tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12168492846138972262024-03-15T01:27:04.526-07:00Wandering and Wondering“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken..."Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.comBlogger717125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-51270115935563286442023-12-27T19:34:00.000-08:002023-12-27T19:34:10.823-08:00Happy Holidays<p> Hi all!</p><p>I hope your holiday season has been joyful, comfy and full of love.</p><p>The guy and I had a most wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. Totally chill and fun. </p><p>If you're ever in the area of Corralitos, there is a really fun winery, El Vacquero. Friday nights there is live music and dancing from 6 to 9. The wine is excellent. You can bring in your own food or you can pick up some munchies at the various food trucks they have parked out front. </p><p>I am looking forward to 2024 with every bone in my body. I have seen my therapist almost weekly since November 2022. She's helped me resolve some life-long issues, a couple of family issues and helping me with a Death With Dignity plan.</p><p>A clinical trial agency contacted me to see if I would participate in another IPF trial. After all the hoops and tests my pulmonary function did not make the cut. The fibrosis is progressing. Sucks!</p><p>I think I've written about the pressure of trying to keep moving while in 9+level knee pain. I had a knee ablation which has helped a little but it's only been a month so maybe it will still improve. Hoping.</p><p>I had a dream the other night. It was weird and incredibly lucid. </p><p>The pain in my knee, back and neck is off-the-charts, fatigue is my constant companion and I get short of breath just walking to check the mail or walking down the hall to my bedroom. </p><p>In my dream, I was crawling on the floor and it seemed as if 3/4 of my soul, or conscience (or whatever you want to call the thinking-you) was out of my body and I was trying to kick my body away. I couldn't get away from my body and I was frustrated that it seemed to be clinging to me. I remember being very lucid and wanting to ditch my body so bad; angry that it wouldn't let go.</p><p>When I woke up my first thought was wondering if this dream is part of the process of dying. Processing how to move on without one's body.</p><p>I've had out-of-body experiences before. I've practiced astral projection off and on for years, but I've always known that I would be returning to my body. I've never not wanted to belong to my body. </p><p>I guess it's back to my therapist after the first of the year!!! </p><p>One step forward, two steps back.</p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-51662296189795759012023-09-28T20:56:00.002-07:002023-09-28T20:56:16.772-07:00Meet My Pretty Addiction<p> Great Day!</p><p>I finished re-upholstering my antique rocking chair. I've only wanted to do it for about 20 years! Procrastination baby!!! One of my super powers!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGloVLapi1Lf6PlfaqmTwo6rJrRRlFCHUdqXqZ0Zo88Fmqy6ynB0idxJIoBNi5MtvxqjmXFn6SuPnJrWR6jiO_YZXB93hw4ckzUf4Hu53Y8XpbsNdpKwsV4NXkcSCTBHhCWUDcUvzReX1qZ3CBj5dVxOmRarPyOVXK4T3TL4nZjrVN1YeMbrISE1VKnYR/s4032/IMG_9514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGloVLapi1Lf6PlfaqmTwo6rJrRRlFCHUdqXqZ0Zo88Fmqy6ynB0idxJIoBNi5MtvxqjmXFn6SuPnJrWR6jiO_YZXB93hw4ckzUf4Hu53Y8XpbsNdpKwsV4NXkcSCTBHhCWUDcUvzReX1qZ3CBj5dVxOmRarPyOVXK4T3TL4nZjrVN1YeMbrISE1VKnYR/w512-h385/IMG_9514.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, of course, the rocking chair is barely visible! <br />Just don't look at the bottom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Two of my granddaughters brought the plate on the table from Italy for me. I love it but mostly I love that they know my style; Bright and Colorful!!!</p><p>I took a couple of other photos of some of my plant addiction today. I did dust the leaves today but do not look closely at the floor...dog hair!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZnINB9DbXoyhG83_iGJyA7Gv3wys9WKdv5_VD2QJgNyTQqCq6yhzJoFas4OEwYi4ua2tBynqcI3czJN8opExcySuVbrYAD_l9_9vtlcbuvT9b27CBhvsqCvi6X7F7PmCRgvPAo8_iwf1kBUCYAJ2vdG3Ssr0OsUw2ZZ7aLK-WA1nnMATStF9MOuZnWB8/s3440/IMG_9515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2585" data-original-width="3440" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZnINB9DbXoyhG83_iGJyA7Gv3wys9WKdv5_VD2QJgNyTQqCq6yhzJoFas4OEwYi4ua2tBynqcI3czJN8opExcySuVbrYAD_l9_9vtlcbuvT9b27CBhvsqCvi6X7F7PmCRgvPAo8_iwf1kBUCYAJ2vdG3Ssr0OsUw2ZZ7aLK-WA1nnMATStF9MOuZnWB8/w477-h358/IMG_9515.jpg" width="477" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see my didgeridoo on the table? Part of the therapy <br />for my lungs! Cool huh!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Meet ZZ on the table. I am in love with this plant. It has such beautiful branches and glossy leaves. The fern (Herna-Ferna) is lower right. She's growing so fast I'm going to have to build her a room of her own!</p><p>The top of brick half-wall is filled with Pothos. I may have more Pothos than anyone in the world (just ask The Guy). I have several of my mother's and many, many rooted cuttings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW3xnNHmS41gUUq6VlqX3-kudKQyJsj5_mMbh0gKyL9CADDggTPh7FPMXeWQBT8WKA2I938v8aZqhW3-zJdvA-4UZmNw56CHJ23Z5daQpNGFz5TjJckERWT1UmV-ZULdj7YGuvQXvRCAIujhL45Zkzpb43dcoWxc7PzLuYAoBIDkKGtxirQclKugdrPvX/s3866/IMG_9513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3866" data-original-width="3024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW3xnNHmS41gUUq6VlqX3-kudKQyJsj5_mMbh0gKyL9CADDggTPh7FPMXeWQBT8WKA2I938v8aZqhW3-zJdvA-4UZmNw56CHJ23Z5daQpNGFz5TjJckERWT1UmV-ZULdj7YGuvQXvRCAIujhL45Zkzpb43dcoWxc7PzLuYAoBIDkKGtxirQclKugdrPvX/w387-h496/IMG_9513.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><p>Don't tell me I didn't warn you about the overabundance of Pothos. They're everywhere!</p><p>Speaking of overabundance; the Purple Heart Wandering Tradescantia is trying to take over the house. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC-A7LURNdj-HmbnQ8PZtlTCrPS36pUU5kg_NFGgD_dF5ksPJz8my-mzbg3oR3J82NGx21WZ8romU45RUV1Hq1QUFAOAtlbF7jurciWqoYZb3feNhrsF1epe2-Lq0oMfvYRX9edqHZHpq9St98A1-2cebfe0krZxqisdm71rz6D4W11l1i6nEDX0Wt3l2/s3131/IMG_9516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3131" data-original-width="3022" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlC-A7LURNdj-HmbnQ8PZtlTCrPS36pUU5kg_NFGgD_dF5ksPJz8my-mzbg3oR3J82NGx21WZ8romU45RUV1Hq1QUFAOAtlbF7jurciWqoYZb3feNhrsF1epe2-Lq0oMfvYRX9edqHZHpq9St98A1-2cebfe0krZxqisdm71rz6D4W11l1i6nEDX0Wt3l2/w452-h468/IMG_9516.