This and That ~ March 26th

I was sitting here in the sunshine, enjoying the warmth after the 24 inches of cold snow fell. My mind seemed to drift to various things, so I put my laptop on my knees and started to write.

I feel so saddened by Princess Kate’s diagnosis of cancer. I have read several truly hateful things about her. All I can say is that I hope the Sussexes stay away.

After hearing that people were trying to break into Kate’s hospital records, I was sure I knew who was behind it.

As you all know, I had skin cancer on my nose, and tissue from my forehead was used to close the wound. It left me feeling quite vulnerable with such terrible scars. The scars have faded somewhat, but I will probably always have my Harry Potter scar on my forehead. Therefore, I do Photoshop pictures of my forehead.

48ab3663-37fa-4975-ab80-02da8705727cphotoThere is no photoshopping above.
2024-01-06-08-44-45-144This was done with slight photoshopping.

Why do I do it? Well, because the scar makes me feel ugly and self-conscious. I’ve been told the scars will always be there unless I have more surgery, and since I do not want any more surgery, I will Photoshop!

I mention this because people have come down very hard on Princess Kate. Knowing what I know now, I fully understand the picture of Kate with her children.

My little Heidi is doing better. I am happy but also worried. It’s been a long haul for this baby. She is now on delicious dog food, which seems to work.

My bathroom/laundry room is nearly done. It is beautiful!  My bathroom previously had a jacuzzi tub, corner shower and toilet. This room is bigger than most New York City Apartments.

I have been carrying heavy laundry baskets up and down the stairs, which included a few falls. So I removed the jacuzzi, and I now have a washer and dryer, a new corner shower, and repairs done to the floor and walls!

I’m also getting my bedroom walls painted and a new carpet. I am thrilled—pictures to come.

That’s it for now. I will try to write more as I get on my feet again.

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The Friday Five ~ March 22nd

20200206_160117When I hoped for early spring, it was announced that we would get more snow on Saturday! So, here is an old picture of the Lake before I had the trees removed! And, here we go.

  1. I decided to redo my bathroom. After 24 years, it simply was time. I did not feel bad as the old was removed, and the new stuff was ordered.
  2. My goal wasn’t just painting. I have taken the old jacuzzi out, and they have redone the flooring and painted it. In its place, there will now be a washer and dryer. There will be no more stairs carrying a heavy laundry basket downstairs or upstairs. I will have a great corner shower, too.
  3. The dogs and I have enjoyed having these folks around. The bathroom is coming out so well they’re scheduled to paint my bedroom. I finally decided to get an adjustable bed. With this neck problem and having slept in my recliner for over two years, it is time!
  4. Friday, I am off to pick out a new pair of glasses. After losing my good ones on my trip in January, it is time.
  5. We have ice out on our Lake. It was just a few days behind the big lake, Lake Winnipesaukee.

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The Friday Five March First

  1. The Friday Five1. The last few weeks I have been so stressed. Trying to get Heidi back on her feet..pending-1707144085-2024-01-29-09-41-25-058Good news! She is almost completely well.
  2. We started making plans to renovate my master bath. I think in the end it will be quite lovely.
  3. I need to take Lili outside and brush her. She is full of large clumps of her winter coat. Often these clumps fall off in one big piece.
  4. My sister is coming up this weekend. I need this. I need a hug. I need her calm, loving ways.2023-11-24-19-16-06-842I am so lucky to have a big sister like Melodie.
  5. I was trying to wait for my vision insurance to buy replacement glasses, but I have decided today that I have to go. I’ve been getting eye-strain headaches so it is time to go.

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The Friday Five ~ Feb. 16th

131059219_2793054987613754_7347382249664705514_n (2)It’s been another busy week, so I will run with it and give you five things happening.

  1. Well, Heidi isn’t doing all that well, and it is frustrating for me. Last night, she got up and wanted to go out. I struggled into my boots, and she had gone on the carpet. I still walked her, but the ammonia smell hit me when I came in. There was no easy way to clean it at 12:30 in the morning, so I put the rug in the tub, closed the door, and went back to bed.
  2. Waking this morning, I took her right out, and she hardly went. Honestly, I am at the end of my doggy leash. Currently, she is asleep in the sun.
  3. Yesterday, I was feeling the need to get out. I went for breakfast. It was great to see everyone!20240215_095216
  4. Then, I was off to the farmstand, which had just opened. Almost all my favorite things were there. It’s also nice to go where people know you!
  5. Then I went to my local furniture store. Here is the deal. It’s President’s Day Weekend, with a lot of sales. I did not have new furniture with my first husband. But heck, we were 17 years old and had very little cash. Yard sales and inheriting things were how we filled our apartments.
    After that, I married Jack and moved into his house, where I inherited the furniture from his first marriage. There were promises of new furniture, but that never happened. I have lived with that furniture for over 35 years. Since I can no longer sleep in a regular bed, I tried an adjustable queen-size mattress yesterday. I have spine problems, so I decided to get a bed I could sleep in. After all, I’ve been sleeping in my recliner for two years. It has been the only comfortable place. Since I am giving away the two dressers that belonged to Jack and his first wife, I ordered a large ladies’ dresser, a mirror, a new bed frame, and a bedside table.

