Joann and Jack

Super Bowl 46

2012-02-04T16:56:00.002-05:00

Super Bowl 46

The Giants versus the Patriots

Who do you want to win the big game?

Honey Bees and Bee Hives

2012-02-04T16:50:00.002-05:00

Honey Bees and Bee Hives

I talked yesterday to my sister in law,Esther Gariety, who told me that a lady that has bee hives and honey bees said that you can tell when in the next 30 days or so a big snow or cold event is coming because the bees begin to close up their bee hives to keep the cold and snow out and the honey bees safe on the inside of the bee hives. Interesting concept. So get ready folks for some bad weather.

Simple Abundance

2012-02-04T16:36:00.002-05:00

Here's a great yearly journal to take you thru the new year. It is Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy written by Sarah Ban Breathnach. She covers these six topics: gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy.

PiedmontReaders

2012-02-04T16:31:00.003-05:00

PiedmontReaders

I would like for you to look over to the right and see my other blog PiedmontReaders. Click on it and you will find out what books the group read from November thru January.

Leukemia Update #2

2012-02-04T12:29:00.003-05:00

Leukemia Update #2

I was in the Prince William Hospital twice in January so it has been awhile since I wrote a new blog. I wanted to add one more thing to my blog about Christmas 2011. Here is a video of the train Jack bought to go around our big tree in our living room. Our grandson Little Jack had fun coming over to see it go around and around our tree.

Take a look here.

Our First Snowfall of the Winter

2012-01-13T08:39:00.002-05:00

Our First Snowfall of the Winter

Jack and I woke up to a winter wonderland of snow and ice.

By late Tuesday afternoon it had all melted e

xcept for some very shaded areas of our yard.

Roman Catholic Version Of 12 Days Of Christmas

2012-01-12T18:04:00.002-05:00

A Partridge in a Pear Tree : Jesus Christ

Two Turtle Doves : The Old and New Testaments

Three French Hens : The Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity

Four Calling Birds :The Four Gospels and The Four Evangelists

Five Golden Rings : The First Five Books of the Old Testament

Six Geese A Laying : The Six Days of Creation

Seven Swans A Swimming : The Seven Sacraments

Eight Maids A Milking : The Eight Beatitudes

Nine Ladies Dancing : The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Ten Lords A Leaping : The Ten Commandments

Eleven Pipers Piping : The Eleven Faithful Apostles of Jesus

Twelve Drummers Drumming : The Twelve Catholic Points of Doctrine in the Prayer, The Apostles Creed

Did You Have A Good New Year's Eve and New Year's Day?

2012-01-12T07:53:00.002-05:00

Did You Have A Good New Year's Eve

And New Year's Day?

Jack and I watched the ball drop in New York City.

We also watched 6000 ping pong balls drop in Old Town Alexandria.

We saluted 2012 with sparkling grape juice and were in bed by 12:15!

Look At This

2012-01-12T07:37:00.003-05:00

Look At This!

Got These Narcissus For Christmas.

When They Came They Were Under Ground In The Pot.

In Less Than A Week They Were18 Inches Tall And In Bloom!

Memories of Christmas Day at Joann and Jack's House

2012-01-12T07:12:00.005-05:00

Jennifer Made Dave Smith A Stocking For Our Family Stocking Layout.

Dave Smith Came Out For Christmas At Our House.

Daddy Read The Directions For The Car Raceway.

Barney Loved Opening Presents!

Stockings Up at Our Fireplace.

Jennifer Made Her Sister This Beautiful Quilt.

Where Did Jennifer Get Her Creative Handiwork Talents?

It Was Not From Momma Joann!

I Got A Miami University of Ohio Sweatshirt!

Go Redhawks!

Memories of Christmas Eve at Jenn's House

2012-01-12T06:41:00.003-05:00

Memories of Christmas Eve at Jenn's House

We Were Delighted That Jeanine's Fiance Dave Smith Could Join Us For Dinner.

Jenn Set A Beautiful Table.

Here Is Our Hostess.

Stockings Were Up At The Fireplace.

The Tree Was Glowing In The Window.

Little Jack Had His Own Special Tree.

Grandpa Jack With Little Jack's Christmas Toy.

Grandma and Grandpa Got Sleepy.

Little Jack Loved Opening Christmas Presents.

Jeanine is Engaged

2011-12-28T19:26:00.004-05:00

Our daughter Jeanine is now engaged to Dave Smith, a Prince William County police officer. They are planning a wedding for May 26 here in Virginia. This picture was taken at Jenn and Terry's house on Thanksgiving day. Unfortunately, Dave had to work that day, which is why he was in uniform. And, NO, he is not drinking alcohol in uniform. Our daughter on the other hand is having a glass of Chardonnay. Since Dave loves Jeanine and Barney, we know he is ok. Congratulations you two and best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

One Day Till Christmas--I Think We Are Ready

2011-12-24T09:01:00.003-05:00

One Day Till Christmas--I Think We Are Ready

The Carolers are in the window.

The naughty nutcrackers are on the table.

The living room big tree rotates and has a train that runs around the tree.

The army of Christmas bears are guarding the stairs.

The poinsettias are in the kitchen window.

The Christmas cookies are baked.

The German creche is on the kitchen island.

While the blue and white creche is in the dining room.

Christmas Will Be Here Soon!

2011-12-16T09:36:00.004-05:00

Christmas Will Be Here Soon!

Newsflash: If Christmas arrives on Christmas Eve that means we have just 8 days to get everything done. Wow! Time sure flies between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hope all of you are getting your Christmas act together. We are now getting lots of Christmas cards which makes me very happy. And I love that most folks include a photo of themselves or their children or their pets.

Few More Pics Of Thanksgiving

2011-12-14T09:28:00.001-05:00

Leukemia Update

2011-12-09T14:22:00.004-05:00

Leukemia Update

Last week I did four days of chemo and on Wednesday I went to the Prince William Hospital outpatient center for blood transfusions and for platelet transfusion. To have the transfusions you need to go in the day before to register and have blood drawn for testing.

Now this is where things get interesting and strange. Jack and I arrived at the hospital around 4:00 P.M. last week and discovered at least four Manassas police cars and one canine unit at the front door. When we got out of our car a lady in the parking lot warned us not to go up to the door because there was a confrontation between a group of young Latino men and young African American men. Everyone was yelling and screaming. It sounded like about 25 people yelling but I counted only about 12 people including the police. Well, Jack and I had to get inside to register before closing time so we quietly and quickly circled around this group at the front entrance and went inside. Later when we came outside the young men were all gone but several police officers were still on the scene. Strange, strange, strange! I can see a confrontation taking place between two groups at a bar or a school or even a shopping center but not at the front door of a hospital. We never did find out what was going on, even when we returned on Wednesday.

So I guess this is a mini mystery.

This week I finished up my seven days of chemo on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Yesterday I spent resting on the couch. The chemo kinda wipes out your energy.

