Brown and Gray?

Crazy winter weather. Yesterday was nice, and today it's supposed to be even nicer as far as temp goes, but it's a little void of sun and snow. May get a few flurries this afternoon, but no ground cover.
I got a bunch of little things purchased yesterday, but managed to lose my gloves....I'll have to go back today and retrace my steps and see if I can find them. In the mean time I'll have to dig out another pair form the pockets of a coat hanging in the closet. Let's hope I find one. About a month ago I donated to Lupus a pile of gloves and hats and a couple of scarves I don't wear anymore. I hope it wasn't the pair I now need.
After shopping Bonnie picked me up for an early afternoon movie, but we went to Lois's house to watch it. "Eat, Love, Pray." was a good movie, with lots of great scenery. I bought the CD on Black Friday and thought it would be one we could have at the cabin.
I got home around seven or so. And then did some more Christmas stuff, like wrapping and other fun stuff.
This morning, Bonnie is coming over to see if we can find someplace to go (using her timeshare exchange system) the end of January. We already know we can't go to Florida....nothing available. Nothing around Savannah or Charleston coast, but maybe if we go a little farther north. We'll see what we can find.
This afternoon, I'm going to dinner with my friend Val from the college too. In between I'll go looking for those gloves and maybe a few last minute things I need to still get.
Well, I better get busy if I'm getting company soon. Love and Prayers, m

Brown and Bright!

NOT clean and white!! and it doesn't look like it's going to change in the near future. If you want a white Christmas you have to go South! Really?! How strange is that! I'd really prefer Snow for Christmas, but I'm not in control of that. I do like the sun shining as you know by now.
Yesterday was a good day! I spent the whole afternoon at church helping to give out the Christmas baskets. I use that term lightly, as their were bags of gifts and blankets and boxes of food and gift cards to cub for the Ham or Turkey and tables of free stuff you could pick and choose from as well and Santa for any kids that showed up with their parents. I've never been there for that part of the process. It was so rewarding. Everyone was so grateful. One lady came back with her son once she saw we had Santa there. Didn't get home till nearly 5 p.m. but I stopped and picked up Lee Ann Chin to go, on the way. Got lots of visiting in during the down times, and lots of prayers promised for me to boot.
Last night I finally started the serious wrapping process. I set up a card table in the middle of the living room right in front of the Christmas tree and TV, so I can see both. I pretty much finished wrapping Tom's families packages, and his is the largest, so I'm 25% of the way done. Whoppee. Wrapping is one of my least favorite things to do.
Today I will be out shopping again this morning, and later this afternoon, Bonnie and I will go to Lois's home to watch a movie. (The three of us all started at the college around the same time, and became good friends and have traveled together for several years.) I bought some CD's at Target on Black Friday, and Lois doesn't have a car today, so we are going to her house to watch it. I think we will watch "Eat, Love and Pray". Then I'll come home and wrap some more. I have no choice if I want to get this job done.
Not taking my daily Imodium has helped the constipation problem, and it didn't tip the balance to the other extreme, thank goodness. Must get busy, love and prayers to all of you! m

Sunnier but Colder!

