Emilie's Birthday Party

Top - planting seeds and Emilie on bottom

Top - taking turns on swing, bottom - eating their own ice cream concoction

Day  (5)  Another jam-packed day but a good one. Left the house at 9:00 to go to the cannery to do banking and also someone was coming to pick up an order.  Once we were done there, we went to the bank and then to "Lets Party" to pick up the balloons we had ordered and then to the dollar store to pick up a couple of mylar balloons because they are much cheaper there.  Can you believe it they are only $1:00 at the dollar store, imagine that.  Then home for a bite to eat and to wrap Emilie's presents and over to Janene's by 12:30 to help decorate.  When the decorating was done we still had an hour to spare being it was 3:00 and the children were coming at 4:00 so we all relaxed because we knew that we were in for a long hour and a half with anywhere from 10 to 30 children coming.  As it turned out there were 14, which was plenty and there was 5 of us to pull this off.  There were 2 boys and 12 girls.  Needless to say the boys had a great time, even at their age.  We knew they had a great time because they all left very happy and we were all exhausted.  We were invited to dinner and Emilie had chosen beef stroganoff, which was also extremly good tasting, along with rest of the dinner.  After that we had the traditional cake, ice cream, and presents. Emilie was a very happy camper, with all of her new presents.  It was a very fun day, however, we both came home ready for a long nights sleep.



It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.  He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 AM.  I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.  I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.  On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.  While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.  The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.  I inquired as to her health.  He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease.  As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.  He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.  I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Appreciate what you already have,
is how to get more of what you don't.

This is Dawni and me making memories

Day (4)   Today is Thurs. so my girls came for lunch. OH, I forgot,  Kareen didn't come because she had something going on at school, but Chandler came and we had a good time.  I am glad she came. 
After lunch we went to "Let's Party" to order balloons, for Emilie's party tomorrow and for lunch Sat. after her Baptism.  Next on to Target for a Birthday gift and of course, a few exta things.  I love that store.  On to Dawni to have my hair cut, or should I say "wig"  cut.  Any excuse to see Dawni.  And then on to  "Real Deals", that's only open on Thurs. and Sat. so it was important I went today because we will be real busy on Sat.  If you haven't been there you really need to go cause their inventory changes all the time from week to week.  It is located down-town Kennewick at 11 E. Kenn. Ave.  Then home for the Eve. to rest.   It was a good day.  Had a lot of fun running around.



While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds.  She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.  One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass.  As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered,  "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest.
It's about those who came and never left your side.

Zion National Park

 What a beautiful place.

Day (3)   Let me think now, what did I do today.  The first thing I can remember is getting up, which was a fete in itself.  Did a bunch around here, got ready for the day and when Bill came home we took off for.... Home Depot.  Picked up six new door knobs to replace our very old ones,....about time.  Probably put in when the house was built, in the 50's. From there we went to Yoke's to pick a food item we couldn't find at Winco and from there we went over to Janene's to wait for Emilie to come home from school, since today was early release and Janene works on Wed., a few hours, at Hillcrest Funeral Home.  Then we came home to get ready for a dinner, at the cannery dri-pack.  Once a month we have a dinner with all the missionarys to hash over any concerns.  After the dinner we stopped at Winco, on our way home.  Relaxed the rest of the eve.  It was a very good day.



Reverend Boudreaux was the part-time pastor of the local Cajun Baptist Church, and Pastor Thiboaux was the minister of the Covenant Church across the road.  They were both standing by the road, pounding a sign into the ground that read: "Da End is Near! Turn You self Around Now! Before It's Too Late!"
As a car sped past them, the driver leaned out his window and yelled, "You religious nuts!" From the curve they heard screenching tires and a big splash...Boudreaux turns to Thibodaux and asks, "Di ya tink maybe da sign, should jus say...."Bridge Out"?



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It's OK to let your children see you cry.

Pretty Cool Picture

Thank you for all your comments.   I love them, keep-em coming.
Day (2) - Went to  "How to train your Dragon"....in 3-d,  at Fairchild theatre in Pasco.  Such a cute movie, I recommend it to everyone, in fact I may just have to buy it, when it comes out.  From there we went to Lowes and got some real pretty perennails, for our front yard.  From there we went to Wal-Mart and picked up a few things on my list (and boy do I have a list)  and then home to feed our dogs.  I only have 6 days to whittle my list down to nothing, before the cycle starts all over again.  It's good to know exactly, for the most part, what's going to happen next, at least for now.  It was a fun day.



"This is the last one, I promise"
An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years.
The Wizards says, "Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you."
The old man says without hesitation, "I now pronounce you....man and wife."



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"Ego makes people stupid."

These are my pretty buttons. Excited to sew them on.

Diane, you just have to take better care of that stomach of yours.   This is serious business.
Baileigh, I understood every word you said, even if nobody else did.
Shirley, we watched one movie "Airplane" it was very interesting.  I think I would like to watch it again and count all of the silly parts.  We will watch the other one soon.

Adventures of day (1) Went to the battery store and picked up a battery opporated bug zapper. Yes, battery opporated. Since we brought it home we have not seen one fly.  So I guess all one has to do is buy one.  Actually, Bill went outside and zapped several bugs and it really works.  I can't wait until one comes into our home, how dare it even try buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Zapp.  Then, we went to our church book store and bought Emilie (Janene's daughter) a CTR ring, as a gift, for her Baptism this Sat. (CTR stands for "Choose the Right").   Then, we went to Costco to get fuel and take advantage of their coupon sales and also couldn't resist some non-sale items.  Then to Jo-Ann's, to get some cute buttons for my new hats.  Then we had to go home because of the parishables we had purchased from Costco.
After we got home we got a call stating a good friend of ours had, had a massive stroke.  We ran down to the hospital to talk to his wife and we discovered they didn't expect him to live that they had air lifted him to Spokane.  We will find out more tomorrow.



