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

The Sun Made it's Appearance Today!

Yesterday was great most of the day! The luncheon and retirement party at the college was so fun. I loved seeing faces I hadn't seen in years and those I hadn't seen for a couple of days. Got lots of hugs and words of encouragement, as well as lots of people told me how great I looked. I feel great, and I guess it shows.
Then last evening I got a call from Judy and she told me about Frank and his decision to stop fighting and that they were gathering the family to be with him to celebrate his life and be taken off the vent next Wednesday. I am so sad. Frank and I have battled together for years.....he was waiting for his lung transplant already 14 years ago when I went through my first couple of bouts with cancer. Frank and I also had a special bond in gathering the family tree information....he worked on the Vermuelens and I worked on the Schiebers. We gathered for dinners in each others homes and they visited me at the cabin on several occasions in the last couple of years. He was always at all the family gatherings and has been loved by all. I ask that you pray for him and his family that they have strength to get through this week. I know it is going to be hard.
I plan to go shopping with my friend Bonnie this morning, and try to make myself feel less sad. Then I need to come home and cook dinner to take to the cabin tomorrow. My family will gather to open the cabin....hopefully put in the dock and clean up the area to make room for the addition construction next month. Love and prayers, m

April Showers Brings May Flowers

I went to a Cancer Conference last evening at North Memorial Hospital, and heard a great couple of speakers, the first was my oncologist, Dr. Londer. He spoke on the present and future of cancer treatments....it was very promising and hopeful. We've come farther in the last five years than in the previous 30. He talked about how treatments are becoming personalized, because each cancer is different....and each patient is individual, and responds differently to each treatment. He also talked about the need for spiritual health and emotional health, and how important they are to the whole process. I certainly can speak to that!! So that really reinforced my beliefs in the power of prayer and surrounding myself with loving family and friends.
The second speaker was Karen Kaiser Clark, a motivational speaker, who spoke on "Life is Change, Growth is Optional"....and has written a book by that same title. I have heard Karen before, and she is great. She had us all laughing, and talked about the importance of laughter in our healing, (thus the importance of surrounding yourself with people who make you laugh, like Janet) she also spoke about perceptions, and how we choose our perception. Lastly she talked about celebrating the gift of you....and ended with the statement "For the measure of how well we have lived is...how well we have loved." All in all it was another wonderful evening.
This morning is gray and damp, so intune with Karen Kaiser Clark and Dr. Londer, my perception of the day is my title for my blog....April showers bring May flowers....think of all the good that will come from this rain.
Today I am going to the retiree's luncheon at the college, and look forward to seeing a lot of old friends. Love and prayers, m
P.S. Jeanie, your comments always uplift me!

You Make Me Happy When Days are Gray!

The weather man promised some sun today, but I haven't seen it yet, and then he predicted lots of rain and storms after dark this evening, but I think it's coming a lot quicker then predicted. I had a really productive day yesterday, ran some errands, did some shopping, went to a movie, and then ended the evening with the volunteer appreciation dinner at church. Was so nice to get to visit with people I haven't seen in a while, and to spread my good news to a lot of the Spot Removers on my list. So nice to tell them their spot was gone as they promised, when they adopted it in prayer. I enjoyed the evening completely.
I got on the scale again this morning, like every morning, and I managed to the whole week, not to drop below my goal weight or what I consider my normal weight. I guess I must be learning to handle the side effects of the chemo pretty well. I really have so few that I barely know I'm on chemo. Little reminders here and there are easily ignored. It seems the chemo makes me stronger each round rather than dragging me down. So I contribute that to you making me happy when skies are gray!! I am so blessed by all of you.
The challenge of figuring out how we can get this cabin addition done seems to be going well too! Now we just have to make it through the two planning board meetings and getting those permits. I sure hope we don't run into any problems there that would delay the start, but we'll see how that goes.....they tell me it's just routine! So keep your fingers crossed for that too!
Off to see the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, and then this evening I'm attending a Cancer conference at North Memorial. Love and prayers, m

