A New Day

I welcome a day to "catch my breath". A little sleep can do wonders for an old - I mean young - lady.

It's a comfort to know that my friend is settled in nicely at Foothill Village. The quality of his voice on the phone sounds so much better. And, his attitude is good. I love these Blessings.

Thanksgiving plans have changed over and over and over again. Really. Now the plan is that my friend will have Thanksgiving dinner at the Village. His son and wife will come this evening and have dinner with him tomorrow and take care of other matters.

I will be celebrating the holiday with my daughter and husband in San Jose which is a three hours drive for me. Because it is only family, my daughter has suggested that we celebrate with dinner on Friday so that I can get a little refreshed before traveling. And, that is wonderful for me. It is amazing what "24 hours" can do for a person! So, today I am doing very little but living quietly in Prayerful Thanksgiving for all my blessings, specifically for the God given strength I have received in this years journey which has been filled with many challenges.

Wishing all of you a Wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Mary

Where Should I Start

The last few days are days that I would NOT like to repeat. Several medical appointments with my friend have been almost daily. He has been seen by the Gastroenterologist, Cardiologist, his G.P. and Hematologist. He is dealing with some very serious issues. He is very weak, not sleeping, no appetite, very low blood pressure and shortness of breath. He  is anemic and is suffering from a shortage of all types of blood cells, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Blood test for hemoglobin should be in normal range around 13.  He was in the hospital Novenber 1st for 4 days at which time his blood count was 7. He was given two blood transfusions and the count came up to 8.1. Yesterday his blood count was 6.6. At 6PM he got a call from the GP and he referred him to the Hospital Emergency Room (45 minute drive) for more blood transfusions. We got to the hospital at 7PM. They were very busy with a lot of patients waiting. He was taken in immediately because of his serious condition. The transfusion wasn't started until sometime after 11PM. It takes a long time to prep the blood. And then they decided to give a second transfusion. The hospital care has been great! By the time we got back it was 4AM, yes 4AM this morning!.

They would have admitted him to the hospital but an appointment was scheduled for today with the Hematologist and if he was an inpatient the appointment would have to be rescheduled. So, today we were back at the hospital again for the appointment by noon. The fact that they do not have a diagnosis makes it next to impossible to have a treatment plan. A bone biopsy (which is quite painful) was recommended and I encouraged him (told him) to have it today (before he could think much about it) and he did. My nursing background has been extremely helpful for which I am thankful.

By this afternoon, his son arrived (3 hour drive) and my friend was admitted to the nearby Retirement Center where he can receive nursing care and not be at home alone, even though that is where he has wanted to be. His son and I have been working on the arrangements so it would only take a phone call and they were ready for him to be admitted in 2 hours. His son is staying in town. It is GOOD.

Along with all of this, for the past week my phone has been in and out of service. I finally borrowed a cell phone because I do not have one - to much money in this area with few cell towers. I was on the phone with Comcast yesterday and again for a half hour at 4:30AM this morning. The problem seems to be with the under house telephone line. There is more about this very annoying problem. But that is it for now.

She just lost Peoria!

And then, my printer jammed with paper tonight and it was a major repair job for me to figure out. But, I did it!

I hope you are All Doing Well.

It's time for me to get some sleep.

Mary

Family Excitement

Carter, my precious Great-Grandson is going to have a little sister, come April 2015. I can't begin to tell you how excited I feel. I am so happy for my Granddaughter and her family. It was just a few weeks ago that she told me that she thinks she is going to have a girl this time. And, she was right! The family (both sides) is filled with boys/men and she was really hoping for a girl in spite of the fact that the odds were really against her.  They are so happy.

During her first pregnancy she was very small until the end of the nine months and then she "popped". This time she started "to show" early on.

This is Big Brother as a Lumberjack at Halloween - 16 months old. They grow so fast, don't they? What a cutie pie!

I hope to be able to visit them shortly after Thanksgiving. 

Have a Great Day.

Mary

Shell We Do It

You Lead - I'll Follow. 

No, let's Just Get Wild!

We Have Been Getting A Little RAIN For The Past Few Days. Not a Lot, But It All Helps! Let's Happy Dance!

Mary

Tasteful Results

Yes, the soup was very good especially after a busy day which ended with the medical appointment for my friend. His cardiac medication dosages were adjusted because his blood pressure is quite low. In addition, he has not been able to sleep very much for the past couple weeks. So, the doctor prescribed medication to help him to relax. Let's hope it will help.