my bed

Friday Five ~ Feb. 9th

20200206_160117It’s an old shot of my view of the Lake, but it’s one of my favorites. It’s been a busy week, so here goes.

  1. Heidi had been acting strangely over the last weekend. And on Sunday night, when I took her out to wee-wee, I noticed that not much was coming out. Since I have been down this road before, I used my special pan to get a specimen. Almost nothing came out.
  2. The Vet was the first one I called on Monday, and I was instructed to keep catching samples in a Ziploc bag. We were scheduled for 2:30.
  3. X-rays were taken, and surgery was scheduled for first thing on Wednesday morning.
  4. I brought her out early and then drove back, stopping at a grocery shop and getting the mail. When I finished putting everything away, my Vet called to tell me Heidi was done and I should come around 2:30 to pick her up.
  5. All has gone as planned, and she is recovering well. We are working to find good food to avoid more problems with her Urinary Tract.

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My Life Right Now

I usually post a Friday Five each week, but this darn COVID has taken control of me, and although I am not contagious, it has settled in my chest, and I have been running a fever and coughing.

Yesterday, I was forced to do a load of whites, as I was down to my last pair of underwear. Miraculously, I got that done.

However, being sick and trying to manage the stairs to the basement have been a challenge. I have decided to do a remodel. I have a huge master bath, and I plan to remove the jacuzzi tub and put a washer and dryer in that room, along with the sinks and walk-in shower.

So, slowly, I recover with wonderfully warm and peaceful naps with my girls.

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The Friday Five ~ Jan 26th

I’ve spent the last week lying here in the recliner, cooking. Until today, I have had a fever and felt pretty rotten. Covid is not fun!

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But I think the worst is over. I will test on Sunday; hopefully, the test will be negative.

  1. Due to the high fever, all I have done is sleep. I have gotten no laundry done, and I am behind on everything.
  2. Have I mentioned I am going on another trip in May? I am going to England and will spend time with my daughter (step). It’s been so long since I saw her, and I am so excited!
  3. I hope I can at least start some laundry. I returned from my vacation, dropped my bags, sat down, and nothing got done.
  4. I’m still enjoying the Christmas decorations, but I have no desire. Soon.
  5. Both of the puppy girls are taking great care of me. I am a lucky Mama!

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The Bermuda Triangle ~ AKA My Life

I must tell you that I had a good time on the cruise: sunny skies and temperatures near 80. I felt good, and although I had three excursions canceled, there was always something to do. When in Port, I spent most days walking on the shore.

My health was good, and I felt strong. Then, the 14th arrived, and I was told I should be ready to ‘disembark’ by 8 AM.

I grabbed an English muffin, and I headed to grab a taxi. Miami has changed. I recalled all the time I spent there. Jack and all our Pan Am pilot group.

Eventually, our plane was ready to load. The announcement offered a preboard for those who are disabled and might need extra time.

I got up and went to the gate, and the Agent looked me over and said: I said for people who are disabled. I need that extra time. And she said the magic words that anger everyone, “I can’t see anything wrong with you.”

I stopped myself before reaching out and bitting the hand, trying to push me away. I turned and showed her the scar. I hoped that would be enough as I didn’t want to play the “How Disabled Are You?” game.

I settled in my seat and got settled.

Our plane to Boston was packed, and right after take off, I swear, everyone began to cough. Not quiet coughs, but loud, full hacking coughs. I prayed I would be okay.

Since I found that my life is one Bermuda triangle after another, I felt very wiped out three days after I returned. Sleeping, coughing, and then chills.  But by Wednesday, I felt so ill I sat down with my Covid tests and took them. Both tests were very positive.

2024-01-17-10-31-24-617So, here I sit under several blankets, sipping ginger ale. My fever is down. My cough is almost under control.

But now, it is time for me to take another nap. Here in my personal Bermuda Triangle!