A doctor, examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took the husband aside and said, "I don't like the looks of your wife at all."  "Me neither doc," said the husband.  "But she's a great cook and really good with the kids."
(Bare with me, I only have one more of these  : )


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Of all the things we wear,
Our expression is the most important.

It looks good enough to eat, and it was.

Didn't get to go to church today, however, I will be able to go next Sunday....It's been such a long time, when I go, people will wonder if I am new or not.  It will feel good.  I have this week so packed full I hope I can get it all in, in one week.  I have all this bottled up energy, I am sure I will get my list done and then some.
Our home teachers  (explained what they are a while back)  came by this eve. and we had a wonderful visit.  Later Janene and Kevin came by with a loaf of homemade bread, still a little warm, and oh so yummie.  As you can see we ate half of it already and it will be gone in the morning.  I don't make bread anymore cause if I did Bill and I wouldn't be able to go out the door.  Have a good day whatever you will be doing.


I REALLY LIKE THIS ONE
The graveside service just barely finished, when there was a massive clap of thunder, followed by a tremendous bolt of lightning, accompanied by even more thunder and rumbling in the distance.
The litle old man looked at the preaacher and calmly said,  "Well....she's there."



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back.

Nice picture of Philip and Lana

What did I do today?  Good question, I'm really not sure myself, except I was awake all day, so I must have done something.  Bill went to a funeral today, of a friend, and I didn't get to go because, as I have said,  this is my low time after the treatment.  Very sad. 
Philip and Lana came by this afternoon and we had a nice visit.  We must have talked about 100 different subjects.  I always find it amazing how a conversation can go from one subject to another so fast and then we always wonder, how did we get on this subject.
My dogs are asleep next to me and boy do they need a bath.  And then a fly came flying by (I hate flies) and then my cat went outside and also I am watching a movie called "The Wild Girl" (very good) and I am also typing so I guess I would be called, a....multi-tax-er.


While shopping for vacation clothes, my husband and I passed a display of bathing suits.
It had been at least ten years and twenty pound since I had even considered buying a bathing suit, so I sought my husband's advice.  "What do you think?" I asked.  "Should I get a bikini or an all-in-one?"  "Better get a bikini,"  he replied.  "You'd never get it all in an....all-in-one?"
He's still in intensive care.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
To see the right and not do it is cowardice.

See our pretty tulips

It took some doin but I got her out

I did a lot of mundane things today so if I don't tell you I won't have anything to write about, so bear with me and just read through it real fast so you won't get bored.  If it will help I will try to type as fast as I can.  You can even time yourself.  Here goes, I did, laundry, light cleaning, e-mail, farming, reading, eating, drinking and more drinking, (two quarts every day) sudoku, ironing, took our dogs for a walk, watered my plants, fed my fish, pulled a large weed, actually I pulled more than one, and then I was going to sew something so I could say I did sew something but I never got around to doing...so.  : )
Two more days and I get to go places.  I told Kareen I was going to visit every store in town next week, not really, of course, just a few.  Well I actually did a few more things but I don't want to bore you any more.  Have a great day!



When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed.  But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the truck, the car, playing golf - always something more important to me.
Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point.  When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house.  I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, "when you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway."....The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.
Moral to the story: Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is strong enough to take everything you have.
Thomas Jefferson

My girls, Janene, Chandler and Kareen

Kareen and Sean

This is great, waking up with even more energy and getting even more done,... fun...fun...fun.   Janene came over this morning and made me another scarf covering.  Soon I will have one in every color of the rainbow, I guess that makes me colorful, ha, ha, ha.  This is Thurs., the day my girls come for lunch and today there was a bonus, Janene was here also, so I had to get a picture to show you what "joy" looks like.  Being I can't go anywhere ( because my white blood cells are at their lowest) for the next four days (like to no stores) I look for anything to do to get out.  Kareen had a track meet today, so we went, and it turns out she couldn't run because of a achilles' tendon so we watched her boyfriend, Sean, run and throw the javlin. 
This "chemo package" is interesting, as in, right after treatments my energy level is zippo and by the time I'm feeling better I can't go anywhere, but the good part is I have a good, wonderful, nine days before it starts all over again. I am so thankful for the many people that donate, so scientists can  do cancer research and have discovered how to keep people from getting so sick,  and no pain while receiving the chemo and so many other wonderful improvements.  Someday there will be a cure for cancer but in the meantime the treatments are very do-able.



A little girl asked her mother, "How did the human face come about?"  The mother answered:
"God made Adam and Eve and they had children and so all mankind was made."
Two days later she asks her father the same question.  The father answered: "Many years ago there were monkeys, and we developed from them."
The confused girl returns to her mother and says: "Mom, how is it possible that you told me that the human race was created by God and Papa says we developed from monkeys?"
The mother answered:  "Well dear, it is very simple."  I told you about the origin of my side of the family, and your father told you about his."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Learn from the mistakes of others.
You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

Kareen's dinner table above and the dessert below

Diane,  I just sit here at my lil ole lap top and type everything in.... amazing huh.  Larry, my goodness, I sure hope your sister gets some encouraging news.  Diane, I know you won't worry, like, it's just not you to worry about anything, so what do you think, is the sun going to rise in the morning?
Zak, I'm glad you liked the puppy story, so did I.
Ok, so today I got up with a little more energy..... did a bunch around the house, felt good to get something done.  Early afternoon I was taking a short nap when Janene called and informed me Kareen had an assignment due tomorrow, for her food class.  She needed to plan a meal, buy what she needed and make a well balanced dinner and also have people critique it, so she was asking if we could come for dinner but didn't know a time because Kareen had so many responsibilities for the eve.  It turned out we ate around 6:00.  She was fixing....gumbo....my thought, what the heck is gumbo?  The word just made me cringe.  As it turns out it is a good tasting dish and she did a great job of making it, also we had fruit and a nice tossed salad and rice.  Even came with dessert.  The dessert consisted of crushed oreo cookies on the bottom, next pudding and topped with cool whip.  Yummie!!  Now we all figure she is holding out on us because we now know she can cook.  Now I can say I have eaten gumbo and I actually liked it, probably because she did such a great job of cooking.