Oh No, Another Shooting At VA Tech

2011-12-09T07:09:00.003-05:00

Oh No, Another Shooting At VA Tech

Another shooting at VA Tech! Part of the problem is that it is too easy to buy a gun in the state of Virginia. As in some other states it is easier to buy a gun than to vote. Seems to me it should be just the opposite. I also worry that some parents with students in high school will not want to send their kids to Va Tech now even though VA Tech is the college in Virginia to attend if you want to be any kind of engineer or veterinarian.

Yes, It Does Snow In Arizona

2011-12-07T15:56:00.003-05:00

Newsflash: Yes, It Does Snow In Arizona

Jack got a message from his sister Barbara that Willcox, AZ right off interstate 10 between NM and Tucson got around six inches of snow this week.

Today Is The 70'th Anniversary Of Pearl Harbor Attack

2011-12-07T15:18:00.002-05:00

Today Is The 70'th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Attack

I was able to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial In 1969 while making my way home from teaching on Okinawa. At that time oil was still oozing to the surface from the sunken USS Missouri. I heard on TV this afternoon that this will be the last gathering of the men who survived the attack that killed over 2000 military folks. There are only about 150 survivors still alive. When Jeanine went to Hawaii last year she shook hands with some of the survivors who were there then. Most of these vets are in their late 80's or early 90's.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T11:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope everyone has a safe journey to their destinations for Thanksgiving on Thursday. Enjoy the weekend away from your jobs. This is the weekend that kicks off the Christmas season, so I eliminated all my regular songs on PLAYLIST and brought up the Christmas songs. I may add more Christmas songs later.

Jack Pulled Up The Yellow Hostas Yesterday

2011-11-21T07:50:00.002-05:00

Jack Pulled Up The Yellow Hostas Yesterday

We have had a frost that yellowed our green hostas so Jack pulled up all the yellow hosta leaves yesterday. Don't worry. They will come back up in the spring nice and green. It suddenly is beginning to feel like November with the grey skies and the foggy mornings. Days are getting so short. I admit that that I don't like. I like light. But the days will not gain light until after the winter solstice in late December. By the end of January there should be a little more light at night.

Scenes Of Fells Point In Baltimore, Md

2011-11-17T07:19:00.002-05:00

Scenes Of Fells Point In Baltimore, MD

This is where the water taxis bring tourists to Fell Point from the Inner Harbor

The old cobblestone streets are still there.

So are the old street car lines that are no longer used.

A nice looking brick building in Fells Point.

The Menu From Duda's Tavern In Baltimore

2011-11-16T06:50:00.003-05:00

The Menu From Duda's Tavern in Baltimore

Eating In Fells Point In Baltimore, MD

2011-11-15T09:19:00.003-05:00

Eating In Fells Point In Baltimore, MD

Jack and I spent two days last week in Baltimore, MD. It seems like every time we go go Baltimore we have seafood---crab cakes or oysters. This time we also had them. The oysters were at the Oyster House where Jack had a great oyster soup. We usually have the crab cakes at Phillips Restaurant at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. The Inner Harbor is where a lot of museums are and it caters to tourists as well as locals. But on this most recent trip we had the crab cakes at the Tremont Hotel where we shared a meal. I think these were the best crab cakes I have ever eaten. All crab, no filler with a just a hint of Old Bay Chesapeake seasoning. Yum,yum!

Now I want to tell you about a restaurant that we discovered on a corner in Fells Point. The place has been in business for over 6o years in the same location. It is called Duda's Tavern and it was founded way back in 1949 by Walter and Pauline Duda to cater to blue color workers. In the 1980's when the Inner Harbor was developed the owners added a small kitchen to the tavern. Well, to make a long story short Jack and I discovered a fall lunch special on the menu that got us very excited. Sausages (brats and other types) served with mild sauerkraut and hot potato salad. Weordered that lunch special and were pleasantly surprised. The sausages were were good, the sauerkraut was good but the star on the plate was the hot potato salad. It was the best hot potato salad that I have ever tasted. Yum, yum!!!

The food at this simple tavern was so good that I had to ask our waitress for a menu to add to my large menu collection. The waitress obliged us and even gave us a golden sticker to add to the top of the menu. The sticker was for the tavern's 60 years of being in business in Fells Point.

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you a photo of my latest collected menu.

What To Do With The Fallen Leaves

2011-11-14T09:44:00.003-05:00

What To Do With The Fallen Leaves

Some folks rake them into piles and then put them in plastic bags. Some folks like Jack use the lawnmower to pick them up and place in the trash cans. Our dear neighbor Dickie whose Dragonquilter blog is down below on the right has a fancy dancy device that sucks up the leaves into an attached bag that can be emptied into the trash cans. Dickie notes on her blog that to her the bummer is that not all the leaves fall at the same time. That means you can get the leaves picked up in some fashion one day and by the next day or week your yard is again filled with fallen leaves. For Jack and I the last trees on our property to lose their leaves are our three Bradford pear trees that are just now approaching full fall color. Two of our neighbors who have a certain type of oak tree, which does not lose its leaves until mid spring when the new leaves emerge from the trees. Now for me that is the real bummer. Picking up the leaves in the fall is one thing but doing it in the spring is no fun at all when you are thinking early spring flowers emerging and blooming.

Lazy Sunday/ I Slept In

2011-11-13T13:47:00.002-05:00

Lazy Sunday/ I Slept In

Have a good day everyone.

Watch your favorite football team play ball.

Redskins lost again. So what else is new.

A New Man In Town

2011-11-12T07:51:00.002-05:00

A New Man In Town

My Jack stepped down at the October NARFE meeting as the Manassas Chapter president. The new president of the NARFE Manassas Chapter is David Doliber who was for many many years the NARFE secretary. In the photo above he is the gentleman with the cane. The other three men being sworn in at the October meeting are keeping their same possessions as treasure or vice-president.
In this photo you see Pierce Johnson who graduated from the Naval Academy and who is a retired navy admiral doing the honors of swearing the officers into office for the coming year.

Are you a retired federal employee? Do you belong to your local NARFE chapter? You should belong. NARFE is the only organization working to keep our federal retirement benefits.

Say Thank You To A Veteran Today

2011-11-11T06:38:00.000-05:00

Say Thank You To A Veteran Today

Today is Veterans Day all across American. If You know a veteran, go up to them today and thank them for serving in the military. And remember all those veterans who have served and have died. God bless them all.

Oh Dear, Those Dang Deer!

2011-11-11T06:32:00.001-05:00

Oh Dear, Those Dang Deer!

Guess what. The deer that come strolling over from the golf course to our yard have the gosh darn nerve to chew the blossoms off my blooming mums. Bambi you are driving me nuts!

Still Decorating For Christmas

2011-11-10T07:19:00.001-05:00

Still Decorating For Christmas

Still changing from fall decor to Christmas decor and while we are decorating we are listening to the TV politicals discuss the republicans running for president. I can't ever remember such a diverse and unusual group of republicans running for office either at the state, congressional or presidential level. Interesting but a little bit strange too.