Early Start to a Sunny Day

Looks like another beautiful day. I have an early appointment this a.m. and a few errands to run, and then going to a movie this afternoon with my friend Bonnie, and this evening I get to go to the Volunteer appreciation at church......so a full day is planned, and I needed to get up early to get it all in. I slept well, and my weight hasn't dropped this round of chemo....and that beautiful sunshine, helps to make me feel strong enough to do all of the days events.
Yesterday day went well with the builder, still need to get permits and decide who's going to do what and at what price, but I am for sure going through with the plans and still hope to have it done by the end of June....all is on track for that. Can't do anything till we get the variance, so we have two board meetings to attend for that....the first next Thursday.
Frank was a little better yesterday, so keep those prayers coming! Love and prayers, m
P.S. Just got this note from my Aunt Florence and wanted you to see how well your prayers are working:

I don't know how your spots came out, but I had good news on my spot! When having a scan for a kidney stone, a scan was accidentally taken of my lungs and showed a spot - this was about 5 yr ago. They have been watching it and when I went this week for a scan it was gone. I could have been a CA spot but didn't grow so was unlikely but with my history, they were cautious. Or it could be a walled TB spot as I worked in a TB san and came from Montello where there was a lot of TB including my Grandfather. So this was good news for me. Hope your spots are as good news!

Spending my Childrens Inheritance!

I'm heading back to the cabin today to talk to the builder, and really getting excited about it....it's really going to happen.
Yesterday was also a good day for me....as I finished delivering Meals-on-Wheels, I drove by a church sign that read "The greatest deed is that which we do for others"....and I immediately thought "It was my pleasure"...it was such a beautiful day, the sun was shining, the flowers, trees and shrubs were all in full bloom and the air smelt so sweet....that along with the smiles on the faces of the recipients made the day!
Last night I went to dinner with a women friend, and to my surprise she treated me as my birthday is next week, what a nice surprise! Thanks, Val. Then I was feeling well enough that we went and played Bingo at the American Legion....a new adventure for me. Neither of us were very lucky, and by 8 p.m. I decided I better head home....as soon as I got in the car I started yawning and didn't stop till I cut the news short and crawled into bed....no problem falling asleep last nite.
So that was the only symptom of the chemo....and actually quite mild at that!!! I continue to feel strong and my weight is holding a lot better than other rounds. Obviously the the big dinner and dessert I had last nite helped. By the way CRU in Blaine is a superb place to eat. I highly recommend it.
Continue to pray for Frank, Judy and Louie. Love and prayers, m

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

Have Meals on Wheels to deliver at lunch time, so I'm sure the sun will be shining then. It's always so nice to see the smile on the faces of those getting the meal, and they are always so grateful for receiving it. It always warms my heart.
I'm feeling well, and my weight has not dropped yet, even though I had a short spurt of diarrhea yesterday afternoon. I took some Imodium immediately and it went away. I have plans for dinner this evening, so wondering if the tiredness will hit me this evening or tomorrow evening. Having the Wednesday start to Chemo instead of Monday, throws off my sense of timing with that. But as I am feeling stronger each time, it has lessened as well.
I spent yesterday pretty much with my book, but did accomplish going through a box of pictures that I came upon, and hadn't seen in a long while. Found some great pictures of my grandpa's family and some of Grandma's as well. Then I came upon four or five of my Dad's sister and brother-in-law (Lonnie and Pat) that I really need to get to their son Louie, who is also in need of prayers, as he has many bazaar medical problems, and seems to be "Special" like me. Was so fun to find them. Also in need of your prayers is my cousin Judy's husband Frank. He seems to have one problem after another, and is having problems getting off a vent. He has had a lung transplant and a kidney transplant, and this winter fell and collapsed his good lung, and has continued to go up and down since then and has not yet been able to return home. Please keep both Louie and Frank and their families in your prayers. Love and prayers, m