POLICE
It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station.  As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me.  "Is that a dog you got back there?" he asked.  "It sure is," I replied.  Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van.  Finally, he said, "What'd he do?"



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up.

I am showing you my pretty fingernails

This morning I had an appointment with.....non other than, Gini....(If you don't remember Gini, read my back blog).  She is one very, awesome person, but don't take my word for it, just make an appointment and find out for yourself.  : )  After that we went to the "Dollar store" and then home for lunch.  Today was "Senior Expo Day" at the Red Lion in Kennewick.  We go every year except this may be our last time since it has really gone down hill from when it started years ago.  It used to be held in a large building with many vendors showing whats to offer around the Tri-Cities for Seniors.   Now the vendors are just funeral homes, nursing homes, insurance companies, how to invest your money, senior center, cascinos, and more stuff, not to say all of this is bad, just not fun things to do as it used to be in the past. And to top it off, the things they had to hand out, to everyone, was mostly junk.  They used to hand out fun trinkets that we could use and lots of it. We used to leave with a bag, full of ideas, and chocolate candy.  Now it's just jolly ranchers.  Bah humbug!  I went home and crashed.



WHY WE LOVE CHILDREN
While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old.  Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, "are you a cop?"  "Yes", I answered and continued writing the report.  "My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. "Is that right?" "Yes, that's right," I told her.  "Well then," she said as she extended her foot toward me, "would you please tie my shoe?"



HOWDY PARDNER
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.  He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.   As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls.  He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.  "Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."  "Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."  The boy dropped his head for a moment.  Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer.  "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer.  And with that he let out a whistle. "Here, Dolly! " he called.  Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly, followed by four little balls of fur.  The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence.  His eyes danced with delight.  As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.  Slowly another little fur ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller.  Down the ramp it slid.  Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up...."I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.  The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy.  He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."  With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.  In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.  Looking back up at the farmer, he said "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."  With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup....Holding it carefully he handed it to the little boy.  "How much?" asked the little boy.  "No charge," answered the farmer,  "There's no charge for love."

This is a few,  out of (301).....(1962) graduating class members. Gwen is in the pretty blue blouse.  We are the closest and best class to have ever graduated from Kenn. Hi.

Usually the first Sat. of the month several of our classmates get together for lunch, however today was an exception, because we had a classmate in town to visit her family so Diane rounded up a bunch of us and we had a special lunch.  It was so fun to see Gwen again after a long abscence.  She is as cute and bubbley as ever.  She was one of the smart ones in our class and I am not including me.  But, that is ok.
Once a week Bill and I get together, on Mon. eve., with a few of our retired friends and study the scriptures.  Once a month we have dinner at one of our homes and today it was our turn to be in charge of the dinner so we gave out assignments for everyone and then we do the main course.  All kidding aside, Bill made the dinner because I was sleeping and he did an absolute marvelous job doing so.  I think he knows more than he is putting on.  He was just like "chicken little", got the recipe from Janene, went to the store and bought ingredients, came home and cut up all the veg. and put every thing together......all by himself, except in this story he shared with everyone.
Janene came by this eve. with two matching cloth head covers, one for her and one for me, now we can match...: )


Tammy (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew.  Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I found this Sunday in the parade magazine and thought it to be quite profound.
How is motivational guru Dr. Wayne Dyer doing since becoming diagnosed with cancer?
"I don't think of it as cancer," Dyer, 69, says. "It's chronic lymphocytic leukemia, not life-threatening, and it's been a great blessing in my life.  We're all infinite spiritual beings having a temporary human experience.  Find that within yourself."

This is (single)Kellen Park  : )

Diane, your little rose bush just might make it, give it a chance, for a while anyway.  Love your comments.

Oh my goodness, I felt like a noodle this morning with weights on my eyelids so I stayed home, from Church, because I didn't want to scare anyone and my body was totally out of sync.  A very good friend or I should say adopted grandson, (Kellen Park) came by this eve. to visit.  Haven't seen him in a while so his visit was much appreciated.  He is going to college to become a nurse and I know he will be a very good one as long as the patients laugh at his jokes, it will keep them in stitches.  Oh, that was bad. Sorry :(  


Story
The sermon I think this Mom will never forget....this particular Sunday sermon..."Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face.  "Without you, we are BUT DUST...."  He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter, who was listening, leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill, little, four year old girl voice, "Mom, what is BUTT DUST?"


THUGHT FOR THE DAY
"IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD"
By -  Helen Steiner Rice
In spite of the fact we complain and lament,
And view this old world with much discontent,
Deploring conditions and grumbling because,
There's so much injustice and so many flaws.
It's a wonderful world and it's people like you,
Who make it that way by the things that you do,
For a warm ready smile or a kind, thoughtful deed,
Or a hand outstretched in an hour of need,
Can change our whole outlook and make the world bright.
Where a minute before just nothing seemed right,
It's a wonderful world and it always will be,
If we keep our eyes open and focused to see,
The wonderful things man is capable of,
When he opens his heart to God and His love.