Change Months/ Change Decor

2011-11-09T09:08:00.002-05:00

Change Months/ Change Decor

Whew! Busy! Busy! Soon as October and Halloween are gone it is time to change decor. Quick! Put away the fall and Halloween decor and start to decorate for Christmas because these days Thanksgiving means not only giving thanks but the beginning of the Christmas season. So on Monday Jack and I put away this wreath and started pulling out and decorating the house for Christmas. And with the time change and the darkness beginning around 5:30 P.M. it is really nice to see the twinkle of holiday lights around the house.

Our Three Favorite Halloween Visitors

2011-11-03T15:37:00.002-04:00

Our Three Favorite Halloween Visitors

Our grandson Jack Aidan as a dog with his parents as super heroes.

Take a look.

Hope everyone had a memorable Halloween.

Weather Update

2011-10-31T09:32:00.002-04:00

Weather Update

Northern Virginia lucked out. Just a dusting of snow and ice. But we have friends up in PA who have been without power since Sunday afternoon and may not get power back until this Wednesday. They are cuddling up with their dogs by their fireplace. Good luck Mary and Phil!

Cold Outside With Rain, Ice and Snow Pellets

2011-10-29T11:12:00.002-04:00

Cold Outside With Rain, Ice and Snow Pellets

Is this the way to celebrate Halloween?

I don't think so.

Our Fall Wreaths For Our Doors

2011-10-28T06:40:00.000-04:00

Our Fall Wreaths For Our Doors

Thank You John Brooks

2011-10-27T06:36:00.000-04:00

Thank You John Brooks

Our wine club leader created this very informative book about wine.

This is a great book!

The Week Before Halloween Night

2011-10-26T05:29:00.000-04:00

The Week Before Halloween Night

Lots of crazy shows on TV dealing with Halloween

I like Regis Philbin's old pics of Halloween costumes in the past on his show.

Russia Raiders in D.C. Last Week

2011-10-25T09:45:00.003-04:00

Russia Raiders in D.C. Last Week

The eight graders from Russia Local School in Russia, Ohio were in D.C. last week. I hope they all had a good time. I would love to know all the tourist sites that they visited while here. I hope they were not too disappointed that the reflecting pool on the mall was tore up for repairs. And of course they got to see the Washington Monument with its earthquake cracks. I wonder if they went to see the new and impressive looking Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the mall.

Our Fall Mums

2011-10-22T18:21:00.001-04:00

October Book Club Read

2011-10-22T18:08:00.002-04:00

October Book Club Read

Jack downloaded this photo of the book cover of the book Turn Right At Machu Picchu because this was the very first book I read on my new Kindle. Delaine hosted the group at Dickie's house and served Peruvian foods. She chose this book because when she was just ten years old she toured Machu Picchu with her mother. She had old photos to show the group of her tour. Most members thought the story of the original "discoverer" of Machu Picchu was long and boring but they enjoyed the more recent trips to Machu Picchu by the author Mark Adams because they were humorous.

September Book Club Book

2011-10-22T17:46:00.002-04:00

September Book Club Book

This was the second book my book club has read that was written by Jeannette Walls. Several years earlier we read The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls. Jack also read both of these books this year and liked both though like me I think he liked Half Broke Horses the most. This is a true story in the since that the characters actually lived in the Arizona desert but Jeannette Walls wrote it as a novel because she was alive when her adventures grandmother was having these adventures. She calls it a "true life novel" complete with lots of black and white photos.

Another Sign of Fall

2011-10-20T13:45:00.001-04:00

Another Sign Of Fall

Our burning bush has turned deep red.

Later it will drop its leaves for the winter.

A Sign Of Fall

2011-10-09T16:39:00.002-04:00

A Sign Of Fall

Our little chipmunk that I call Chip keeps hiding more birdseed at the very edge of this step. His hole is so small next to the step you would not notice it all all.
And here is where Chip is getting all his birdseed. The farthest bird feeder from the window looks like it has a bird getting seed from inside the feeder but look closely and you will realize that that is Chip!

Thank You Present

2011-10-04T17:08:00.002-04:00

Thank You Present

My sister Mary and her husband Jerry came with their oldest daughter Tammy to visit Jack and I last week. Now this is the yummy edible bouquet they sent to us for staying at our home. Thanks guys. The dark chocolate covered strawberries and apples were delicious.

Therapeutic Dogs In Hospital

2011-10-04T08:13:00.002-04:00

Therapeutic Dogs In Hospital

In my recent stays in the hospital for my leukemia I have been visited by two adorable therapeutic

dogs. The first was a black lab who was so well mannered. Totally different from my daughter's black lab Barney Beans who is a non stop bundle of energy and action. My daughter Jeanine said she could just picture Barney in the hospital wrecking havoc like jumping up on the staff or grabbing and eating medical supplies.

This photo of a post card of a six year old female boxer named Jesse. She visited my room and sat up in a chair and let me pet her. Finally she laid down beside my bed and got ready to take a little doggie nap. However, her owner who had her on a special leash and harness told her to get up because we have more patients to visit and cheer up.

Animals do put a smile on my face. Jesse was like a Volkswagen beetle. She was so ugly that she was cute in my humble opinion.

Thank You Darlene and Diane

2011-09-30T09:42:00.003-04:00

Thank You Darlene and Diane

More beautiful flowers. These are from two of my nieces, Darlene Monnin and Diane Siegrist and their great husbands, Matt and Ron. The colors are wonderful and the fragrance is fantastic. They just cheer me up looking at them. Thanks so much guys.

Thank You Dickie and Scott

2011-09-29T10:10:00.003-04:00

Even though I am not suppose to have flowers, these are too pretty to pass up. Thank you so much Dickie and Scott for your thoughtfulness. You really over did it, but they are beautiful.

Brrrr----It Is Cold Outside This Morning!

2011-09-16T11:41:00.002-04:00

Brrrr---It Is Cold Outside This Morning!

Fall Has Hit Virginia.

The Morning Glories Must Feel The Cold Because They Don't Want To Open Their Blossoms This Friday Morning.

Jack's Fall Start To The Day

2011-09-13T10:13:00.002-04:00

Jack's Fall Start To The Day

Coffee On The Patio

9/11/01

2011-09-11T11:51:00.001-04:00

9/11/01

Let's always remember everyone who was killed or hurt or effected in some way by these terrorists attacks.

Bubble Boy Blowing Bubbles

2011-09-06T08:56:00.001-04:00

Bubble Boy Blowing Bubbles

The Tremont Plaza Hotel, Baltimore, Md

2011-09-04T13:02:00.003-04:00

The Tremont Plaza Hotel

Baltimore, Md

This is where Jack and I stayed in downtown Baltimore last week. This hotel building for 130 years was the home of the Masons of Baltimore. This is just one of about six or seven grand rooms created for the Masons. In the 1990's the Masons left; the building was remodeled and turned into a boutique hotel. We had fun staying here and seeing all the lights of the city from our room.