Still not bad....maybe not as high as yesterday, but still a pretty nice day. Yesterday was so beautiful, but even though it is brown in Coon Rapids, they had a light blanket of snow in Cheri's yard. Made it feel more like Christmas.
Jan and I left after church....but Jan wouldn't ride in my car unless it was clean, so she treated me to a car wash before we left. Then on the way home, she didn't like the way the color hadn't taken in places on my head, so she recolored it. We stopped at her house, and about 1/2 hr later I walked out with a much better color job.
At Cherie's we had a great time visiting, and Cherie made these great Chicken Breasts with Swiss cheese, chicken soup, white wine and some stove top stuffing. So we all had to copy the recipe, and then we had to take her felt napkin rings apart and draw patterns to take home, so we could make some for ourselves.
Thanks Cherie for hosting such a great get together of our little group. I think we originally called ourselves the 4 B's, but I don't think we do much of that anymore. We do have a hard time getting a date we can all meet, but we have managed not to miss a Christmas in years. We did have a problem getting together for our birthdays, as I started chemo the first time, and then we rescheduled and I ended up in the hospital with a blockage.
Speaking of blockages, I was beginning to feel bloated and stuffed with a little heart burn yesterday as the day went on, so when I got home I got on the computer and checked a new medication I've been taking since Tuesday, and sure enough it may cause constipation, and if taken with Imodium it could cause severe constipation. I take an Imodium every morning, so I panicked and took a gas X, and only drank liquids for the rest of the day. This morning I excluded the Imodium, and I was up going about 3 times during the night, so I'm not constipated anymore. Strange for me, as I almost always worry about diarrhea not constipation.
Today I am going over to church this afternoon, and help them distribute the Christmas baskets for nearly 300 families. Hope they don't all come at once. I've never done this part of the job. I've always bought gifts for a few, and I've wrapped gifts that needed to be wrapped, and I've filled boxes with all the necessities for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, but never handed it out. Should be fun to do.
Other than that, I guess I'll keep wrapping. Still have a few things to buy, but putting that off till next week, as I don't need them till the Friday after Christmas. I plan on making a little more candy, but that's it. Till tomorrow, love and prayers, m

The Sun is Going to Shine

Not yet....it's too early. Have to go to church at 8:30 a.m. and then am going to Burnsville for Brunch with a very old tradition of celebrating Christmas with Barb, Jan, Cheri and myself. I think it has happened every year for 30 or more years. I met Cheri almost 43 years ago when I was working at Jensen's Super Value and Cheri was in College. I'm not sure how I met Jan....but I know it was through St. Tim's and Barb Skierecki...at that time Barb was Sr. Barbara. So that was atleast 32 years ago.
I'm sure it will be great fun as usual.
No other plans for the day....maybe some more wrapping. That may go on for days. Don't know how I'll get it all transported to Bill and Kim's on the 30th when we open presents. May take some over in advance.
Still praying for Lottie and Louie....and asking for prayers to remove my spots and help heal my butt. Love and prayers, m

Where did the Sun Go?

That gloom is back this morning. I hope it doesn't bring me down, cause I'm feeling pretty darn good.....for the shape I'm in. They say it will clear this afternoon and we will have a bright and beautiful Sunday.
I feel like I got quite a bit done yesterday. I cleaned and filed a bunch, as well as threw out 2 bags of recycling. Got some more people invited to the CDC/TDC or whatever it was called when you worked there Reunion. Even got a few responses from those that want to come....and a few we will miss cause they will be out of town.
Later but early in the afternoon, I picked up Sandi Hitch (wow a guick trip now that 610 has extended to Elm Creek Blvd) and headed for Rosie and Bruce's for dinner with Ann and Dick Christenson. Really had a great evening. Good company, conversation and much laughter. Which I really needed. Thanks Rosie for inviting us to your beautiful home.
Today I have a little shopping to do and pick up a few groceries and then this evening, I'll go watch the CRHS Girls Hockey teams play against Blaine. One of the Varsity girls broke her collarbone, so Allie has been able to play in both games (JV and Varsity). But they are only allowed 3 periods a day, so she only gets to play in half of each game. Really great experience for Allie a ninth grader.
Please keep praying to rid those spots, as well as, for Lottie Virnig and my cousin Louie Grams. Love and prayers, m

It's a Sunny Morning!