Yes, yesterday was a very busy day for me. But, I did get a lot of jobs at home taken care of. I was quite tired when we got home from the medical appointment. But, it was very nice to have hot homemade soup already prepared. I really like the added crunchy texture that the addition of corn gave to the soup. And, the topping of fried bacon crumbles is "a good thing"! This soup is a "winner". The grilled cheese sandwiches "almost got away from me" however, they weren't quite as dark as the photo shows. The shredded sharp cheddar cheese was nicely melted.

If you are a cook, are you feeling like cooking more, now that the weather is changing and getting colder?

Stay Warm, especially if you are challenged by excessive SNOW.

Mary

What's Happening In The Kitchen

Chickie says that she thinks she is safe and not going into the pot! What a relief. But then, you never know?

The weather says to me "Make Soup". So that is what I did. This Tomato and Bean Soup is a very nice hearty soup that you could easily add all kind of vegetables. Kind of like cleaning out the refrigerator or pantry. Those shelf life "use before" dates can easily sneak up on you if you purchase additional supply when it is on sale. Of course, that probably is not an issue if you are cooking regularly and for a family.

Chickie is singing her happiness that she did not end up in the pot.

Maybe, this will be dinner along with Grilled Chesse Sandwiches. We have a late in the day medical appointment for my friend and maybe this would interest him and be convenient. His appetite wavers so we will see. I like to keep homemade soup in the freezer especially during the winter months. There is enough to freeze some extra servings.

By the way, my friends that received the Pistachio Coffee Cakes were surprised and very appreciative.  I like to sign my cards with "Just Because". It's nice to surprise people with a little happiness. Perhaps, that is part of my Nursing background, and my spirit!

Hug Someone Today.

Mary

The Charm Of Country Living

It is a simple way of living and one that is close to the beauty of nature. 

Following another medical appointment for my friend we drove up the mountain to about 4000 feet elevation and looked around for a place to get something to eat. Since it was a Monday, some places were closed. And, to start with there aren't many places to eat. 

Then I remembered Bristol's which has been in Arnold as long as I can remember and as long as I have lived in the foothills which is 21 years.  Wow, where does the time go?

We were pleased with our food and the service. They seem to get mixed reviews on social media.

Before long and there will be a cozy fire in the fireplace.

There is a strong cowboy atmosphere with lots of memorabilia to peruse.

I have always enjoyed being out and about and it was enjoyable to be out on a beautiful sunny fall day. Day by day the fall colors change and the leaves are falling and there's a little chill in the air. A weather system reportedly is on it's way and we may get some rain in a day or two. California sure needs rain!

Have a Good Day.

Mary

Monday Morning Or Mary In The Morning

When I started to write this post name  -  Mary In the Morning came to mind. Click here for lyrics.  The contemporary song was written in 1967 by American songwriter and record producer Michael Rashkow and singer Jonny Cymbal and was sung by many artists including Al Martino, Glen Campbell and Elvis Presley.  Just a little music from my era - long ago! Now you have your trivia for today!

I have heard the song many times.  ;-}

Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyy -

Mary

Diversional Therapy

Boy, oh, boy. Do I ever need some diversional therapy and I do not mean retail therapy. But, some place is my home that helps soothe the soul. And, that place is my kitchen. What better activity than to bake some goodies to take to some of my friends. The reason! Just Because!

There are so many wonderful sounding and good looking recipes on the blogs just waiting for me to try them. Nothing much more than sharing gives me comfort.

Very seldom do I make anything that is Pistachio, not because I don't have a fondness for it but I just don't think about it as a "go to recipe". So, today I'm changing that.

I decided to make three coffee cakes instead of one large pan. I like these six inch round pans and use them quite often. They are especially nice when your desire is to share. Good size!

Coming along nicely.

And, there we are "out of the oven" with a little green from the pistachio cake batter showing through the walnut cinnamon topping.

After they cool the fun begins. Getting them out of the pan without destroying the topping will be a little challenge because I want to gift them as a whole coffee cake.

I did it! And, without too much difficulty.

 Just the way I was hoping with a nice contrast of color.

If you were here we would have some afternoon tea and Pistachio Coffee Cake together. The door is always open.

Take Care.

Mary

Pretty In Pink

Pink has always been a color that I like especially in my bedroom. I am hoping to do some rearranging in my bedroom before too long. I have quite a few favorites that are already in my room but I want to "change it about".

This is a hat that I decorated way back in the early 90's. In the past I enjoyed doing a lot of different crafty things. Actually, I made several different styles of spring hats for my guests when I served an Afternoon Tea. I don't have the photos handy to share with you of all the ladies sitting around with their tea cups and pretty hats. It was a lot of fun. And, the tea sandwiches and deserts were fun to prepare and tasted Oh so good!

