August is here, my friends...

First, my eye is much better. So much so that I forget to put the salve in at night. I have to try to remember...but I have so much trouble with my memory now due to "chemo brain" that it's a wonder I remember to put on my glasses!

I went to chemo Friday...Richard came with me in case I needed someone to drive. Poor guy...I had to be there early because they forgot to order a urine test so I had to do that on the day of..and I had to see the nurse practitioner to get the ok for chemo. Then for some reason it took forever to do the urine test and I didn't start getting my chemo until after 11:30! And my original start time was supposed to be 9:30. We didn't get home until about 1:30....and I didn't need him to drive.

He left, shaking his head and wondering why he had to come with me at all. Well...don't you know as soon as I got out of the car I started feeling all weird and then I got the runs.....so bad I didn't make it onto the toilet in time. It was bad.

That totally proves I'm getting the chemo....not a placebo. I had been constipated all week and I go for chemo and BAM I get the runs????? C'mon!

I told the nurse my concerns about the symptoms I've been having...the bloat is back; the constipation; the weight gain and the running to pee constantly. She did a pelvic and felt nothing...which doesn't mean a thing to me. I had a two centimeter cyst on one ovary and a three and a half centimeter tumor on my right ovary and no one felt a thing!

She agrees and says that the CT scan will tell the tale. I go next Wednesday. Insult to injury...they didn't have any of the flavored "chalk" they make you drink. I talked to the nice lady at the CT scan office and she suggested I come in two hours early and they will have the "nice" berry flavored drink for me. I said YAY!

The CT scan "beverages" are the worst part of this whole ordeal. They are the WORST! I'm happy to have the scan though, considering the symptoms. I'm hoping that they are connected to something else, of course. We'll see.

I told the nurse about my continued sleep problems. I'm so irritable and downright nasty from lack of sleep. She told me to try Tylenol PM. Sandy got some for me (the poor thing, she's probably desparate) and I took some last night. I did sleep better--I woke up a few times, but didn't have trouble going back to sleep. I got up feeling fairly refreshed. Let's hope it continues.

We had our SNEAK picnic today and I was responsible for making sure we had all the food/supplies we needed. We had a small turn-out due to the change in the picnic date, but it was a beautiful day, we had good food there and a nice group of folks. I got to sit outside and not have to weed anything for a change.

Tomorrow I go back into the yard to work on stuff. Trimming and weeding. Have to pick up some mulch. Sandy is going to do a quick mow---she'll do the complete mow again on Wednesday. Then I hope she's going to put the TV table together and we can get the new TV installed. Can't wait to see that satellite picture on that big screen.

What is with the tornados in Connecticut? Another one yesterday. This weather is so crazy. Thank goodness we have a new thunderstorm routine for Lily that works. She has gone into the closet with the lights on and has done well...I'm happy for her. It kills me to see her so anxious. The weather isn't cooperating...so I'm glad she has found her "safe place."

Here's hoping we don't get the t-storms that they say we may get tomorrow.

Oh, Martinez just got his first hit as a Sox---drove in a run. YAY!

Nighty night!

Achy breaky

Tuesday I worked in the yard again and ended up with a scratched cornea. Dunno how it happened, but I got some kind of tree branch or pine needle in my eye. I ignored it after awhile as the sensation of pain died down. I almost forgot about it, but when I took my shower it stung again.

Sandy urged me to go to see my eye doc...which I did. He found a scratch and gave me salve and drops to use. It's already almost 100% better.

Yesterday I said that if the weather was rotten I would not work outside, but go to the gym instead. The air was rotten and so it was off to the gym for me! After going to get my bloodwork done of course. I did about an hour workout...the treadclimber for 20 minutes, 20 minutes on the dumbbells and a few of the resistance machines; 20 minutes on the bike and then my warm-down routine--mat and the "stretch chair." I love that "stretch chair!"

After all the working in the yard and the workout at the gym I am aching a lot. My knees are aching almost as much as they used to when I was waaaaay overweight. I have new "sneakers" so I don't think it's the shoes....unless the shoes are wrong for me. I've been thinking I should go back to the pedorthic guy that I saw in the past and have my feet checked. I keep getting red marks on some of my toes and the edge of my foot...maybe I have to find out what size my foot is!

Sandy was off last night so we had today....to go shopping! YAY! Finally got that tv I've been wanting to get and because I'm paying for it...I felt free to get the 46" model! We got a table to put it on too....decided to not mount it on the wall. Sandy says she will put the table together on Sunday, so I have the tv for my birthday on Monday.

Of course, on my birthday Sandy and Frank are installing the new kitchen sink and faucet I bought a couple of weeks ago. So, I'm getting lots of good stuff for my birthday! But now that I type this stuff...I realized that I have paid for all my birthday presents! HA HA!

