So Sad When Others Can Not Be Happy With Their Father's Happiness

How is that for a Post Title?

      Scary, isn't it?

           Unfortunate, isn't it?

                 Sad, isn't it?

                        Curious, isn't it? 

                              Immature, isn't it? 

                                     Disappointing, isn't it?

                                           Selfish, isn't it?

Wouldn't the world be a nicer place if all of us could sincerely share in another person's happiness by also being happy? And, then pass it along to another person  -  And, then another person  -  And, then, on and on. 

Just a little Food For Thought.

Look out! Happiness can be contagious. But, it is a Good Thing to have!

Whitescape

Recently, I was asked what I was going to do "with all that white yarn".  Dishcloths, of course.  I really like using the handmade cotton dishcloths. But, I do not like how they can start to look a little dingy when the colored yarn cloths are used for a while and start to fade. I like to wash them with a little bleach every now and then. So, even though I like how pretty the colored ones look when they are fresh and new, I decided to make a bunch of white ones for my kitchen. That way, I can have fresh looking white cloths all the time.

Look at these cute knitting needles with their little apples on the ends. And, how did that little worm get there?  : ) This pair of knitting needles have become my designated needles for my knitted dishcloths. They always make me laugh a little. And, it is always good to laugh. Don't you think?

I hope you are having a Happy Day and you are Laughing along the way.

The Garden Is Poppin'

In spite of the neglect from my lack of "gardening" the colors in my little garden are talking loud and clear to me. The Azaleas are popping throughout the garden. Unfortunately, so are the weeds. Literally!

Look at this little weed. It starts out innocently with a pretty little rosette.

But then, the "ammunition" appears at the end of long stems.

When touched, even very lightly, the ammunition (I mean seeds) rapidly propel. It is almost like a little machine gun going "pop - pop - pop".  The seeds go everywhere, in your face, down your shirt, up your sleeves and in your hair! Quite annoying, if you ask me. And, what is the name of this little machine gun? Hairy Bittercress.

What am I going to do with all of the "popping" that is going on in my garden. And, I don't mean the pretty flowers that are "popping.

In the past, I have noticed some of these weeds in the garden and I have been able to keep up with hand eradication (fancy phase for weeding). But now, I can see them everywhere, in the flower beds, in the ground cover, in the raised veggie beds and in the planters of potted bulbs. HELP. I just may be on my hands and knees again - either Weeding or Praying. Stay tuned!

Have a Happy Day.

Playing Hooky

What a beautiful day to skip church/choir and get out on the lake. That is exactly what my gentleman friend is doing today. Bass fishing on M-24 Ranch Lake is on the agenda. It is a private lake and the Fly Fishing Club is having a "play day". At least, that is what I call it. Pontoon boats, rods and reels along with all sorts of stuff will be coming out from winter storage. The event was originally scheduled a couple Saturdays ago but was rained out. So, today is the day! I certainly can not fault him for playing hooky because he has been one of the most consistent, regular members of the church choir for many years!

And, I am here at home, just where I want to be. After yesterdays activities with lots of walking, I need to be right here with no scheduled activities. My favorite kind of day. Tomorrow will be one week since I received treatment for my spinal issues. It is still too early to tell what the results will demonstrate. There has not been any consistent pattern to the discomfort. Sometimes there is pain and sometimes there is no pain. I am still optimistic!

A good time was had by "The Fisherman".  I don't know where he gets all of his energy! Yes, the pontoon boats are relatively lightweight, but he continues to impress me with his abilities to get everything loaded on the vehicle by himself!

We went out and enjoyed a nice Chinese Dinner this evening. It was a very warm day and the sunset was lovely. 

I hope Your Weekend was Enjoyable.

Fly Like A Bird

No one loves an Air Fair more than a retired Aero Space Engineer. It does not matter whether it is big or small. Considering that this engineer had a pilot's license when he was in college and would fly back and forth to see his wife-to-be, I would have to say "aviation is in his blood".

So, when I saw the Air Fair notice in the newspaper, I suggested that we go and he thought it was a good idea. So, off we went to our Little County Airport after we independently completed our Saturday morning chores.

The day was sunny and warm in the low 80's. Small planes were coming and going in a random but orderly way.  Of course, we were able to walk around the planes and do all the "touch and feel" that hearts desire! You know, that is what men like to do at an Air Fair. It's no different than a woman at a Quilt or Craft  Show!

