So ATT sent me the new modem to use. And it didn't work. Then they had a guy come over to get the phone jack turned on....now (allegedly) my computer doesn't recognize the new modem so it can't connect to the internet. Since my PC is the gateway to my wireless network for the two laptops...we can't connect remotely...we have to bring the laptops upstairs and plug the modem directly into them. IT SUCKS!
Hopefully we will get this straightened out....soon! It's a royal pain in the tuchus!
Lynne's Mom fell Saturday night and broke her hip....she had surgery yesterday...hopes to be in rehab somewhere around here in CT on Thursday. Lynne is staying at her Mom's house (in Brooklyn NY) until that happens...so no Ikea and lobster for us today. Her birthday WILL go on and on, just as I predicted!
The Relay was a huge, if somewhat, soggy, success. Jean, Sandy, Lynne, Mary Anne and Carol joined me in the Survivor Lap and then they held a Caretaker Lap and we all walked in that one...that was a nice touch. They gave me a Survivor Pin to go along with my Survivor T-shirt and also "Caretaker pins" to give to people who helped me most. I gave all of them a pin and gave one to Marie too...when she came later in the day---for knitting all those hats. I'm going to give one to Linda too...she made hats and that fabulous "stitches pillow" with all the covers that go with it.
Our team exceeded our goal of $4,000 sometime last week. On Relay day we turned in another $500 or so. And Maria still has to collect from some people! I think we may get close to the $5,000 mark! WOOOHOOO!
We had so many new walkers this year: Tammy and Emily came from Rhode Island...I had met them one day at a chemo session...Tammy and I shared a chemo room; Russ Boulet and his Mom, Bonnie and Bob joined us...although I didn't get to talk to them very much...it was very hectic when they arrived; Annette came and spent most of the night with us...she walked off andon; Suzanne St. Dennis (the area's best dog trainer) walked and had fun--and really helped by donating two eight week sessions of dog obedience classes for the raffles! AND BARB!! WOW!! Barbara Lukens, our real estate agent---and new friend, collected a boat load of donations and walked off and on all night. She took a nap in the middle of the night, got up, walked again then went home. She came back later in the AM to help me pack up the tent, screenhouse and the rest of the equipment. Janet came back and helped too...they are the greatest!
Special thanks to Jessica, Annette, Barb and Charmine who stayed all night and walked through the night. I walked some, but they really walked! I think we had someone on the track all day and night, until about 7am...when I started packing stuff up.
Big thanks to Russ and Co; Steve; Don and Marie; Anne Marie and Suzanne, for walking in the heat...I can't do it!
Maria, Cathy and Karin showed up at 8pm to walk....in the gymnasium it turned out---as the lightning was so bad, they made us all go inside. This is the first year they joined the team. Maybe next year they will stay over night...at the relay or at the house. It was great seeing them there.
I came home, unpacked my car; took a shower and crashed around 11:30 am...woke up at 6pm. Got up and ate...then crashed again...all night. Yesterday I was all wiped out still and just rested. But today I got up and worked outside...in the heat. I trimmed some bushes out front, pulled weeds and generally neatened it up out there. It had gotten to "jungle-like" proportions out there with all the rain, etc. I was able to do more than half of the front in a couple of hours and then stopped as I could feel the heat getting to me. I'll finish it on Thursday. There isn't as much to do as today's job. It did feel good to be working out there again....like a normal human being!
Tomorrow I go to work in Hartford, doing physical exams with the interns coming in for the summer to St. Francis Hospital. Afterwards I will drive up to Enfield to deliver the raffle prize Marie won...a fabulous vacation package to Mt. Monadnock region. It's got everything in it!
Thursday I hope to be back out in the yard...as long as the weather holds.
So, I may not post again here for awhile....maybe not until the ATT situation gets resolved.
CONGRATULATIONS to all my old co-workers who are now officially retired! You're going to LOVE IT!
Nighty night
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Happy Birthday Lynne!
Today is Lynne's birthday...we're going to go out and celebrate it next week. So her birthday celebration will go on and on....
Tomorrow they come to hook-up the Direct TV...which means tonight I'm trying to watch all the shows that I have saved on the DVR. Went through the "Rescue Me" and "The Office" episodes, now working on the last chapter of the HBO special on Alzheimer's. It is the second most feared disease in the US, after cancer. I can understand that.
Robin gave me a great massage today, complete with guided imagery that was wonderful! My neck "popped" once and I swear that I felt it "give"....letting go of tension. I think I need at least one more massage to really get it all cleared up. I have to work on not letting my anxiety and tension go to my shoulders and neck....a lifetime habit.
I felt really tired and slightly ill before I went to see Robin...felt good while I was there and then that feeling returned as I drove home. We were supposed to go to Jean's...but I stayed home instead. Bubbles didn't want to go either so the two of us are keeping each other company. However, now she regrets not having gone with Sandy...she is lying on the carpet by the back door, whining. Next time I won't listen when she tries to stay home...she's going.
I called down there and heard that Rocky is busy playing with Nami...they charge at each other and Rocky is so small he can scoot under Nami. I wish I was there to see that. So funny.