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><p>Several times a month I need to take cuttings of the wandering purple heart and root them in the kitchen. While the cuttings are rooting, I have to take cuttings from them. This photo does not do it justice though. It really is a deep, deep purple!</p><p>As I look at these photos I wonder why I took them without picking up the clutter. </p><p>Oh, I know, the clutter is still there because I can always put stuff away tomorrow! Isn't that what tomorrows are for?</p><p>More plants? Hell yeah.</p><p>Kitchen, family room, bathrooms and entry. Still need to find a place for the Sansevieria I promised myself earlier this week.</p><p>Weekend is coming up...any plans?</p><p><br /></p><h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px !important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><br /></h1>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-85797038822651107542023-09-25T16:06:00.002-07:002023-09-25T16:12:33.261-07:00Covid Coping<p> A random comment popped up today on a post I made pre-Covid.. </p><p>The post was right after I painted over some of my murals and painted the fireplace bricks. We were "neutralizing" the house. Life was extremely hectic; we were taking care of my parents as their health declined; Frank was still working. We needed our house to be less colorful, less jazzy, more peaceful, to help calm ourselves when returning from chaos. </p><p>We were also decluttering and packing some items as we prepared to move out of state.</p><p>I posted several photos of the changes. The photo below is one corner of the family room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3RvBl-XMoZ9Dqh7y2W6nWISlXQVW67zjB6qC7B8VH8umNXbPJdGjMl16mlt4HeSALrrLWkazSVuMIBV2D44F4qrYMGeoUczLe7G6xk7x7Vd5nPtGYjB-1FMMikE4nAaX2ubUHT9lof92UeZbGSU5p2VZSRldDECbEUz2vad4yBOLUTnM4Q4RYwDaH0St/s619/familyroombare.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="413" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3RvBl-XMoZ9Dqh7y2W6nWISlXQVW67zjB6qC7B8VH8umNXbPJdGjMl16mlt4HeSALrrLWkazSVuMIBV2D44F4qrYMGeoUczLe7G6xk7x7Vd5nPtGYjB-1FMMikE4nAaX2ubUHT9lof92UeZbGSU5p2VZSRldDECbEUz2vad4yBOLUTnM4Q4RYwDaH0St/w320-h478/familyroombare.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We were making progress! Then my parents passed and Covid hit. </p><p>Isolation and grief reigned. Restaurants closed, no one was taking donations, no one buying off of Marketplace or Craigslist, no one visiting, everything on the news was just plain ugly...you know, you were there! </p><p>What got you through Covid? </p><p>Many humans self-medicate to get through trauma. Some smoke, some drink or take drugs, others just gaze out the window and drool (been there). </p><p>My preferred self-prescribed remedy for stress: Adopting houseplants, lots and lots of houseplants. I have fur babies and photosynthesis babies!</p><p>I revisited the post from said random comment Cue the laughter and humiliation as I looked up at the corner as it is today. I iddendiately jumped up and removed a couple of the plants to clear the jungle a bit! I can't believe I've filled the corner to the brim! Then I shot the following photo!</p><p>Realization: I haven't decluttered at all. I just got rid of stuff to make room for different (more) stuff!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ0o6nt1KLPgFIhFZHUOYfNihtBtKEX2uqTgNh4ZF9N0AB9_ehnJr7-RgXT7r8c4w59eEMxfNw5c7nU-KACsOrzLBfelPOPQukeY_ABiia8QniTJ5k4Khd9Ih_A8gAA_7mgMM0jq-TphbiPSTLZNHP6sNHGMnZYJmypvwp382dfYvUnDKSYNFKWHVgca1/s4032/IMG_9508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ0o6nt1KLPgFIhFZHUOYfNihtBtKEX2uqTgNh4ZF9N0AB9_ehnJr7-RgXT7r8c4w59eEMxfNw5c7nU-KACsOrzLBfelPOPQukeY_ABiia8QniTJ5k4Khd9Ih_A8gAA_7mgMM0jq-TphbiPSTLZNHP6sNHGMnZYJmypvwp382dfYvUnDKSYNFKWHVgca1/w503-h377/IMG_9508.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><p>Shame on me. </p><p>I should go to Lowes and pickup more boxes for packing and maybe more garbage bags for donations. Gotta get back in declutter and purge state.-of-mind. Maybe tI'll ake a quick peek in the nursery department...just in case someone wants to come home with me! You know, as long as I'm there!</p><p>I just realized we don't have a Sansevieria!</p><p>How did you get through Covid? Wine? Road rage? Netflix? Maybe you didn't cope well and are reading this blog from your cell. Inquiring minds, you know!</p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-80707832135586276562023-09-22T13:14:00.003-07:002023-09-22T15:27:03.816-07:00Couch Advice<p> Mabon Blessings! </p><p>Straddling the line today, beware your footing!</p><p>The Guy and I were watching a couple of detective/mystery shows last night. It could be that I am clueless or just haven't been paying attention. I discovered how much The Guy talks to the characters. "Talks" meaning advises, berates and admonishes!</p><p>When the "good guy" warns another character to "stay here", my Guy rolls his eyes and warns Good-Guy that no one ever listens to "stay here"! If Good-Guy is instructing a child or teenager to "stay here", my guy shouts, "They're a kid, kids don't know how to "stay here"!</p><p>When Good-Guy agrees to meet under the bridge (alone) in the industrial area (or wharf) at midnight, my guy yells, "it's a set-up, geez were you born last night?" When Good-Guy gets shot, stabbed or beat-up, from across the room I hear, "Warned you, you idiot!"</p><p>Then there are the times Good-Guy (<i>"or woman if you are one" Colin Hayes, Beautiful World</i>) races to a warehouse where there are 17 known thugs with weapons, drugs and bad attitudes inside, (maybe a hostage or two). Good-Guy may or may not call for back-up but does he wait for back-up? Hell no, Good-Guy races into building alone, maybe even limps into the warehouse due to injuries from the beating in the early hours under the bridge, probably bleeding from a gun shot to the shoulder or stab wound to the gut!</p><p>My Guy couch wisdom:</p><p>"Yeah, go in by your lone-self, you narcissistic fool."<br />"You're going to die, don't say I didn't warn you?"<br />"Ooh, your mama going to be soooo mad cuz you done left your brains at home...again."</p><p>Good-Guy with wire cutters and the blue-with-white-stripe-or-white-with-blue-stripe bomb about to go off in 12 seconds; building, train or bus full of people...</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Hungover huh? Should have gone home last night instead of drinking whiskey at that nasty strip joint!"