Quiet Damp Morning

All is well on the health front, had a great day yesterday at the World Thai Chi and Qigong Conference. Had some personal healing and also attended a guided meditation my Master Chunyi Lin....it was powerful. I also talked to and got a hug from Master Jim Nance who I have known for several years, and who teaches Qigong at Anoka Ramsey CC. In Master Lin's guided meditation yesterday he again referred to the blockages (my spots) as leaving as beautiful butterflies, and always has you see and feel the bright rays of the sun in your heart, (it's all based on your God, Love, Kindness and Forgiveness) so all is real relevant for me....especially this week, having gotten the good news about all the butterflies I've sent out into the world!! Solar power and the power of prayer....is the way to go!! Again I must thank you all for caring so much and sending such love in my direction in the form of thoughts and prayers, they certainly have been felt!
No big plans for the day, may have to curl up with a good book. Love and prayers, m

Up early but not Bright

Can't complain about the rain, the yards and gardens can use it. I'm up early as I'm going to a Tai Chi and Qigong conference this morning at Normandale CC, and then I have to turn around and head back to Coon Rapids for a funeral at 12:30, but I'm feeling well, so I think it will be a good day.
The scale still looks good this a.m.....haven't dropped yet. No other side effects bothering me either. We'll see what the day brings....Surprise me God!
Love and Prayers, m

5 Down and 3 to Go!

Today Janet will go with me to get unplugged! This round has gone quite well, did have a little tingling in the fingers when I was digging the cold load of laundry out of the washer yesterday, it was a large load and I rinse in cold water, so it was cold....but the first time I could have used those hot pink gloves!! It quickly goes away when I ran my hands under warm water. But other than that I would not know I'm being pumped full of drugs for 46 hours.....oh, I guess I must try to forget, as every once in a while I get up to do something and quickly get yanked back to reality and pick up the pump and sling it back over my shoulder. It won't let you walk away without it. But it allowed me to go to Walgreens, get gas, Bachmanns for a gift for the funeral of a friends' mom, the bank, and then Costco before coming back home to do that laundry.....and I did get the trash taken out and placed on the curb for pick-up this morning as well.
Made a big decision yesterday....going to cash in an annuity and go all the way with the cabin addition.....talked with most of the kids and Kathleen.....also had a conversation with Gene and Mom the night before...and all agree it's a great idea. That way I can spend my kids inheritance and enjoy it too! I think it is my way of celebrating the good news I got this week.
Nothing else to report! Life is Good! God is Good! and the sun is shining for the mean time, they are predicting rain for the nite and tomorrow, but the lawn and gardens will enjoy that too!
Love and prayers to all, m

Blue Sky Without a Cloud

Kinda like my life today!!! I breezed through the morning of chemo, my blood counts are up higher then they have been since I started chemo. I guess since I don't have any bleeding problems, my Hemoglobin is climbing back to normal with a 11.7 (12 is normal). The White and platletts aren't great, but still higher then they have been. Weight was back up above what I consider my goal weight, so I have a couple of extra pounds to start with.
I was alone for the first time....but took a good book with me and the computer, so I had plenty of company....and the time went by quickly. Janet will go along tomorrow when I get unplugged. The receptionist who scheduled the chemo appointment, asked where my sidekick was. I told her she'd be back. Janet and I had spent about 1/2 hour visiting with her the day before. (Tom, Darcy is taking good care of me).
Last night I spent driving Katie and Tommy back and forth from school track practice to home to church and back home again. I didn't bother going home while they were at church, I just parked and rolled down the window and read my book. It was a beautiful night. Bill and Kim went to the Twins game, so a great night for watching baseball too!
Today I have household chores to do....like laundry and taking out the trash. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers. Love, m

73 down and 2 to Go!

Originally I was thinking I must have had 73 spots as that is the number of spot removers I had....but I know all of you did your job completely, vigorously and thoroughly...so I must have had 75 spots....as there are 2 left...they too are smaller than they were to begin with! So if all of you put your efforts towards these last 2 spots they should be gone by the time I get unplugged on Friday.
I'm up another pound this morning, so I'm starting this round of chemo so strong, along with the good news of yesterday.....I feel invinceable....this cancer will not get me! Thank you all for the emails and comments on facebook after hearing the good news. The doctor called me remarkable! I always new I was "special". But now I feel exceptionally "special" .....if there is such a thing!
I am off to get plugged into round 5!! Charge!!!! Those spots better run for the hills!
Love and prayers, m