There were many different sizes (mostly quite small), colors and manufactures like Mooneys, Cessnas, Beechcrafts, Centurions, Pipers and Ultralights.

And then there was a Long EZ. It's a very interesting looking airplane that rests with its nose downward! It is similar to the experimental amateur-built custom made plane that was owned by John Denver (Country Singer) who perished in a Crash into the Pacific Ocean in 1997 off the coast of Pacific Grove, California. Faulty ergonomic design of the fuel selector handle was reported as one of the many issues addressed in the National Transportation Safety Board. It was such a tragic event! 

I will always marvel that people will go up into the sky in such small pieces of machinery!!!!!! And, I am totally amazed that these small planes have so many variables in there design and engineering and regulations! 

The sky was beautiful and our Little Country Community had a very nice little Air Fair.

I hope you Enjoy Your Day.

Erands Erands And More Erands

Necessary evil - isn't it.  There comes a time when you just can not put it off any longer.  But, you can take the time to enjoy the California Poppies at this beautiful time of the year!  These beautiful poppies were next door to the doctor's office where I had to go for my three month follow-up appointment regarding my ulcers that were diagnosed last fall.  All is good and I think I got an A+ on my report!

And, then there were the stops at the grocery store, post office and bank.  Oh, I shan't forget about the yogurt shop!  That was the most important!   ;>))

 

Spinal Diagnostic And Treatment Center

If I am going to post a picture of anatomy I want it to be pretty and not off-putting. After looking around a little I was able to find this colorful depiction on the lumbar spine. The thought of a pleasing picture came to me because yesterday when I was in the treatment room of the Spinal Center, I enjoyed some very lovely watercolor paintings of the spine. If I could have,  I would have taken photos of the artwork but it wasn't possible since I was already in a "hospital gown" and ready for the procedure. The paintings were very calming and relaxing.  

And, that is how I am feeling today - - - Calm and Relaxed. Yesterday went extremely well in all aspects. I can not say enough good things about everyone and everything at the Spine Center. Additionally, my gentleman friend was fantastic in every regard. We did the trip to and from  South San Francisco in one day. Up at 5 AM and on the road by 7 AM. I drove on the way going and endured quite a lot of heavy commuter traffic and he drove coming home. We left the treatment center as soon as possible and we were able to miss most of the heavy commuter traffic when travelling home. Travel time each way takes approximately two and a half hours plus.

The treatment I received this time was a little different than the treatment in January of this year. In addition to the lumbar (low back) cortisone injections, he injected at the sacro-iliac joint (where the vertebrae join the pelvis). Of course, all of this is based on my symptomatology and diagnostic studies. The injections are performed under needle-guided fluoroscopy. I was given a stronger anesthetic this time and I was asleep the whole time. Actually, I received Propofol (the drug that the public learned a lot about because of Michael Jackson) which I have received in the past for cataract surgeries. Truly, it is a wonderful drug when used properly.

I would say that my pain level at this time is very minimal intermittent with times of no pain.. I will have to limit my activities for about a week. I can do nothing and feel no guilt. NICE. And, I feel optimistic that the relief of the disabling pain will last for a longer period this time. Now I am going to lay down and pamper myself!

The sun is shinning brightly today and I love it.

Hope your day is Wonderful.

Crazy Weather

This past week we have had almost every type of weather possible. Lots of rain, some sunshine, some snow and even a tornado warning. It seems as though we were having a surprise every few hours because the type of weather was changing so often.
   

Look at my new boots. They are fun to wear! Since I live within walking distance of many places that I go I have worn them many times this season.

On Monday, we will be going to South San Francisco for my medical appointment. And, I hope the weather calms down. This past week, this stunning photo was taken of the San Francisco Bridge with eight bolts of lightning hitting it. No, this is not photoshop.

  

I am in a bit of a rush and must get ready to do errands and help my friend with her daily bath. She has medical appointment on Tuesday. I sure hope the reports are encouraging!

Take care and Enjoy Your Weekend.

Thelma And Louise ?

This is what my friend and I are going to do when she gets well!

When I saw this photo I knew I had to share it with you.

Busy But Relaxing Easter

It was such a nice day! I had hoped to go to Easter sunrise service but I did not make it this year. But look how beautiful our little church looked especially with the beautiful Easter lilies. They are provided by church members in honor or memory of loved ones.  My gentleman friend contributed one in memory of his wife who he had been married to for 57 years. It was very special!

And, look at those beautiful handcrafted quilts that have been made by the ladies of our church. As you probably know most photos can not do justice to the beauty of the quilts. Trust me, they are gorgeous.