MAFO developed an infection and had to go back into surgery. She's back at Bridebrook now, on antibiotics for the next two weeks....then she'll move in with Robin. I'm going to bring down the toilet seat and the grab bar for her to use when she goes to Robin's. Judy called tonight to report all this and let me know that the toilet seat needs to be delivered...so I'll bring it down next week. She said MAFO's spirits are high. I'll call her tomorrow.
Katie and I have been conversing about the tickets. She's trying to deal with the airlines about the seating assignments. She can't be separated from the kids as they have done on the reservations they sent us. I still don't understand why they did this when they knew the ages of the kids! STUPID!
Suzanne St. Denis called tonight. She is coming tomorrow and will be dropping off two vouchers for six weeks of obedience classes, for our Relay team to donate to the raffle table at the Relay for Life this Saturday. I'm going to put a lot of tickets in to win those vouchers! That's a big prize. I'll be taking Rocky to Obedience classes when she starts up the Beginners class in August, I could use those vouchers. We are also putting together the Doggie Theme basket to raffle...that's always a huge draw at the raffle table. they have lots of great baskets....the Red Sox basket--with tickets to a game in it plus other Red Sox stuff; the spa basket; the scrapbooking basket, etc.
So, if anyone's around NFA on Saturday---drop in and say hi. We'll be in the tent with all the Husky paraphenalia on it...right next to the track. Bring some $$ and buy some raffle tickets...or buy a chance to win a Station 56 (or whatever they call those collectibles) of the Disney Christmas Village collection. We'll be selling chances at the Relay.
Well, I have to concentrate on this Alzheimer's program...it's very interesting.
So I'll say:
Nighty night.
Tomorrow they come to hook-up the Direct TV...which means tonight I'm trying to watch all the shows that I have saved on the DVR. Went through the "Rescue Me" and "The Office" episodes, now working on the last chapter of the HBO special on Alzheimer's. It is the second most feared disease in the US, after cancer. I can understand that.
Robin gave me a great massage today, complete with guided imagery that was wonderful! My neck "popped" once and I swear that I felt it "give"....letting go of tension. I think I need at least one more massage to really get it all cleared up. I have to work on not letting my anxiety and tension go to my shoulders and neck....a lifetime habit.
I felt really tired and slightly ill before I went to see Robin...felt good while I was there and then that feeling returned as I drove home. We were supposed to go to Jean's...but I stayed home instead. Bubbles didn't want to go either so the two of us are keeping each other company. However, now she regrets not having gone with Sandy...she is lying on the carpet by the back door, whining. Next time I won't listen when she tries to stay home...she's going.
I called down there and heard that Rocky is busy playing with Nami...they charge at each other and Rocky is so small he can scoot under Nami. I wish I was there to see that. So funny.
MAFO developed an infection and had to go back into surgery. She's back at Bridebrook now, on antibiotics for the next two weeks....then she'll move in with Robin. I'm going to bring down the toilet seat and the grab bar for her to use when she goes to Robin's. Judy called tonight to report all this and let me know that the toilet seat needs to be delivered...so I'll bring it down next week. She said MAFO's spirits are high. I'll call her tomorrow.
Katie and I have been conversing about the tickets. She's trying to deal with the airlines about the seating assignments. She can't be separated from the kids as they have done on the reservations they sent us. I still don't understand why they did this when they knew the ages of the kids! STUPID!
Suzanne St. Denis called tonight. She is coming tomorrow and will be dropping off two vouchers for six weeks of obedience classes, for our Relay team to donate to the raffle table at the Relay for Life this Saturday. I'm going to put a lot of tickets in to win those vouchers! That's a big prize. I'll be taking Rocky to Obedience classes when she starts up the Beginners class in August, I could use those vouchers. We are also putting together the Doggie Theme basket to raffle...that's always a huge draw at the raffle table. they have lots of great baskets....the Red Sox basket--with tickets to a game in it plus other Red Sox stuff; the spa basket; the scrapbooking basket, etc.
So, if anyone's around NFA on Saturday---drop in and say hi. We'll be in the tent with all the Husky paraphenalia on it...right next to the track. Bring some $$ and buy some raffle tickets...or buy a chance to win a Station 56 (or whatever they call those collectibles) of the Disney Christmas Village collection. We'll be selling chances at the Relay.
Well, I have to concentrate on this Alzheimer's program...it's very interesting.
So I'll say:
Nighty night.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday and again it rains!
Okay, it's official...I am SICK of this weather! Good thing it's going to change soon, otherwise I'd have to beat the weatherman senseless!
Yesterday I just sort of collapsed from all the action from last week and the weekend. I know that I'm getting the Avastin when I go for chemo...I have all the side effects back again. They come on strong for a few days right after the chemo and then slowly fade the further away I get from the chemo day...then it's time to get the chemo again. The side effects are manageable...but they are definitely there. The one that gets me the most is the fatigue...but when I look back on it, I was able to do alot despite the fatigue...so it is getting better!
