Life – Page 21 – The Dackel Princess

Guarantees & Warranties

There are three things I seem to have a lot of trouble with. Bed pillows, laptop computers and coffee makers. It seems like there is some grand scheme to keep me from being able to buy one that lasts past the warranty!

The other day the coffee maker went. I mean literally, it stopped working. It’s the second one I have had of that model, and since they only last right up until the warranty expires, I will not be getting another Cuisine-Art one. I liked the features, but I also would like a machine that lasts longer than 1 year or two.

My problem with pillows is that they get flat too fast. I bought a nice one a month ago, but it is already flat. There is no guarantee about the fluffiness of ones pillow, so it is a lose, lose.

The whole laptop problem I solved by buying the extended warranty package. and so far, so good.

But I do need to get that new coffee maker tomorrow. The old, back-up one really makes lousy coffee!

Running

This morning I had planned a quiet day. It was also heart-worm/flea/tick day too for the dogs. I went to get their medications out and I had everything except the heart-worm pill for Fritz!

So, I called the Veterinarian, and headed to her office. I had just enough time, literally, to drive over and back so I got to my physical therapy appointment for my foot. After that, I went to get the mail, and by then it was after lunchtime and I was so hungry I went to McDonald’s and bought two Southwest Salads.

I came home, had lunch, cleaned it up and worked on making the Mixed Moon Glow Pickles with Hubby.

Once those were cooked, canned and processed, I sat down for a few minutes, before I had to pack my clothing and stuff for my trip today (Friday) to Connecticut to see my Mother and my sister.

Mom has officially entered Hospice Care and it is just a matter of time. They moved her to a private room now, and she was crying. I think it’s because she is scared.

How I wish that this passing could have been more peaceful for her. Somehow, it does not seem right that someone has to suffer with cancer and the fear of dying.

I’m actually sitting still right now, and yet I still feel like I am running. Maybe because I know this is the last time I will see my Mom alive. This is good bye.

Me, Mom & Mel a few years ago.

What I Did This Past Weekend

Our host is Gattina. Come join us and tell us what YOU did this past weekend! After all, you never know when you will need an alibi!

***************

I found myself finally able to see my nose this morning, as my bandage fell almost off int he night. I am amazed at the beautiful wound.

Side One.

Side Two.

And Front.

Now, I must say I think it is looking so much better and flatter. Yes, we have a ways to go, but really, things are looking up!

********************

I learned today that a man who was our doctor from 2000-2009 has lost his medical license. Over the years he had several brushes with the medical ethics committee in our State for writing undocumented prescriptions. Something I did not know about. Now he was arrested for writing false prescriptions to himself for Oxycodone.

I feel so sad for this young doctor. First of all, he is brilliant. He went to the finest schools, and became a Board Certified General Practitioner. I suspect that one of his sports injuries got him on this slippery slope, that we all know as addiction.

Yes, like so many in our world, much had been given to him. But addiction knows no social class or educational background.

I am sad for him, for his wife and his young children. Their lives will be forever shattered by this.

*************************

I made a new recipe. I will post it on Thursday this week. It is for Shrimp and tomatoes and pasta! Oh my goodness! It was fabulous!

*************************

I’ll be having surprises to tell you about soon! Stay tuned!!!

God Bless The Broken Road

Okay romantics, here is a musical interlude for today. A beautiful, heartfelt song. If you have someone that you have been lucky to find along the way, then I know you will relate to this song. Enjoy!

Things Are Looking Up

In the last few days I have begun to feel very lucky and very happy. I suppose a large part of this is the fact that my nose is looking so good. But the other part, is that there seems to be a peace in my life right now, that I have not had since the whole cancer nose thing began.

I was lying in bed last night thinking about our Christmas letter for 2013. So far 2013 has been full of drama, trauma, and sadness, but today, today, I feel like I’ve turned the corner.

Hubby got a glowing report at the doctor’s office when he was in for his physical. He’s been taking insulin shots now for 3 months, and it has been a miracle for him. He feels so much better and has a lot more energy.

My nose is looking better, and my new plastic surgeon is so talented that I believe that in the end my nose will be better than ever!

Although my Mom is still dying from liver cancer, they have accepted her into the Hospice Program, and she will be cared for more humanely and with gentle kindness.

A relief, for sure!

So here we are, half way through the year and things are looking up.

Thursday Thirteen

Here are thirteen things happening right now.

I had the first reconstruction of my nose done on Monday.
It’s looking good, but he isn’t kidding about taking things easy.
I say this because I was doing things around the house today, and my nose began to bleed.
Doing things too early…bad!
I lay down in my recliner and pressed the area that was bleeding for 10 minutes.
It stopped, but when I tried to move again, the bleeding started.
I think it is a bit more swollen tonight.
I guess it is to be expected.