After a couple of cold damp and gloomy days, the sun is finally shining. It may give me some energy to get something done.
Yesterday, I did get showered and dressed, and went to lunch with Laurie Lopez and Sarah Deering who both work at the college. Went to Acapulco, which I have a diner's club card for, but wouldn't you know, I couldn't find it till I got home. I think I looked at it twice while going through my billfold, and didn't recognize what it was. So dumb!! Oh well, I can use it once a month, and I'm sure I'll be back there a few more times in the next year.
After lunch I did some shopping and got a lot accomplished.
I came home and waited to see if Jimbo and Ann were going to go to a open house at our financial advisers, but Jimbo got back from Eau Claire late and by then I wasn't too interested in going out in the wind. The wind was blowing so hard when I was out for lunch it nearly blew me away...and it had gotten worse as the day went on.
I didn't get much done the rest of the evening, but did start to plan and notify former employees of the college who worked in the CDC/TDC/PTC building on the Hill or whatever they called it when you worked there. So sent out a message on Facebook for all those I am friends with, and then a separate email for those not on facebook, but I'm still missing a few emails. It was fun getting back a few responses already.
Today I need to get busy and do some cleaning, and maybe some wrapping. Then this afternoon I'm going to Rosie's (my former boss and dear friend) for dinner. I'm sure there will be lots of good conversation, much laughter and really good food.
I've contacted my friend Sheila about continuing Qigong, and I'm feeling okay about this next round of chemo. I even got a note from one of the TDC instructors who will be having radiation at HHH the same time I am there having chemo, so she will stop in and visit. She has just completed 5 months of chemo, and in January will start 6 weeks of radiation. Although Judy has already promised to come and play cards with me it's always nice to see a smiling face who's come to visit. Last year when Imelda Neis was having treatments at HHH, we got to visit a few times too. Not the best place to get to see old friends, but at the time it is uplifting.
Well off to cleaning or whatever, Love and Prayers, m

Slept the Day Away!

I didn't realize how exhausting Tuesday was....I stayed in my PJs and napped on and off all day, inbetween talking with friends on the phone and reading all the great support from my facebook friends. So not a lot to tell you about.
I am going to lunch today with Lauri Lopez to our favorite place "Acapulco". Then Rosie called last night and invited me to dinner on Friday night so those will make me get dressed both today and tomorrow.
Got up early this morning, as I guess I had finally got rested up.
I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers, for putting me on all your prayer chains, so I know it will continue...I will get through this with all your help. Keep up the good work. Love and prayers, m

Here We Go Again!

I went down to Mayo knowing the spots were still there, but hoping maybe they had disappeared....but they didn't, in fact they are growing again, and now many that had left have returned to haunt me. This means I have to return to chemo in January. The doctor said I didn't have to do it right away, but should contact Dr. Londer in January and resume the chemo regimen I was on last summer.
I again have been praying to be cured, but I guess I'm not a good listener. He said chemo was the cure, and I wasn't finished with it yet. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again! I will continue to pray, and hope you do too....but now I'll pray for the patience and strength to go back and finish the job!
The oncologist in Rochester said that if this doesn't work, they have a few trials going now on new drugs, and if when I go back in April this one hasn't worked, I could maybe try one of those. So there is Hope!
Okay back to Monday. It was a busy day. I went to lunch with the retiree's and wannabee's, and funny, some of the retiree's are wannabee's again. Just temporarily, but still working. Also had a new addition....Patty Wheeler Andrews joined us. So fun to see who shows up each month.
From lunch I rushed to Jan's to have my hair cut and colored. When I say cut, I really mean cut! I asked her to cut off all that chemo hair. The few long strands that were like straw....Well she did! It's not grey anymore, and there isn't any straw left, but I barely have any hair. I think I like it, but I don't recognize the person in the mirror. So don't be shocked when you see me.
I then rushed out to Judy's for dinner...left overs from her weekend of entertaining. But it really was good. From there we headed to Rochester, and got in around 7:30 or so. Played some Gin, and tried to sleep. Between my aching back and anxiousness of my appointment in the morning, I didn't sleep. I just tossed and turned all night.
Yesterday morning, I was supposed to have my blood work done at 8:30 but they were running late, and I didn't get out of there till a little after 9 a.m. and I was supposed to be across the street and up three floors at 9 for my CTscan. Well that pushed that back, and when I finally got to the point of moving to the 3rd waiting room in, they still hadn't gotten the bloodwork back from the draw at 9 a.m......sooooo needless to stay I had to wait and finally about 11 a.m. I had the CT scan, and then they take you back to another waiting room before they let you leave....to watch you to make sure you don't have a reaction to the dye. I keep telling them it's my 39th Scan and I've never had a reaction, but I have to follow the rules. So then at about 11:20 I get to move to another room where they unplug me, but not until I got to sit and wait yet again. So by 11:30 I finally got to go have lunch. Then we went back up to the ninth floor and started to wait again for my 1:45 appointment, but guess what?....I think it was about 2:15 or later before they took me into the room where we got to wait for the doctor to come in. I think it was about 3 p.m. before I got out, and then had to email the kids the news, and email Mary Ward from the Women's Club to warn her I was still in Rochester and would be late getting to the Christmas Party in Anoka.
I finally got to Judy's around 5:30 p.m. and the party was to start at 6 p.m. Rush hour on 169 meant getting to the party at 6 p.m. impossible. I did make it by 6:20 after 50 frustrating minutes of traffic. I didn't get to go home and change clothes etc. but I was just happy to be with a bunch of friends and lots of love. Only problem was they sang Christmas Carols at the end of the evening, and of course Silent Night was the last one. I cried....I couldn't even sing. So many thoughts of mom and family and the end of a really long day.
I got home around 9 p.m. and talked to Kathleen (my sister) and a few kids, and notified all my Facebook friends and then just waited for their responses.
I received such great love and support from every one and know the prayers and love will continue to support me through another 3 months of chemo. So get to work!!
Love and prayers, m