This AM I got out of bed at 10:30 and took the two Sweethearts...Bubbles and Rocky...for a walk. We stayed in the neighborhood...saw only two cars the whole time we walked. Another reason to love this neighborhood...it is so nice for walking. The two of them walked very nicely together, with Rocky out ahead all busy busy busy and Bubbles hanging back next to me, happy. They both spotted a star-nosed mole as we were heading back home--it took all my strength to keep them from pouncing on it....I had pity on the poor thing. It finally figured out how to get back up on the lawn (not MY lawn) and took off. It was a big 'un and I praised the two Russells for spotting it.
We walked for a little over a half hour and it left me tired...not pooped, but tired. I have a ways to go.
I made airline reservations for Katie and the kids to come home next month. Bob and Mike are putting them up at the King's Inn...the little house in Ballouville can't handle three kids and Mom. I can't have them here because of the dogs, so the hotel is the next best thing. I was ticked off to see that the airlines didn't give them seats together. For crying out tears they know that it's a mother and three children! Don't they use their heads? Katie will have to call the airlines and get that straightened out.
We're switching from cable to satellite dish. Metrocast is too expensive and we don't get a lot of what we used to get when we lived in Norwich, yet we're paying more than what we paid there. So, we are switching to ATT--Direct TV and to them for our internet connection too. They sent the new modem and I tried to hook it up. Of course it hooks up to a phone line--not the cable line--and of course, the phone outlet next to the computer doesn't work for some odd reason. So now I have to have ATT come out and activate that outlet. There's always something!
I am thinking about getting us I-phones...the new version. I look on the ATT site and we are eligible for "special rates" on them because we are eligible for upgrade. So I look at their rates---$299! Then I look on the Apple site...they are selling them for $199! Then I check out Walmart's site....$197! What the hell???? Some special rate ATT has....
I got two surprises in the mail this week. First Cathy Deleware sends me two editions of the "Downeast Dog News" a newspaper her sister sent her. You can check it out at downeastdognews.com. It's from Maine, of course, and it has all sorts of articles and information about dogs. I wish we had that much interest in dogs down here...although I hear that the dog park continues to be packed. I think we need another dog park in the immediate area...to help reduce the crowded conditions at the Norwich park. Thanks Cathy and sister! Cathy's sister has dogs and 10 cats! WOW! The most we ever had was six cats and three dogs. Although when I was in high school or college we once had five adult cats and something like 12 kittens! We didn't keep them all though. That was back in the day when people knew nothing about spaying and neutering....
The second surprise arrived in the mail box today...and I have no idea who sent it. The return address said it was from a "sneaky friend" so I THINK it might be someone from our agility club...which is called SNEAK....but then again my first thought was that it was from Sue. The package contains a bag of ginger slices (I eat these just about every day for my stomach); a candy bar of crystallized ginger in dark chocolate---a combination of two of my favorites and a rubber chicken on a key chain kind of thing...it's called the "chicken and egg"....when you squeeze the chicken an egg bulges out of it's butt! So whoever sent this to me knows I eat ginger, love dark chocolate and appreciates crudeness more than the average Joe. I think I'll put the chicken on the strap of my dress purse!
OMG...I just looked closer at the chocolate/ginger bar and it says, "Chocolove" and "a love poem inside"...hmmmmm.......
Tomorrow I have an appointment for a massage with Robin at L&M. It's free because I'm a patient of the clinic there. My neck is still bothering me, although if I take the muscle relaxer before I go to bed, I'm able to fall asleep with no problem. Before, it was so hard to get comfy on the pillow. I know the massage is going to help break up the tension that is in there. I'm going to ask Robin to really lean into it!
We're going to Sandy's Mom's for dinner I think. Actually, I think we're going to be making dinner. And I think I remember Sandy saying something about the kids...so maybe they will be coming up too. I hope so. Ryan graduated from Jr High tonight....it doesn't seem possible.
Okay...I just broke down and tried the chocolate bar. It's VERY good...but the ginger taste doesn't come through as much as I thought it would. There is a love poem inside the wrapper....it's by Theodore Roethke and it's from "The Dream" whatever that is....it's nice.
The plot thickens.
Nighty night!
Yesterday I just sort of collapsed from all the action from last week and the weekend. I know that I'm getting the Avastin when I go for chemo...I have all the side effects back again. They come on strong for a few days right after the chemo and then slowly fade the further away I get from the chemo day...then it's time to get the chemo again. The side effects are manageable...but they are definitely there. The one that gets me the most is the fatigue...but when I look back on it, I was able to do alot despite the fatigue...so it is getting better!
This AM I got out of bed at 10:30 and took the two Sweethearts...Bubbles and Rocky...for a walk. We stayed in the neighborhood...saw only two cars the whole time we walked. Another reason to love this neighborhood...it is so nice for walking. The two of them walked very nicely together, with Rocky out ahead all busy busy busy and Bubbles hanging back next to me, happy. They both spotted a star-nosed mole as we were heading back home--it took all my strength to keep them from pouncing on it....I had pity on the poor thing. It finally figured out how to get back up on the lawn (not MY lawn) and took off. It was a big 'un and I praised the two Russells for spotting it.
