Another Beautiful Day

The sun is shining and I'm feeling well. I seemed to be hungry all day....I suppose making up for the weight I lost the day before, so the scale seems to have held and I didn't drop any lower. Just losing 3 lbs total this round of chemo. Not bad! With only one round left, I don't think I'll have any problem coming out strong. Less than a week away, I'm starting to get anxious for it to be over.
Your prayers have helped me so much, and I know they will get me through to the end. I'll be Spotless!
Yesterday I sat at the track for 5 hours, and finally cried uncle at 9:15 and missed the most exciting race of the day. Close to 10 p.m. Kim called with the news that Katie's 4 X 400 relay team had taken first place in a close race, and set a school record. I felt bad that I had left....but I was cold and stiff and hungry for something other than the snack food I had packed to munch on. The Colie, Allie and Katie all placed in several of their events, and I hear Tommy's 6th grade 4 X 400 relay ended up in 3rd place as well. It was a good day at the track...Long....but good.
Today I need to get organized for the weekend, as I'll go to the cabin early tomorrow morning and don't know when I'll be home, other than on Sunday for the Twins game that the whole family will be going to. I need to shop and pack this morning, cause I'm going out for dinner to celebrate Rosie's birthday, my former boss, and party with all my college friends. Busy day, but one that should be fun. Hope you have a happy day too! Love and prayers, m

Good Morning Sunshine!

The sun is shining, the humidity has dropped, and I'm feeling well. I did have a bout with diarrhea yesterday and a little light-headedness that I think goes a long with that. So I have lost a few pounds but nothing to get upset about, as I know I can put it back on in the next week before I start my 8th round of chemo (and hopefully last).
I had my hair cut and colored yesterday, and Jan (friend and beautician) noticed that my hair was thinning a bit. (Annie had noticed that a few days ago too.) But the color and cut did help make it look a little fuller. They had told me before the chemo that my hair might thin, but I wouldn't lose it all. With only one round left, I'm guessing I will be fine and start growing it back soon.
Yesterday afternoon, I got an email from my son Jimbo, saying that his friend Ric Zwack had a heart attack and was in surgery to have a stint put in. So I hope you will all keep Ric and his family in your prayers. He did come through the surgery well, and I am going to see him today. I'm still in disbelief that someone as young as that and in what I thought was good shape would have a heart attack and have a blockage that needed a stint.
Besides the hospital visit, I'll be at the district track meet for the 4 grand kids in middle school track. Hoping they all do well. Hope you all have a great day as well, love and prayers, m

Sunny, Sunny Day!

The sun is shining, and the sky is blue, so I'm feeling great. It will be a quiet day, having my hair done, and granddaughter Katie needs a ride this evening, and then I'll be home to watch the Biggest Loser finale. Can't wait....I'm sure I'll be on the phone with Janet most of the commercials!
I went to the cabin yesterday, and feed my birds....those nasty squirrels had torn down two of the feeders and something had tipped over one of my flower boxes, so I need to buy another pack of inpatients to replant it. Also discovered a dead tree had fallen in front of the travel trailer on the back lot, and there is another just as dead that hasn't fallen, but needs to come down as well. Grass was knee high and the weeds are running a muck in my garden. So lots of work to do up there. The boys will be working on it Friday and Saturday, along with pulling up those pavers and planting the seed on the hill. It just never ends! But the birds singing, and the wrens nesting in my bird house, and the view from the deck while sitting in the sun makes up for all of that. Hope you have a great day, love and prayers, m

Come Holy Spirit!