Oh wait, Sandy did buy the Sirius satellite radio for my birthday! How could I forget?

Uncle Dick is coming early tomorrow to go with me to chemo. They called me tonight to let me know that I was supposed to have a urine test done and it wasn't done. I told them it wasn't done because "they" didn't put it on my lab slip! I wouldn't have even had a lab slip if I hadn't insisted to June that she give me one! So, tomorrow I have to have the urine test done before my chemo...AND I have to see the doctor/RN practitioner for an exam before my chemo....so we have to be there early.

I'm trying to NOT be paranoid, but I'm having symptoms associated with the cancer. Bloating; constipation; frequent urination and a sudden jump in weight (5lbs). It may be nothing...but I'm going to bring it up to him/her tomorrow. Also have to remember to ask about whether or not I can get immunization shots prior to going on the cruise in late October. I don't know if they let you have shots when you are on the chemo. If they don't, I'll probably have to stay on the ship instead of going ashore, but that wouldn't be the end of the world for sure!

I hope I can sleep tonight. I have been having lots of trouble sleeping lately and it's making me quite crabby....a real "chore" to live with...poor Sandy! My temper is very short. I'll mention that to them too...although I think that a night of sleeping without Bubbles and Rocky would do the trick! Next time Sandy is off I think I'll sleep in the guest room, see if that helps.

Rocky "tosses and turns" all night, Bubbles overheats and gets me overheated too. Then she has to crawl out from under the covers and later, crawl back under. All this activity wakes me every time. I am too light of a sleeper.

So, I'll probably NOT sleep well tonight. It's the formula for disaster sleep-wise: Sandy's working; it's the night before chemo and Rocky and Bubbles will be "doing their thing." The only thing that could make it worse is if we have a thunderstorm and Lily goes nuts. Then I might as well sit up all night!

Nighty night to the rest of you....

Went for my annual dermatology visit today...was told I "look great!" Yay!

Worked out in the front again, weeding. Unbelieveable how those weeds grow....and the rain has certainly helped! I'm going to take Sandy's car tomorrow to get mulch and maybe some more annuals to fill in the blank spaces out there. I bought some big planters of petunias--all different colors on sale at Walmart the other day...for $10 apiece! I may go back and get some more stuff on sale.

I love Ikea....I think most folks know that about me. I love everything about the place and I love the products. Call me cheap and conventional...I don't care. Well...I finally found something I don't like about Ikea.....their Swedish pancake mix!

I love "plattar" the way my mother used to make it...with loads of eggs and milk....and sugar. Well, I thought I'd try the pancake mix. WRONG! You mix it with water and it's supposed to taste like plattar...no way! It has no sugar in it...so it just tastes flat! I had to load it up with lingonberries and no sugar maple syrup to be able to eat it! Maybe if I add Splenda to it....it MIGHT taste half-way decent. I think I'll donate the other box of it.

Steve is working on a job in Montreal. His second stint in Canada. Also his second incident of trouble with thieves being interested in his truck. Last time they stole his Sirius satellite radio...this time they stole the whole truck! Fortunately, his company is footing the bill for a rental car for him and he has theft coverage on his insurance. He loves that truck and was almost done paying for it. Now he'll have to get a new one.

He should have Sandy do the wheeling and dealing for him. Probably get him an extended cab model for what he paid for the old truck!

Tomorrow I work in the back yard weeding and hacking back the overgrowth. That will be better--there's shade in the back yard. I almost threw myself into the garden pond again, trying to cool off! Instead I set a chair up in the garage and took breaks there in the shade. I felt like a Memere...sitting in the garage and watching the cars go by!

He he. Like a Memere.

Open House stuff

Yesterday it was clean the fridge...an onerous task to be sure. I can never get drawers back in the fridge. Instead of my usual "if it doesn't fit...force it" way of doing things...this time I waited for Sandy to get up and had her put them back. Somehow she figured it out.

Today I worked out in the front and side yards, weeding and draining the garden pond. The former took the most time and energy...lots o' weeds out there thanks to the rain we've had. I uncovered the little walkway that was obscured by vegetation and I even got into the little side garden between our house and Cliff and Kathy's.

All the while the garden pond drained down, with my rigged up hosing. I had to drain it because the PH was too low...from all the rain. The lady at the "fish place" told me that all I need to do is drain the pond halfway or so and then fill it with well water--which is alkaline enough to raise the PH level...so I did that.

I also moved some of the potted plants in the pond around, to give a better view of the waterfall. In the process, I stepped onto the little shelf in the pond, slipped on the slime and fell INTO THE POND! I laughed my ass off....dragged myself out and kept on working. It actually felt good as the water was cold and I was sweating at the time...it cooled me off.