Rain or Snow?

I guess the rain won out. The temps must have warmed up over night, cause the snow or freezing drizzle didn't happen. So pray the road stay safe for my trip to Rochester later this afternoon.
Yesterday, I did very little. I did take a nap and watched most of the Viking game....don't know why I bother, but they do make it exciting. I also putzed on some cute christmas snacks, and started filling the bags I give all the grandkids. I also fixed myself a small pot roast, with lots of carrots, onions and celery. Wow did it taste great. So even though I didn't go shopping I did get a few things done. Oh, I also packed for today, and speaking of that, I'm not taking my computer along. I have my blackberry, and will check it, and when I get to the clinic tomorrow, they have computers available so I can blog there. That means I won't do that till 11 a.m. or so.
Today I have a luncheon date with the retiree's from ARCC, then I have a hair appointment at 2 p.m., and then I'm off to pick up Judy and dinner and head for Rochester.
So that's all I have for today, look for me to write later tomorrow and I'll even later update the blog with the results of my CT scan. I'll need lots of prayers! and don't forget all the others I've asked for prayers too! Love and prayers, m

Christmas is coming!

My tree is up and decorated, except for the tinsel. That's a job I'll start later in the week. No time to write this morning, got to leave for church in 10 minutes, so I'll write when I get home...don't want any of you worrying about me today. m
I"m back! Got to church, and am ready for a nap. I didn't sleep well again last night....I'm beginning to think it is knowing I have to get up at 7 a.m. that is the problem....cause I sleep pretty well when I don't have to get up early.
Yesterday went well, exactly at 9 a.m. Annie, Doug and the family arrived and went right to work, by the time they left at 11 a.m. then had put up the tree, and completely decorate it, and I baked a couple dozen cookies and made hot chocolate for everyone.
Matthew found the pickle hidden on the tree, and grabbed his candy cane happily till he unwrapped it and found out it was peppermint. I told him all candy canes were peppermint, and he told me at daycare they have different flavors....like watermelon! I told him they couldn't be candy canes, but he was pretty sure they were. What is this world coming to?
After they left I made a batch of candy made from club crackers and almonds, along with some butter and sugar! Now only have a few more things to make....I'm almost done.
Around 3 p.m. Ann, Jack and Nick arrived and they found the tree top angel and skirt for the tree, and set up my Nativity scene and finished putting out the decorations for the upstairs. I decided we didn't need to decorate downstairs, cause I don't plan on entertaining down there this year. I couldn't not put up the Nativity scene, as I've had it since our very fist Christmas....that and four glass balls that have survived all 49 years.
I haven't put the tinsel on yet, but will start that maybe Wednesday. I leave for Rochester tomorrow, and have my scan on Tuesday, along with the Women's club Christmas party on Tuesday evening. So I don't think I'll have time till Wednesday to sit quietly and put strands of tinsel on. I thought about not doing that either, but I don't think it would be my Christmas tree without it. I carefully put it on and take it off each year, saving it from year to year, as you haven't been able to buy lead tinsel since the seventies.
I've also put off writing my Christmas letter and sending out cards. I want to wait till after the scan on Tuesday. Kind of a superstition I guess....don't want to write anything positive or negative till I know what the doctor has to say. Please pray that it's positive news.
Well better get that short nap before the Vikings start. Love and prayers, m

Click the Publish Button!