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Or</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Cut the damn wire! You've read the scrip; it isn't going to blow!"</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpXvGcddDFiTecO4z2M_fmBB6t7QuC__Wt5dICE0f6H24TXGz-EapyQmxB3PQQEV7wxz44gcRThbRnlqp4hY5YY_3oYqqLFbhUzpU5ucHNbMS3R_cBWmClfo9tg6Wqul24SFTzaCfbTgjH7zRHy44xfjXXJePk9cdXqw4bV_4Mpydnp_PBwr3qjSie-T9/s2000/jogginglatenight.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="2000" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpXvGcddDFiTecO4z2M_fmBB6t7QuC__Wt5dICE0f6H24TXGz-EapyQmxB3PQQEV7wxz44gcRThbRnlqp4hY5YY_3oYqqLFbhUzpU5ucHNbMS3R_cBWmClfo9tg6Wqul24SFTzaCfbTgjH7zRHy44xfjXXJePk9cdXqw4bV_4Mpydnp_PBwr3qjSie-T9/w458-h307/jogginglatenight.webp" width="458" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Good-Guys are not the only characters to receive couch wisdom, There is the occasional insomniac who decides that jogging in the wee hours of the day will help them clear their head...or lose it! My blog is rated PG, so I can't share with you what advice he has to say to the lone joggers, with ponytails and earbuds...</p><p>Mostly I just love it when my guy deeply sighs and wonders outloud, "Don't these fools ever watch tv?</p><p>Do you talk to your television? Know someone that does?</p><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-4142124261315611522023-09-05T20:12:00.002-07:002023-09-06T10:49:54.276-07:00Remembering Your Lasts<p> We document and/or celebrate all our "firsts"; first solid food, first steps, first day of school, first kiss. First everything!</p><p>Yesterday I tried to get out of my comfy chair and had to try twice; rocking forward, then pushing with hands. I walked down the hall and realized that I hold onto the wall to stabilize and balance myself. (Lord help me if I ever get pulled over and asked to walk a straight line!)</p><p>It made me think if I can remember the last time I just stood up from my chair; any chair. When did I last walk down the hall without leaning against the wall?</p><p>Then I tried to remember the last time I walked out to the car without using the side of car to assure myself I wouldn't trip or fall. </p><p>When was the last time I walked out to the yard and just bent over to pull a weed instead of sitting on the ground? Hell, when was the last time I could just pop up off the ground.</p><p>This summer I discovered I can only swim 1 1/2 laps in the pool without turning to float on my back to catch my breath. Last summer I was could easily swim 15 laps. I can't get out of pool on my own this year; I need a hand to help me step out.</p><p>Taking a shower wears me out! Don't even get me started on shaving my legs!</p><p>When the hell did I get old!!!!</p><p>My goal is to do some strength and endurance exercises...starting with lifting 2 lb weights 3 times...a week!!! </p><p>Actually, besides trying to get some stamina back, my real goal is to pay attention to all the mundane things I do each and every day. I'll pay attention to putting socks on, cooking dinner, walking the 30 feet to retrieve the mail. </p><p>I'll also cherish the precious events, every hug, every smile, every cup of coffee shared with a friend, every single "goodnight sweetheart, I love you."</p><p>Do you have a "lasts list?"</p><p>On a lighter note: The guy discovered a whole tract of Whovilles on the side of Mt. Shasta. He took a picture to prove that the Lemurians aren't the only beings residing on the mountain!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjonCsJcxQ3FsT8yVLiojM8lWXsLS4fXOIzitaOfya2DQu5mNlrCa_XurS538inmygd6IamqyV9f8QLKMv2pEYRoTa2QzqF1mowyOmVg5LqxRmgYK5HU-mq2M-Anr8Kxf1sHBXmGfiiFhZVYF8KQ21CZEckBwWuTRv77RVFF79WSeV2Mt7M6yIKcVLrbL/s1856/375198170_808221391004915_2832334200971178049_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1856" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjonCsJcxQ3FsT8yVLiojM8lWXsLS4fXOIzitaOfya2DQu5mNlrCa_XurS538inmygd6IamqyV9f8QLKMv2pEYRoTa2QzqF1mowyOmVg5LqxRmgYK5HU-mq2M-Anr8Kxf1sHBXmGfiiFhZVYF8KQ21CZEckBwWuTRv77RVFF79WSeV2Mt7M6yIKcVLrbL/w526-h350/375198170_808221391004915_2832334200971178049_n.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-86396537183594328462023-08-21T19:08:00.001-07:002023-08-21T19:08:49.417-07:00Diagnosis Anniversary...hell's bells<p> Hi All,</p><p>Sorry for not keeping up with you all. I have been lurking though, not Walking-Dead kind of lurking! I promise not to bite or scratch! Sometimes I comment, but my depression is a bit escalated so I just think of a response or comment but find it's difficult to type it out while sucking on my thumb.</p><p>It's been a year since my original diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. My pulmonary function tests are pretty good, so I'm not in need of oxygen assistance yet. Yay.</p><p>The clinical trial almost killed me! Well, not really but sometimes I wished I was dead while on it. I made it through 8 months of the 9 month trial before having to drop out. The medication I was taking was not Perfinidone nor was it the placebo but they were testing a chemo-drug that had proven to delay progress of fibrosis in cancer patients so they were doing a "tolerance trial"! </p><p>I tolerated the side effects pretty well for the first 4 months but each week the nausea, dizziness, physical and mental fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pain got worse and worse until I just cried UNCLE! </p><p>The trial people were super supportive! They were extremely understanding of my need to quit the trial. Since my bail from the trial I am feeling better, not good, just better.</p><p>The pulmonologists tell me I have to keep moving. Move, Move, Move! My ortho guy says my knee pain is due to bone-on-bone in my left knee and advises a total knee replacement. My pulmonologist will not sign the release for me to have the surgery, saying that the condition of my lungs will hinder my recovery yet he keeps telling me to move! The more my knee hurts, the harder it is to move but oh so easy to cry and want to punch walls and stupid people...sometimes even nice people!</p><p>But wait, there's more!!! Blood tests results show I'm positive for Lupus and Scleroderma but not showing enough of the physical markers. They will not make a firmative diagnosis but they are telling me they think the fibrosis is caused by an autoimmune disease...BUT there are, oh, about 5000 to 6000 autoimmune diseases and it can take 5 to 6 years to actually figure out which one it is! In the meantime, the average life expectancy after diagnosis with PF is about 3 to 5 years. I'm down one year, so who knows...maybe I'll email the Shadow. Word is the Shadow is in the know.