Yesterday was a very emotional morning for me at church as it was Pentecost, I found it hard to even sing some of the songs without getting choked up. The words of a prayer I often said as a child kept running through my head "Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of the faithful and inspire in them the fire of thy love." and the words of the final song "Go and change the world". Years ago when I was sick and survived, I kept saying God wasn't through with me yet, and I guess he still isn't. I must have work to do. I don't know if I can change the whole world....but I can change my world....so I guess the Spirit must be pushing me to get to work! I certainly felt the Spirit working in me.
I did have a nice day, shopping with Annie and Matthew....then picking up Allie from hockey and shopping some more. Showed Annie all the bathroom fixtures I'd like to put in the cabin and looking at tile for the floor etc. Then moving to the garden shop and finding seed and netting to hold it on the hill etc. to hopefully appease the county and their concerns about that path around the hill. We've plans to pull up the pavers and some decking the end of this week, which should bring our percent of square footage of covered ground down to 25% or less....so lets hope we'll pass the muster on June 4.
My weight and strength and sleeping all seem to be holding....but tomorrow will tell the tale....I only took 1/2 of the steroid today.....yesterday only 1 (instead of 2) so the weaning will be over, and if I'm going to loose energy it will be tomorrow that I'll be napping. Luckily I only have a hair appointment planned for Tuesday....and dinner out tonight. I may even take a run to the cabin this morning, and feed the birds...just for the fun of it. Hope you all have a good day, the sun is shining but they are predicting record highs (92) as well as humidity. Happy Hot Day! m

Wondering Where the Gorgeous Weekend Went?

The sun did come out for a few hours late yesterday afternoon, and right now we have 75 degree's and tropical humidity. It's going to warm well into the 80's, but they think this will just lead to storms later today. So now the question is....do I go to the cabin this afternoon or not? We'll see what it looks like after church.
I am feeling well, slept good again last night and the scale hasn't dropped at all (well it had last night about 6 pounds which blew my mind, and then I realized that the edge of the scale was pushed up against the wall and not my real wait, so once I moved it....I was 6 pounds heavier.....lol) Good trick if you want to lose wait!
We'll see what the day brings, hopefully only good things! Love and prayers, m

Promise of a Better Day!

Supposed to be a much nicer day, warmer and brighter, but right now it looks like rain, maybe a storm nicking us in the Northwest area of the metro in the next couple of hours but the weather lady says it will clear and then maybe come back overnight. So I think I'll wait and go to the cabin tomorrow, and feed my birds and water my flowers if they need it....and just relax.
I got unplugged yesterday, so I won't feel the lag in energy till about Monday or Tuesday, cause I get weaned off the meds till Monday. So far that is not a problem, I slept better the last two nights, and the tingling in my fingers has lessened as the week went on. So feeling a lot better as a whole. Still working on the cabin problems, hoping we can still start the project this summer, but there are a lot of if's to consider. We'll see what the contractor thinks the timeline will be. Then make the decision at that time. So for now I guess I can't worry about it....or try not to. I'm trying to think positive.
Today I think I'll work on those gardens that I was supposed to earlier in the week, but didn't! But if it does rain, I guess I'll put it off again to another day. I also have to go get some groceries to take with me to the lake. So hopefully it will be a better day! Love and prayers, m

Waiting for the Sun to Come Out...Promised by Noon

Not a good day so far....have to go get unplugged now so I'll get back later and explain! m

Went to the Wright County Planning Board Meeting this morning early (had to leave home at 7:30 a.m.) and then did not get approval for the variance as we will be over 25% of the lot in impermeable coverage, so we have to make some changes and come back in two weeks after tearing up about 800 pavers and some decking we had placed on the lake front area where our fire pit was. So that puts at least 2 weeks off our schedule which we wanted to be mostly done by the 4th of July. So now I have to make the decision if I want it torn up and only half done by the 4th....or but the whole project off till Fall.
I had lunch with the retiree's and wannabees this afternoon after getting unplugged from my chemo pump.....and vented to a bunch of friends and heard other horror stories about other counties codes and variances and I am feeling a little better...but the sun is still not shinning and it's still threatening to rain....so my stress and anger level has come down a little, but the sun would sure help my mood. So sorry this email isn't as upbeat as usual...I'm sure the sun will come out tomorrow, and I know can't worry about things I have no control over....so we'll take up the pavers and get some sod, to make them happy, and hopefully we'll get the variance on June 4. Love and prayers, m