.

Bill & I in 1961 at Sprout Springs

Wow! what a beautiful day.   Sun shining, perfect tempurature, birds singing, flowers blooming, it felt just like there was magic in the air, which I believe there was.  I am sure you feel the same way I do about how the warmth of the sun can lift ones spirits to new heights, after the dreary winter. 
Can you believe all that is going on around the world with all of  the earthquakes and calamities, so sad for so many people. 
Being it was such a perfect day for working in the yard, we had our grandson (Eric Law) over to dig holes (six that is) for our new shrubs and azalias.  We also had him dig up a bunch of weeds before they get out of hand, which you know they can over night. 
Kareen and Sean were out ordering his tux, (white that is) for their prom, which is in three weeks, so after that they called and came by for a visit. Two warm rays of sunshine in my kitchen. I am excited to post their pictures of the dance, on my blog, that night.  They will make a smashing looking couple.



REST OF STORY FROM YESTERDAY

Steep slopes are not forgiving, even during embarrassing moments.  Without warning, the woman found herself skiing backward, out-of-control, racing through the trees, somehow missing all of them, and into another slope.  Her derriere and the reverse side were still bare, her pants down around her knees, and she was picking up speed all the while.
She continued on backwards, totally out-of-control, creating an unusual vista for the other skiiers. 
The woman skiied, if you define that verb loosely, back under the lift, and finally collided violently with a pylon.  The bad news was that she broke her arm and was unable to pull up her skii pants.  At long last her husband arrived, put an end to her nudie show, then went to the base of the mountain and summoned the ski patrol, who transported her to a hospital.
In the emergency room she was regrouping when a man with an obviously broken leg was put in the bed next to hers.
"So, how'd you break your leg?" she asked, making small talk.
"It was the darndest thing you ever saw," he said.  "I was riding up this ski lift, and suddenly I couldn't believe my eyes.  There was this crazy woman skiing backward out-of-control down the mountain with her bare bottom hanging out of her clothes and her pants down around her knees.
"I leaned over to get a better look and I guess I didn't realize how far I'd moved.  I fell out of the lift."
"So how'd you break your arm?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with,
watches you from the mirror every morning.

Taken from the back side of Spout Springs.

While we were out, at the LDS dry pack cannery, to do the banking, which is done 3 times a wk., (explain later), three collage interns, working on degrees in school counseling, came by, as they are going around the community to see what impact non-profit organizations are doing for the community.  Our building consists of four entities, welfare, counseling, employment and dry pack cannery.  We gave them a tour of the dry pack and the welfare Bishop's storehouse.  We always like to show off what we are doing, it is fun. 
Bill and I oversee the dry pack opporation in this region. People can come and put up dry food, for food storage and use. We have several sets of adult Missionaries to help with the canning sessions.
 Rest of the day was uneventful, which can be very good.  It was a good day for me and I was so happy I could go out and help Bill as I know I won't always be able to do so.  I hope all of you had a great day also.



HOW'D YOU BREAK YOUR ARM?
Even if you aren't a skier, you'll be abled to appreciate the humor of the slopes as written in this account by a New Orleans paper.
"A friend just back from a holiday ski trip to Utah with the kind of story that warms the cockles of anybody's heart.  Conditions were perfect, 12 below, no feeling in the toes, basic numbness all over, the "tell me when we're having fun" kind of day.
One of the women in the group complained to her husband that she was in dire need of a restroom.  He told her not to worry, that he was sure there was relief waiting at the top of the lift in the form of a powder room for female skiers in distress.  He was wrong, of course, and the pain did not go-away.  If you've ever had nature hit it's panic button in you, then you know that a temperature of 12 below zero doesn't help matters.  So, with time running out, the woman weighed her options. 
Her husband, picking up on the intensity of the pain, suggested that since she was wearing an all-white ski outfit, she should go off in the woods.  No one would even notice, he assured her.  The white will provide more than adequate camouflage.  So she headed for the tree line, began disrobing and proceeded to do her thing.  If you've ever parked on the side of a slope, then you know there is a right way and wrong way to set your skis so you don't move.  Yup, you got it.  She had them positioned the wrong way.

I am only half way done so will finish tomorrow.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind.
and the ones who mind, don't matter.

Happy Birthday Judy, have a great party.  You are sorely missed.

My treasures from today and the past, from family and friends.

What a beautiful day to enjoy.  I wore one of my knit caps and found it to be just a little too warm for this much heat, so best put it away for now.  I had my, day after, shot today to help keep the white blood cells from going so low.  I didn't have this last time because Dr. Rado wanted to see if the chemo was working and with a low of o.o it is working very well and I have very good bones to have the numbers come up so high.  Yea for good bones.  Blessing are abounding.  I feel all your prayers and want to keep you, in the know,  to show everyone how much and how powerful prayer can be.  I am a walking example. 
Had a good talk with our oldest this morning, just calling his mom, to see how I was doing.  Then two of my granddaughters, that I love so much, came by for lunch.  Then a good, long time, friend came to visit and brought me a bouquet of flowers and a very sweet card.  Then is when I got my shot and after that Costco and Heritage, next to Costco.  They sell a shoe that is called a switch-flop.  I got a pair, a couple of years ago and the part that holds the shoe on is covered with velcro and the decoration can be velcroed on the shoe, so they can be switched out, very cute. Since they are very comfortable I just had to have another pair. Came home and then crashed. Janene  was wanting to come over, so she came, with the cutest hat she had knitted.  She is very good at working with yarn and I am sure she would take orders for these cute little hats.  This one is so very comfortable and she can make any size, I just wanted it to fit all over so it is a bit larger than most would want. I love it.