We walked for a little over a half hour and it left me tired...not pooped, but tired. I have a ways to go.
I made airline reservations for Katie and the kids to come home next month. Bob and Mike are putting them up at the King's Inn...the little house in Ballouville can't handle three kids and Mom. I can't have them here because of the dogs, so the hotel is the next best thing. I was ticked off to see that the airlines didn't give them seats together. For crying out tears they know that it's a mother and three children! Don't they use their heads? Katie will have to call the airlines and get that straightened out.
We're switching from cable to satellite dish. Metrocast is too expensive and we don't get a lot of what we used to get when we lived in Norwich, yet we're paying more than what we paid there. So, we are switching to ATT--Direct TV and to them for our internet connection too. They sent the new modem and I tried to hook it up. Of course it hooks up to a phone line--not the cable line--and of course, the phone outlet next to the computer doesn't work for some odd reason. So now I have to have ATT come out and activate that outlet. There's always something!
I am thinking about getting us I-phones...the new version. I look on the ATT site and we are eligible for "special rates" on them because we are eligible for upgrade. So I look at their rates---$299! Then I look on the Apple site...they are selling them for $199! Then I check out Walmart's site....$197! What the hell???? Some special rate ATT has....
I got two surprises in the mail this week. First Cathy Deleware sends me two editions of the "Downeast Dog News" a newspaper her sister sent her. You can check it out at downeastdognews.com. It's from Maine, of course, and it has all sorts of articles and information about dogs. I wish we had that much interest in dogs down here...although I hear that the dog park continues to be packed. I think we need another dog park in the immediate area...to help reduce the crowded conditions at the Norwich park. Thanks Cathy and sister! Cathy's sister has dogs and 10 cats! WOW! The most we ever had was six cats and three dogs. Although when I was in high school or college we once had five adult cats and something like 12 kittens! We didn't keep them all though. That was back in the day when people knew nothing about spaying and neutering....
The second surprise arrived in the mail box today...and I have no idea who sent it. The return address said it was from a "sneaky friend" so I THINK it might be someone from our agility club...which is called SNEAK....but then again my first thought was that it was from Sue. The package contains a bag of ginger slices (I eat these just about every day for my stomach); a candy bar of crystallized ginger in dark chocolate---a combination of two of my favorites and a rubber chicken on a key chain kind of thing...it's called the "chicken and egg"....when you squeeze the chicken an egg bulges out of it's butt! So whoever sent this to me knows I eat ginger, love dark chocolate and appreciates crudeness more than the average Joe. I think I'll put the chicken on the strap of my dress purse!
OMG...I just looked closer at the chocolate/ginger bar and it says, "Chocolove" and "a love poem inside"...hmmmmm.......
Tomorrow I have an appointment for a massage with Robin at L&M. It's free because I'm a patient of the clinic there. My neck is still bothering me, although if I take the muscle relaxer before I go to bed, I'm able to fall asleep with no problem. Before, it was so hard to get comfy on the pillow. I know the massage is going to help break up the tension that is in there. I'm going to ask Robin to really lean into it!
We're going to Sandy's Mom's for dinner I think. Actually, I think we're going to be making dinner. And I think I remember Sandy saying something about the kids...so maybe they will be coming up too. I hope so. Ryan graduated from Jr High tonight....it doesn't seem possible.
Okay...I just broke down and tried the chocolate bar. It's VERY good...but the ginger taste doesn't come through as much as I thought it would. There is a love poem inside the wrapper....it's by Theodore Roethke and it's from "The Dream" whatever that is....it's nice.
The plot thickens.
Nighty night!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day and Family Get-togethers
Went to Boston yesterday to pick up Maria. I picked Bob Miller up in Putnam, then we went to Phil's, got him and he drove my car up to Boston. After a brief "pit stop" at Maria's apartment we piled back in the car and headed over to Cafe Polonia....a place where Maria and I had pigged out last fall....just before I got sick.
I remember that I was so tired that day we went to eat there...I thought something was wrong...but I thought it was allergies, or something else. Ever since I've been thinking about going back when I felt healthy. Last night was the night.
We all ordered different things and we shared everything. Maria had pickle soup (delish!); Phil had cabbage soup I think--I didn't try that. I had something called white borscht---it was fabulous! We split a plate of mixed pierogies--cheese, meat, cabbage--it was great. Then for our entrees I had half of a fresh kielbasa-with mustard and horseradish; Bob had one of the specials--a big potato pancake with stuff inside--and a sunny side up egg on top; Maria had a veal cutlet I think and Phil had goulash with a bread thing baked on top.
Suffice it to say we left gorged and happy...after we split two desserts. Bob Miller ate everything on his plate and even finished my soup for me!
We headed home to CT...dropped Phil off and drove to Griswold. Bob went right up to bed right away (it was after 9:30)...trying to ignore Bubbles who was snarling at him and trying to lunge out of my arms to bite him. Poor guy.
