Having just come home from watching baseball with Dad, I am now enjoying a summer afternoon sipping lemonade under the ceiling fan on the porch.  Life is good.  

Over the past 2 weeks I have received good reports from my retina doctor and my GP doctor.  I also began attending a Griefshare support group that I adore.  If that wasn't enough, Kevin and I finally ordered the gravestone for Mom (and Dad).  I am so thankful that my brother and I make a good team.  

Fun "About Me" Questions:  

1.  Are you a morning or night person?

Me:  Definitely Night.  

2.  Are you afraid of the dark?

Me:  Yes & No.  Depends on where I am.  I'm not afraid of the dark inside my home. 

3.  Extrovert or Introvert?

Me:  Definitely an Introvert!

4.  Did you ever participate in a talent show?  

Me:  Yes, having NO dance experience, I made up my own dances in the 3rd and 4th grades and danced in front of the entire school.  NO JOKE!  In the 3rd grade, I made up a dance to Freeze Frame by the J. Geils Band and in the 4th grade, it was Separate Ways by Journey.  I even had to audition before I could perform.  Oh how I'd love to see videos of those performances as I can't imagine what on earth they were like!  I'm sure no one would have ever guessed that I did that!!!

5.  What are your favorite movies? 

Me:  I no longer have one favorite movie.  I do love Leap Year, Catch and Release and Sweet Home Alabama is super cute.   I love Hope Floats and most any of the Jane Austen movies. Those are my go-to "comfort" movies.  

6.  Favorite TV shows? 

Me:  Right now it is Ted Lasso.  I love that show so much.  The language is so very rough compared to anything I ever watch but the series is so heartwarming and funny.  I will be so sad when the season is over.  I don't watch a lot of TV other than what you already know....Golden Girls, King of Queens, Reba.  I'll pick old reruns any day.  I did really get into Virgin River this summer.  Unfortunately, season 4 is a long way off.   Scott and I share a common taste of sitcoms and we have always loved to watch Keeping Up Appearances and Mr Bean too.  We do not share the same taste in movies....at all.  

Speaking of Scott, we celebrated 23 years married last Sunday.   He said something interesting the other day.  We were discussing how hard it is to take care of Blossom and how much time Scott spends working with her.  He told me that when he starts to become sad about it, he remembers that God put us in charge of taking care of all of his creation.  He said that when he looks at taking care of Blossom as something God wants him to do, it isn't so bad.  He feels that it is something he can do to glorify God.  

Have a great week! 

August Rush

None days ago, Laura and I were enjoying a leisurely Saturday afternoon outside when Daniel accidentally stirred up a yellow jacket nest while playing with the water hose.  Laura was stung at least 3 times.  Did I mention that one of those times was on the lip? 

After breaking out in hives, Kevin and I knew it was time to head to the ER.  Rana met them there and sent this picture.  Our sweet Laura never complained, instead she smiled and asked for "macaroni and cheese".  

Scott and I had some work done in our back yard on Monday.  The workers stirred up a yellow jacket nest and were stung as well.  While digging around a day later, Balto was attacked by the angry mob.  I looked up and he was running toward me wearing a "jacket" of about 15 yellow jackets on his back.  Long story short....we made a trip to the vet for a Benadryl shot.  

Scott decided that he wasn't taking any chances when it comes to his dogs.  He ordered a bee suit and went nest hunting today.  

Thankfully, Laura had something to celebrate soon after her visit to the ER.  Two years ago, Laura's seizure doctor nominated her to Make-A-Wish.  There is no place Laura loves more than the beach so she received a wish to go to Key Largo for the week.  Here are some photos that Rana sent to me from the trip.  

She was treated to a pedicure and manicure.  Judging by the photos she really enjoyed having her nails done.  What a happy surprise!  I would have never guessed that she would enjoy this but I will remember for the future...  

Both Kevin and Laura celebrated birthdays during this trip.  Laura is now 15 years old.  What a beautiful gift she is!  I look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return tonight.  

With Kevin's family out of town for 8 days, I had Dad to myself.  Here's a picture of him on the phone with his brother Skee (Henry).  Uncle Skee is 98 years old this month.  

I hope you have a wonderful week!  

July

I can't believe that it has been over 4 weeks since I posted!  Here are a few highlights from the month.  

I made mom's "famous" crispy chocolate chip cookies.  I know she would be so proud of me.  They were yummy! 

Blossom and Scott continued their love story:

Balto had a successful visit to the vet:

Daniel had super fun sleepovers at Papaw's house:

And shot off fireworks on the 4th:

Dad had another tooth pulled: 

Laura enjoyed church with me:

Daniel helped Uncle Scott:

Summer is going pretty well.  I've have enjoyed spending time with many of my friends.  I should have taken photos but I feel weird asking for pictures when I know they probably don't want to show up on my blog.  

Dad has some pretty good days and some days where he barely gets out of bed.  He keeps telling me that he wants the both of us to go on a cruise together.  Last night, he asked me to call and make the plans.  I really don't have the words to say about that.  I told him that I would look into it.  I'm glad he thinks he could go on a cruise but that really isn't possible for him. I can't begin to imagine how hard it would be to travel like that with Dad!  He struggles to walk to the mailbox!  If he were in better health I would LOVE to go on a trip with him.  If I could go back in time I would go on a girls' trip with Mom.  Before Mom passed, she told me to be sure and "go" while I could.  She said not to wait until I was too old like she was.  Mom had several places on her bucket list...Niagara Falls, Canada, and Alaska.  I told her I would do my best to travel for her. 