KIDS ARE QUICK
Teacher:  Maria, go to the map and find North America.
Maria:  Here it is.
Teacher:  Correct.  Now class, who discovered America?
Class:  Maria


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
TODAY
Outside my window a new day I see and only I can determine what kind of day it will be.
It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay,
or boring and cold, unhappy and grey,
my own state of mind is the determining key,
for I am only the person I let myself be.
I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help,
or be selfish and think just of myself.
I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun,
or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone.
I can be patient with those who may not understand,
or belittle and hurt them as much as I can.
But I have faith in myself and believe what I say,
and I personally intend to make the best of each day.

          Bill and an elderly man are working on the puzzle set up at the cancer cntr.

Today was amazing,...and you ask, so, what was amazing about your day?  I can't wait to tell you....First off, at the C.C. by 9:30, drew blood, waited an hr. to see Dr's nurse, which happens to be his wife, so sweet, she told me that my.... white blood cells.... (drum roll)  are "11" which is "1" over the norm.  I went from....o.o.... (as low as you can go) to an "11",  now that is exciting.  I can go places,  "YES".   Kristene took the day off to spend with us and also Janene came by on her way to work and also 2 special classmates from High School, spent the session with us, we had a party goin on.  The time went by so, so fast.  How can I be down with such a wonderful support system, family, friends and a wonderful husband that still loves me the same, with a bald head. : )
We also saw Dennis DeFord there for his 3 month check up. He is such an inspiration for me.  He was in Seattle for his treatments and actually in a radiation room for 7 days because he actually radiated, to the point that no one could come in his room. They put his food through one of those doors that open on top and the bottom and he literally had to take care of himself, pretty lonely.  After that he lived in Seattle for 5 months, going for treatments and many other things at the hospital, nearly every day, before he could come home and then after coming home, his count was so low he couldn't go anywhere for a long time.  He was away from church for nearly a year.  It's so nice to have him back.  As I have said before, I don't have to look very far and see someones situation, so much harder, than what I am going through.  This is just a little drop in the ocean for me. April 22, 23, 24, and 25 are the days I will have to stay home because I will be at my lowest white blood cell count before my next treatment.
After the session, Kristene, Bill and myself went to lunch to celebrate and then Bill and I went to Target to get me a new hat.  Have you ever gone into a dressing room to just try on a hat, well I did.  I am just doing a lot of 1st in my life now and I know there will be many more to come.  This is a wonderful adventure and I am taking all of you with me, so you had better be having a good time. : )


STORY FOR TODAY
Melanie (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was.  Granny replied she was so old she didnt remember any more.  Melanie said, "if you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties.  Mine say five to six."  
Kids say the cutest things.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Pain and suffering are inevitable but misery is optional.


I love your comments.

First off I will comment, on my comments, from, all of you.

Larry, you are so funny....ha, ha.  Wouldn't you be shocked if I told you, yes, I did get those for Pasco colors, but then that would shock me also.  I will admit, they are very pretty colors.  And, you are welcome.  : )

Zak, what a nice surprise to hear from you.  I am so happy I can make you laugh through my stories.  Chandler tells me you are taking very good care of her and that makes me very happy.  She is very special to me. 

Hi Amanda and Baileigh (granddaughter and great-granddaughter) I love you.

Diane, I just make cloth scares, that I also call a hat.  Janene is the one that will do the crocheting.  I would never wear a hat that I had chrocheted, it would be very scary and grotesque-looking, for anyone to see it on my head.  Janene has tried to teach me and it is so funny watching her, trying to teach me, when I am trying so hard.  I am sure she would be more than happy to show you how she does it when she figures out the pattern she wants to use.  I am excited because the yarn she has purchased is very cute, funky, but cute, I like that.

Janene and I making apple juice.

I can do things like this as long as it is outside.

This morning Janene, Bill and I, went to some friends home, The Jensen's, to make apple juice and then put them in, new, gallon water jugs. Al Jensen has made up all kinds of unique contraptions to make the job much easier, one can tell he is an engineer, of some sort. It was very kind of them to supply the apples, the contraptions and labor to help us put up some of this wonderful apple juice. We will enjoy.



Sing along,
Just thinkin about TOMORROW, clears away the cobwebs, and the sorrow, till.... their's none.  When I'm stuck with a day that's gray and lonely, I just stick out my chin.... and grin.... and sigh,   OH!  The sun will come out TOMORROW, so ya gotta hang on till TOMORROW,  come what may, TOMORROW, TOMORROW, I love ya TOMORROW, your only a day away. 

I go in to the cancer center tomorrow morning at 9:30 and the adventure begins.  I am so excited.  I can just see it all now after we go to bed.  It will go something like this...."What time is it Bill?"  "1:30 A.M."  zzzzzzzzzzz"  What time is it Bill?"   shake, shake    "What?"    "What time is it?"  Takes a look.  "20 min. after the last time you asked.  Go back to sleep."   "ok" zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  The sun is coming up peaking through the window.  "Bill, Bill, what time is it?"  He groggily looks at the clock,   "5:30 A.M.  Go back to sleep"   "OK"    Poor Bill, he can't go back to sleep so he gets up, gets ready for the day, reads the paper, plays sudoku, reads his e-mail and then comes to wake me up at 7:30.  Nudge, nudge, nudge, "wake up honey, it's time to get ready for your exciting day"   "Already?  I'm so tired".         True story, I promise.