And Baltimore is a nice quick getaway for D.C. folks. There is lots to do there too. On past excursions to Baltimore with our two daughters we have enjoyed the inner harbor, the aquarium, the science center, the power plant, cruises to the Chesapeake, watching the Baltimore Orioles play baseball, etc.
And our favorite place to eat is in a section of Baltimore call Little Italy where we like to go to Sabatinis Restaurant. Here's Jack having a glass of of vino.
And here I am saluting Jack back. Salute!

Last Week We Spent Two Nights in Baltimore

2011-09-02T15:17:00.002-04:00

Last Week We Spent Two Nights in Baltimore

I've been so busy this week.

I will write about it tomorrow.

I Like Retired Gen Colin Powell

2011-08-30T05:59:00.002-04:00

I Like Retired Gen Colin Powell

But Dick Cheney Is Something Else!

The Underachieving Hurricane Irene

2011-08-29T07:54:00.002-04:00

The Underachieving Hurricane Irene

Some newscaster on TV described Irene as the underachieving hurricane. For everyone in northern Virginia and Washington D.C. it was. Jack and I had no home or garden damage and just got one inch of rain. Thank goodness. I think the people hit hardest are those that experienced flooding from the back up of water in the rivers and streams. This would be especially true for folks living in New Jersey, New York and New England.

Hope everyone has a good start of this work week before Labor Day. I know lots of kids are trudging off to school. Two big counties in northern Virginia don't go back till after Labor Day: Fairfax County and Prince William County.

Barney Survived The Earthquake But......

2011-08-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

Barney

Barney Survived The Earthquake But.......

Barney survived the earthquake but was in trouble with Jeanine when she finally make it home on Tuesday. Barney had gotten into the pantry and had eaten a bunch of plastic cups. Luckily Barney has a stomach like a goat. He can digest just about anything.

I Think I Need A Stiff Drink!!!!!! Part II

2011-08-24T06:33:00.001-04:00

I Think I Need A Stiff Drink !!!!! Part II

I'm still in shock. How could an earthquake that had its epic center in central Virginia be felt all the way from Atlanta to Canada to Chicago and Wisconsin? This is incredible. Tuesday night there was an aftershock of 4.0! Daughter Jeanine made it safely home from work via interstate 95. Daughter Jennifer said her first earthquake freaked her totally out and she froze then ran outside. Meanwhile her son and our grandson Jack Aidan thought it was cool----that the house was having an amusement park ride. Oh my gosh. Out of the mouth of babes. Obviously Jack Aidan doesn't need a strong drink like his grandmother!

I Think I Need A Stiff Drink!!!!!!

2011-08-23T17:37:00.004-04:00

I Think I Need A Stiff Drink!!!!!

We had a 5.8 earthquake around 2:00 P.M. Tuesday. Jack and I were sitting in the family room relaxing when a strange sound kept getting louder and louder. We both said what is that sound. I thought the dishwasher was going crazy. Jack thought a large plane was coming into the house. Then the whole house started shaking and things started falling off the walls. That's when we realized that we were having an earthquake here in VA.

I feel like Elvis----I'm all shook up!

My August Flowers

2011-08-21T11:42:00.003-04:00

My August Flowers

Take A Look.

August Bookclub Read

2011-08-16T11:38:00.004-04:00

August Bookclub Read

Last Friday night we met at Haelie's house for our August bookclub and to discuss this historic Charles Dicken's novel Oliver Twist. Haelie chose the book because her daughter was in the play Oliver based on the book at her school. Most of you will recall that the movie Oliver that was based on this book. The movie was dark and depressing because the book was dark and depressing. We did not concentrate on the darkness but based our discussion on the fact that Charles Dickens was one of the first writers to write in the new genre known as a novel so consequently he approached in a different fashion from today's novelists. The book characters are static and one dimensional in comparison to the highly developed personalities of today's novel characters. Sometimes you learn a lot by discussing and old classic book.

Learn more about this book selection by going to my other blog listed at the left: Piedmont Readers.

Sidenote: this was the smallest group that ever met for a bookclub meeting. A lot of the members were on August vacations or had other commitments that prevented them from attending the meeting. Poor Haelie. She prepared food for an army of people but only had three of us show up for the meeting. Sorry Haelie.

July Bookclub Read

2011-08-16T11:31:00.006-04:00

July Bookclub Read

Our July bookclub read was a delightful romp across the U.S. in a car with a middle age married father and his sister's middle age Eastern religion guru who practiced a combination of Buddhism and other Eastern religious practices. Funny scenes and enlightening religious thoughts between the two leads the reader to view the world in a different light. This was an easy read that I enjoyed. I must have read the book in less then two days.

You can learn some more about this book by going to my other blog on the left: PiedmontReaders.

Always Someone With A Worst Story

2011-08-13T11:12:00.003-04:00

Always Someone With A Worst Story

When I went into the cancer center to get my blood checked I saw one lady in her mid-seventies and one young girl in her mid-twenties holding her little daughter who was about two years old. We three started talking and I discovered that these two women both had worst hospital stays to relate.

The older lady told me that she had three armed Prince William police at her hospital room to guard the escaped psychiatric patient who was from St. Elizabeths Hospital in D.C. and managed to make it 35 miles west to Prince William County. St. Elizabeths is where John Hinckley who shot President Reagan is kept.

The young woman told me that I was lucky to have a single hospital room. She had a room for two patients and during her stay she had four roommates and all four roommates died while she was there in the room. That's when she insisted on being moved to a different room and they did move her.

So when you are going thru a bad time you can always find someone who has had a worst adventure. My thought for this morning.

Health Update 8/11/11

2011-08-11T10:04:00.004-04:00

Health Updates 8/11/11

#1 A recent chest x-ray shows that my bacterial pneumonia is almost cured.

#2 An echocardiogram yesterday shows that the fluid on my heart is almost totally cleared up.

So some good news!! Yeah!!

Our grandson, Jack Aidan, when he got home from Cape Cod took a tumble against the family room entertainment cabinet and split his face open right next to his eye. A trip to the emergency room led to three stitches being put in next to his eye. My daughter Jennifer says that little Jack was very brave about the stitches. He has had to miss a swimming lesson or two because he couldn't get in the pool with stitches. He had his stitches removed this past week and is now ready to go to his the pool once again.

I Had My 4'th Blood Transfusion For Leukemia

2011-08-04T06:26:00.004-04:00

I Had My 4'th Blood Transfusion For Leukemia

Yesterday I went to my local hospital and had my fourth blood transfusion. I'm o positive. If I was o negative I could be a universal doner though no one would want my blood now that I have leukemia. LOL!

It is amazing how it works. You go into the outpatient infusion clinic for two units of blood that takes about 6 hours. While there you can order any meals that you want. I had a hearty omelet with toast and jam. Then after the transfusion is finished you hop up off the bed or recliner with a lot more energy in your body, a clearer focus in your mind, a lightheartedness in your heart and a little skip in your step. In other words, the old grey mare is running better or as Jack puts it: "You can tell when the car needs an oil change and how it runs after the successful oil change. It runs better."

