will like this place better.  We get a discount as a cast member, so it is only a few dollars more than the place she stayed before.  She has abandonment issues but I hope this will make leaving her a little better.

Paperwork needs to be done before I leave Sat.  It's in a pile on the table. Hopefully, I'll get it done.  I am such a procrastinating princess.  Hopefully my "card" will arrive before I leave.  I have to have an ID card indicating I have a pacemaker.  If not, Dr Filart's office provided me with documentation indicating I have one, but I'd like to have the "official" one.

Ween and I have been going to the mail boxes each day.  She likes getting out and I need to walk. Usually, we walk after dinner, but Julie, Holly and Charles are coming by to discuss the necessary decisions on paint, tiles, etc. I'm excited. Ween is excited too.