Catch-up on the news?

Hello everyone. Long time no see, huh? Our life here has not been good and this is the blog post I've been debating whether to write or not. This is going to be hard to write, but I'll try to find the right words.

If you remember any of my last post, back in Oct., you know about my eye problems and Bob's health scare. Well, nothing has gotten any better. Oh, my eye doctor says he expects my vision to keep getting better, but I'm still getting those awful injections. And since I had to renew my driver's license on my birthday last Dec., the DMV said I could drive but only during the day. But I'm doing ok.

Bob, on the other hand, is not. His ulcerated esophagus healed to a certain extent. The bleeding stopped, but his doctors weren't satisfied with the way it looked. He had 2 more EGD's and biopsies ("Upper endoscopy, also known as EGD, is a procedure in which a thin scope with a light and camera at its tip is used to look inside the upper digestive tract -- the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.") -- from webmd.com

The news was not good. He has some cancer cells in the lining of his esophagus. We are waiting to hear from the hospital/doctor on when he can have his operation. They will be removing his whole esophagus. As of right now, the cells are contained and have not spread. They all have told us that this surgery will remove all of it and he won't need any chemo or radiation. Thank God for that. Of course this waiting game has been horrible for both of us and our kids. Bob will be going to Cleveland Clinic, 3 hrs away. All of his doctors (3) have suggested the same location for having this done by a surgeon that has lots of experience.

So we would greatly desire your prayers. Thank you. May God bless you.

Checking in...... HI, guess who!

I've been debating for several days on whether to write this blog or stay quiet. We've had so many things going on here, hubby and I, that most of you don't know but are wondering about.

I've just recently been able to get back on the computer. I developed a condition that was destroying my eyesight. However, having problems with the migraine, my doctor and I "assumed" the eye condition was the aura from the migraine. So, she raised the dosage on my meds, I even got a shot in the ER, but nothing was helping. In the meantime, I was carrying around a magnifying glass so I could see the dials on the washing machine, on the microwave, etc.  It was pathetic when I tried using the magnifying glass on the computer screen. Bob had to take over the cooking after I came close to starting a fire in a fry pan. That's when the doctor suggested I see my eye doctor.

The eye doctor diagnosed my problem and sent me to an eye surgeon, where I started getting treatments. I have blood seepage in the tiny blood vessels in the eye and he gives me an injection, directly into the eye ball, once a month to stop it. I saw results after that first one. I've had 2 treatments so far, with my 3rd one tomorrow (Monday).  The injection isn't as bad as it sounds. It's a small needle. Hahaha

During this whole time I was not able to drive. I didn't trust myself behind the wheel. However, last week I was able to, because Bob needed me. He hadn't been feeling well for weeks. He was put  on several meds after his stent was inserted and he's one of those people that actually read about the drugs and especially the side affects. They all say "dizziness, short of breath", etc . Oh, he talked to his cardiologist and was taken off one of the blood thinners. But Bob kept getting weaker.

Then on Wed. the 7th, he was so weak, out of breath, gray face and blue lips.  I took him to the ER. They drew blood and admitted him right away. He had internal bleeding, but didn't know where. A surgeon was called in to do a scope down the throat for pictures.  When he showed me the pictures, my heart stopped. He has an ulcerated mass in the esophagus just above the opening to his stomach. They think that was doing a slow drain of blood for months.  Three of the many doctors he saw that week agreed…. It was the result of the drug bralinta he was on.  They started giving him blood. His hemoglobin was down to only 5 (normal is 10 - 15). Long story short, he was given 6 units of blood over a 4 day stay that brought it up over 10 so he could be released.

He had biopsies done that came back negative for any cancer in the ulcer, but now he sees a hematologist about the condition of his blood. He's going to need iron infusions, plus B12. But the next step is a bone marrow biopsy which he gets this coming Friday the 23rd. He's feeling much better, he says better than he has in months, but he's not out of the woods yet, so I'm asking for prayer again. I almost lost him so we know God has been here.

We had to run out to CVS this afternoon to get a script and I talked Bob into getting a flu shot this year since his immune system is weak right now. Surprisingly he agreed. Now my arm is a bit sore. We learned from one of his nurses the other day that CVS has the stronger dosage of the vaccine than the doctor's offices. I thought they all, everyone that gives the shots each year, had the same vaccine.  I was wrong. Hmmmm….

I hope you are well. Thank you for reading this.

It's me!! Checking in......

I got an email today from a friend here on Blogger, checking to see if I was still alive. I knew I hadn't posted anything here for quite awhile.... last March to be exact. So I thought I'd write something to say "hello" and I've missed you.