The infusion nurses also gave me some units of Benedryl and another drug to keep me from getting a blood transfusion reaction like I did in May. Hope everything goes well this time. But I do feel good this morning. This is my third blog post for today. I'm making up for lost time. Ha! Ha!

The Rank and File of House And Senate Make....

2011-08-04T05:22:00.007-04:00

The Rank And File Of The House And Senate Make

$174,000 A Year.

And Now They Are All Off On A Month Long Vacation

To Kiss Their Home State Big Pocket Lobbyists.

Just one of the many yearly vacations they get.

And when they are in session they have a three day work week!

No wonder these guys come to Washington and stay forever--till their old and

grey and in their late 80's!

The little men and the little women in America need:

more time off and someone to back them up.

It used to be the unions.

Congress has made the word unions a dirty word.

Anyway, how much do you make a year and how many days do you get off per year?

I Never Had This Sandwich--Have You?

2011-08-04T05:12:00.003-04:00

I Never Had This Sandwich--Have You?

A Republican Congressman Described Voting No On The Debt Deal In These Terms:

It would be like eating a Satan Sandwich.

What??????????????

Subway--What Would You Put In A Satan Sandwich For The Folks?

A Funny Comment By A Congressman

2011-08-01T08:01:00.004-04:00

A Funny Comment By A Congressman

"Trying to pass this bill is harder than trying to pass my kidney stones."

How true.

How funny!

Taking It Easy At Home

2011-07-28T07:38:00.003-04:00

Taking It Easy At Home

Watching TV.

Using my brand new white Kindle!

Watching Jack prune some roses and watching the hummingbirds go to my feeders.

Tests, Tests, Tests At Heathcote Hospital and Prince William Hospital

2011-07-25T14:34:00.006-04:00

Tests, Tests Tests At Heathcote Hospital and Prince William Hospital

Thursday, July 15 I had a sonogram at the Heathcote Hospital that is less than two miles from my

House. It was for checking on my leukemia status. Then on Tuesday, July 19 Jack and I made a trip to the Heathcote Hospital because I was having a terrible headache, pains on my heart and I was spitting up blood in my mucous. The doctor at Heathcote had me transferred by ambulance to the larger Prince William Hospital after blood work and a cat scan indicated that I had possibly had a heart attack and that it looked like I had bacterial pneumonia. I was admitted by a very nice doctor, Amitkumar Dave, who placed me the intensive care unit.

Beginning Tuesday afternoon I had nonstop medicals tests and nonstop visits from many medical personnel. Everyone who entered my room had to don a mask to keep from spreading germs to me and my weakened immune system. I finally was released from the hospital late Friday afternoon. While in the PW Hospital I had five cat scans that checked my head, chest and heart.

And I received three different antibiotics by infusion. I also received lots of steroids, drugs and platelet transfusions. Also during this time frame I had visits from the following people: the admitting doctor, two oncologists, a heart doctor, an infectious diseases doctor, an endocrine doctor, a dietitian, a physical therapist, a social worker and the local Catholic priest. Needless to say I was so busy that I didn't have time to rest until late Thursday night. Oh, and did I add that I got weighed, had three chest x-rays and an echocardiagram on my heart that indicated that I had fluid on my heart?

Now here is when things got really interesting. When a cat scan of my throat could not verify that I had some type of lesion on the left side of my throat an MRI test was ordered for my throat. Have you ever had an MRI test?

This test is where they put your entire body in a metal tube with a magnet to do magnetic imaging of the body. The noise from the machine is very loud so you wear earplugs and your face is covered with a cloth before they put a metal helmet on your head. The MRI tech person then leaves the room and the test begins with the tech calling out don't move and expect very loud noise for the next 45 minutes that is only broken up by quick breaks. So you lie there thinking of what can you relate to all this very loud noise. It sounded like guns and cannons going off so I tried relating it to the beginning 150'th anniversary celebration of the start of the Civil War which was being reenacted near Manassas. Now here is where I had a meltdown. Thursday evening when this MRI test was given the temperature in Manassas was 102 with a heat index of around 110 degrees outside but the air conditioning in the hospital lab was not working correctly so I'm lying in a metal tube and the magnets are getting hot and increasing

the temperature in that metal tube. The tech person had to stop the test twice to replace the cloth on my face because I was sweating so much that the cloth was getting wet and you can't do an MRI test with anything wet in the helmet which was inside the metal tube. Obviously I was not a very happy camper!

Then when I got back to my room close to 9:00 P.M. I was hoping to chill out by watching my favorite summer show, Big Brother. But I was told that I was going to have to move to my third

hospital room for the week. Now this is where things really got a little scary. When I got to my new room I discovered that there was a Prince William County Police officer wearing a gun who was there to guard a psychiatric? patient from the Prince William County Male Detection Center.

This fellow was not a happy patient and was throwing a fit or two. Holy Cow! At this point I thought to myself that if that police officer has to draw his gun and use it on this man and a bullet went thru the adjoining wall I might get hit with a bullet. I already had a plan if this happened. I was going to hop under the hospital bed even though I was hooked up to an IV for meds. Needless to say it was a night that I will never forget for many reasons. Oh, also during my four day hospital another test in the basement found me staring at two more police officers who were guarding another patient from the male detention center. I have never been so upclose and personal with police officers wearing guns,bullets and handcuffs before this past week.

I really received exceptionally good care at both hospitals although I got very tired of getting stuck for tons and tons of blood for my many tests to determine what was happening to my weakened immune system. I had my third and final chest x-ray right before I left the hospital. Let me tell you that it was so great to get home and chill out.

No Recent Blog Posts

2011-07-23T12:17:00.003-04:00

No Recent Blog Posts

Reason: Spent Last Four Days

At Prince William Hospital For Medical Tests/Evaluation Of My Leukemia

I'll Write About Within Next 24 Hours

Stay Cool

Going Up To 102 Degrees Today

Heat Index Will Be Around 120 Degrees!!

Holy Cow!

The Fourth Of July Hot Dog!

2011-07-17T14:14:00.002-04:00

The Fourth Of July Hot Dog!

Isn't he cute!

This is Sammy in his sparkling red, white and blue color.

He stopped by with his owners Bev and Shorty

to deliver to us a Wegman's white cake decorated with an American flag.

Thank you Bev and Shorty!

Crepe Myrtle Tree In Full Bloom

2011-07-16T06:51:00.001-04:00

Crepe Myrtle Tree In Full Bloom

Guess What Happened In Kentucky?

2011-07-15T07:58:00.002-04:00

Guess What Happened In Kentucky?

I spent three summers in the '70s at the University of Kentucky to earn my school librarian certificate. One summer I had a roommate who was a nursing student. She was finishing up her nursing degree at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and immediately after that she was getting married so she was under a lot of stress.