Sorry about that. I got up and wrote my blog as usual yesterday....maybe a little later than normal....but not that much, and went on with my day. Later in the day, Phil emailed wondering if I was okay, and I replied that I was fine and that my blog was a little late, but I had written it. Then while I was showering and getting ready to go to cousin Judy's for dinner, Doug came over to check on me.....said Annie had called a couple of times and I didn't answer and I hadn't written the blog, so they were worried about me. I was in the shower when she called, and I went online to check on my blog, and realized I hadn't pushed the Publish Button. So I did and thus it wasn't available to be read till about 4:15 or so.
Dinner with Judy and June and Len was great, and then the Christmas Pageant that Jessie (Judy's granddaughter) was in was so cute and I loved it. It was called the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" different than any Christmas Pageant I've ever seen before and Jessie and company did a great job. They have a lot of great talent there.
After the show we all went back to Judy's along with Jessie and her parents and her other grandma. Judy had enough food to feed an army....I don't know if we put a dent in it or not....but we tried. I know that Lenard and I finished off the herring. It was a very good evening, Thanks Judy!
This morning I'm expecting the kids to come and put up and trim my Christmas Tree, and I'm making some cookies and treats for munching on today, and I'll save the rest for any surprise company I get during the holidays!
Looks like the sun is coming out to help make it a great day, and it's supposed to be even nicer and warmer tomorrow. Looks like we might have some snow on Monday, but hopefully the drive down to Mayo won't be too bad. The trip back on Tuesday looks clear too.
I've had some birds at my feeder lately, and I just noticed a woodpecker and as I was watching him a big Flicker came and chased the woodpecker away. I've also seen Cardinals, Junco's and chickadees this week. I guess I better refill it soon.
Well off to bake some cookies! Love and Prayers, m

Good Morning Sunshine

Not as cold as yesterday and the Sun is shining brightly. I can't ask for more than that!
I got some more shopping done yesterday, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Asked for suggestions for restaurant gift cards for the grandkids and all responded quickly, so that will be easy. Went to the grocery store to buy a few things to make more treats. I may let the kids help tomorrow, if we get the tree up and decorated quickly. Don't think I'll bring out much more decorations than for the tree and upstairs. Not having Christmas here, so I don't have to worry about the basement this year....but may bring some of my snowmen to the cabin for our non progressive.
I also went and had Sheila do some more Qigong on me. It is already working, an slept so well last night. Even fell a sleep on the couch for an hour and a half before hitting the bed. My back and tail bone feel better too! I promised her I'd let her know how the Scan goes next week, and she will do some more work on me if need be. Thank you, Thank you, thank you.
After all that, I went to the CRHS Hockey games. JV won, and the Varsity almost won....had tied it up 3-3 and then with just a few minutes left to play and CR had pulled the goalie, Anoka scored!! It was a good game.
Today I'll clean house and get ready for the tree raising tomorrow, and then I'm going out to Judy's for dinner and her granddaughters Christmas program. Should be a fun evening.
Hoping to have several elves tomorrow to help me decorate, many hands make light work. I'm going to bake some cookies and make some other goodies to go along with their hot chocolate. Love and prayers, m

Another Sunny Day

Unfortunately it is only 17 degrees out there. But I have to go out anyway! Got Kathleen and Gary's package wrapped and got to get it to the PO today. Have to deliver some packages to church and pick up a few things at the grocery store. Then at 3:30 Qigong and then hockey. So it will be a busy day.
Yesterday I got a lot of things done, but you can hardly tell. Got 3 loads of wash done....but it took a while, cause when I went down to take the second load out of the washer and put it in the dryer, I realized I never turned on the dryer for the first load....so I had to wait for that first load to dry before I could add the second and put the third load into the washer.
Had a good night of sleep, however I didn't fall asleep till sometime after 2 p.m. I tried a few things, and finally got up and took a hot bath, and that seemed to do the trick.....By the way Kathleen, Dr. Oz is wrong!!
Well lots to do, so talk to you tomorrow. Love and prayers, m

We Celebrate the Feast of St. Ambrose Today!