Round Seven, Day 2

Time passes so fast except when you are lying in bed and can't fall asleep. I was awake past 4 a.m. this morning, after going to bed at 10:45 p.m. I even got up twice and took meds to help me sleep, and on top of it all, I woke up at my normal time. Ughhh!
It is going to be a gorgeous day again today, such a change from last week, when I was freezing to death watching a track meet, it was near 80 yesterday while I watched. All the girls ran well, Allie taking first in all her events, Katie running her personal best in the 1600m race, and Nicole taking first in the 100 by a lot....I think she is taking after her mom. Tommy ran in 3 events, but unfortunately didn't fare as well as the girls.
While I was laying in bed last night I did a lot of redesigning of the new addition, mostly of the new bathroom, and today I'm going to look for vanities....I think I'll hit Menards, Lowes and Home Depot. Also have to work in the yard again this afternoon, and finish the laundry I started yesterday. So lots to do.
Tomorrow I get to go to the Wright Co. planning board to hopefully get that permit, and all my plans will start in action. Keep those fingers crossed and prayers coming. Love and prayers, m

Round 7 Day 1

Another gorgeous day, and I'm sitting in a lounge chair attached to a IV pole, getting my chemo....when I could or should be sitting in the sun. Not really complaining, as after this I only have one more to go! So only another 2 weeks and I'm out of here! That is my goal, and I know you have all been praying hard that that will happen.
Yesterday I worked in the back garden and vacuumed up a ton of leaves, and they are looking pretty good. Only problem is it also pumped a bunch of dust into the air and now my allergies are running amuck.
Last evening I went to the "Look Good, Feel Better" workshop, and came home with a bag full of comestics. They said about $400 worth. That is if you actually bought those high priced products. In real life I buy Mary Kay at a discount from my daughter-in-law, but even so would have probably cost well over $100 for it all. Was a fun evening, and had conversations and sharing with several other cancer patients.
Janet and I were both running late this morning, and I only arrived 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment with Dr. Londer and ended up sitting in the waiting room 45 minutes before I went in for my blood work that they have to do before seeing the doctor, and then it was another 1/2 hour before actually seeing him, and by the time I got to the chemo area, they were looking for me, as I was one hour late for my appointment. So it is now 1 p.m. and I'll probably be here another hour. Just so I'm out of here by 3, as I have a track meet to get to at 4 p.m....four of the grandkids will be running.
All is well, thank you for the prayers, love, m

Another Beautiful Day

Yesterday was so beautiful and today is starting out the same way, minus the lake view. I got my planting all done put up a few more bird feeders and then headed back home around 2:30. Stopped on my way home and watched Jack play ball and got to visit with Jimbo, Ann, her mom Susie and stepdad Alan and baby Emma....they were all there watching too!
Today I think I will work on the yard again....still have lots to do....and this evening I'm going to American Cancer Assoc. program called "Look good, Feel better". I think I already look good, but I hear that cosmetic companies give you a lot of free stuff.
Nothing new to report, other than the request for prayers for Denise's friend who is having surgery today! Love and prayers, m

Prayer Request from Denise Groll

HI Mary: I have a prayer request for a very special friend, who like
you, is dealing with cancer. Crystal, in her early 40's, was diagnosed
with a type of sarcoma cancer, in the tissue surrounding her left
ankle. The cancer is rare as it usually affects young children.
Crystal was diagnosed on January 22 and has undergone chemo for the
past couple months, but the tumor didn't shrink enough to remove it.
She will be having her left leg amputated below the knee on Tuesday,
May 18th (tomorrow) so could you please add her to your prayer list and
ask our very large family, to keep her in their prayers too. Crystal
is very optimistic and expects to be living her "new normal", cancer
free, life by mid summer and walking on the beach in South Carolina
where they live and she grew up.

PS I sent you a little card today and lit a candle at the Old Mission
in Santa Barbara for you and Crystal. I hope all is well and you are
continuing to make positive strides, so that you can live a "spotless"
life.
Love you and thank you a bunch.
Denise and Tom

Glorious Morning!