Brittany (age 4) had an ear ache and wanted a pain killer.  She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle.  Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap and she'd have to open it for her.  Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me?"



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Be kind to unkind people,
(they probably need it the most)

This is a picture of my good friend Diane, my faithful blog commenter.

Bill made a wonderful dinner tonight, steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce, baked potato with all the trimmings and strawberry short cake with cool whip, very, very good. I think he has been holdin out on me, so I just might have to turn the cooking over to him more often.   When I am able to get out and about, Bill will have to carry me around in a wheel borrow, if I don't stop eating like this, soon, very soon.  I made a cute scarf/hat today to match my robe, oh, I am so chic.
Two more days and I will get some chimo juice, cocktail for the 2nd time and also find out what my blood count is, so, I hope, I can go places again, not that I don't love my home, I just want to see what I am missing.
I do manage to let my fingers do the walkin on the internet, you know, you can find anything on the internet, fingers are getting tired though, with so much internet walkin.




The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch.  At the head of the table was a large pile of apples.  The nun made a note, and posted it on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching."
Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.
A child had written a note, "Take all you want, God is watching the apples.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

                  Sean and Kareen,  Kenn. Hi dance. 

She was homecoming princess.

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful day.  Sunday is a good day to visit the sick and afflicted and I got visited, not that I'm sick,...just afflicted.  Kristene and family came by around 1:00 and we all, even two of my dogs, went over to the park, near our house, and we went down the tunnel slide. Even my dogs went down the slide, not that they liked it, but we sure had fun with them.  Andrew, our grandson, was at the other end so they even got pushed back up the slide, which was even more fun, for us anyway.  They're pretty congenial, especially if we have a treat for them.  Hey, I would go up and down the slide for a treat. 
The hard part about Sunday is not being able to go to church, I sure do miss everyone, however, I know this too shall pass and I will be back in or on the saddle again, so to speak. : )  In the eve. Janene and family came over, except Kevin, I think he got lost on his way over here.  Emilie (nearly 8) showed me all of her jump/rope tricks and she's not bad at all, of course, I know I was better at her age, anyway I think I was.  At this age I can say anything and get away with it, most of the time.  Just kidding Emilie. 
Kareen is planning for an upcoming dance at Southridge with Sean "her boyfriend" so she ordered her shoes while she was here and also ordered a necklace.  You say "why at Southridge and not at Kenn. Hi, where she goes"?  Very short story and to the point, Sean goes to Southridge, need I say more.  I will post a picture after the dance, which I think is, the 2nd wk. end in May.





A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens.  When returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girl kittens.  "How do you know this?" his mother asked.
"Daddy picked them up and looked underneath," he replied.  "I think it's printed on the bottom."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends;
Life is too short and friends are too few!

A BOWL FULL OF CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISINS

A well balanced diet is, dark chocolate covered raisins, so good and  "SOOOOO"  good for you, just ask me.  It's a, feel good food also, so today I feel good and I feel well balanced, so that makes me good and balanced.  : )  What a beautiful day, it was, to take our dogs for a walk.  I just love this time of year with everything NEW popping out of the ground and new blossoms on the trees, it's just another "feel good" time.
I picked up a cotton scarf/hat at the cancer center and wanted to make some so Janene made a pattern for me and I made one today.  It turned out pretty good, if I say so myself.  Now I am ready to make one in every color, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, pink, white,  black and white and all colors in between.  That was fun.
I love your comments at the end of my blog, keep them coming.

I have no idea what happened here, but I can't seem to get it corrected.


A lesson in "heart" is my little 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, she was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time.  She came home one, beautiful, spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day".  That's where they have lots of races and other competitive events.  Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down, but before I could get a word out, she said, "Daddy, I won two of the races!"  I couldn't believe it!  And then Sarah said, "I had an advantage." Ah, I knew it.  I thought she must have been given a head start...some kind of physical advantage.  But again, before I could say anything, she said, "Daddy, I didn't get a head start...my advantage was I had to try harder!"



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distances.
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
That we are responsivle for what we do, no matter how we feel.
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

Lolo Hot Springs

So, how was your day?  Bill had a few errands to run so I tagged along.  Felt good to get out, however I wasn't allowed to go in with him.  He is a hard task-master.   Next Wed. I have my blood checked and I am sure my blood count will be up enough, so I can actually walk into a store,.... all by myself.  Wow, it doesn't take much to get me excited.  After nearly drinking 3 qts of liquid a day, you know where I spend a lot of my time.  Just watched a great movie about this young boy that had tourett's syndrome and how, with this dissability, he became a great teacher.  Very positive, good feeling, tear jerking, movie, and it was also very clean... amazing.




For weeks a six-year old lad kept telling his first grade teacher about the baby brother or sister that was expected at his house.  One day, the mother allowed the boy to feel the movements of the unborn child.  The six-year old was obviously impressed, but he made no comment.  Furthermore, he stopped telling his teacher about the impending event.   Finally, the teacher sat the boy on her lap and said, "Tommy, whatever has become of the baby brother or sister you were expecting at home?"
Tommy burst into tears and confessed, "I think Mommy ate it!



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The IRS Man

When you stay home all day there just isn't much to say.  Sorry folks the wind blew so much today, however, yesterday I gave you gals an out.  It really isn't that bad having no hair,  just put on alot of makeup and no one will notice, since they will be so engrossed with all the makeup you are wearing.
It's thurs. so my granddaughters came for lunch today.  I love it when they come and bring such enthusiasm and joy, into our home. 
Diane, I love your idea of a raffle for t-shirts and hats, except, where would these come from?.  Anything we can do to pull this off?  We would love to help in any way we can. Hurray! about the Czpaszy's coming.  This is going to be so much fun seeing everyone.  I guess I should explain what we are talking about.  There is a small class reunion planned, the end of May, for everyone to meet at Lake Chelan, for three days.  It will be a big blast, since we haven't seen some of these people for many years.