</p><p>I see my primary physician tomorrow. During my last visit she suggested increasing my anti-depression med and I refused but this time I'm begging for it.</p><p>I also see my ortho doc tomorrow and am going to ask him about a knee ablation procedure. The steroid injection he gave me three months ago relieved the pain for about 3 days and, bam, the pain came back with a vengenance!</p><p>The therapist I've been seeing (psychologist not physical) has been a tremendous help with coming to terms with lots of life's stuff. She is an awesome therapist. I really have no idea where I'd be if it wasn't for her and the support of the Guy.</p><p>The Guy has truly stepped up and is my hero. </p><p>All is not bad though! My grandson checks on us all the time, asks how I am doing, if there is anything he can do to help. He is my second hero. </p><p>The Guy and I are in the mountains a couple of days a week searching for the next great photo. Alternative days he and his buddy are out hiking in the mountains photographing wildflowers, picas and marmots, bears and foxes, sunsets and rainbows.</p><p>When he is gone I paint, refinish furniture and swim. </p><p>Together we visit with good friends and are still planning to relocate, probably to Ohio, but still not sure. </p><p>Two of our granddaughters graduated from college this year. One with a teaching degree and the other one with a degree in structural engineering. One of our grandsons is headed to Australia for a month and another had his first equestrian show! Our 9-year-old greatgrandaughter is racing dragsters. She does the 1/8 mile in under 12 seconds and has a killer reaction time from what her pit crew say. The paint job on her dragster is a holy-moly look!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUXWleGYev5XRr1_06K212cfCmfAyGokaYjns19hwlMNSEubJ_5V8Yu5__-a9ddFDyCRkPLZniTUPzWhWB1PeUaXcinzqCImVUypxluOkOKIHMDF5KE0zZbm2tfhcWzhJ8lr0pyV5k2do0aAlYD053qxexKqt_G85FhFiQIaydsQwUDJME-ZF8uxX0Jlj/s2048/dragster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUXWleGYev5XRr1_06K212cfCmfAyGokaYjns19hwlMNSEubJ_5V8Yu5__-a9ddFDyCRkPLZniTUPzWhWB1PeUaXcinzqCImVUypxluOkOKIHMDF5KE0zZbm2tfhcWzhJ8lr0pyV5k2do0aAlYD053qxexKqt_G85FhFiQIaydsQwUDJME-ZF8uxX0Jlj/w282-h376/dragster.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The Guy and I flew to Denver, visited with a granddaughter, then drove home. The drive was glorious. We visited Rocky Mountain National Park, drove through Vail Colorado while the aspens were strutting thier glorious stuff. </p><p>I hope you are all doing well and staying well. I'll be checking in on you and if the increased meds work, my thumb will be out of my mouth long enough to comment on your wonderful blogs.</p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-56414705785099290322022-12-21T21:57:00.001-08:002022-12-21T22:18:18.338-08:00I Just Love Him<p>Pulmonary Rehab is great. The therapists are super helpful, positive and encouraging. I'm building up stamina, learning tons or great (scary) stuff. </p><p> Yesterday was the first day of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinical Trial that I'm in. Feels like a crazy dream (nightmare). Clinical trial first hour is about paperwork, risks, rewards, protocols and commitment. Then there is drawing blood (lots of blood), a super EKG with the little electrodes placed from ankles to neck! </p><p>So I'm laying there exposed and they do two EKGs. First one, one of the nurses in the room says "thats not a good one, take another." The machine does its short eeerrrrr noise and nurse says again, "not good, hold on." They take several of the electrode patches off and replace them with new ones. Then eeeerrrrr and again, she says, "do another!"</p><p>Calmly as I can I ask if they are saying not good because of what the EKG is reading, thinking that maybe I'll die from a heart attack before the IPF gets me. They reassure me that its not me, its the machine. She says the machine is just really old and its hard to get a good reading. They try again, apologizing for leaving me exposed for so long. (I typically don't bother with a bra but I'm kind of happy I wore one to the party that day. Not because I was embarrassed being exposed but because the room was kind of cold...if you know what I mean!)</p><p>So they try again and this time it works. Report comes out super good. Oh yeah, forgot to tell you another nurse came in to draw my blood while I was getting the last EKG because they tried 2 times before and couldn't get the blood to flow. </p><p>I felt bad for the first lab tech to try. She came in with what seemed like a hundred tubes and started to explain that it wasn't really as much blood to be taken as it looked to be with all the tubes. I tried to make a joke about passing out with the amount of blood she was going to drain from me. Apparently she was not in a funny mood because she seriously looked me in the eye and asked, "Do you have a problem with needles or blood draws?"</p><p>"No, I don't," I answered, "UNLESS the person drawing my blood misses catching the vein twice." I explained to her that if a lab person or nurse misses twice I always ask for another person to do it. My experience has been that the person becomes frustrated and we both lose, hence, someone fresh to try.</p><p>She looked just a bit anxious and missed twice! Well, of course she did. Note: she did not hurt me. She was gentle and I was probably a little dehydrated. So I started drinking plenty of water during the other tests. </p><p>Eventually all the tests were done and blood drawn, cups peed in and clothing back in place. </p><p>But wait, it got better. The trial coordinator (my very own personal coordinator...how lucky am I?), anyway, the trial coordinator comes in with a pretty blue and white box. Breaking it open, she pulls out a brand new IPhone, a 16 page instruction book and a spirometer. Once a week I get to breathe into this little machine and the phone reports it to the trial powers-that-be. Cool huh!