Day by Day

My view from the sofa. 

I brought these plants up from Alabama and they seem to be enjoying this spot. They were just about dead when I returned from my trip to DC and NY last month. The hub had watered every other plant in the house and somehow missed these. My absent-minded professor. But thank goodness, a little love and water brought them back. Let's see if they survive the gas heat this winter. Fingers' crossed.

I can't say that I'm any perkier than yesterday, but I am feeling better. My sleep patterns are all over the place after being in bed for two weeks, ugh. I think my body aches just from that alone. I'm going to get the guest room ready for when the hub gets home (he's been overseas since I got sick!). I wake up at all hours with this horrible barking cough; and that's the last thing he needs when he returns from a grueling trip. Perhaps I'll move into the girls' room. I've never slept in there; and it's such a pretty room. I had meant to start working on the guest room re-do while the hub was gone--in time for my brother's arrival at Thanksgiving; but obviously, that didn't happen. Didn't get anything done I had planned while the hub was away--no bike riding, no hiking with Frankie, no painting, no decorating, no nuthin'!

I'm just grateful to be feeling better, day by day. Let's all make a pact to stay well from now through the holidays. K?!

Labels: Health

Halloween 2012

A very happy Halloween to you all! Hope you get more treats than tricks!!

I am a tad behind in everything, especially decorating. I had to gather my dead body together yesterday and get pumpkins and candy! I was afraid if I didn't put any pumpkins out, we would look like the bah-humbug house! Cannot have that on one of my favorite holidays of the year!

Ooooofy, it took everything I had just to get dressed!

Truth of the matter is I had pneumonia! I was so weak, I didn't even have enough strength to get on the computer! Ugh. It's been a long time since I've been knocked so low. A check-up and more x-rays at the doc's today looked promising.

But, I am on the mend now thanks to friends and family keeping my spirits up. Dar sent these up from her trees in 'bama--Satsumas and Myer lemons!! A little rest, a lotta love and a whole lotta vitamin C is going to do the trick! I'm getting stronger every day!!

It's hell getting old.

Labels: Darlene, Halloween, Health, Friends

Presh

The precious Bella and my valiant hub have been taking real good care of me; but lawds, nothing is getting better. Last night, I thought my fever was breaking? Hmmmm, must have just been hot flashes. Because today I feel as bad as yesterday. Thank goodness for ibuprofen. 

Going to spend the day visiting my old blogger friends, since I've been very lackidaisical in doing so for the past year or so! Oy.

Labels: Cats, Health, Hub

Sick

Ugh. I haven't been sick in a long, long time. Which makes being sick even worse. Everything hurts, and I feel old and sick.

Cough, cough.

Labels: Health

Can't Get Enough

Cheers to autumn, finally!!

I've found a new spot to sit and watch the leaves turn. Just loving the leaves and their brilliant colors.

 I think the entire process of watching/waiting for them to fall exhausts Frankie. Yawwwwwwn.

The hub has been home this week; and we've been getting a lot done while he's around . . . including getting our early vote in! Yay, glad that's done. (Now if I can just talk the kid into coming home on Friday to do the same!!) 

Don't you just love old government buildings? NOT! A tad too hospitalesque for my taste.

And, speaking of hospitals, it's October, ladies--Breast Cancer Awareness month. Don't forget to schedule your yearly mammogram. Ugh.

Happy Fall, y'all!!

Labels: America, Autumn, Dogs, Health

What the Hayel?

[Warning: TMI!]

Ya know there's never a dull moment 'round these parts. And now, my hair is falling out? Now wait just a minute!? Just look at this BALD SPOT!!! Oy!

It all began before I left for DC and NY. Literally, a couple of days before I left, I broke out in hives. Nothing major, I've had them before; but it's been over ten years since I've had them. K, it is the worst time of the year for allergies. Joy. Yes, I did have my hair "done" before I left--new color (see!), new stylist, but same Aveda products. Hmmm. Everyone asks, "Have you been stressed?" I never thought about it; but I suppose I could have been worried about helping sort out some of the in-laws' household items--I've been there before; but I never really thought about it. Now, come to think of it--awkward--I did have a little "moment" of remembering my mom and brother when I broke down and cried (very awkward). Ugh, I had been doing SO well in that department. (Dr. Rosa is "IN") Perhaps, it IS all nerves. Right time of year for them. Perhaps not. Is it the hair product used on my "hade?" Lawds, I hope not. I'm not quite ready for my platinum skunk streak or should I say, "you're not ready for it!?" Not just yet. 