One night we both had gone to bed in our dorm room. Around 2:00 A.M. in the morning I heard her bed creak and I saw her get up. I assumed that she was going to head down the hall to the communal bathroom. But instead she walked over to her desk and picked up a rubber tourniquet that she was using to practice giving shots and giving blood transfusions. Then she picked up a very sharp lead pencil and started walking over to my bed. What! I didn't know what to think. Was she going to play a joke on me in the middle of the night or what. So I lay there waiting to see what was going to happen next.

When she got beside my bed she started talking. She said, "I need to give you a blood transfusion." Holy Cow! What's going on here I thought quickly. Then it hit me. This girl was sleep walking so I knew I couldn't just wake her up. I had to do some fast thinking. So I threw my arm up in the air and very forcefully hit her arm away from me while I said very loud I don't need a blood transfusion so you get back in bed and go to sleep. You have class tomorrow. Well, lo and behold she listened to what I said. She walked back to her desk and put the tourniquet and pencil down and went back bed and almost immediately started snoring away. I was a little scared to go back to sleep but eventually I did.

The next morning when I told her that she had been sleep walking last night she had absolutely no recollection of doing so. But she did believe me because she said that her family had told her that she had done some sleep walking in the past. That's one funny but true story that I will never ever forget.

Body Reactions

2011-07-13T07:53:00.003-04:00

Body Reactions

Part 1

On June 11 I went to the Prince William Hospital outpatient blood clinic to get two units of eradicated o positive blood. Within a few days I started to have but didn't realize that I was having a delayed reaction to the June 11 blood transfusion. I had always assumed that if you were going to have a bodily reaction it would happen while you were getting the transfusion.

Here's what happen to me. First, I lost my appetite. Everything I tried to eat tasted bad and I would regurgitate it for 6-8 hours after eating it. I discovered that I didn't like the taste of some of my very favorite foods like bacon, spaghetti and meat sauce, and French vanilla ice cream with strawberries on top. Second, I started having diarrhea 24/7 which was no fun at all. Third, in spite of not eating very much I was gaining a pound a day! I went from 152 to 157 within five days. Finally I woke up one morning and looked in the mirror and discovered that my face was swollen, especially my upper eyelids and cheeks. Then I noticed that my ankles and tummy were also swollen. When I had my next appointment at the Lake Manassas Cancer Center Dr. Marsh took just one look and said I looked awful! Thank you Dr. Marsh! He said that my skin had turned yellow and also the whites of my eyes! Holy Cow!!!! What to do? He ran some blood tests that showed that I was having a delayed blood transfusion reaction and that that was also affecting my liver. He had me take Benedryl to bring down the swelling. This all occurred around June 23. Today is July 13 and I am better but not over this crisis. My appetite is coming back and my diarrhea is much better and my color is better but I'm still slightly swollen around my eyes. Tomorrow I will get an ultrasound to see how my liver is functioning. I'll keep you all informed.

Body Reactions

Part II

I've been doing seven days of chemo---four days last week and three days this week. While doing chemo you can't help but notice all the other cancer patients who are also there doing chemo along side you. Last week Jack and I got to witness something very scary. There was this gentleman who came in for chemo after I did. When the infusion nurse started his IV he immediately started having a very bad reaction to the infusion chemical and complained that he was starting to itch around his head, back and groin. When the nurse pulled up his shirttail to check his itching back I happened to look over and I couldn't believe what I saw. Within just a few minutes his entire back had turned as red as a raw red steak with lots of big welts appearing all over his back. Luckily I have never experienced anything like that with my chemo treatments.

But let me tell you that the entire infusion lab sprang into crisis mode. Every infusion nurse ran over to help this man deal with his reaction. First, the chemo was stopped and a large bag of Benedryl was given by infusion to bring down the swelling and redness. His whole body including his feet had become swollen within a few minutes. They had to remove his sneakers to give him relief. With all the chemo and Benedryl in his system he then insisted he had to use the restroom. Two female nurses carried him to the restroom where a male nurse helped him use the restroom. The nurses then said that they would let him rest for about 45 minutes before they tried using a different chemical for his cancer treatment. This whole event was very scary to witness. I was relating this story to another cancer patient yesterday at the clinic and she informed me that before I arrived yesterday there was another patient who didn't react well to his chemo treatment. He started complaining of chest pains. Immediately an ambulance was called and this patient was taken to the emergency room at the Prince William Hospital for evaluation.

Come back here tomorrow and I will relate a blood transfusion story I experienced in the '70s at the University of Kentucky where I was working to earn my school library certification. Everyone have a good day and try to stay cool by staying inside and drinking lots of water.

Turning Four With Four Birthday Parties

2011-07-12T06:50:00.002-04:00

Turning Four With Four Birthday Parties

Jack and I went over to Jenn and Terry's Friday night to give him our birthday card, gift and money. When he saw the money he asked his Daddy to get his big blue piggy bank so he could put his bills into it.

Fold and stuff, fold and stuff and get that money into the pig. Jack's second party was Saturday morning with all his little friends at the moon bounce. And his third was Saturday afternoon when he got to open all the presents with his parents. he got from his buddies.
See the sign on the fireplace mantle. Later in July Jack Aidan will have his fourth birthday celebration up on Cape Cod with his paternal grandparents and his first cousins. Also, in this photo Jack is checking out his birthday card from us that turned into two cars from the Cars 2 movie that he went to see the other week. That was his first movie experience in a real theater.
Jack is getting good at ripping into presents and finding the gift inside.
Daddy, help me play this new pattern game from Grandma and Grandpa.

Spiderman Cupcakes For The Birthday Boy

2011-07-11T06:10:00.005-04:00

Spiderman Cupckes For The Birthday Boy

Look at these adorable cupcakes complete with a chocolate web that Jennifer's girlfriend created for all the birthday attendees at the Pump It Up Moon Bounce Birthday party in Manassas on Saturday!

They fit with the Spiderman theme in Jack's bedroom.

Jack Aidan in his Spiderman costume.

Jack throwing a web on Thanksgiving Day last year.

Grandpa watching Jack throw his webs.

The Worst Pictures We Ever Took!

2011-07-10T08:09:00.004-04:00

The Worst Pictures We Ever Took!

Yes, Yes, The Worst Pictures We Ever Took!

Yesterday our front door opened and our grandson high on cupcakes and pizza and juice from celebrating early his fourth birthday with 14 little buddies and their parents at the Pump It Up Moon Bounce in Manassas came in like a whirling dervish wearing his guest of honor crown and swinging his sceptre at us. Grandpa and I and Mom and Dad tried to get him to settle down so we could take a photo or two but he was just too wound up as the photo above and the photos below will attest to.

Look out everyone I may just throw this sceptre at you.

Keeping his sceptre and right foot in constant motion here.

Daddy held him for this shot but the right foot and sceptre are still in motion.

Mommy held him for this shot which didn't make him too happy.

Oh, Jack Aidan.

When you are high on sugar you are a trip!