Hubby and I had to down-size on some bills and our internet connection was the first one, since it's a luxury. Therefore, I'm not on the internet much anymore. I read my emails each morning and check in on FB a couple times during the day, to see what everyone is doing, mainly family, but that's about it.

I've been spending my time crocheting. And since I love doing it, I'm not missing the computer very much at all.

My current project is this:

I started this April 22 with a few squares, not knowing what I was going to make. Now it's almost big enough for our twin size bed, so I guess that's was it's going to be. It's gotten big enough, and the weather warm enough, that I have it on a card table, and not my lap. 

My childhood friend that lives in Florida also crochets and she sent me a box of yarn she didn't want anymore. This is what arrived the other day .......... 

What a blessing! 

I had a very nice Mother's day. My girls never forget me, and I feel very blessed. Daughter #2 gave me this box of chocolate covered strawberries. They are so good and she knows how much I love them. For those of you who see me on Facebook, you probably saw this. Then daughters #1 and #3 cooked dinner for us. 

My youngest daughter, Teresa, also gave me a massage before dinner. I've had some awful back pain lately and now she thinks I have a rib out of place. I guess I'll have to call the chiropractor. 

Our newest little member to the family is growing like a weed. Our great-grandson is just starting to scoot around on his belly. He hasn't managed to get the knees to work yet, but it won't be long. He's such a joy to have around, always smiling. 

I guess that's about all I have to report. I hope you are all well and happy. 

Until next time, remember this ......... 

A Springy Hodgepodge

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. 

1. What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'spring'? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?

Flowers... tulips and daffodils. Here, we are still waiting, but the snow is beginning to melt and the temperature isn't quite so cold. I know spring is coming, but the winter seems to drag on too long.

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob... which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs...did you ever own a Slinky?

Our couch is nearing it's life's end. I hate the thought of having to go shopping for a new one. Not! I'd love to have a new one. Yes, I had a slinky growing up and loved playing with that crazy thing on the stairs.

3. March is Women's History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." -- Maya Angelou

4. What's a question that looms large in your mind right now?

How is hubby and I going to survive on just our Social Security?

5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?

I am a sugar freak. I've been trying to cut back on the sweets, but my will-power can fail when it comes to donuts and cookies. I'm so weak.

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?

More work I enjoy doing... I lost a job that I loved (it's a long story and no one's fault) but I'd love to have that opportunity of doing that work again.

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas,  Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?

Yes, I've been to Texas and love it. My trips have mainly been to see family, but I have been to Padre Island and Galveston Island. On one of my future trips, if there is another one, would be to see the San Antonio River Walk.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Our grand-daughter, our ONLY grand-daughter, is getting married in 4 weeks. It's hard to believe. It seems like just yesterday I cradled her in my arms and rocked her to sleep. Where has the last 22 yrs. gone? 

Gloomy Tuesday

Hello everyone! I thought I'd drop in tonight for a short visit. I hope you've had a good day.

Today, weather-wise, we've had one big gloomy day. It's drizzled rain and now fog has developed. Visibility is down to less than 1/10 of a mile, according to our weatherman. Our temperature, though, has been better the past few days. It's been in the upper 40's to low 50's. Much, much better than it was.

Yesterday, our daughter called to ask if we could pick up the boys after school. When I said yes, she gave me some background information and some instructions concerning our 2 youngest grandsons. When we got them home, they were to do their homework, they could have a 'healthy' snack, then they had to go upstairs and clean their room and "give them a couple garbage bags to take with them. No TV or video games until the room is clean." And "don't you go up and help them, Mom"!

I washed her dirty dishes while the boys ate their snack and did their homework at the table. Then they ran upstairs. Jr came down a few minutes later, but Bryan was still up there and very quiet. I waited, then couldn't stand it anymore. I went up to see how he was doing. Oh, my! Their room was a disaster. I couldn't resist. Then we heard Teresa come in the back door and I told Bryan "we aren't done and we're gonna be in trouble".

We carried the trash bags down stairs and Teresa just glared at us. "Mother! I told you not to help them!" I started laughing, but little Bryan's eyes were as big as saucers. His mom was scolding her mom! Priceless.

I've been keeping myself busy lately with crocheting. After 20+ years, I picked up a crochet hook and it gave me the urge to do it again. I'm thankful it's like riding a bike... it all came back to me. So far I've made 4 pairs of boot cuffs for my sister's grand-daughters.

And a headband for my niece.

I've made several kitchen towels for my sister after she gave me a big bag full of yarns and stuff.