Maria and I stayed up a bit late...didn't go to bed until after 11:30. I slept with Rocky at my back and Bubbles behind my knees. Nice.
Bob had to get up at 6:30 this morning...of course. He said "I get up at 7:30 every day." I said, "why the hell couldn't you do that THIS morning?" Of course, Bub is barking like crazy--I had to put her in her kennel.
We multi-tasked in the kitchen, feeding the dogs; searing the meat and getting the barbecue sauce made; and getting breakfast ready for Bob and Maria. Thank goodness Maria helped with the whole thing....we managed to get the pets happy; the ribs cooking in the crock pot and the breakfast served and eaten...in time to get Bob to church.
We dropped him off at church and we snuck over to the flea market at the Slater Mill...I haven't been there in ages. Bought some paperbacks--mystery stuff and a "true tales from the US Submarine Service" book--and some prized framed photos---the Sports Illustrated cover that has Diana Taurasi and Emeka Okafor on it---from 2004--when both teams won the championships. The other photo is that famous picture of the Three Stooges, dressed in their knickers for golf. I put both up on the mantel and waited to see if Sandy would notice. She did.
Steve and Phil arrived...Austin came with Phil, a nice surprise. We watched the Sox...Bob had fallen asleep in my recliner before they arrived. Then we all had lunch...the ribs were very tender; Steve brought some good cole slaw and Maria had put together a big pasta salad.
Now, if you have managed to stick with this posting to this point, you will be "rewarded" with your second invitation to our house on Saturday, August 8th. We're having an open house that day from 1-5pm. Nothing fancy, we'll be serving hot dogs and hamburgs and related items. Come by...say hello, visit with old friends for awhile and then leave! HA HA! It would be great to see you.
If you stuck with this and know someone who didn't, but who would like to come to the Open House...feel free to let them know about this. I'm not sending out invites...just going to post it in various places and we'll see who shows up.
Here is the address: 60 BMW Drive Griswold CT It's not far down Rte 138 from Ocean State Job Lot...heading towards Voluntown. As a matter of fact, it's the first right after you pass OSJL. About a quarter mile down the road on the right---there will be no street sign....they keep stealing it.
So there...I did it. I invited folks over.
Regarding Father's Day...my Dad's memory is failing fast now. He has trouble remembering his grandchildren and I know that it won't be long before he doesn't remember who we are. I got out old pictures from when he was in high school---going to St Mary's Camp--and he loved that. He remembered the people in the pictures, where it was taken, etc. That's how it goes...the old memories remain, but he couldn't remember what we did yesterday today. It's all good. He's happy and that's all that matters. And he finished all that ice cream cone we got him for dessert up at Buttonwood Farm.
Nighty night.
I remember that I was so tired that day we went to eat there...I thought something was wrong...but I thought it was allergies, or something else. Ever since I've been thinking about going back when I felt healthy. Last night was the night.
We all ordered different things and we shared everything. Maria had pickle soup (delish!); Phil had cabbage soup I think--I didn't try that. I had something called white borscht---it was fabulous! We split a plate of mixed pierogies--cheese, meat, cabbage--it was great. Then for our entrees I had half of a fresh kielbasa-with mustard and horseradish; Bob had one of the specials--a big potato pancake with stuff inside--and a sunny side up egg on top; Maria had a veal cutlet I think and Phil had goulash with a bread thing baked on top.
Suffice it to say we left gorged and happy...after we split two desserts. Bob Miller ate everything on his plate and even finished my soup for me!
We headed home to CT...dropped Phil off and drove to Griswold. Bob went right up to bed right away (it was after 9:30)...trying to ignore Bubbles who was snarling at him and trying to lunge out of my arms to bite him. Poor guy.
Maria and I stayed up a bit late...didn't go to bed until after 11:30. I slept with Rocky at my back and Bubbles behind my knees. Nice.
Bob had to get up at 6:30 this morning...of course. He said "I get up at 7:30 every day." I said, "why the hell couldn't you do that THIS morning?" Of course, Bub is barking like crazy--I had to put her in her kennel.
We multi-tasked in the kitchen, feeding the dogs; searing the meat and getting the barbecue sauce made; and getting breakfast ready for Bob and Maria. Thank goodness Maria helped with the whole thing....we managed to get the pets happy; the ribs cooking in the crock pot and the breakfast served and eaten...in time to get Bob to church.
We dropped him off at church and we snuck over to the flea market at the Slater Mill...I haven't been there in ages. Bought some paperbacks--mystery stuff and a "true tales from the US Submarine Service" book--and some prized framed photos---the Sports Illustrated cover that has Diana Taurasi and Emeka Okafor on it---from 2004--when both teams won the championships. The other photo is that famous picture of the Three Stooges, dressed in their knickers for golf. I put both up on the mantel and waited to see if Sandy would notice. She did.
Steve and Phil arrived...Austin came with Phil, a nice surprise. We watched the Sox...Bob had fallen asleep in my recliner before they arrived. Then we all had lunch...the ribs were very tender; Steve brought some good cole slaw and Maria had put together a big pasta salad.