</p><p>Not so cool. The machine has a mouthpiece and you inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale and then the machine demands INHALE....EXHALE QUICKLY! </p><p>Easy, right? No, not easy. </p><p>You have to exhale as quick and forceful as you can and the machine demands, "Keep Going" over and over and over and over and over, until you feel like you (me) are going to pass out, or the veins throbbing in your temples are going to explode. You (me) decide not to have a stroke or fall off the chair, stop exhaling. The machine then gives you a "Fail" and encourages you to try again. </p><p>I got eight attempts yesterday and only got the "Success!" flag twice. The machine then tells you to stop and try again tomorrow morning. I guess <u>almost</u> dying 8 times a day is the maximum they will allow in the trial. Not sure if that is mandated by the research agency or the feds but doesn't really matter, I'm just thankful it is only 8.</p><p>Today, I try again. This time I have The Guy as my helper. (Man, I love him!) So we try to figure out the Iphone, get a connections, got the blue light and we're off to the races. </p><p>I tried. FAIL. I tried again. FAIL. The Guy is harmonizing with the machine. "Keep going. Keep going. Keep going! Keep going!" FAiL! </p><p>I swear to you, my friends that my Guy got tears in his eyes. He actually apologized for not being able to help me or give me hints. He tried. He tried so hard. Blow harder, blow quicker, tighten your mouth around the tube. He tried so hard to help me succeed at blowing in the bossy machine's tube to get a SUCCESS. He is also aware of my authority issues and that having a machine making demands of me is pissing me off!</p><p>I finally got it! I blew so fricking hard and exhaled so much that a headache and chest pain rushed into the vacancies created. I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out why a program for someone with pulmonary problems and the stress of knowing there is no cure are expected to succeed but then again, "Mine is not to question why, mine is but to do or"...oh fuck!!</p><p>So, I just want to share with you how awesome my honey is. I met a couple of friends for coffee and was gone for about 4 hours. (We always say we're meeting for coffee but we're really meeting for meaningful conversation, hence the 4 hours). While I was chatting away with friends, the Guy cleaned the house from top to bottom. Washed the sheets, made the bed, put a roast in the crock pot greeted me at the door with a hug and a kiss and the pups! </p><p>I thought I might share an AI photo of him. (can't help my kids and the Guy! They are all nerds to their very cores). First photo is how I see my guy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB49X6wxCTYJrDwQYgYXZwIGVWZ03mfmXllEwlHXwMvtaNZczdG_ZD5eHYOQNcLHS9ExwiS_pazryZTh2Fa20iOoEQn3FrQL2hipzwx1a67FqmZ-rdB6Q6KlUkIo00Bk2OiU2dGyW2gPZrlHS1uHMHdjE55S6Jcqj7t46XfVbpD-H6xwTpfHPvVxrfHw/s512/frankking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB49X6wxCTYJrDwQYgYXZwIGVWZ03mfmXllEwlHXwMvtaNZczdG_ZD5eHYOQNcLHS9ExwiS_pazryZTh2Fa20iOoEQn3FrQL2hipzwx1a67FqmZ-rdB6Q6KlUkIo00Bk2OiU2dGyW2gPZrlHS1uHMHdjE55S6Jcqj7t46XfVbpD-H6xwTpfHPvVxrfHw/w472-h472/frankking.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><br /><p>He's a pretty handsome guy! Take away the crown and the beard, mustache is his and this looks exactly like him.</p><p>This next photo is how he sees himself...yes, he thinks he could do manly-shampoo ads or "tastes like real butter" commercials!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADQ7pvEUbrDtwKbM42BrwpzEKzDwdGqH5dtfLzBQxgzCfE4-pCqpBcV1iGaLH__uatvN1N8Zf9VJNEYcvLVzuapKQ0R6wqsh9aKWSDjCpnItLfW7EqBSu7mJDGYBI9VmMZKxPwBq7wAGW18O6r2I0xfnswqn3UghhouHQsrro9sUvAYOiwe9RRxA6cQ/s512/320433043_1162854227992199_7835917444304511603_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADQ7pvEUbrDtwKbM42BrwpzEKzDwdGqH5dtfLzBQxgzCfE4-pCqpBcV1iGaLH__uatvN1N8Zf9VJNEYcvLVzuapKQ0R6wqsh9aKWSDjCpnItLfW7EqBSu7mJDGYBI9VmMZKxPwBq7wAGW18O6r2I0xfnswqn3UghhouHQsrro9sUvAYOiwe9RRxA6cQ/w475-h475/320433043_1162854227992199_7835917444304511603_n.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><br /><p>This beard might be his. The color of his hair matches but it hasn't been this long since the '70's!</p><p>Bottom line: I just love him! He's my rock!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooIKJM8Z4ElFbripAqj9-0_Jnl2nEKV6dPsqjRB0G3TuXsgk7kxqee4j4E1O_C4VkcM-maKAgbxVkR9BFaHpIrcJN8jPIqYBWpBqXv6ksmMDOXpXffCComk-7cKJd_B4TlZFmfOvVrapoig_d4OTwBuwBI1muEllXQxEdkOX7ZNacXBZTkDI72n7Jfg/s960/winery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooIKJM8Z4ElFbripAqj9-0_Jnl2nEKV6dPsqjRB0G3TuXsgk7kxqee4j4E1O_C4VkcM-maKAgbxVkR9BFaHpIrcJN8jPIqYBWpBqXv6ksmMDOXpXffCComk-7cKJd_B4TlZFmfOvVrapoig_d4OTwBuwBI1muEllXQxEdkOX7ZNacXBZTkDI72n7Jfg/w390-h520/winery.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Winter Soltice! Merry Christmas! Blessed Yule! <br />Happy Holidays!</b></span></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-78061948373762171392022-11-26T12:07:00.004-08:002022-11-26T12:13:12.735-08:00Pagan Ritual..ready, set,...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcCvBMhwH_EGS0VF4__SM5fnX9kMMvssCuplUAywOWe36FXBI5dbTHCyx83yneSHkpY0pzDpM9pPdo14R_neP6u1XwHH5o9P7dveTr1ePMqxumiywDb_KjRoHI_QVi8p52UNiNK5bzQO9ClgwTQjQBRJHxQVi4DYcYfKsM8fuTWf9Ke8_g8afOhpdQA/s900/snowsmall1-SNOW.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcCvBMhwH_EGS0VF4__SM5fnX9kMMvssCuplUAywOWe36FXBI5dbTHCyx83yneSHkpY0pzDpM9pPdo14R_neP6u1XwHH5o9P7dveTr1ePMqxumiywDb_KjRoHI_QVi8p52UNiNK5bzQO9ClgwTQjQBRJHxQVi4DYcYfKsM8fuTWf9Ke8_g8afOhpdQA/s320/snowsmall1-SNOW.gif" width="213" /></a></div><br />Time for the most fun pagan ritual. Time to get out my purple satin cape to catch the mistletoe as I harvest it. Time to Sage and sweep the house out and best of all, time to set up the holiday tree. <p></p><p>We're still purging...boy, have we got a lot of shit! A lot less than a year ago. We've shredded enough paper to keep snowglobe companies in business for decades!</p><p>On the IPF side of things. The medication my pumonologist prescribed ended up being a little bit over $14000 a month and our insurance will cover enough that our cost will only be a little over $2900 a month. After we laughed until our sides ached. We declined the medication. Then the pharmaceutical company said there were several programs/ grants that helped pay the copays. Alas, we didn't qualify. Apparently we make about $15 too much per year! LOL.</p><p>We discovered that we can get a month's precription from Australia for about $895/mo and Canada between $1100/mo to 1800/mo. Crazy! Are there really people who can afford that kind of long term costs for medication? </p><p>I started pulmonary rehab. Nice people and really nice getting back into a regular exercise routine. Other than having some chest pain and O2 dropping down into the high 80's a couple of times, I'm doing pretty good.