Currently I'm working on something, I'm not sure what yet. I pulled out all the yarn and left-overs from other projects. When I saw the 2 shades of grey and the scarlet, I just had to start 'hooking it'. Anyone from Ohio would like those colors, right? I know I don't have enough to do an afghan, or even a small blanket, so it may end up being a narrow wrap/shawl. I'm just working until the yarn runs out. 

Our great-grandson is doing very well. He's growing so fast, but still fits in his bassinet in the living room. Hollie, our grand-daughter, told us yesterday she checked her baby development chart and he is doing things a 7 month old should be learning to do. He's only 4 months old. She is feeling so proud.

That's all I can think of to chat about, but I'm glad you stopped by. 

Until next time.......... 

Mind over matter

I've been taking a much needed break and hiding out in my little house, just hubby and me, for quite some time now. Weather-wise, you know how horrible this winter has been. Not fit for humans or animals to be out and about, as far as I'm concerned, so we've been housebound most of the time. 

I've been going through a bit of depression lately, trying to deal with some problems we have, plus hold onto my emotions. I just haven't wanted to see anyone or talk to anyone. There are some people who can't see past the end of their noses, say and do hurtful things and not even realize they are hurting others. So I had decided to just stay right here, hide out, away from everyone, where I can't be hurt or be forced to deal with them. I just wanted some time out. 

It was working. My feelings were slowly healing. But then I think the good Lord thought I'd been brooding long enough. That's when it became mind over matter. The last couple weeks He had me get up and get out, helping others who needed me. As a result, I feel much better. We even went out Tuesday evening with another couple and had a nice time. We had good food and lots of laughs. It was like having a social life again. 

I've been trying to catch up with everyone's blog but if I missed you or failed to leave a comment, just know that I was thinking about you. 

God bless

Valentine Hodgepodge

I'm getting this written a bit later than I normally do because I forgot it was Wed. My days are just flying by too fast. Anyways, this is going to be a quick post with not a whole lot of thought behind it. I hope you find my Hodgepodge answers a bit interesting this week.

1. Have you ever written a love letter? Have you written one recently? Had one written to you? Did you keep it?

Yes, I've written several love letters in the past, but not recently. I've also had my 'special someone' write ones to me. When Hubby and I were dating, and planning on getting married, we wrote love letters back and forth. Now after 49 yrs. of marriage, I regret I didn't keep any of them.

2. What's a movie that ends in a way you especially love?
One movie that came to mind is "The Notebook". It had one of those unforgettable endings. Even tho' it was so sad, I thought it was good.

3. Something that makes your heart sing? And for those of you who are parents, I mean something besides your children that makes your heart sing?

I'll admit I looked this up to see what it meant. In my search, I found a lady by the name of Judith Johnson, an author and minister, who describes it as "being in your fullness"... something that involves you completely, in body, soul, mind and spirit. Like an artist who has painted a picture just like what he had envisioned and it makes his heart sing. In that context, I can say I felt that was during a piano practice. I had worked hard to learn a particular song that was giving me troubles. When it finally clicked and I was able to play the song, it made my heart sing. I was totally involved, in body, mind and spirit.

4. What's the last event you had to attend, phone call you had to make, routine task you needed to complete, or meal you had to prepare, that you did do, but only half-heartedly?
I'm currently in one of those 'dinner slumps' where I don't feel like cooking, can't find anything to fix, nothing looks or sounds good, so my dinners have been put on the table only half-heartedly.

5. Tuna fish salad-yay or blech? If you said yay, how do you like your tuna salad prepared? Hey, this is the Hodgepodge, right?Yay. I do like tuna fish salads. I make them with mayo and pickle relish. I'll occasionally put hard-boiled egg in it too. Sometime I'll put it on a bed of lettuce and onion.

6. What's something you 'know by heart'?

Hubby's answer to my question... "what do you want for supper?" 

"I don't know."

7. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, what two or three word phrase would you write on a conversation heart for someone you love? That someone could be a spouse, child, parent, cousin, bestie...anyone at all whom you love.

First off... what's a conversation heart? I think I know, so my answer would have to be "Love You".

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Since this just now happened, it's on my mind. Every day at noon I turn over to a local TV channel to get the news, then watch The Young and the Restless after that. Today, that city's mayor had a live speech on the state of the state in which he talked about the homeless issue. They are implementing a pilot program to help these people. They showed video of places where they're sleeping at night. It's awful. Some of them are fortunate enough to have a pup-tent, others are under sheets of plastic or cardboard. Then they're under bridges, in alleyways, behind dumpsters. It's horrible. It's sad. And each one has a different story that put them there. My heart goes out to them. There, but by the grace of God, go I.