My Coneflowers Are Now In Bloom

2011-07-09T12:49:00.002-04:00

My Coneflowers Are Now In Bloom

They Bloom For About A Month

Then In August When The Blossoms Turn To Ripe Seeds

Lots Of Beautiful Yellow Finches Will Sit On The Flowers Devouring The Seeds

Chemo Week

2011-07-08T11:37:00.005-04:00

Chemo Week

I'm looking forward to the weekend after this week's chemo sessions

for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Everyone have a great weekend.

I know my relatives will be heading to that big country concert in the hills near Fort Laromie, Ohio.

http://www.last.fm/festival/1008448+Country+Concert+2009+@+Hickory+Hills+Ohio

Go to site above to see who will perform---Brad Paisley, Sugarland, Julianne Hough will be some of the entertainers thrilling the crowds.

News Flash: If you have an extra moment to spare go to my blog roll and go to my daughter's blog: Jenn and Terry to see some adorable pics of my little grandson, Jack Aidan. I know I'm prejudice but I think this is one adorable little boy.

Have A Great Fourth of July Celebration!

2011-07-04T07:15:00.004-04:00

Have A Great Fourth of July Celebration!

The flag Jack is looking at is the American flag

that we used during the time of the Spanish American War.

I like how the white stars are grouped on this flag.

So different from our flag today.

We saw this flag in a museum in Norfolk, VA last year.

Thank You!

2011-07-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who has been showering me with both flowers and cards.

You know who you are.

Fires

2011-06-30T07:56:00.002-04:00

Fires

#1 Our former neighbors returned last week to their home and were thankful that everything that they left was fine. At one point during the evacuation each entrance into their neighborhood had a humvee manned by Arizona National Guard troops to keep looters out of the neighborhood.

#2 The fire in the Chirichuca Mts is still burning but things are not as bad.

#3 Our son-in-law Terry returned from a business meeting in Taos, New Mexico and he could see plumes of smoke from the fire threatening Los Alamos, New Mexico. The winds were so strong that he couldn't fly out of Taos to return home. Terry had to take a bus to Albuquerque, New Mexico to catch a flight to Virginia which caused him to return home a day late.

Atlas Walk

2011-06-29T10:22:00.002-04:00

Atlas Walk

Today Atlas Walk is an outdoor shopping center with many restaurants. It was built about 10 years ago and was named Atlas Walk in memory of the old Atlas Steel Mill that made steel beams for tall buildings. Some of the steel beams that were installed in the '70s in the two World Trade Center buildings in New York City came from the old Atlas Steel Mill.

The Big Granite Ball

2011-06-28T09:18:00.003-04:00

The Big Granite Ball

Every time Jack Aidan goes to IHOP for his favorite breakfast of French toast and bacon he likes to take time to visit the big granite ball on Atlas Walk. Tomorrow I'll explain the historical significance of Atlas Walk in Gainesville, Virginia. Have a good day everyone. We just might get a much need shower this afternoon. Yeahhhh!

Jack Aidan, you can't lift that ball. Even your Daddy can't lift that ball.

Jennifer's June 14'th Birthday

2011-06-26T08:26:00.002-04:00

Jennifer's June 14'th Birthday

Part of our Father's Day celebration was dedicated to celebrating Jennifer's Birthday.

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

This is our daughter who most favors her cousins in Ohio, especially Deb Gariety Wirrig and Marissa Wirrig who live in Bradford, Ohio.

Jeanine purchased something for Jennifer from Amazon.com.

I forgot to ask what but Jenn seems thrilled.

Father's Day Celebration At IHOP

2011-06-25T14:18:00.003-04:00

Father's Day Celebration At IHOP

Jack Aidan helped Grandpa discover what was in his nicely wrapped gifts.

There were new blue summer shirts from Jennifer and Terry.

And in the pretty bag

were two Harry Potter movies for viewing from Jeanine.

Barney's Chauffeur Got New Wheels

2011-06-24T07:54:00.005-04:00

Barney's Chauffeur Got New Wheels

Barney is now riding in style and is the envy of the other labs at the dog park.

Jeanine drove out sans Barney to show us her new Hyundai Sonata in deep blue.The coast guard guys in the van pool to Buzzards Point in D.C. say they now need to give her a new nickname. They used to call her Bumble because she drove a yellow 2003 Mazda. Maybe now they will call her Blue Velvet though Jeanine says don't stop calling me Bumble. I like Bumble. (Short for Bumble Bee.)

Here's Jeanine doing a Vanna White pose by the car.

After three flat tires with the Mazda this spring Jeanine knew it was time to trade it in to get a safe car for all the coast guard trips she is making this spring to off site locations like Baltimore, MD; Chapel Hill, NC; and Charlottesvile, VA.

She likes how it drives and how it looks.

She let her father take it out for a spin and he liked how it drove too.

Our American Wisteria

2011-06-23T06:06:00.003-04:00

Our American Wisteria

Our American wisteria is getting its second round of blossoms. It first bloomed in early May with blossoms about four inches long. Now in late June it is blooming for the second time. This time the blossoms are smaller---just two to three inches long. And this past month a pair of mourning doves built a nest in the greenery and raised the two cutest little mourning doves. I got to watch them as they were learning to walk around the swing. It was like watching a pair of human twins learning to toddle and explore.

Monument Fire Update: Our former neighbors in Sierra Vista may now be able to return home. Pueblo del Sol Village I and II has had a controlled ground burn of vegetation around homes the past two days while winds were mild. There is a three mile wide "firewall" now. The Monument Fire is now about 57% contained and they hope that if the mild winds remain they may have the fire totally out by this weekend. The fire has burned close to 30,000 acres and has destroyed over 57 homes, several businesses and many cars.

Jennifer Made Me A Quilt!

2011-06-22T05:55:00.003-04:00

Jennifer Made Me A Quilt!

This Was My Birthday Present.

The Design Is Called Duck Head.

Even Barney Liked It!

Fish Report????

2011-06-17T10:36:00.003-04:00

Fish Report????

No new Fish Report from Ohio since June 14. I wonder why.

I'm tired of looking at the poultry days picture.

News Flash: Fish Report Has Been Updated. Yeahhhh!

Now everyone check out the fire photos below from Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Skywatch Friday = Monument Fire In Arizona

2011-06-16T16:08:00.010-04:00

Skywatch Friday = Monument Fire In Arizona

These photos were taken by our former neighbors in Pueblo del Sol in Sierra Vista, AZ. The fires burning in the canyons are just five miles from their home. If the fires travel further north, they may need to evacuate their home. Already 40 homes and 10 structures in the canyons have burned. This photo shows the fire after dark. Sierra Vista is near historic Fort Hauchuca.

Friday Morning Update: Our friends have both cars packed with valuables and financial papers and needed medicines because the fires are now just two miles from their home. Arizona is pulling firefighters off the Springerville fire up north to head to Sierra Vista because Sierra Vista has thousands of homes in danger while the Springerville fire is mainly in Arizona's remote wilderness regions. Please pray for the folks in Sierra Vista!