I'm sipping my coffee and watching the birds come to my feeders (even orioles) as the sun comes over the hill and onto the glass-like lake surface. It couldn't be much better than this! I planted all the flowers I brought with me yesterday afternoon, but need to go to town and get some more this morning. I spent most of the day all alone, but around 6 p.m. the neighbors to my south stopped in to see their new cabin and sat out on their deck, but when I went to visit, they were gone again. So their place must not be ready for sleeping yet. Then around 9 p.m. I heard car doors and people talking, and realized it was the neighbors to the north, who live in Norway....I'm assuming it was them. I'll find out this morning. They do plan on moving back to Minnesota this summer.
As you can see, I am feeling great. The Son is shining his light on me, and His blessings are abundant. Love and prayers, m

Cabin Fever Strikes Again

When the sun is shining it is hard to fight the need to be at the cabin. So once I do church I'm packing up and going up today.
I got on the scale this morning and gained a couple of pounds, so a sign I'm on the upswing again, and should be ready on Wednesday for that next round of chemo.
I worked hard yesterday planting lots of flowers and herbs here at home, continuing the clean up of the gardens that Annie started a few weeks ago. Today I'll do the same at the cabin. It was so warm....I was even sweating!! Love that sunshine! Also had many birds come to my feeder yesterday.....have a cardinal that came back at least six times throughout the day. Also have seen a pair of goldfinch....first time in Coon Rapids. I get birds all the time at the cabin, but my new birdfeeder in Coon Rapids has now expanded my birdwatching to my home as well. Thanks Bill and Kim. Love and prayers, m

Lovin the Sunshine

Great day yesterday, lunched and talked with Judy for about 3 hours. Thankfully the restaurant wasn't in any hurry to get rid of us either. Janet even joined us for about an hour and added some laughter to the day. Then last evening I got to play with Matthew. Always great conversations with him as well.
I think today I'll work on the yard here at home.....and then go to the cabin tomorrow after church and spend the night up there. I had thought about going today, but need to be here for church tomorrow so I couldn't stay overnight. The weather report looks good for all three days, so I should be able to get my flowers planted in both locations.
I got on the scale this morning, and I am still holding strong. The sun is shining so I feel strong and people tell me I look great....so thank you for all the thoughts and prayers....they are working. Love and prayers, m

Here Comes the Sun!

Hurrah!!! The sun is shining this morning. I can't tell you how much better I feel when the sun is shining. Was sitting here just enjoying the day waking up, when a garbage truck shook me into reality.....I hadn't put out my garbage cans last night....so in my jamies I rushed out and got them to the curb. So now I'm really awake!!
Yesterday was also a better day than the day before, and I enjoyed lunch with Laurie a former office mate, and talked about all the happenings at the college, family and the new addition at the cabin. Then last evening I was proud to attend a celebration of Academic Excellence, that four of my Coon Rapids middle school grandkids (1-6th grade, 1-7th grade and 2-8th graders) were honored for being on the A honor roll. Then Nicole and Katie both were additionally awarded for being Three Year Academic Excellence Award Winners. To top it off, they were both one of eight nominated for the Optimist Club Outstanding Young Women award, and Katie got the honor. Unfortunately they couldn't both win. (Left to Right in picture: Nicole, Katie and Allie...sorry Tommy I don't have a picture with you in it.) Congratulations to them all.
Today I have a lunch date with cousin Judy. So I need to jump into the shower. Oh, I've held my weight for two days now, so I am back on the upswing of this round of chemo. Love and Prayers, m