Thank goodness for ice packs and pain medication.
I am so hopeful, really I am!
I remind myself over and over…patience!
Mom will be moved to Hospice Care soon.
Then I begin the process of saying good-bye and allowing myself to grieve.

Mom, in the center with (from left to right) Me, Melodie, and cousin’s Larry and Janet. This was just in April, before Mom was diagnosed.

Retail Therapy

First, Happy Birthday to my dearest cousin and best friend, Janet!

On Thursday I was in desperate need of a little retail therapy. Before my dental appointment, I stopped by a little shop and I found a cute sun dress. It fits okay, but it will look even better when I get myself going again on Weight Watchers.

There are really no good excuses for me having fallen off the wagon except of the stress I have been under.

The face, my mother’s illness, and the illness of a beloved friend. All have set me back a ways.

Today we learned that Mom is stage 4 Liver Cancer. There is nothing that can be done. No magic pill, or anything that can make her well, nothing that will give her a few more months. It is what it is.

I’ve also felt depressed about my face. Although I know I shouldn’t, I do, and I wonder how long a road I will be on with this.

My friends illness is not for me to talk about here. All I can say is to pray for them. That it is not too late to do something about it.

So this is why I found myself in the boutique downtown trying on this adorable dress. I even found a necklace and earrings to match.

Anneliese got sick after dinner, but we got it cleaned up and I will rest her little belly until the morning. Then it will be a little baby rice cereal. Hopefully that will help her to feel much better.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Lovely Saturday

Today was a pretty good day, as far as getting things done. I managed laundry, watering the garden, and I’d gotten a little fence that matches the three sides I already have, so this morning I actually installed the fourth side, thus keeping the dackels out of my garden once and for all.

I bought bubble gum the other day and stuck it in the stone wall. I’d read that this will get rid of chipmunk and squirrels, and so far, they have not been eating my garden. I will let you know how that goes.

Mom is in Yale Hospital, and they have her on antibiotics, as she seems to have pneumonia too. They’re managing her pain, and she is very weak. I asked her if she wanted me to come down now and she said she would rather wait until her birthday next week. I told her if she changes her mind to let me know.

Hubby has been busy with his trees thinning fruit. We have an abundant crop this year, and we have learned by bitter experiences that it is better to thin, than to have a fruit tree (particularly peaches) torn asunder!

Saturday was also a picture perfect day. Sunny, warm, but not too hot. A gentle breeze and dry air. If it was like this all summer, I would be a happy girl!

Bye, Bye

Back in 1998 Hubby and I bought a camper to use to see the country. We took many awesome trips across the country, up into the back woods of New Hampshire, and while we built our home, we actually lived in it.

The camper was so comfortable. We outfitted it with blankets and pillows, and dishes and great pots and pans, and a gas oven, and microwave convection oven, Basically, this camper was better equipped than some apartments I have lived in!

So for 15 years we have enjoyed the camper until recently. We had stopped using it, and it was time to sell it.

Hubby was reluctant, but this was the summer I wanted to get things moved around. I wanted our old pick-up sold, the camper sold and gone and then I wanted to organize and lighten our load.

It’s a sad time too, as we look back and recall all the happy times we had in the camper. But, to everything there is a beginning and an end.

So, good bye camper. It was a blast!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they’ll say about this period in time? What do you most hope they remember?

I hope that like all children in time they will remember the love of their families. I was just thinking about Savannah and how she is such a happy child.

My daughter is a fantastic mother, and Savannah is one of the happiest children that I know.

2. National Teacher’s Day is celebrated in the US of A on the first Tuesday in May, this year May 7th…share how a particular teacher positively impacted you.

Miss Norris, my second grade teacher. She was wonderful and warm, and made me want to learn.

3. What’s a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood?

My mom’s Sauerbraten. I make a fair Sauerbraten myself, but I always think of her when I make it.

4. Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up…no pieces, parts, or plugs required. What games from childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-free?

I loved my Barbie dolls, and made clothes for them out of scrap material. But if we are taking about games, we did used to ride our bikes pretending they were horses, and climb trees, and doing flips and cartwheels and splits on the lawn.

5. Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child?

My Grandmother, Mary Francis Daniel Prussman.

She was a ladies, lady and taught me so much.

6. Mamma Mia! What’s the best play or musical you’ve ever seen?

Probably not THE best, but I loved it nonetheless! I love the ABBA music and I thought Meryl Streep was awesome! I also love The Sound of Music! Probably because I played Gretel in our community theater when I was a child!

Yes, that is me age 8 years old playing Gretel.

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

Bread baking in the oven, lilacs and baking chocolate chip cookies. As you can see, food smells really dominate my pleasure centers.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m still struggling with my face.

I’ve never been a patient person, and yet it appears I will have to be. Meanwhile, I am returning to Weight Watchers today and plan to get myself physically back in shape!