</p><p>I was accepted into a Stage 2 clinical trial for a new medication. (happy dance!!!) The research company offered to pay my travel expenses for visiting the clinic once a month for the duration of the trial. I agreed and then discovered that the research labs are right across the river from us! </p><p>Can't tell you how much it breaks my heart to rob the pharmaceutical company of their big bucks but I'm sure they'll get it out of someone else!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlplKJ6P7yA5GrZ5YDbOFhWPDZCmXqY5JdjR15gnhza_DCPWH1ithp64Svi8VNJtgMfRy99Y_-Id_oxZn59M5gbEs0dn7fP-L11LLOSrqSH8b4FC9xVTW_bySN1OsdpuliNSwlclrl5ltfxqkZIrRNci4RvHvtnmpnOuBTuJXJxn3z66DYhqjyh7XPzw/s564/putitdown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="564" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlplKJ6P7yA5GrZ5YDbOFhWPDZCmXqY5JdjR15gnhza_DCPWH1ithp64Svi8VNJtgMfRy99Y_-Id_oxZn59M5gbEs0dn7fP-L11LLOSrqSH8b4FC9xVTW_bySN1OsdpuliNSwlclrl5ltfxqkZIrRNci4RvHvtnmpnOuBTuJXJxn3z66DYhqjyh7XPzw/s320/putitdown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Over the years I have seen a therapist off and on, mostly for my PTSD flame ups and some of life's bigger challenges. I have the best therapist in the world (totally biased). She calls me a Kick-Ass Warrior Woman, so I occasionally need a Kick-Ass Warrior Woman tune-up!</p><p>I was telling her the biggest fear I have about dying is that I'll miss my kids. We talked about how I probably just am afraid of "missing out" on their life's events. I was primed to believe she was right.</p><p>My baby girl's birthday is in November. She turned 50 this year! (you remember, baby girl with PhD, working for the Department of Defense!)She and her husband came out to California for a nice visit, not long enough ever but still nice.</p><p>Participation is great but there is a lot to be said about observation. I did a lot of both while Nicole and Brian were here. I've spent some time with my sons and their wives, again participating and observing. When Nicole and Brian returned to Virginia, boys retured to their homes, I had a huge epiphany. I'd call it "life Changing" but I think if was more like "Dying Changing"!</p><p>I realized that what made me afraid to die was not so much "missing" my kids, it was more that I was afraid that they would need me and I wouldn't be here to help them. Now I know that kids always need their parents in some ways. My mom and dad have been gone since 2018 and I still want to call them and share things with them. I miss them dearly. My realization was that my children and their spouses, their families are solid, they're successful, they're settled, they're independent. They've made it! </p><p>Bottom line. They don't need me to jump in and rescue them! (Once a mom, always a mom!) Honestly, they're all so successful, they would probably be the ones rescuing me! </p><p>It's okay if I'm not around one day (except for my doggies who might sit by the door wondering why I'm gone so long). My kids have got this! They're rock stars. </p><p>I'm so proud of them and I know whatever comes they will rise to the challenge! Makes a momma proud. </p><p>I'm not ready to jump ship by any means but if the ship dumps me, it'll be okay!</p><p>Now. gotta go harvest some mistletoe and sage. 2023, here I come!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxQ0CW0tJ1PNUOaaI6hl_RBd7MYzc0lp59RlZx8A4mzmvKlpEOgxJTFfRLgdelBEewkIBhY78lMPC6p_Kiv-7gcJtg8kMw5--uzTHhSbcYuYD4NZjCByFsPXHzbIJikIfw3L7Mem_kktHB23JKIOaaHt12shC_zvv3iJisdQagF5qJk7pdklc61NyhQ/s718/brooding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="718" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxQ0CW0tJ1PNUOaaI6hl_RBd7MYzc0lp59RlZx8A4mzmvKlpEOgxJTFfRLgdelBEewkIBhY78lMPC6p_Kiv-7gcJtg8kMw5--uzTHhSbcYuYD4NZjCByFsPXHzbIJikIfw3L7Mem_kktHB23JKIOaaHt12shC_zvv3iJisdQagF5qJk7pdklc61NyhQ/w467-h458/brooding.jpg" width="467" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-21062985031880229362022-10-17T16:13:00.008-07:002022-10-17T16:28:58.061-07:00Plunking Around<p> Sunday! Football. More purging! It's crazy how many times I pull things out of a box when the first thought is "what was I thinking!"</p><p>While going though old files do any of you find yellowed paper with random phone #'? No name, or a first name, no last, and you have no idea who, what or where! Found a post-it note that said "Tuesday, 10:00"! Makes me think someone called and said they were on their way to our house, so I gathered up a bunch of odd and ends, magazines, nail files, polish remover, cool I'll-check-that-out-later catalogs and a partner-less sock, dumped it all in a box and the box ended up in the garage.</p><p>At least, by purging now, there is the promise that we will not be hauling tons of useless ephemera with us to Ohio!</p><p>Visited Denver last week to celebrate our oldest granddaughter's 25th birthday with her. Quarter of a Century! How did little Alli get to 25 when I'm only 42?</p><p>We had plans on visiting my 90 year-old aunt and lots of cousins but the altitude threatened to strangle me. We had to head home after just one day at that altitude! Another Pulmonary Fibrosis benefit! Also found out that wrapping a scarf around my mouth and nose when outside in weather below 40 degrees is advised unless I want to go for marathon coughing!</p><p>No Cold Air<br />No High Altitudes<br />Learning a lot with this diagnosis. Also getting some excellent naturopathic advice from good friends. </p><p>Pulmonologist looked at my white white hair (ignoring the purple highlights) and asked when I first starting going gray. I answered that I got my first gray hair in high school, true. He stated that families predisposed to premature gray hair are also predisposed to Pulmonary Fibrosis. </p><p>Sorry, Dude, (Dr. Dude) but no history of IPF in the family and longevity is the best part of our DNA. Family members live to be late 90's. 100 and even 102. ( I thought my great-grandmother lived to be 104 but I was corrected by my mother. Great grandma only lived to be 102!</p><p>Before I let you go, I want to share a little entry from my mother's journal. (No wonder, packing is taking so long, I keep pulling out the journal and catching up on Mom's life)</p><p>Quote from journal:</p><p>"Mama's mother, grandma Daisy is 102. While we were in the kitchen I asked her if she's always been healthy. She replied that she has rarely been ill. No time living on the ranch! I asked her, Grandma, have you ever been bedridden? Yes, mi hija, hundreds and hundreds of times, even once in a buggy!"