Another Gloomy Day

I can't say yesterday was exactly a good day for me....I had several problems....mixed in with periods of reading my book. As the weather was yukky yesterday....I spent most of the morning reading my book, and finally plied myself out of my chair and decided to scrub the kitchen floor (which was in dire need) and generally clean the kitchen, I managed that with some heavy breathing and quickly positioned myself back in the chair reading my book. Only getting up for food or drink....or to deal with constance and her diarrhea and ballooning with gas....but as the afternoon wore on and it wasn't exactly raining, I decided I would venture out to the track meet and see the grandkids run. I showered and put on some warm clothes (it was only in the 40's) and headed off to the high school, umbrella and blanket in hand....bundled up like it was January. Got to watch Katie and Tommy run their 1 mile races and then it started to sprinkle, and I retreated to the car....with the promise that Bill would call me when Nicole and Allie's races were starting. So I huddled in the car reading my book till I got the phone call to return to the bleachers. Did get to see Nicole and Allie both anchor their 4 X 200 races successfully to a first place finish, but by then my fingers were reacting so badly to the cold (side effect of the chemo) that I couldn't get them to stop tingling or from getting worse. It's like frostbite and no matter that I had on gloves and my hands in my pockets, and I kept moving and rubbing them, it wouldn't go away.....so sadly I had to run back to the car, turn the heater on and warm them there. I decided going home was my only option.....it took at least another 10 minutes of holding them up to the heat vent in the car to get them to stop tingling. Hopefully next Wednesday it will be a warm day, and I will be able to watch the whole track meet. After retreating home, I again went back to my chair with my book, and hardly moved out till the book was done at about 11 p.m......it was a great book and the last of a 3 book series that swissy cousin Karen sent me for Christmas (as it won't be released in USA till May 20th). After sending book 3 Kathleen and Karen informed me that I couldn't read 3 till I read 1 and 2.....both about 700 page books.....not usually my style....but since they so highly recommended them, I began the task in Florida this spring and so glad I did.....well worth the read. If you get the chance check out Steig Larsson's series starting with "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo".
Had a call about the cabin also yesterday, and we have to figure out how to get rid of some impermiable space before we get our permit. So I spent several hours in bed trying to figure out that. Finally got up and took one of the pills they gave me to help me sleep. So all in all, yesterday wasn't one of my best.
Today is still dark and damp....but we are told....the sun will come out tomorrow....we can only hope. Love, m

Still Complaining about the Weather!

Cold, clouds and rain seem to persist, but I'm working hard not to let it get me down. I managed 3 loads of wash yesterday and went out to a movie with my friends Bonnie and Lois. We picked "Date Nite" so we'd be sure to be laughing....it did the trick! I did get a number of pages read in my book, but still have a way to go with that.....I'm sure today's grayness will give me plenty chance for that. I was supposed to go to a middle school track meet to watch 3 of the granddaughters and a grandson compete, but if it's raining, I don't think I'll make that.... I do have a colorectal support group meeting that I could go to. Doesn't sound as much fun as the track meet, but may very well be where I end up.
I am down another pound again this morning, due to diarrhea I had last nite, but Imodium seemed to have halted that quickly. My energy level seems to be high, and I'm eating well. So now if the sun would just come out I'd be thrilled. Love and prayers, m

Rain Drops Keep Falling

I think the weather person was right when he said May is the April we didn't have.....but I'd rather they kept their proper order! It's supposed to be warmer! Nighttime 20's is really March weather. I've had to keep my new flowers in the garage and they say it's going to be cold and wet till Friday.....uggghhhhh!!
However yesterday was a very nice day despite the rain. My friend Jan and I went out to the Mall of America early so we could do some shopping. She was looking for a new outfit, but I did all the buying. I had a few great coupons, and managed to score at New York & Co. Got a bunch of stuff already on clearance and unbelievable low price and then with my coupon I cut it in half! So that made me really happy. I love bargain shopping.
Then while walking through Nordstrom to but my packages away before dinner, saw and greeted Burt Blyleven (former Twins pitcher....now color man for their televised games). He was waiting for I assume his wife sitting in a chair across from "Point of View" a woman's clothing department.
Finally we met Cherie and Barb the other half of the Birthday Bunch for dinner at Crave. Really good food, but we quickly realized we could have ordered half as much and all been full. As it was we all got lunch for today to take home.
Conversations were great and loved the small gifts we exchanged....we always come up with great ideas and treasure them. Barb even made us personalized bookmarks that are so cute, and then gave us a box of Penzeys Spices along with a catalog filled with recipes for grilling. Yum!
Cherie shared pictures of her youngest granddaughter (Mary) who is one.....OMG she looks exactly like her mom. Exactly!!!! What a cutie.
We've been friends so long, I love having these great strong loving women in my life. Even though we don't get to see each other as often, we are able to fall right in line with life stories (well almost all....as we get older the mind seems to be going on some of us, no names mentioned).
My weight seems to have held yesterday...I did a better job of eating all day, and keeping those fluids flowing. I slept well last nite, and all is well.
Today I may go to a early afternoon movie with my friend Bonnie and maybe Lois, but other than that is will be another quiet day of reading the last of a 3 book series that I can't set down.
Love and prayers, m