ODE TO TAXES
T'was the night before taxes, when all through the town, not a person was sleeping, they were all very... down. They were shuffling their papers with care, in hopes that they wouldn't have to pull out their... hair.  The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of,  tax returns,  danced in their heads.  While papa with his c-pap and I in my night cap, decided to take a short summer nap, when all of a sudden they heard a loud noise, so they stumbled over each other to reach the door and what to their wondering eyes should appear but a short, little, fat, man with calculator in hand, and  stating he needed to see our whole clan.  I knew in a moment it must be an,..... IRS man.  I rushed into the house and he came running after, his fingers a twitching and his head all a-bouncing.  He carried with him his trusted, little pens and called them by name and they all weren't the same. Now inky and pinky and bluest and green. Come along browny, blacky, peachy and cream.  To the top of the table to the top of it all, now write away, write away write away all.  With a brief case full of notes and a cup in his hand he dumped everything all over,... with a bang.  He was dressed all in black from his head to his toe, not even a smile or even a hello.  His eyes how black, his cheeks how red, and his nose looked like he had a... blackhead.  :)  I just knew this would be a very long night, because he took off his boots, his coat and took his sweet time, which just wasn't right.  He spoke not a word but went straight to work, with his twitching fingers, he looked like a twurp.  By five in the morning I had, had about enough, so I took his 8 pens, and gave them a twirl and they all landed outside in a pile of green...shleral.  He gathered his stuff and with a sly ugly smile, he ran out the door, but I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,  no tax return for you and have a good night.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There is a destiny that makes us all brothers,
No one goes his way alone;
All that we send into the hearts of others,
Comes back into our own...
Edwin Markham

This is my brother and I at our mother's 80th birthday party.

Got a call from my brother this morning saying goodbye to my hair. Cute, huh.  I bet there aren't very many brother's in the world that would say that to their sister, that's what makes him so special. He is one of my very best friends.  I'm a lucky girl.
A good friend came by today with two hats she had made for me, which I really appreciate, since I need to keep something on my head, to help keep me warm. They are very comfortable.  Well, today was the big day, to finish what I started, with my hair.  Dawny came by this afternoon and with her nice big clippers, took it all off, right down to my little pink head.  She said I had a very nice looking round head.  I was very excited to hear that, really, except no one will ever know how pretty and round it is, except, a very few family members and Dawni.  I probably had more hair, than this, when I was born.
I came up with alot of advantages in not having hair, save on shampoo and conditioner, save on electricity (no curling iron or hair dryer), big money saver, no beauty shop (cutting, coloring, perms etc.), no bad hair days (let the wind blow), and the best part, I can get ready in the morning as fast as Bill, well not quite.  So lady's you might think about this, we could all make a new trend right here in the Tri-Cities.  Just think what the headlines in the papers would read, NO BAD HAIR DAYS IN THE WINDY TRI-CITIES. This would really get people's attention.  We would be on the map, for sure. 
I still feel great, no pain or sickness.



What children say:

One day, a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink.  She suddenly noticed that her mother had a few strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.  She looked at her mother and asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"
Her mother replied, "Well, every time you do something wrong, and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."
The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance,
grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.

Bears at the bus stop in Alaska.

I'm glad I wasn't there, she doesn't look very happy.

Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear.
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy, was he.

This is my introduction to my Blog today, you will see why.
Last night as I was washing my hair and running conditioner through it, I discovered more hair than usual, actually that's an understatement, how about a lot of hair and as I kept rubbing my hair, more and more came out.  Gasp,  I guess this is it, I will become a fuzzy wuzzy with no hair.  I showed Bill and for the first time I had a melt-down.  Now I want you to know, I know where my priorities are, I can have cancer but don't take my hair.  Well, I got through that step and I'm still functioning, so, move on to the next step.  This morning I had my 4th and last injection and I feel great. No pain, no nausea, no nothing bad, so, why am I losing my hair.  Actually I know why, but, it's just too scientific for me so I will just have to adjust.  This afternoon while Bill was gone I decided to take things into my own hands so I got the scizzors out, and grabbed a small amount of hair and cut it off. Now that wasn't so bad, so, I grabbed more and cut it off.  I was having so much fun I ended up with a crew cut.  I put one of my cute little hats on so I could surprise Bill when he came home.   Have you ever been so frustrated you just wanted to pull your hair out, well I advise you to cut it out, it doesn't hurt as much.  I laid my curly locks on the counter, right in plain sight, so Bill would see what I had done, while he was gone.  He came in and said Hi, and went into his office. I was in my office and could see the counter.  He walked into the kitchen, and, I wish I had, had a camera because of the expression on his face, it was priceless.  He looked at me and asked if this was my hair, "sure is" I said.  I really surprised him this time.  He never knows what he will come home to but I think this time I did the best surprise ever.  Tomorrow, a good friend, and is also my hairdresser of many years, is coming over to finish what I started.  Janene wants to take pictures and out of the goodness of my heart, I guess I will let her, but she is not to show anyone or I will scalp her.  Just kidding.




I promised I would finish the story tonight so here goes.  Got your hanky ready?

"Who was that man?" he asked.  The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered.  "No, he wasn't," the Marine, replied.  "I never saw him before in my life." "Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"  I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here.  When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed."

This is a picture of our oldest son , Phil and our oldest grandson, Todd.