I have always liked hummingbirds and in the past many friends gifted me with hummingbird themed items. I had quite a collection. 

This is a sweet little hummingbird music box given to me by a co-worker years ago.

Isn't SHE stunning? She makes a lovely wall accent piece. A little Foo-Foo, ya think?

And, I use this as a ring and jewelry holder.

I just had to take the time to put together a post that brings me a little joy and prettiness and reminders of lovely days gone by.

Life has been so hectic lately. Perhaps, a little update is in order.

Lily, my precious doggie is doing OK. Her medical situation seems to be stabilized with her medications.

My friend is quite sick. The blood work is still abnormal and he is just coasting along with many medical appointments with specialists such as Cardiologists, Gastroenterologists, Hematologists and Oncologists. I think you get the picture. His son is directing his activities as much as can be done.

And Me. I will be on my way to San Francisco on Friday for a medical consultation with a specialist that I have been waiting to see for a very long time. One thing about living in the mountains is that we have to travel quite a distance for speciality medical care. I will be staying with my daughter in the San Jose area for one night to make the trip a little easier for me. And, my doggie will be going with me!

I probably will not be blogging again until next week.

Ya All, Take Care.

Mary

Thank You

God Bless all people who are or have been impacted by our journey for a free land and peace!

Mary

Time To Throw Another Blanket On

This is a very large afghan that I crocheted many years ago. It is not only large but also quite heavy and very cozy warm. It was made with an acrylic yarn and has held up nicely through quite a few launderings. Through the years I have used this pattern many times. It has just enough variation in the stitch pattern to make the crocheting interesting and not boring. Perhaps, it is time to make another similar afghan. I will have to take a look at my yarn. I know I do not have to buy any!!!

Now, how about a little Sleeping Trivia?

And, a little Food For Thought!

Take Care of Yourself and Others.

Mary 

Who Is At The Door

Three sisters age 92, 94 and 96 live in a house together.

One night the 96 year old draws a bath, puts her foot in and pauses.
She yells down the stairs; "Was I getting in or out of the bath?"

The 94 year old yells back, "I don't know, I'll come up and see."

She starts up the stairs and pauses, then she yells; "Was I going up the stairs or coming down?"

The 92 year old was sitting at the kitchen table having tea,
listening to her sisters.

She shakes her head and says: "I sure hope I never get that forgetful."

She knocks on wood for good measure.

She then yells;  "I'll come up and help both of you as soon as I see 

who's at the door."

I need a good laugh these days and could not resist sharing this with you. Sorry, I do not know who I can give credit to for this great laugh!

Have a Great Day.

Mary  

Medically Speaking

Things are stabilized. Sadly, it is not a good picture. He is now at home and able to take care of his basic needs. The suggested treatment includes Repair Of One Heart Valve that is leaking and Bone Marrow Biopsy to further investigate anemia. The Heart Surgery is out of the question given his age.

His treatment now will be directed by his regular local physicians when he contacts them. His son has been here and has been a wonderful take-charge person. I am so greatful!

Let's have a photo of the Beautiful Autumn Colors.

Best Wishes to All.

Mary

The Signs Were All There

Unfortunately, my 86 year old friend is in the hospital! After weeks - months of me encouraging him to see his doctor because of multiple significant symptoms (shortness of breath, malaise and weakness, etc.) I told him that he was going. On Friday, I took him to to the Walk -In-Clinic. Why do men tend to be so stubborn about medical issues? I wish they would understand how stressful it is for those around them!

On Saturday, he was admitted to the hospital. For some reason his blood chemistries are very abnormal and he has already received two blood transfusions. And, he is in Congestive Heart Failure which they are working at stabilizing primarily with medications. He is receiving excellent care which I am very thankful. Multiple testing is continuing in effort to get a full picture of what is going on. He is feeling a lot better. He says he is fine and wants to go home. Thank goodness he is in a good mood!

I may sound a little irritable and I am because the emergency of this issue could have been eliminated if he would have gone to the doctor and been honest about his symptoms! His son who lives 3 hours drive from here came yesterday morning. And, that is good. He is very blessed to have a son as caring and honorable as his son is.

I think it is time for me to have a cup of coffee. Everything will turn out as God's plan for all of us.

Your prayers are welcome. Thank you.

Mary

During The Night

It's Raining It's Pouring
The Old Man Is Snoring


How Wonderful is that?

We are in such need of rain here in California and during the night we had a very nice downpour. Now the sky is blue and the sun is shining. What a blessing that we had some rain. Hopefully, we will get some more.

Best Wishes to you for a Great Weekend.

Mary