Another Gray Morning

Yesterday was glorious, both weather wise and celebration wise. It started with Jimbo and family coming and mowing my lawn and Nick picking up sticks (I had thousands) besides a nice visit and lots of conversation about the new addition to the cabin, which continued on to each of the kids as I visited with them. Even came up with some answers to problems that offsetting the cabin by 15 feet from the lot line....so I think that is all good now. After Jimbo's family left Karen called from Chicago and we visited for a while too, always so nice to talk with Karen, she makes me feel so loved. Then Bill, Kim and Katie arrived with presents and lots of love....while they were here Annie called and suggested we all go out to eat at Texas Road House, so Bill and Kim left to pick up Tommy and run some errands before dinner and I put up my new bird feeder that they gave me and then left to meet them all for dinner. Had a wonderful dinner, even though we called 1 1/2 hours ahead of time we still had to wait about another 40 minutes to get seated... but then they felt sorry for us, and gave us potatoe skins and blooming onion to keep us happy. Service was great and so was the food. But even though I had stuffed myself at dinner, I hadn't eaten much during the day as I was too busy visiting. so needless to say it showed on the scale this morning....down a couple of pounds....it's amazing how fast it goes up and down. Still at my goal weight, so I'm not too worried, I'll just have to keep eating today to make up for yesterday. The evening ended with a call from son Tom, and we also had a great visit.
I got some lovely flowers yesterday, a yellow rose bush and a big pot of flowers to set by the front door, but it has been so cold the last few nights and for the nights to come, I won't be able to plant the rose or set out the pot till later in the week when they are predicting much warmer nights. On Saturday it got down to 28 in Blaine, right next door!!!
A big thank you to all who sent well wishes and to my family for their love, you are all such a blessing to me.
Today I'm going to continue to celebrate my birthday....with 3 birthday buddies at the Mall Of America for dinner. Look forward to seeing them, as we email often but only get together about 3 times a year.....but that has lasted over 30 years....Great Friends. Love and prayers, m

Happy Mother's Day

It is a happy day the sun is shining brightly even though it froze last nite, it's supposed to warm up quickly because of the bright sun.
My weight is still holding, and I'm feeling just fine! Off to church this morning, and then we'll see what the day brings...I'm sure lots of love and lots of family. Love and prayers that your day is the same. m

Sun is Shining and Matthew is Coming to Play!

Looks like it going to be a good day. I got unplugged yesterday afternoon, and I'm holding my weight so fun. But the cold weather and digging into the freezer have given me several bouts of finger tingling or frostbite feelings this round. Had to even dig out my gloves yesterday for driving. But just a slight annoyance in my day....and nothing that I can't handle.
Today my day will be brightened by Matthew coming to play. No other big plans, will give me a chance to rest after the busy week.
We did get the approval for the cabin addition at the Southside Township Board meeting that Jimbo went to the other night so that I could go to the wake for Frank. We do have to alter our plans a little by cutting a notch our of the deck 3 X 10 so I will loose some deck but it's a big deck so it won't hurt too much. So now we just have to go to the County and get the permit on the 21st of May. Looks like we will have our addition this spring.
Hoping all the Mother's reading my blog have a Happy Mother's Day surrounded by their family and lots of love. Love and prayers, m

Rain, rain go away!