Yep, December 7th in our daily missile, was the Feast of St. Ambrose, so our day to honor my dad. I've been thinking about him all week, knowing that this day was coming. What was the first thing he would say when you came to his house or cabin? "Do you want a beer?" My answer was always a NO, but I'm pretty sure Gene's was always a loud and clear YES. One of Gene's sayings that I remember him saying a lot, was "It's never to hot for a cup of coffee, or too cold for a beer". I don't know if dad felt the same way about coffee, but when it came to beer he sure did.
The sun is shining again this morning, Thanks Dad! It's also going to be warmer today than yesterday, but I only got out a couple of times yesterday, and didn't really notice the cold too much!
Today I don't have any big plans at all....I do have to do laundry, and will wrap the gifts for Kathleen and Gary, and get it to the Post Office. Other than that a lazy day.
My butt seems to be getting slightly better, I slept okay last night, not as well as the night before, but wasn't tossing and turning trying to get to sleep. Going back for another dose of Qigong tomorrow....trying everything to make sure I don't have to go back to chemo....hoping for a big Chirstmas present from the doctor next week.
Love and Prayers, m

St Nick Brought the Sun!

Wow....I slept so much better last night, and didn't get up till nearly 9 a.m....the best part was waking up to the sunshine. It's darn cold out there, but I don't have to go out till later in the day.
Yesterday I actually took down my Halloween decorations to get ready for Saturday's tree raising and decorating. I've invited all the kids to come and help. Those artificial trees are heavy and hard to put up for an old lady by herself. I'm enticing them with cookies and hot chocolate.
I went to the airport to pick up Judy, and only had to circle once to find her. She wanted to make a Senior Group meeting that started at 1 p.m.....She didn't land till 12:18 and believe it or not, we arrived at the meeting at 1:04 p.m. How good is that?!
After the meeting I took Judy home to drop off her suitcases and figure out where to go for dinner. We decided on a Diner's Club deal at the Arizona Grill by Canterbury, but it was only 4 p.m. and we were the only ones in the place....until we left at 5. Really quiet, but the meal was good. After that I took Judy home, and I started out to fight the crowded highway all the way home. Don't think I got to drive the speed limit from Hopkins all the way home....cept on Foley Blvd the last mile. Uggghhh!
Don't have plans today till this evening, when I get to celebrate Christmas with the card club. So the season officially begins!
As I mentioned earlier I slept well last night, and my butt seems to be a little better. The Qigong must be working.....along with your prayers. I also had a big surprise last night....my FF team beat the highest team in my division. I wasn't even paying any attention to my team points last night as I didn't think I had a chance to beat Nicole....but some how, my 2 running backs managed to score enough points to put me ahead by 4 points! I'm only third place in my division, but I've earlier this fall tied with the number one (Nick) in the other division too. So even though I'm not winning all the time, it's fun to beat the big ones!!
Well off to start another craft project. Love and prayers, m

Eve of St. Nick!

Have you been good? Once when I was little, the bag of goodies at our door was potatoes and onions,(had coal been available it would have been that) instead of Fruit, nuts and hard candy. Kind of the reminder that it is Advent, and we are to remember the coming of the Lord....be watchful...of he who is to come. Now Santa is forefront in our minds. Santa has evolved from St. Nicholas who was a Bishop whose family left him a lot of money, and he chose to do good deeds with it. One of which was throwing a bag of gold coins into a house of a poor man with three daughters, and he was contemplating sending them into prostitution as he couldn't afford a dowry for them. Thus St. Nick saved them from this fate. Our family has continued this tradition of our childhood, and St. Nick even sends packages through the mail and I have my children delivering the candy, fruit and nuts to their children, including a bag of gold foil covered chocolates.....so hope this saves all my grandchildren too. Be watchful tonight!!
This is the poem:
Spirit of Christmas
by Edward Hays
St. Nicholas, holy patron of children
Saintly and generous bishop.
Inspire us to give gifts
Of ourselves and our time.
Give us your blessing
So that we might fill with sincerity
Each greeting we speak and send.
Smiling saint of sweets and toys,
Help us stay youthful and mirthful,
Playful and joyful so that we can celebrate
Every day as Christmas.
Patron Saint of generosity,
Arouse us to an evergreen extravagance
In loving and in giving gifts
To those we love and to the poor.
Patron of the un-thanked,
Who always slips away
Before you can be thanked,
Incite us to be like you.