Oh, last night I spent part of my night sleeping on the floor in the laundry area, while Lily lay a few feet away in the walk-in closet. I put her there because of the thunder storm. Put the lights on in the closet and the laundry room, pulled the blinds in the bathroom all to help mask the flashes of lightning. It worked. She heard the thunder, but it was muted in the closet. She fell asleep pretty fast and I was able to get up from my bed on the floor and go back to my real bed.

Tomorrow I'm filling the prescription Dr. Dodman gave us for her to take when a storm is on its way. We're going to Foxwoods tomorrow night for Cirque de Soliel with Taylor Ryan and Jean. Lily will stay with Frank--as there are storms predicted.

I just hope it doesn't storm tonight....I'm too tired to mess around with the floor sleeping routine. Maybe she will just go in the closet and stay there.

OH! If you are reading this and you are planning on coming to the Open House....DO NOT bring any food, beverages or anything but yourselves and your humor! We have a menu planned that can all be done ahead of time....don't want anyone to bring miscellaneous dishes. Just come and have a good time. If you want to bring something, bring your own lawn chair.....we have chairs and will have some from a church hall...but your chair might be more comfy.

Whacky Wednesday

It wasn't really whacky...but I needed to put something there to make this seem more interesting.

Busy day, cleaned upstairs--dusting; bathrooms; vaccuum etc. while loads of laundry were getting done. Then I realized I hadn't had breakfast! Had my protein shake and then went out to clean out the pond waterfall pump. I also tested the water in the pond. The Ph is low so I need to get my butt over to the "Fish Place" to get stuff to rectify that.

Then I hung clothes on the new clothesline Sandy put up for me in the "little back yard." I haven't hung clothes on the line in over a year!

Sandy had to get in the new swimming pool that she put up...to get the "docks" for the dogs set up. She puts "tucker totes" that are weighted down and the dogs can swim up on them. She has to put one on top of the other, the water is so deep.

Of course, the dogs see her getting her bathing suit on and right away they are demanding to o swimming. Bubbie stood by the ladder, staring up at the pool....while Truman barked incessantly. Rocky was totally clueless about the whole thing and just sat back and watched.

Sandy took them all in the water after she had the "docks" set up. Rocky wasn't afraid, but he didn't really know what to do. He watched the others and then swam a bit with Sandy holding onto his life jacket. He didn't freak out about the water. I think he will be a swimming Russell.

When we got them out and I took their jackets off, Rocky went spazzola---running around and around in a huge circle, rolling on the ground, throwing himself over the rocks, running and running...like he was on fire! It was hysterical. Of course, Truman had to ruin it by going after Rocky. Sandy had to interfere to protect Rock.

We got some good tips on how to keep Bub and Rocky from vomiting when they ride in the car. First our vet told Sandy that Lavender oil helps calm them. So she got the oil and you rub it on your hands and then over the dogs head. Makes them smell good too!

Then at Dr. Dodman's office yesterday the student vet told us about ginger capsules after Sandy said that Bubbles won't eat the candied ginger any more. We were bummed about that since it did stop her from vomiting. So Sandy got ginger capsules last night and she tried both things today--lavender oil and the ginger when she took the dogs to her mother's tonight. It worked.

Let's hope it keeps on working! I love lavender...I rub it on my neck and hands at night to help me relax to sleep. I think I'll rub lavender oil on my legs on night's when it's storming...Bubbles sleeps under the covers near my legs--it might help her calm down. It wouldn't hurt to put it on Lily too...especially when we have to leave her in her kennel.

Tomorrow will be a day of errands. To Kohl's to buy some athletic wear...I love that Fila top that I saw the other day--with the "media pocket" to tuck your Walk-man in while you work out. I can put my Sirius Stiletto in there and listen to Howard while I'm on the treadclimber. That should make the time pass quickly!

Then it's off to the gym; to the laundromat to wash the comforters; to Mohegan Sun to pick up tickets for Saturday's WNBA All-Star game and then to Stop and Shop. I should be pooped by the time I'm done! But it will be a "good kind" of pooped.

I had a pedicure today--first time I've ever had one. Man oh man, does that feel good! My toes are a bright, fire engine red now and my legs and feet are H-A-P-P-Y!!! I will definitely do that again! I'm going to get Sandy to join me next time. They massage your feet and legs and then when your feet are done and as they are drying, they massage your shoulders with a hot stone and then massage your shoulders, upper back and neck.

I had to drive up to Colchester after the pedicure--to get the car in for service. Otherwise, I think I would have napped in the parking lot at the nail place...it was so relaxing!

Yep, we're doing that again!