Well, I went to my dermatologist; of course she asked the same questions. She seems to think the cause is either hair products, since my scalp is so inflamed, or just good ol' nerves. And so, I am on a topical spray for the itching (THANK YOU!) and an oral corticosteroid. Let's hope it all works. These hives are driving me crazy; and I certainly don't want to go bald! Lawds. I head back in three weeks to have my scalp tested to see if it is an allergy. Hmmm. Wonder what that will intail. Like I said, never a dull moment.

Regardless, the hub says he will still love me if I'm grey or bald. It's all good.

Labels: Health

A Spoonful of Honey

Makes the 'algies go away. It's that time of year again in Middle Tennessee. I woke up Monday with horrid allergies.

Back to a tablespoon of local honey once a day. Fingers' crossed.

Happy Labor Day weekend, y'all!

Ooooh, ooooh, photo was shot with an effect setting on my little Sony, "Miniature." 

Labels: Cameras, Health, Tennessee

Really?

I simply cannot grasp the fact that 2012 is here. Christmas, come and gone. The Season sure did pass quickly this year.

I'm feeling very optimistic about the New Year, kinda scary actually. It's been a tough couple of years. Honestly, when autumn rolled in, I was half scared that something bad would happen, again. I had a health scare (which turned out to be nothing) that put me into a tail spin in November. It sure did make me think of my absence in this life for a couple of weeks there. I don't normally get all riled up. Just a hard time of year, I suppose. Anyhoo, all is well; and I am quite happy to be moving on.

Christmas turned out to be absolutely perfect. We put up our first tree in two years. I decorated the house quite a bit, bringing out special pieces that meant a lot to me and the boys. Making a trip to NYC to visit family turned out to be our best visit ever, having almost every member there (sans our Cali bro, SIL and niece). If they had been able to make it, it would have been perfect in every way. Family is so important.

Still trying to get cards out. Hey, I did get out some Christmas cards this year. The first in many, many years. Now, I'm moving on to New Year's cards. Ha. That is my usual correspondence.

Wow, 2012. Alrighty then, let's do this thang!

Labels: Family, Health, New Year's

The Cleanse

Zee cleansing has begun! 

Think Pink

It's officially National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ladies.  Have you had your smashergram this year?

I had my appointment yesterday for my mammogram and a bone-density exam.  Honestly, both were very quick and easy, for a change.  Last year, my mammogram consisted of way too many xrays (ouchy) and then a visit to the sonogram room.  Scared the heck out of me!  But thank goodness, whatever they saw was nothing.  Phew.  It always scares us to death, doesn't it?  We lose way too many people to breast cancer.

Here is the dreaded machine.  

And more pink from the house I collected last night.  I didn't realize I had this much pink!

K, go and make your appointment if you haven't.

All Better

Well, not all better, but this helps.

I woke up this morning with a little bit of a clearer head. Still have a headache, but I can function with that.

Hmmmm, I wonder why I'm not losing any weight on this diet?

grin

"Algies"

"Algies."  I got 'em.

So bad, my vertigo is flaring up.  Not good.

So bad, my Zyrtec doesn't even touch it.  I'm now on Benadryl.  And you know what Benadryl does.

I'm so hopped up on Benadryl, I somehow lost my check card yesterday.  Between the bank and home.  Go figure.  Doy.

Had to call the bank and cancel the card.

Which means I have to call all my auto-pay peeps and change the number, once it arrives.

Oy.  

Think I'll go back to sleep.

San Diego Co. Mountains and More

Ooof, I've been knocked off my butt for several days now. Lordy me. I had my flu shot and a pneumonia shot on Wednesday and I've been sick ever since! What the &%$#%???? I was feeling a little better yesterday until I was at mom's doing things I probably shouldn't be doing. Came home and slept from 3-11 p.m. Hmmmm. I slept until 12 today and finally just got up, took a hot shower, ate some Excedrin and am sitting down to a cup of coffee. I have to admit, I am feeling a little better. Geesh. Anyhoo, I need to catch up on my Cali trip! Above are the cookies I bought at Julian's Pies. Oh, they are to die for. (The Hotel California cup was bought in LA around 1981 during a trip out there. It's one of my favorite cups ever.)