The church has two services on Easter, one at 9AM and another at 11AM. The choir sings at both services. So after I went to the 9 AM service and while my friend sang again in the second service, I delivered some Easter packets to a couple members who were not able to attend services.

Thereafter, I went to see my friend who recently returned home following additional cancer surgery on Friday. I helped her take a nice warm bath and I changed her dressings for her. By the time I left she was nice and warm and comfortable and ready for a nap. On Saturday night we took her a favorite dinner she likes of Crab Macaroni and Cheese from one of our downtown restaurants. She was a "happy gal".

Then we took a drive out to a favorite spot to have Easter Brunch Buffet at 2 PM. We had a leisure afternoon and left for home around 4 PM.



The weather was Fabulous and the food was Great. It was a Wonderful Day.

I hope all of you found lots of enjoyment and pleasure on your Easter weekend. Our church family of friends have provided so much love, comfort and support for us even with our "soap opera life" of recent. We are very blessed. 

A Very Happy Easter To All Of You

And, I think these are the most gorgeous Easter eggs. They are so pretty that I think they should be used year round in your home decor.

 google image

 Have a Great Easter Weekend.

Happy Happy News

My close friend had her surgery this morning and everything went well. I do not know the extent of the lymphectomy. But, I do know that a drain was placed in her right arm that is effected with the lymphedema. I spoke briefly with her daughter and later with my friend. She expects to return to her home tomorrow and I will be available for her. When she recovers from this surgery she will start her Radiation Therapy close to home. This is such a wonderful blessing.

I have not been doing anything lately that is blog posting worthy. But, since it is Holy Week there have been a few added activities.

Another blessing worth noting is that my health has been improving to the point that I no longer have any abdominal distress or require any medication for symptoms.  Additionally, I am scheduled for more epidural injections on April 16. The physician thinks that since I received absence of nerve pain for more than a month that I may experience more relief for a longer period of time with another treatment.

Another change has happened in my life. As you may know I live in a very close knit small town and I live directly across the street from the community church. Needless to say, it is difficult to carry on with a troubled personal life that is entwined with normal everyday activities. I believe that prayer is very powerful and I believe that the prayers of many friends have been answered in a way that my gentleman  friend and I are no longer estranged from one another. With his strong conviction and desire to be friends, the relationship has been totally redefined.  Our approach with each other is very relaxed and there are no unacceptable expectations on a daily basis or of future events (engagement/marriage)  in our life.   What a huge difference in our approach to life.  Some days I am almost in disbelief that this event could ever happen!  The absence of turmoil and stress has greatly contributed to my improved health. I have been feeling  better than I have felt in more than two years.  At the beginning of this relationship, all I was interested in was simply "a shared cup of coffee and maybe a movie now and then".  I feel as if we have gone full circle and life is giving me exactly what I wanted.  And, maybe even a little more fun than I could have ever hoped for.

I am convinced more and more that life is to be lived  purposefully one day at a time. For, life can change in the blink of an eyelash to sadness or joy! If you think about it - Living fully takes courage!

I wish you a Very Happy Easter - whether your focus is Easter Bunnies or Your Church or Both. Blessing to All.

It Snowed And Then It Didn't

Can any of you figure out the weather patterns anymore? Look at that beautiful blue sky. The prior day it was pouring heavy rain in the Copperopolis area not far from my home where it was snowing.  But, that didn't stop the Top Sport Cycling Club of Northern California from racing through the countryside.  It was quite a sight to see a long stream of white helmets as you travel along the mountain roads with the lovely rolling green hills everywhere you look.  

Not far away, people were enjoying playing some golf . Look at those billowy clouds!

It was very nice spending some time over the weekend with my friend who has been ill. We went to lunch and visited a few stores and just hung out. Today, she is going to her daughter's where she will have appointments with her oncologist and a surgeon. It looks like she is going to have another Surgery (Lymphectomy) before she starts Radiation Therapy. It is so difficult to see her go through all of this. She has been quite sick and very weak. But, we always have lots of fun when we are together. She has a great sense of humor.

 A full weekend with another movie tossed in. It was so entertaining. You just can't beat Julia Roberts. And, in my opinion, Lily Collins was brilliant. 

  

And now, here is a little more about the title of this post. On FRIDAY, at my home the rain came down very heavy. On Saturday it SNOWED. On Sunday, the SUNSHINE shown brightly. Go figure.

That's it until next time. Take Care.