</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-61913774250145183392022-10-06T12:55:00.005-07:002022-10-06T13:17:24.431-07:00Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This<p>Hi all, I've missed you all, though I do check up on you now and then. </p><p>Life has been crazy here in Shasta County. Los Angeles Times and New York Times have actually written articles about the craziness. </p><p>Several years ago a rich guy came to town, built a gorgeous winery, event center and chapel all without permits. The county charged him and he had to pay penalties...which of course the entitled white rich man was above doing. He closed everything up (or the county did, not sure). He moved to Connecticut but with a soul dedicated to revenge! We have a huge bunch of Trumpers, Election deniers, White Militia and GOP cowboys here in the county and they are taking over the county all with the financial backing of Mr. Revengeful. It's damn scary. </p><p>That's exactly what we needed to go with Covid and forest fires and smoke and drought. If you see any green lawns in our county it's because they've been sprayed green or your very rich and don't mind paying the fines.</p><p>We've been slowly packing and purging to make our exit from California and were seriously considering North Carolina or Virginia. It looks like it's going to be Ohio! Yup, OHIO!</p><p>When I told one of my granddaughters that her hippy grandmother was moving to Ohio she laughed her head off (almost). "Ohio!" she said, "I almost forgot there was a state named Ohio!"</p><p>Ohio is not my first choice. I need mountains. Every time I see a drone view of a house on Zillow or Realtor.com and see that flat horizon my heart pounds and I can't breathe for a second or two. Flat scares me. A friend that lives in Ohio said not to worry, they have hills. He just doesn't get my attachment to Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta and all the surrounding mountains. </p><p>Why am I considering Ohio, you're probably asking yourself. Not such a long story. </p><p>I've been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Not a good thing. Average kicking-of-the-bucket typically happens within 1 to 3 years after diagnosis. Diagnosed two months ago by accident, my worthless doctor actually had a report from a CT done in 2020 that showed the beginnings of IPF but failed to tell me. A CT done this year to look for something completely different showed progression. My chiropractor actually diagnosed it. No cure, just progression and then cough, choke, death. Crap!</p><p> Ohio has Cleveland Clinic, which has an outstanding pulmonary department. So flatland it is. </p><p>I'm extremely anxious and depressed with this. I've taken all the tests and am awaiting next doctor visit (with pulmonologist not old GP). In the meantime, I'm trying all the naturopathic things I can do. NAC, Vitamins C,D, & E. Doing some breathing exercises and (don't laugh) third chakra work. </p><p>I'm working with a therapist on a Death with Dignity plan, which probably means coming back to west coast or another state that allows it. Ohio doesn't have that option. The thought of suffocating while my family stands by just doesn't have any appeal.</p><p>I have three kids (kids all in their 50's) but they are the most intelligent, funny and glorious humans. It makes me sad how much I will miss of their lives but mostly their humor and intelligent conversations. </p><p>Don't get me wrong. I'm not giving up. I will put every effort into delaying the progression of this disease but there is no cure (YET). </p><p>Dr. Pulmonologist says there are medications to help slow progression but the cost is about $70,000 a year which insurance will pay approx $1000 per month. He doesn't prescribe it, unless his patients insist, because it only has about a 5% efficiency in slowing progression. Can you imagine? $70,000 a year. Big Pharma scores again!</p><p>So, breathe deep, my friends. Keep moving. Get out of town when the skies fill up with wildfire smoke. </p><p>I'll keep you all up to date. Back to packing and hacking!!!</p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-6957191347145281912022-03-12T20:59:00.002-08:002022-03-12T20:59:58.517-08:00Inspiration<p>We survived another sleep-over with our 7 year old great-granddaughter, Ms. B! </p><p>We picked her up from school yesterday, came home for a picnic that she set up. We sanded a couple of bedside tables that I'm going to paint. </p><p>We came inside. She is quite the gymnastic kid so she moved a couple of items, a table, plants and ottoman, so she could do forward hand springs or stand on her hands whenever she felt the urge. She felt the urge often, sometimes in the middle of a sentence.</p><p>At one point, after an exceptionally spontaneous handspring, she sat on the ground holding her shin and announced loudly, "It hurts to be cool!"</p><p>If you ask Ms. B how old she is she will tell you "7 and a half so technically I'm 8!" She rounds up on her age but not when passing out cookies. She and The Guy (technically The Papa!) made chocolate chip cookies and ordered pizza (forget Keto this weekend).</p><p>She went home early this evening. The Papa and I took some Tylenol and are watching the clock. We don't want to be wussy and go to bed before 9 p.m. It would somehow make it official to us that our butts were kicked by a little girl. Two to One and she still kicked butt!</p><p>As soon as that long-hand hits the 12...14 minutes from now, I'm fluffing the pillow and calling it a day. Before I sleep though, I will be sending out a little prayer of gratitude...for not falling off my bike, for being able to get off the ground after the picnic, for being Ms. B's star student during a game of School, for Papa making pancakes with sprinkles and Boysenberry Syrup, and to Ms. B for inspiring me to get back on my bike and ride!</p><p>I'm sleeping good tonight because tomorrow WE RIDE!</p><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-36818191806871799842022-03-09T15:06:00.002-08:002022-03-09T15:06:32.087-08:00Where's My Glasses!<p> I hopped on my blog today to check out the blogs I'm following.</p><p>As I scrolled down the right side, a widget from long ago caught my eye. It is some long forgotten link proclaiming myself a Democrat. I hadn't read the description in a long time. These words are the widgets, not mine.