Sox are losing to the Rangers....again. Can't wait for this road trip to be over.

Nighty night!

Soggy Tuesday

Cleaned my car on Sunday....inside and out. Sure wish I knew where we put that chamois I used to have...the car ended up with water spots. It sure looks nice though. Tomorrow it goes in for it's first service...probably just an oil change, I hope.

Richard is going to come with me to chemo next week. I asked, and he said "YES!" YAY! I need to pick his brains about what I need to serve at the open house on the 8th and what I need to do to get the house/yard ready. I'm thinking of planting some annuals in the front yard and pulling a bunch-o-weeds in the back yard.

Mark is going to get folding chairs from his church for us to use and I have to pick some spots for EZ-ups for shade. I'll also need a few tables for the EZ-ups and for under the trees for people to sit around. I'm hoping I can borrow some from neighbors, etc.

Anyway...I'm starting to stress....a little...about the open house. Can't help it. I set up these things and then I stress about them. It will be fun.

Lily had to have "emergency surgery" today. We were up at Tufts for her annual check-up with Dr. Dodman...she and Bubbles go every July for their "check-up from the neck-up." Anyway...Lily yelped when Rocky (who was tagging along) stepped on her foot---it was then we noticed that she had a broken nail. It was sticking up in the air. So, Sandy took her to our vet and then knocked her out and took care of it. Fortunately it was more of a "dry nail" situation....happens sometimes as dogs get older. It wasn't badly broken, it did need a good trimming. And since Lil doesn't tolerate that kind of stuff well, she had to be knocked out to have it done.

She's passed out in her bed now...it's 8:30 pm and Sandy just announced that she's going to bed early and is taking Lil with her. Good luck moving her! Oh...she surprised me and got right up...well...we'll see if she does the stairs.

Some houses in our neighborhood have been broken into. Glad we invested in the alarm system and suddenly glad we have a little dog (Rocky) who barks whenever a leaf drops...or bird flies by and glad we have three other idiots who will frequently join him in woofing at such things.

Last night after I heard about the burglary of the house three doors down--took prescription drugs, jewelry and WINE--left the hard liquor, what's up with that? Anyway, after I heard about that, I let Rockster bark his head off in the yard for about twenty minutes. Seemed like a good message to send.

Hoping the weather clears so I can get some weeding down out front and in the back too. Need to get Sandy to weed whack. She had wanted to do it today so she would have the feeling back in her hands by the time she goes back to work tomorrow night, but the weather didn't cooperate. Maybe I'll try tackling it.

But first I'll go back to the gym. I went again yesterday with Sandy and it went well. Felt good. So, I'm trying to get into an every-other-day routine if I can. Need to rebuild all that muscle I lost. I'm still pretty strong...but I have lost a lot of muscle and I want it back.

I got new athletic shoes at Kohl's yesterday...Asics gels....they feel wonderful. They'll look good flashing up and down on that treadclimber!

I also bought a new kitchen sink (stainless) and a nice brushed nickle faucet at Home Depot. They had a sale, buy a Kohler sink and Kohler faucet and get $30 off. So, I go through the check-out and am walking out of the store when I noticed that I didn't get the $30 off. I go back, tell the woman at the checkout that the sign on the sink said blah blah blah...get $30 off.

She gets a put-out look on her face and calls back to get someone from the dept. to come up. When he gets there she says, AND I QUOTE: "This lady CLAIMS that it says buy a sink and get the faucet free." I said "I DID NOT SAY THAT!!! I said buy a Kohler sink and a Kohler faucet blah blah blah....$30 off." The guy verified that I what I said was right....but he didn't know if you needed a coupon or what and that she had to call some other guy. She calls the guy and says (to no one in particular) "he never answers his phone." Which reaffirms my poor opinion of Home Depot.

Finally Sandy goes back there and finds a coupon for $30 off and then the woman doesn't know how to credit my card with the amount. She screams some women's name, just as I'm going over to another register to throw out a skin sanitizer wipe I had used. I see the woman (who's name was being screamed) react with a "Jesus Christ, what the hell does she want now, she's driving me nuts." Which made me feel vindicated.

That woman couldn't have been more helpful and the woman she sent me to in Customer Service was also very nice and helpful. But that woman on the register was absolutely UNBELIEVEABLE!

Why do I seem to get to meet "those people?"

I guess it makes life interesting. What the hell...it DOES make life interesting.

Hair today....

My hair is weird. I love it...but it's weird. I took a shower last night and this morning my hair was sticking up in weird ways all over my head. In the back it was flat, flat, flat!

Tonight it looks dirty blond...not grey. It seems to change day-to-day.

Soon I will have to gel it to get it to lie down.

Can't wait!