Ok, now that that's out of the way, back to California! My BIL drove the kid and I up through the mountains. The kid had never been to the West coast so this was all new to him.

Our mission was hitting Julian and getting some apple pie. We had run out of time for picking apples in the orchards. (Note the moon!)

What a sweet town. We were able to watch apples being pressed for cider. The smell was wonderful, as you can well imagine.

The "famous" shop is Mom's. But I was told under very good authority that Julian's pies were better. Of course, I had to try both.

I purchased three apple turnovers which I have kept in the fridge until today. I'll let you know how they compare with slices of Julian's Dutch apple pie. :-P

Now, Julian's Pie company was just precious. I loved everything about it.

I got cookies (above) and two slices of the Dutch apple pie. Of course, I bought them for the hub and kid. Did they eat them? Nope. I ate one slice one night and the other the next night. And yes, it was the absolute best apple pie I have ever had. Hands' down YUM!

The little bakery is located in a small house on the edge of town. If you go to Julian, DO NOT miss it!

I think the locals are on to something here. ha. We didn't have a whole lot of time here either. It was a true whirlwind trip, I tell ya. There were schedules to keep with a little five year old in tow.

We were then under strict instructions to hit Dudley's Bakery on the way home and pick up some fresh bread for the house.

It's a good thing I wasn't staying. I would have bought several loaves. Oh my. You know my weakness is bread. It took everything in my diet strength to walk out of there (that and the apple goodies I was holding in the car--wink wink).

The landscape here is absolutely beautiful. The kid was in awe.

And so was I.

We headed back west to home enjoying the mountain scape. So beautiful.

I loved the entrance into the town of Ramona. The entire area reminds me of cowboy and Indians. I could envision the battles going on way back in the day.

It was a beautiful day being with family.

xo
ro

Update: Mom's apple turnover was VERY good. Hmmmmmm. I say visit both pie bakeries!

Where Does the Time Go

This morning, I received a call from mom's place saying that they were moving her once again. Geesh. And, I pray, this will be her last move. I suppose, again, this is why I have been putting off hanging her pictures. There's always a little voice in my head that I try and listen to. Anyway, she is right next door, but now she has a window bed and looks out to the pretty little park setting. It is already equipped with a bird feeder.

I was saddened when the director told me why they were moving patients around. Mom's roommate, Mrs. M., the one who just celebrated her 80th birthday on Thursday, passed away early yesterday morning. It is bittersweet. While I am saddened to lose her as she was just the sweetest lady--called mom "granny"--she had been bedridden for almost 15 years at the same facility. She was able to get into a wheelchair about once a week, but that was about it. On Saturday, when mom was asleep and I sat with her, she told me that she wanted me to take this pretty orchid plant that was in her room when the Lord came and took her. I told her she wasn't going anywhere but thanked her just the same. I suppose in some way, she knew she was ready to leave this earth and move on. She went suddenly with no pain, and for that, I'm sure the family is thankful. The kid and I will be attending her funeral tomorrow. We will deeply miss Mrs. M. She reminded me so much of my grandma Rosie in so many ways. And you know what, I don't think I have one picture of her. Go figure. Me who takes photos of every speck of dust. I hate regrets like that.

Mom seemed oblivious to the change except the fact that she enjoyed looking out the window. I'm hoping this is her last move and made my wishes known straight to the director and social worker.

After seeing mom, I had a dentist appointment. Seems I put that off for quite a while! It's been way over a year since my last visit. Oh well. Everything looked good, which I was quite pleased with! Yay! On my way back home, I walked around the corner to the Puffy Muffin and picked up some cookies for the nurses tomorrow since I won't be here on Friday. Mmmmm. Look at this display, will ya? It took everything in my power to walk away from the cupcakes! But I did!

Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day. Mrs. M's funeral is at 10, I have to run by mom's and see her and drop the cookies off and then the CUZ gets here around 1!! OMG. The kid kept telling me she was arriving around 4! Lordy me. I will be shot out of a cannon first thing! Woooosh. Hold on Rosa, it's going to be a wild ride!! So, I probably won't be posting until we get settled somewhere down south.

xo
ro