Enough with the rain! We need the sun to shine.
I had a good day yesterday, working around the house....as I really hadn't been home for days....for any length of time to do laundry etc. Then I went to the wake for Frank....it was a really healing, semisweet evening. I loved seeing all the relatives I haven't seen in months, my son Bill came and he enjoyed talking with Bob and Mike, as now they had one more thing in comin....losing a father. When they were teens the meet buying and selling baseball cards at Apache Plaza at at sports collector club meeting. Bob and Bill also wrestled at tournaments together once in a while....and Bob, Mike and my boys all have a love for Martin Zeller....so the conversations were good.
On my way back to the funeral this morning. Jimbo and Ann will meet me there, but it's an hour drive so I must get going. Will add more later. Love and prayers, m

P.S.Still raining, but was a good day. Morning traffic was horrid and it took me over an hour to get to Shakopee but still was there in plenty of time. The service for Frank was well done, good readings, great music and really nice eulogy by Bob, Frank's second son. His older brother did the job last nite at the wake. Then the luncheon was Frank's favorite foods from a couple of his favorite restaurants and lots of donated salads and desserts. Lots of relatives and friends to talk with and lots of hugs! I loved it! Went back to Judy's place for a short while and then had to rush off to HHH Cancer Clinic to get unplugged! So all is done for the day....and I'm at peace! Going to stay home and stay warm and dry for the evening. m

Here Comes the Rain!

I woke early this morning just in time to see the sunrise, and shortly thereafter, the clouds and wind rushed in again. My feelings and the weather of the day often coincide...or maybe I just think they do. But it made me pull out a book that I received when Gene died, (Healing After Loss, Daily Meditation for Working Through Grief) and I thought I'd share with you the reading for May 5.

"We are never promised freedom from flood and fire, from any kind of disaster, or freedom from death. What God is promising here is that we do not walk through these terrors alone and that, difficult as they are, they will not destroy us.
But we have to act to take advantage of this promise.
Can we reach out our hand into the darkness, believing there is One there to sustain us, to help us thorough this terrible time? There is a saying that for every halting step we take toward God, God walks a thousand miles in blazing light to come to us."

Thus the Sonshine bringing us Blessings.

I know that for Judy and family these next few days will be hard, but they will get through it and God will be there carrying them. The sun will come out again and slowly but surely the tears will flow less often and they will remember the Good Times.

My day yesterday was spent at the HHH Cancer Center, getting my sixth round of chemo hooked up, and my friend Rita, took me. It just so happens that she also went to school with June and Judy at Immaculate Heart of Mary grade school, so we spent a lot of time talking about Frank and all that he has gone through in the last 14 years, as it started long before he got that transplant 10 years ago. So it was a bittersweet day. My doctor again reinforced my remarkable CT scan and that he would be scheduling a PET scan next month, and they most likely will be sending me back to Mayo for the surgery they couldn't do in January due to the spots in my lungs. So I had that nice report just a few hours before Janet calling me with the news that at 1:40 Frank had passed.
I spent the afternoon trying to communicate to all my relatives the sad news. I look forward to being with the family this evening and tomorrow as we wake and bury Frank and continue to celebrate this great, gentle, loving man. Love and prayers, m

Round Six, Day One

And it is a windy, sunny day. I'm on my way to get hooked up for the next two days of chemo, and my friend Rita Culshaw (the quilt maker) is coming to take me. I'll report more later in the day.
Yesterday I had two occasions to visit with old friends and co-workers. A luncheon date with three others who started at the college about the same period of time, 3 of us worked in the same office. Then yesterday afternoon, I went to a retirement party of another women from the college. It was her last day and we all went to Billy's in Anoka and celebrated with her.
I'll come back and write more this afternoon, got to get dressed! Love and prayers, m

The Spirit is still blowing in the wind, and the sky is dropping tears as it starts to rain...Frank passed peacefully at 1:40 p.m. today. As the gray clouds are swiftly moving across the sky a brief ray of Sonshine shone through my window. I know he's with all our parents and grandparents and friends that have gone before him, and they are welcoming Frank with open arms. I imagine they are having a great party right now!! Leaving us behind to grieve....and hopefully do some remembering and storytelling and laughing too as we celebrate his life. We'll miss you Frank. Love, m