This is highway #92 heading south to Mexico which is just 35 miles from Sierra Vista.

Another view of the mountain canyons burning at night.

This is the burnt out Catholic chapel that a millionaire built and maintained for the public.

This is another view of the burnt chapel.

The Monument Fire has now burnt over 10,000 acres.

My friends say that it was set by someone. It was not caused by lightening.

You can learn more by doing a search for the local newspaper, The Sierra Vista Times.

*****************

Friday A.M. Update: The fire has now burned over 17,000 acres!

Monday Noon: The fire has claimed three restaurants and 27,000 acres!

And our friends have evacuated the home that they have lived in since 1976 since the fire is getting closer. Our former home that we had built in 1977 is in this neighborhood too and the owners have also evacuated.

All the horses on Fort Huachuca have been sent off post---many to Davis Monthan Air Base near Tucson.

June Book Club Read

2011-06-15T07:37:00.005-04:00

June Book Club Read

Eleanore Brown wrote this novel about three sisters meeting up again under the parents' roof now that they are in their 30's and about their learning to live with each other without killing each other! Their mother's breast cancer complicates the already tense situation. The oldest sister is a control freak, the middle sister is facing the fact that she stole from her employer to buy designer clothes and the baby sister is the loveable hippie who has to learn not to run away but face her problems in the home town.

The setting for this weird story of the weird sisters is just east of Columbus, Ohio where the father is a Shakespearen professor at a small private college. What can I say----Ohio never looked so disfunctional as in this novel. LOL!

Learn more about this book by clicking on the left on my other blog: Piedmont Readers.

May Book Club Read

2011-06-15T06:37:00.007-04:00

May Book Club Read

I read this over 400 page true story of Louie Zamperini's adventures in World War II in under three days. I couldn't put it down even though parts of it were extremely difficult to read because the detailed adventures were so horrific.

Louie Zamperini today is still alive and going strong skateboarding into his 80's. But during World War II Louie had many near death experiences as a twenty-six year old shot down bombardier in the U.S. army air force. He managed to survive the plane crash, being lost at sea for over 40 days and being held as a pow in a very cruel Japanese prison camp.

This New York Times bestselling book was written by famed writer Laura Hillenbrand who also wrote the true story of Seabiscuit. I highly recommend this book which also includes many photos of Louie's life before and after World War II. This is a five star book read.

Learn more by clicking on the left on my other blog: Piedmont Readers.

My World Tuesday = June Flowers In My Backyard

2011-06-13T16:41:00.003-04:00

My World Tuesday = June Flowers In My Backyard

Click On The My World Tuesday Banner On The Right

To Visit More My World Tuesday Blogs

Thanks For Stopping By My Blog

Three Pics Of My June Garden

2011-06-13T07:00:00.001-04:00

Three Pics Of My June Garden

Enjoy

I'm Off For More Chemo

Our Two Little Gem Magnolia Trees Have White Blossoms

2011-06-12T12:05:00.003-04:00

Our Two Little Gem Magnolia Trees Now Have White Blossoms

The 90 Degree Days Did The Trick

Wish I Had Smell-A-Blog So You Could Smell The Blossoms

My Madcap 67'th Birthday

2011-06-10T07:05:00.003-04:00

My Madcap 67'th Birthday Party

Jeanine arrived with her black lab Barney who was ready for action.

Jennifer and Terry arrived with lunch for everyone from the Olive Garden and a birthday cake from Wegmans.

And my Jack was the man who kept the madcap party rolling.

When Grandma couldn't blow out all the candles with one breath little Jack insisted that we light all the candles again so that he could try. Sure enough he did blow out all the candles at once even if Grandma couldn't help worrying that if Jack's lips got any closer to the candle flames his mouth would be singed. But he did it. He blew out all the candles with one breath so that Grandma's birthday wish would come true.

And then there was the bang bang of a plate hitting the floor. Did little Jack just do that? Grandma yelled to Jack to quick run to the garage to get the broom and dustpan. Little Jack thought Grandma meant him so he made a mad dash to the garage. And who was it who broke the plate? Little Jack was an innocent bystander. It was Aunt Jeanine who knocked the plate against the back of the dining room chair in the breakfast room.

Then there was Barney who kept trying to figure out if he could get all four of his paws in this plastic bucket so he could go swimming like labs like to do. And then there was the moment went he dropped his tennis balls in the water to retrieve them and they got very wet. Sign of more trouble coming down the road. Barney later brought a wet tennis ball into the family room and the tennis ball started leaking black gooey water on the light carpet. So then we had three rug cleaners on hands and knees: Jack, Jeanine and Jennifer!
And when Grandma and little Jack played a game of pulling out the tissues from the gift bags dear Barney decided he would like to eat the paper. This led to Terry rescuing Barney from the tissue paper.
And who was chasing who around the coffee table is yet to be decided. Notice that Jack is sans his summer shorts. My Jack had to dry his shorts and socks in the dryer after he got them very wet refilling Barney's water bowl at least a dozen times.

Needless to say it was a madcap party. When everyone left Grandma said she needed to take a quick nap before she went off to bed. LOL!

Saturday Night Barbecue For The Birthday Kids

2011-06-09T08:03:00.004-04:00

Saturday Night Barbecue For The Birthday Kids

My neighbor Scott's Birthday is June 2 and my birthday is June 5 so this past weekend we had a neighborhood gathering for five couples and a couple of drop-ins. The steaks were cooked to perfection after being marinated in garlic, lemon juice and a special low gluten Japanese soy sauce. Above is guest Rob in his Tommy Bahama shirt and hat. Very tropical and cool looking. Meanwhile, the hostess, Scott's wife Dickie, is refreshing the wine bar.

Here's Jack relaxing on the patio. See the yellow dolphin on his shirt. That is to keep away the bugs. I won't tell you where one lady put her two floral bug baits. LOL! I don't want this to become an x-rated blog. I got to take home one of the large floral bouquets that you see on the picnic table.
From the appetizers to the deserts all the food was a hit. Thanks Dickie and Scott for hosting!

Chemo Update

2011-06-09T07:54:00.004-04:00

Chemo Update

I have had three chemo sessions this week of the drug Vidaza. I go today and Friday and then go back on Monday and Tuesday. Then I will be finished with chemo for this month. I must note that I can't wait to see what they bill our insurance for this drug Vidaza. All I know is that it is so expensive that the cancer center call each morning to see if I am able to come in for my scheduled appointment around 10:30 before they call the courier to deliver the drug to the center for my treatment. Apparently if I would not show up for treatment after the drug was delivered it would not retain its potency and the center would be out a lot of money. I wonder how much? I do know that the last time I did chemo each Neulasta shot cost $8000. Makes you wonder what is in these chemo drugs. I feel like I'm being infused with liquid gold!

Off To Morning Chemo Session

2011-06-08T08:36:00.003-04:00

Off To Morning Chemo Session

I hope to write more later today about the weekend birthday parties and how chemo is going this week when I get back from my chemo outing.