Yesterday I thought the Vikes played at 3 p.m. (I guess there was a change in the schedule) and when I turned on the TV there was only 3 minutes left to play. I guess I should have turned it off immediately, cause in that 3 minutes they went from winning to loosing. My fantasy football is looking like that too. I do have 2 players yet to play this evening, but I don't know if either of them can score enough to bring me a win.
I worked on doing some crafts and putting out some Christmas decorations.....not many but the bathroom is done.
Today I am going out to the airport at noon to pick up my cousin Judy, so she doesn't have to wait for her son Mike to get off of work. She has a meeting in Shakopee that she wants to make also. She'll be late, but her report is going to be last on the agenda.
Had a similar night last night as the one before. I finally fell asleep at about 4 a.m.....and then woke up again at 6 to go to the bathroom and then fell back asleep till 8:15. I can't even consider the time I was not sleeping as resting, cause I was tossing and turning trying to find a position that didn't make my back and legs ache. Say some prayers that I sleep tonight. Thoughts and prayers for you, m

Better Late Than Never

Church on Sunday morning now starting at 8:30 really plays havoc with my blogging. Not time before church, and as I usually do it right away in the morning, church and going out to breakfast....I forget to write! I also had a really bad night....I don't know if it's because I go to bed early (if you call 11 p.m. early) or I'm concerned about getting up at 7 a.m.....or if it was still part of the Qigong working (Sheila said it would get worse before it got better) Well my back was killing me all night, I tossed and turned and slept very little. I was up walking around, taking pills, and even eating a bowl of the 12 bean soup that had been cooking since before I went to the hockey game at 6 p.m. Anyway, I went out for breakfast after church with Carolyn and Gary Buhr and their grandson, and two other members of the church choir (Gary sings in the choir too). First time I've been out for breakfast with them in a couple of months. Love visiting with them all, and have really missed not hitting the Mass that the choir was singing at.
By the time I got home, I was exhausted and started reading the paper, but decided to take a nap instead....thus why I'm just getting to this.
Vikings come on in a few minutes, so I won't make this too long. Ohhhhh noooo! I thought the game started at 3 p.m. and theirs only 3 minutes left and we're winning.
Oh well, so much for football today.
I went to Nicole and Allie's hockey game last night, and even though they each scored a goal they lost 3-2. It has been a great season for them so far, they have won 5 and now lost 2. I purposely didn't stay for the Varsity game last night as I knew I had to get up early this morning, and it was snowing, but as I reported above I might as well have stayed.
Delivered St. Nick's goody's to Jimbo's earlier in the day, and got my grocery shopping done, but no Christmas shopping. Doesn't look like I'll do any of that today either.
Will try and write early again tomorrow, but have to pick Judy up from the airport, and right now, I don't know what time she will get on a flight. We'll see!!!
Love and prayers, m

No Sun.....Watch Out Snow is On It's Way!

I'm hoping they are right and we in the North West of the Twin Cities won't get much and with any luck I won't have to drive to anywhere that does in the near future.
I didn't get dressed or leave the house yesterday, but I really got a lot of things done. I wrapped some things and am ready for the week of gift giving. I made some things, I cleaned some, and really feel good about what I accomplished.
Today I will go out....I have to buy some groceries....and deliver a package to Jim and Ann's....and maybe do a little Christmas shopping.
Been feeling a little better each day since I saw Sheila, been doing my exercises she gave me to do, and drinking lots of water. Nothing else new to report.
I forwarded a message from cousin Ginny the other day and a few people thought it was about me, I'll be more careful when I forward messages about doctors reports in the future and tell people at the top who it is from.
Okay, I won't bore you with anymore dribble. Till tomorrow, Love and Prayers, m

Happy 19th Birthday Jack!