Now, if you have managed to stick with this posting to this point, you will be "rewarded" with your second invitation to our house on Saturday, August 8th. We're having an open house that day from 1-5pm. Nothing fancy, we'll be serving hot dogs and hamburgs and related items. Come by...say hello, visit with old friends for awhile and then leave! HA HA! It would be great to see you.
If you stuck with this and know someone who didn't, but who would like to come to the Open House...feel free to let them know about this. I'm not sending out invites...just going to post it in various places and we'll see who shows up.
Here is the address: 60 BMW Drive Griswold CT It's not far down Rte 138 from Ocean State Job Lot...heading towards Voluntown. As a matter of fact, it's the first right after you pass OSJL. About a quarter mile down the road on the right---there will be no street sign....they keep stealing it.
So there...I did it. I invited folks over.
Regarding Father's Day...my Dad's memory is failing fast now. He has trouble remembering his grandchildren and I know that it won't be long before he doesn't remember who we are. I got out old pictures from when he was in high school---going to St Mary's Camp--and he loved that. He remembered the people in the pictures, where it was taken, etc. That's how it goes...the old memories remain, but he couldn't remember what we did yesterday today. It's all good. He's happy and that's all that matters. And he finished all that ice cream cone we got him for dessert up at Buttonwood Farm.
Nighty night.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Busy busy busy
Yesterday I worked at UConn...doing the "groin pain" gig. When I got there in the AM they asked if I could work the afternoon session too--on a case I had never done before--a "bad news" case. I said "SURE!"
I saw the video on the case during my lunch hour and then I got to go over it briefly with Jan, who I was teamed up with. This is the first time that I've worked with another Standardized Patient in the room with me. The scenario is this: Jan is the wife and I am the guy's sister-we were told by the police that he had been in an accident and we should go to the ER. The students have to come in and break the news to us that he's dead.
It's a great case and a lot of fun...if you don't think about the bad news aspect of it too much. Jan is great as the "widow"...she even cries if the student is really compassionate. I won't say anything about the students...most of them did an excellent job. One student though...well, suffice it to say I laughed my ass off on the way home.
I don't mind doing this case, it's alot less onerous than the old depression case I used to do. So, when they asked me if I could come work it again on Wednesday afternoon, I was truly bummed that I couldn't due to a doctor's appointment. Then they asked me if I could work Friday afternoon...but I have chemo on Friday AM...I think it would be pushing it to drive all the way from Providence and work in the afternoon.
Then, this morning the doctor's office called...whoever made the appt for me made a mistake, he doesn't do appts in the afternoon, he's in surgery then. So they rescheduled me to 10am and I called UConn and told them that I could work! YAY!
Saw my old neighbor Todd today at Stop and Shop, he brought me up to speed on the old neighborhood--Gary moved, Darrell moved out, etc. Then I went up to the old 'hood to drop off stuff to Trudy and got filled in on the rest of it. I hate to say it but the place looks very dilapidated now. Not our old house...they are keeping that up nicely...but several of the houses look bad. The house they are trying to sell sits vacant, someone broke the garage windows out. Darrell's house looks like a frat house with bottles, etc spilling out onto the lawn.
I told Sandy all of the above and we agree that we are very lucky that we moved. 'nuff said.
Well, I have to get ready for a Relay for Life meeting tonight. Last meeting before the big event.
Oh, I got a message from Katie that she may be coming to visit with the kids the week of June 6-11th. I have to call her to find out about this. This is very exciting news! I haven't ever met Timmy and of course baby Lera yet and the last time I saw Mariah I think she was three or so! And of course that was the last time I saw Katie too. Can't wait to see them and spend some time together. We'll have to take them around to see the sights.
Okay, enough...gotta run.
Nighty night.
I saw the video on the case during my lunch hour and then I got to go over it briefly with Jan, who I was teamed up with. This is the first time that I've worked with another Standardized Patient in the room with me. The scenario is this: Jan is the wife and I am the guy's sister-we were told by the police that he had been in an accident and we should go to the ER. The students have to come in and break the news to us that he's dead.
It's a great case and a lot of fun...if you don't think about the bad news aspect of it too much. Jan is great as the "widow"...she even cries if the student is really compassionate. I won't say anything about the students...most of them did an excellent job. One student though...well, suffice it to say I laughed my ass off on the way home.
I don't mind doing this case, it's alot less onerous than the old depression case I used to do. So, when they asked me if I could come work it again on Wednesday afternoon, I was truly bummed that I couldn't due to a doctor's appointment. Then they asked me if I could work Friday afternoon...but I have chemo on Friday AM...I think it would be pushing it to drive all the way from Providence and work in the afternoon.
Then, this morning the doctor's office called...whoever made the appt for me made a mistake, he doesn't do appts in the afternoon, he's in surgery then. So they rescheduled me to 10am and I called UConn and told them that I could work! YAY!