The Answer is Blowing in the Wind

The wind has been blowing for days, and I can't help but think of the lyrics of that song. I guess it was written as a protest song, but it makes me think of Frank this week. Yesterday I did go shopping with Janet and we delivered the supplies to Judy and Franks house in Shakopee before we headed down to the hospital to say our goodbyes. I kept making excuses for myself as to why I couldn't go...the chemo and germs etc.....but I knew I had to go....so I asked God for strength....and then I asked Janet to go with me. I am so glad I went, and it was so much easier than I thought it would be. Frank and Judy are at peace with their decision and it is extended to all who stopped in to say goodbye. When we got there the room was filled, and as someone left it wasn't long before someone else appeared to love and support them in the celebration of Franks life. There were a few tears shed, but also some laughter....and I left feeling blessed to be there. Why do people have to die? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind....the answer is blowing in the wind. Love and prayers, m

Cabin Fever

This morning I woke up to one more birthday wish from Mike and Pandora, as they wanted my birthday celebration to continue another day!! I certainly plan on that, which brought back the memory of my dad....we always joked that his birthday was a holy day of obligation and you celebrate 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after....I kinda feel that way about mine too!
Yesterday was great as all of you wished for me. We gathered at the cabin and got right to work. Everything I had on my list got completed, and more. Then we ate dinner and worked some-more. Cake, ice cream and presents ended the party. The grandkids worked as hard as the adults, and we couldn't have done it without them. We had a large pile of pavers that they had to carry and stack in a new location, and I never heard a complaint for anyone. Jack even limped around with his sprained ankle, and I didn't hear him mention it. I'll post some pictures later.
When I got home, the Chicago Kieckers skyped me and sang Happy Birthday to me too! So fun to be able to see them as well as hear them.....skyping is awesome! So are the Chicago Kieckers.
Late in the evening I got word from cousin Ed that his sister Rita had a heart attack on Friday, and was going to have a stint put in today. Rita I think is the youngest cousin or close if not....so a heart attack is the last thing I expected to hear about her. So please keep her and her family in your prayers. I know the Cousins must be in overtime praying this week....but I also know God and all our parents, aunts and uncles are listening and working hard sending blessings to us all.
Today I await Janet's arrival, and then we are shopping for food supplies to take out to the Vermuelen house as they gather for the weeks activities and to celebrate Frank's life. When there is pain and sadness we Schieber cousins always bring food! Love and prayers to you all, m

Not a Cloud in the Sky! Happy Day!

I woke this morning to beautiful sunshine, and a flood of Birthday greetings on my computer.....seems K102, ING, Borders and a lot of Facebook friends found out it was my birthday today!!! Thank you all for the birthday greetings, both by email and snail mail. I'm heading to the cabin to open and clean and celebrate with my family. I've made the sloppy joes and got a cake so we're all set!! I'm sure it will be a HAPPY DAY!
Yesterday was a good day too! Went shopping at DIVA Days in Anoka with a friend who treated me to lunch at Truffles and Tortes!! A sweet cafe that is owned by two of my former babysitters who lived on the next block. Then after going to Saturday evening Mass, I came home to Annie and Matthew who had mowed the yard and were busy cleaning out the gardens in the patio area....actually Matthew was busier watching a giant worm crawl across the patio...a birthday gift of labor that was in dire need. She left it looking so nice....the rain of the last few days made everything even greener then it was...but getting rid of all those brown leaves really did the trick. One of the other treats of the day was a May Day package that the little neighbor tried to deliver secretly (but hasn't really figured out how). He rang the door bell set down the little papercup with a pipe cleaner handle filled with hard candy and was only two steps away in the process of running to hide on the other side of the garage when I opened the door. When I yelled out a Thank You....he yelled back from his hiding place "Your Welcome" and when I closed the door I watched him scamper back home. Sure brought a smile to my face!!! I'm sure today will be filled with many more surprises and smiles.....thank you in advance....love and prayers, m