Jack, my oldest grandson turns 19 today. Wow how the time flys. I can remember the whole family gathered at the hospital waiting for his arrival. So exciting! The picture I'm including is of Jack the oldest grandson, and Matthew the youngest grandson wishing on the Thanksgiving Turkey wishbone. I'm sure you can guess, Matthew won! Hope you have a great Sunny day Jack, love ya lots!

Another Sunny cold day out there, I think the temperature is 17 right now. That's freezing!! Brrrrrr! It's cozy here in the house in my comfy chair! It may take me awhile to get out of this comfy chair and do some more shopping and running of errands.
Yesterday, I did get out and do some shopping before going to the movie with Bonnie and Lois.
The movie was very good, and of course George was fantastic, and there was hardly a scene without him in it...lots of George viewing! The scenary of Hawaii was great too! Thought about my nephew Nate and my cousin Elaine who get to live there all the time. How lucky!
After the movie we went to dinner and spent a few hours visiting. I hadn't seen Bonnie since last month, so it's always nice to get caught up with her. I get to see Lois a little more often, but not always where we can really visit.
Watch the CMA Country Christmas last night. Loved all the great Christmas music, and like the night before really puts me in the mood. I may have to find the all Christmas Music channel on my radio.
Been working on a few craft projects, which are coming along, and wrapping the things I got for the children on the trees at church that I bought for....and the gifts for card club, cause that is next Tuesday already. Whew!!! it all comes so fast.
Better start moving, got a message from Ginny (my cousin) and she is doing good, however will need further treatment, chemo and/or radiation, she won't find out till just before Christmas, we're all hoping and praying she gets a good report!
I'm doing well too, I've slept pretty well both nights since my qigong session. I'm looking forward to another next week. Well I'm off, love and prayers, m

Snow!! Clean and White

It does look beautiful to have that dull brown and gray world covered with a coat of white....and as long we don't get dumped on....I don't mind. Plus I didn't have to drive in it. But this morning, the little we got was just enough to make the sun look even brighter!
I woke up yesterday with a huge sinus headache, and no matter what I took or did, it wasn't going away. I tried Flonase, hot coffee, my allergy pill, pressure points and a couple of ibuprofen and muscinex.....to no avail. I had a 2 p.m. dentist appointment to get my teeth cleaned, and that I think made it worse. So buy the time I got to Sheila's house in Maple Grove at 3:30 p.m. I was about to scream. She sat me down, and me take some deep breaths and try to relax, and then she took over doing her qigong on me. (a Chinese form of working with the energy (Chi)) I really don't know how she does it, as I have my eyes closed and she never touches me....but by the time she was done, my headache was totally gone, and it didn't return this morning. Yippee!! As for my other problems, she said it may get worse before it gets better, and gave me some homework to help get it loosened up and out of my body. I have to drink lots of fluids, and another exercise they call cupping. I did sleep a little better last night, so I wouldn't say my pains were actually worse, maybe a little better, but not gone yet. I am going back again next week, so we'll see how that goes. Sheila said my overall energy was very good, and that she did a lot of work on my liver, to clear out the residuals of the chemo. All stuff we can't see, but she can. I know it sounds really weird, but it works and that's all that maters.
Today I have some errands and shopping to do this morning, and this afternoon, I am going to see George Clooney's latest movie and maybe dinner with Lois and Bonnie. Bonnie and I go to see all George's movies, just to look at him, but I hear this is supposed to be really good....so we'll see about that too!
I watched the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center last night and really got me in the mood for doing some decorating of the house. Matthew even noticed that I still had some Halloween decorations up at Thanksgiving, so I guess it's time I put that all away and brought out some Angels and snowmen.
Hope you have a wonderful day, love and prayers, m