Saw my old neighbor Todd today at Stop and Shop, he brought me up to speed on the old neighborhood--Gary moved, Darrell moved out, etc. Then I went up to the old 'hood to drop off stuff to Trudy and got filled in on the rest of it. I hate to say it but the place looks very dilapidated now. Not our old house...they are keeping that up nicely...but several of the houses look bad. The house they are trying to sell sits vacant, someone broke the garage windows out. Darrell's house looks like a frat house with bottles, etc spilling out onto the lawn.
I told Sandy all of the above and we agree that we are very lucky that we moved. 'nuff said.
Well, I have to get ready for a Relay for Life meeting tonight. Last meeting before the big event.
Oh, I got a message from Katie that she may be coming to visit with the kids the week of June 6-11th. I have to call her to find out about this. This is very exciting news! I haven't ever met Timmy and of course baby Lera yet and the last time I saw Mariah I think she was three or so! And of course that was the last time I saw Katie too. Can't wait to see them and spend some time together. We'll have to take them around to see the sights.
Okay, enough...gotta run.
Nighty night.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I am remiss....
in not blogging more often. It's been a somewhat busy week. Can't remember most of it though..ha ha. Yesterday was fun. Lynne came up and we went up to Pomfret to the Vanilla Bean for lunch..we both had their "famous chili"....we each got a bowl and wondered if that's what a bowl looks like, how small is the cup? The bowl looked more cup-sized to us. It was delish though and we splurged afterwards on dessert--I got the lemon drop cheese cake, very lemony, the way I love it.
Then we went down to the Dempsey Ctr. so I could drop off my money to Maureen for the retirement dinner later this month. I had some cash and Lynne loaned me the rest so I could get that chore ticked off my "to do" list.
We had time, so on the way home we hit the Ocean State Job Lot down the road from the house. What buys we got! Lynne had printed out the sale coupons and we took advantage of them, picking up a bunch of little items and then we hit the Chico and Bobby Chung (or some Asian name) clothing racks and really cleaned house! I got a bunch of fancy tops (Chico) for $8 apiece and a pair of capris for $10. I got three of the Bobby Chung (I know it's not Chung....but it's something like it) for $10 apiece. These are silk blend items...and they feel so nice. I have been needing fancy tops so I was very happy with my purchases. I have loads of "preppy" or "classic" style shirts, with the button down collars etc....I needed some different look tops. And the price was SO RIGHT! I wouldn't pay the prices Chicos would have wanted for them...but here they are in my closet now, real cheap!
I have been enjoying the entertainment the Sox have been providing for me this week. First the second sweep of the Yanks this year was so sweet....and then last night's extra innings win over the Phillies was lots of fun--it made it worth the fact that I stayed up beyond my bedtime to watch it.
Rocky has also been entertaining me this week. He is so funny, but does have a few maddening habits (as all Jack Russell's seem to have)....the biggest being that he scratches at the back door to go out...you let him out and he runs around in the yard for all of two minutes and then he's back at the door, scratching to get back in. The cycle gets repeated two minutes later. He has the attention span of a goldfish...which is about two seconds.
Sandy and I have been working with him on obedience and he already knows "sit" and "down". He's learning "wait" and "leave it." The latter is real important as he is curious about everything and will go after anything that falls on the floor, without regard to safety. So "leave it" and "drop" are going to be critical commands for him to learn. The other dogs know what to do and do it when we say those commands. He's also getting better at recall....coming when we call him.
I took Lily to the vet's on Wednesday I think it was...her diarrhea was so bad and she started vomiting again. They said she probably had stress-induced illness...and gave her medication and a mild food (Science Diet ID) to help her get back in balance. Voila! It worked....no more problems...it's so good to see her feeling better. I'll bet that having Sandy and the Russells gone last weekend got her upset and then having to ride in my new car for the first time didn't help. She doesn't like to go in my car....I don't know why...maybe it's too "open" and overwhelming for her. The windows in Sandy's car are tinted in the back, which makes it more "cave-like" and maybe feels safer for her.
Also the last time she rode in my car was when I took her with me when I went to the dentist. I was in the chair seeing the hygienist when they came in and asked if I had a black lab. She had jumped out the sun roof which I had left partially open. I had left her seatbelted into the back seat with her harness on tight. There was the harness, still tight, still attached to the seat belt. There was my dog, sitting with the receptionists out at the front desk. She had been found running wild in the parking lot--she went right up to someone who brought her into the building.
So, in hindsight, I can see how she might have gotten stressed by being in my car. But, for crying out loud I was right in front of her driving the car!
Sandy is away in VT this weekend with Truman and Bubbles at an agility trial. The last one of the summer until September. Lily and Rocky and Murph are home with me again. They don't seem to mind.
Tonight Jess and maybe Janet are coming over. Think we'll take Janet to the "NY Style" Pizza place on Rte 14. Jess has been wanting us to go there for a few years now. We had fun the last time we went. Then we are going to watch movies. She has never seen "Young Frankenstein" and "Saturday Night Fever"...so I was going to watch one or both with her. Don't you know, I go looking for them and can't find either one? So we might end up watching "Private Parts," Howard Sterns autobiography or "Strangers In Good Company" which is an "old chick flick" that I love. Or maybe "Babette's Feast" or "The Godfather"...she's never seen that either!