WOW!  I didn't realize I was so special and unique but found this out today while getting my 4th injection.  We had asked the nurse if I could do a little shopping, with my mask on, and not touch anything, I would even wear gloves.  That's when she said how low my blood count really was, so I would think twice about going out into buggy stores, but it was my choice. ( there was one store in particular not to go into)  She stated I was, on friday, O.O and that she has only seen one other person that low and two with a O.2.   How low can you go, well I can now say as low as possible.  Well, you know what Bill said, we are going straight home, no questions asked.  I was also told to go home and rest, which is hard for me since I feel so good. You might think, no shopping at the stores saves money, however, we have the internet and there is everything on the internet. I love it! 




More of the story

Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words.  The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.  Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse.  While she did what she had to do, he waited.  Finally, she returned.  She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her.

I for sure will finish the story tomorrow.    You might get a hanky handy.

Sunrise in Delta Junction, Alaska

I got a note from one of our grandaughters today and it really touched me, for her to express her thoughts and know she is following my blog.  Hi Sam. 
I got my third shot this morning and so far all is going well.  My little bones hurt a little but I am able to take ibuprofen and that seems to take care of the pain so I don't have to take pain pills,.... "yea".   Just two more to go and then, I think, I will be having my blood checked and anticipating everything to be fine and then I can get out of "house arrest" and go places,... another.... "yea".
We spent a quiet day at home watching conference, eating food, napping and after conference we went over to Janene's and let her dog out so she could play with our Sandy.  We came home and ate some more and then played a couple of games.  One of them was sequence and..... "GUESS WHAT".....   I won the first game so we thought we should play another to make things even but I won the second game also, so thought just one more to give Bill a chance and..... yup.... your right, I won that one also. I really didn't rub it in at all, I just offered to play another game, and I don't understand, but, he said we had played enough.  All I wanted is to give him a chance.  (;    Does anyone want to challenge me at Sequence, expecially those that haven't played it before, then the game doesn't take as long.  I will be gentle,.... ya sure.
So now your wondering, what is conference, I referred to earlier.  Now stay with me, cause I am only going to say this once, and if you have any questions don't call me because I don't have the answers.  Twice a year (April and Oct.) we recieve counsel from the President of our  church (and many others he has asked to speak) on how to better our lives and to live a more Christ- like life.  This is broadcast from Salt Lake, to everyone throughout the world and we can watch this from our homes or go to our church buildings.  It was special this year because it was held on Easter Sunday, which doesn't happen very often.





Yesterday I said I would continue the story so here it is.

All though the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.  Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.  He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital...the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.

That's all folks for tonight, sorry.  I'll continue tomorrow.




THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The biggest problem with the "Blame Game" is that everyone loses.

Section of the Viet Nam Wall in Washington DC

showing San Francisco's name

This is San Francisco, a class mate of our's and listed as MIA

Well, today I had my second shot to bring those white blood cells out but I still feel fine, no pain.  Quiet relaxing day because I am under house arrest.  Many days I stay at home but when I can't go anywhere I can think of many places I would like to go, bummer.  Oh well it saves money for me to stay at home.  I am anxious to have my blood count checked and if it is high enough, I can go shopping and make up for when I had to stay home.  Our son-in-law came over and put in a doggy door, yea. I have wanted one for years.  Our two maltese went through fine but our cocker stayed outside for a long time.  She would stand outside next to the door and groul.  She doesn't like change.

YOUR SON IS HERE
A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.  "Your son is here," She said to the old man.  She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.  Heavily sedatted because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent.  He reached out his hand.  The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old Man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.  The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed.

I am so tired I will continue this story tomorrow.

This goat was coming right at me as I was taking it's picture.  It just kept coming, so I backed way off.  We saw several that day.

This has been an interesting day.  Now I could end writing right now and you would always wonder what was interesting about my day.  After deep thought I decided that just wouldn't be nice, so, out of the kindness of my heart I will tell you,  (_./**\_./**\_./**\_) ; )  in my next blog.  I hear you, moaning and groaning, complaining, and saying that's just not right.   OK, OK   I will tell you.
We had plans to have our family over for Easter dinner but I needed to have my blood  count checked. So we went to the cancer center and the nurse drew some blood and we waited and waited and waited for the results.  Michelle, my nurse, called me back and put me in cubicle #7.  She said "you have no white blood cells. But, how could that be, I feel so great.  She said, "that happens sometimes".  Not even one little white blood cell, she said "nope, not even one.  She told me I had hit rock bottom, which is expected, however, I felt I was fine,  and thought I would have all of my white blood cells. However, good news I have all my platelets in place so I'm happy. She told me I had to have a series of shots to get the count up a little. And then she told me that the shots might give me flu/like symptoms and make my bones hurt. Then I was really excited to get those little shots. I wanted my count up but not my bones hurting.  I have never experienced my bones hurting. She ordered pain pills for me, then I was really nervouse. I had one shot today and then one each day until I have five. I hate pain pills, it's a pain just to take them.  So I will let you know if the second shot brings on these wonderful side effects, cause the first one didn't.


I CAN'T SEE
Many years ago, when my children were still small, we were returning from some errands, my youngest son, seated next to me.   At one point we were driving directly into the setting sun.  While it was beautiful, it's brightness made me squint. After a few seconds, my son cried, "The sun is in my eyes; I can't see."  Thinking of relieving his discomfort, I replied, "Well shut your eyes silly." This brought a momentary quiet, and I was smug in my adult superiority. At least until my son said, "Daddy, I shut my eyes, but I still can't see."
We often try to help others, but we must be careful that our efforts are directed at the problem, not the effect it causes.