I miss Mom however I feel such peace knowing that she is with Jesus.  I went to CVS to pick up some prescriptions for Dad this week and the pharmacy technician told me that she hadn't seen me since Mom died.  She told me that she read Mom's obituary and cried.  Then she told me that she thinks of us often and wanted to know how Dad was doing.  I was so surprised.  

It's FriYAY and I am ready for the weekend.  Oops!  I forgot to post this.  It's Saturday and I'm so happy for the weekend!!!

Love Hurts

Monday morning started off a little rough this week.  Balto was so happy to see me after a long night of sleep that he busted my lip with his nose.  

Things are going well.  Rana arrived home safely from Syria tonight after visiting her mom for a month.  We missed her dearly but we are so thankful she was able to spend time with her family.  Kevin has had his hands full taking care of Laura, Daniel and helping me with Dad all month.  I'm sure no one is more happy that she is home than he is!  Here are a few pictures Rana sent me from her trip.  

Since I am so behind, I missed posting on Father's Day.  It was a really great day.  

After Mom died, I went through her drawers looking to find things to just feel close to her.  I found that Mom had a lot of really fun socks.  I can't believe I never paid attention to this!  I'm finding that wearing her socks is a fun way to feel a part of her with me.  Here are 2 of my favorites so far....

Butterflies.   Whenever I see butterflies now, I think of Mom. 

Sheep.  I wore these socks when I went to the Gynecologist of all places.  My Dr and her assistant couldn't stop talking about how cute they were.  They loved the idea of wearing Mom's socks to feel her with me.  

I found so many cute socks in her drawer.  I also plan on buying fun socks from now on as a fun tribute to Mom.  

Mom's hydrangea has been blooming in all of the colors this year.  I can't remember what color it was when we planted it but it is really showing off.  

How cool is that?  

Walking home after visiting Dad one afternoon, I found this lone mushroom.  Is it just me or do you think a little gnome lives here?  

If you read my blog at all, you know I have struggled with anxiety for my entire life.  I have had my share of counselors and therapists both good and sort of good.  I LOVE my current psychologist and plan on seeing her monthly until the end of time.  Over the years I have developed a phobia of having my blood pressure taken.  Dr K and I have decided to focus on EXPOSURE THERAPY to help me remain calm while I'm faced with the cuff.  I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous but I'm nervous just typing this.  I want to throw that monitor out the window and close all of the blinds.   The readings I get at home are usually excellent; it's the ones at the doctor's office that raise eyebrows.  White coat syndrome is real.  I'll update you on my journey and we can see if exposure therapy will work for me.  I have my doubts.....

Time Marches On

June 2021.  Can't we just slow time down a little?  I need to catch my breath.  It feels like someone very important fell off of the boat but we just keep moving away.  I'm trying to learn how to navigate life without the most important person in my whole world.  

Dad and I took another trip to the ER last week.  His jaw was hurting so badly that he thought he had broken it in a fall he had taken a few weeks prior.  He was diagnosed with a severely abscessed tooth.  The antibiotic he was prescribed is causing major burning in his esophagus and we need to get the tooth out.  The earliest I can get him in to see an oral surgeon is this Thursday, 7 days after his visit to the ER.  I'm going to try my hardest to get him in to see someone, ANYONE, tomorrow.  We are praying that his infection won't turn into Sepsis as he is now prone to.  Dad takes a blood thinner for his Atrial Fibrillation and that will need to be stopped before any surgery can take place.  

Some highlights (and a few lowlights) from the past couple of weeks:

Dad and I took a tour of some of his childhood memories...

I stepped in a yellow jacket nest.  By day 5 (pictured), the swelling was gone and the redness was starting to go away.  For days I thought the itch would drive me crazy!  Everything is all good now.  

I took over for Mom and visited my Uncle Harold's grave on Memorial Day.  Uncle Harold served in Korea and had actually returned from duty.  He volunteered to go back to the frontline with the Chaplain.  He played guitar for the church services.  Unfortunately, it was during this time that he was killed.  Uncle Harold was never far from Mom's thoughts.  

Firebirds, one of Mom and Dad's most favorite restaurants, gave free meals to Veterans on Memorial Day.  Rana made reservations for the family and we ate out with Dad.  The meal was lovely but it was very apparent that someone important was missing.  Normally, Mom and I would ride in the backseat and I'd take a selfie.  This year, I sat alone. 

I hired a personal trainer.  Crystal has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.  On top of working full time as a physical therapist, she is a personal trainer as well.  I have a long way to go to get stronger but I'm going to put in the work.  I've had 3 sessions so far and I am feeling optimistic.  

I'm having an echocardiogram on Tuesday to check on my heart. My doctor informed me this week that I need to start doing "vigorous exercise".  Crystal is helping me with that as well.  

Rana is in Syria visiting her family for the month of June.  Meanwhile, Daniel has been spending a lot of nights with Papaw and Laura is busy with her sitter, Taylor.  Kevin has his hands full!  

Scott is still playing lumberjack and cutting down trees.  Blossom and Balto are living their best lives on the couch as I type. 

My eyelids are starting to close on their own.  It is time for bed.  

Goodnight.