I am going to go back down in the cellar and see if I can find "YF" and "SNF"..those would be great "party" movies to watch tonight.
Tomorrow morning Carol and Joyce and Bill are coming for breakfast. I think I'll make an egg casserole like the one Jane Barrera made for us one year at a holiday brunch party she had at her place. I got a recipe but I'm going to add some extra stuff to it (mushrooms, sausage, etc). I think I will do that or maybe I'll just make omelets to order...I'll decide later.
Now I have channel 941 Light Classical on the tv....it's very soothing...and I have a little doggie with his head across my feet...time to take a little nap I'd say.
Nappy nap!
Then we went down to the Dempsey Ctr. so I could drop off my money to Maureen for the retirement dinner later this month. I had some cash and Lynne loaned me the rest so I could get that chore ticked off my "to do" list.
We had time, so on the way home we hit the Ocean State Job Lot down the road from the house. What buys we got! Lynne had printed out the sale coupons and we took advantage of them, picking up a bunch of little items and then we hit the Chico and Bobby Chung (or some Asian name) clothing racks and really cleaned house! I got a bunch of fancy tops (Chico) for $8 apiece and a pair of capris for $10. I got three of the Bobby Chung (I know it's not Chung....but it's something like it) for $10 apiece. These are silk blend items...and they feel so nice. I have been needing fancy tops so I was very happy with my purchases. I have loads of "preppy" or "classic" style shirts, with the button down collars etc....I needed some different look tops. And the price was SO RIGHT! I wouldn't pay the prices Chicos would have wanted for them...but here they are in my closet now, real cheap!
I have been enjoying the entertainment the Sox have been providing for me this week. First the second sweep of the Yanks this year was so sweet....and then last night's extra innings win over the Phillies was lots of fun--it made it worth the fact that I stayed up beyond my bedtime to watch it.
Rocky has also been entertaining me this week. He is so funny, but does have a few maddening habits (as all Jack Russell's seem to have)....the biggest being that he scratches at the back door to go out...you let him out and he runs around in the yard for all of two minutes and then he's back at the door, scratching to get back in. The cycle gets repeated two minutes later. He has the attention span of a goldfish...which is about two seconds.
Sandy and I have been working with him on obedience and he already knows "sit" and "down". He's learning "wait" and "leave it." The latter is real important as he is curious about everything and will go after anything that falls on the floor, without regard to safety. So "leave it" and "drop" are going to be critical commands for him to learn. The other dogs know what to do and do it when we say those commands. He's also getting better at recall....coming when we call him.
I took Lily to the vet's on Wednesday I think it was...her diarrhea was so bad and she started vomiting again. They said she probably had stress-induced illness...and gave her medication and a mild food (Science Diet ID) to help her get back in balance. Voila! It worked....no more problems...it's so good to see her feeling better. I'll bet that having Sandy and the Russells gone last weekend got her upset and then having to ride in my new car for the first time didn't help. She doesn't like to go in my car....I don't know why...maybe it's too "open" and overwhelming for her. The windows in Sandy's car are tinted in the back, which makes it more "cave-like" and maybe feels safer for her.
Also the last time she rode in my car was when I took her with me when I went to the dentist. I was in the chair seeing the hygienist when they came in and asked if I had a black lab. She had jumped out the sun roof which I had left partially open. I had left her seatbelted into the back seat with her harness on tight. There was the harness, still tight, still attached to the seat belt. There was my dog, sitting with the receptionists out at the front desk. She had been found running wild in the parking lot--she went right up to someone who brought her into the building.
So, in hindsight, I can see how she might have gotten stressed by being in my car. But, for crying out loud I was right in front of her driving the car!
Sandy is away in VT this weekend with Truman and Bubbles at an agility trial. The last one of the summer until September. Lily and Rocky and Murph are home with me again. They don't seem to mind.
Tonight Jess and maybe Janet are coming over. Think we'll take Janet to the "NY Style" Pizza place on Rte 14. Jess has been wanting us to go there for a few years now. We had fun the last time we went. Then we are going to watch movies. She has never seen "Young Frankenstein" and "Saturday Night Fever"...so I was going to watch one or both with her. Don't you know, I go looking for them and can't find either one? So we might end up watching "Private Parts," Howard Sterns autobiography or "Strangers In Good Company" which is an "old chick flick" that I love. Or maybe "Babette's Feast" or "The Godfather"...she's never seen that either!
I am going to go back down in the cellar and see if I can find "YF" and "SNF"..those would be great "party" movies to watch tonight.
Tomorrow morning Carol and Joyce and Bill are coming for breakfast. I think I'll make an egg casserole like the one Jane Barrera made for us one year at a holiday brunch party she had at her place. I got a recipe but I'm going to add some extra stuff to it (mushrooms, sausage, etc). I think I will do that or maybe I'll just make omelets to order...I'll decide later.
Now I have channel 941 Light Classical on the tv....it's very soothing...and I have a little doggie with his head across my feet...time to take a little nap I'd say.
Nappy nap!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)