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #faf1da; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12px;">You are a </span><em style="background-color: #faf1da; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12px;"><strong class="title">Working Class Warrior</strong></em><span style="background-color: #faf1da; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12px;">, also known a blue-collar Democrat or Occupier.</span></div><span style="background-color: #faf1da; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">You believe that the little guy is getting screwed by conservative greed-mongers and</div><div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"> corporate criminals, and you’re not going to take it anymore.</div><div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">With my reading glasses sitting next to my coffee on the table, I had to squint with my "good eye"! "Good eye" meaning not the worst one, I read, "the little guy get screwed by conservative good-manners!...WTF!!!!</p><p style="text-align: left;">My neck almost snapped as I reached for my readers.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> "...<span style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">conservative greed-mongers.".</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">I guess I'm going to find one of those reading glass necklace holder thingies. Are they called Glass Retainers? I'll hippy it up with some peace-beads and keep my reading eyes safe from fake news!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_YBhGLU3o3rMVAa1HZkyY5x3sezP6oQzsrX2C02ZYZWZbCj7E_0bFH3u-5T9iZBdY_qk5MAFlEc-TTvpW1JjBXUyEORzWN_T_tJ1yOzBhRwa3FmFeeo4Aoltg5Nfr9qLx8L0DJH_RWOL_q4uJirZnkH5BYvQhwwHVyuibrGCynj6JlgisizRXvvkF6w=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_YBhGLU3o3rMVAa1HZkyY5x3sezP6oQzsrX2C02ZYZWZbCj7E_0bFH3u-5T9iZBdY_qk5MAFlEc-TTvpW1JjBXUyEORzWN_T_tJ1yOzBhRwa3FmFeeo4Aoltg5Nfr9qLx8L0DJH_RWOL_q4uJirZnkH5BYvQhwwHVyuibrGCynj6JlgisizRXvvkF6w=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Wish.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></span><span style="background-color: #faf1da; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><p></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-65896068271578539292022-03-08T20:47:00.000-08:002022-03-08T20:47:32.509-08:00Daily Self-Care Distractions!Craziness going on in the world! I'm CNN-Twitter-ABCNews-PBS-ed Out! <div><br /></div><div>Need a bit of self-care, I typically self-medicate my chronic depression and anxiety with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia but my thighs begged me in a dream last night to have mercy on them!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what can I do for the sake of my thighs and waistline? I know...random questions about things that will never be! (Sorry, gave up sanity for Lent!)</div><div><br /></div><div>My sister posted this on FB yesterday:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz5mNU4harc8RpC2jYz2ZcwowTDSl8l1hZTiOIXf66mtbcdm1KMMzKX1T4Ji39pTv9DAna4od4SI5Lmr8aje4aaigk6OpAZKXYTlXjUzeToMD5Snq862_5AjjurQXiWDrPTiQFFAJ5eIdKKuPTlv9sI5-ObVpzOOVfaO3H93BzhAmbWZcrfJe1f2GgNw=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="720" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz5mNU4harc8RpC2jYz2ZcwowTDSl8l1hZTiOIXf66mtbcdm1KMMzKX1T4Ji39pTv9DAna4od4SI5Lmr8aje4aaigk6OpAZKXYTlXjUzeToMD5Snq862_5AjjurQXiWDrPTiQFFAJ5eIdKKuPTlv9sI5-ObVpzOOVfaO3H93BzhAmbWZcrfJe1f2GgNw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure of original author...sorry!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>A commenter announced that they would love to have their life narrated by Morgan Freeman!</div><div><br /></div><div>That would indeed be pretty cool but I'm a woman so as much as I love Freeman's voice (and boy do I love it) I think it would be more self-affirming and less condescending to have a woman's voice in the narration department. </div><div><br /></div><div>Who would you like to narrate your life story on the next Netflix Made-for-TV movie or do you think your life is Big-Screen-ish?</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been around the sun 71 times. In that time I've had some highs and some lows but nothing big-screen worthy. My biography is definitely closer to TV, I mean if professional bowling has a show why not me Why not you, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>After the first 10 minutes of national news, I flipped over to Ed Sheeran channel on Pandora, grabbed a soda, and tried to figure out who would be the voice to my ups, downs and long, long flatlines!</div><div><br /></div><div>Helen Mirren. That's who I want! It was a tie between her and Emma Thompson. Deciding was a challenge until I figured Mirren should narrate and Thompson would play me! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now my sisters-in-law would probably suggest it be more appropriate that Roseann Barr narrate. I haven't won a lot of brownie points with them the last couple of years! We'll leave that part out of the movie!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, share with us. </div><div>Who would narrate your movie?</div><div>Who would be play you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe Lily Tomlin would make a better me in the movie? What actor is a cross between Tomlin, Thompson and Cher (okay, just a little Barr)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Next meaningless and random distraction: What characters in a movie or tv show would you hire to take Putin to the Train Station (wink wink, nudge nudge)?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRZmyXeGrwXyz74Jr5rDXt2M4HVn45l_1N-CqEw5GitLUorFVE-VenJEupEkC7QQICJIeAnB0VcTZn9YK2t6Ysofd480OPjksRhKV8yoVrhb-XdW6HRB6Xwc9BFVzWqeugVpCPtmMFRWEYvCQ46ucTVx5S3vJeX0cesQ_uN5K1CkrDDijw8EU_xDV9Ng=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="915" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRZmyXeGrwXyz74Jr5rDXt2M4HVn45l_1N-CqEw5GitLUorFVE-VenJEupEkC7QQICJIeAnB0VcTZn9YK2t6Ysofd480OPjksRhKV8yoVrhb-XdW6HRB6Xwc9BFVzWqeugVpCPtmMFRWEYvCQ46ucTVx5S3vJeX0cesQ_uN5K1CkrDDijw8EU_xDV9Ng=s320" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-21060732076727874882022-03-08T14:11:00.005-08:002022-03-08T14:15:06.758-08:00Tapering Off<p> Hi All (or maybe I should say (Hey ya'll!) </p><p>The Guy and I are seriously considering selling our home on the west coast and vaulting all the way to the east coast...Virginia, that is! Or North Carolina, or, uh, maybe just Ohio!!!!</p><p>(you'll never believe how much time it's been since I started this post...I got a little distracted!)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpHEkztZbh9C1ZNmwKti-DQw7BHda1U2hLGP-5FoYG6KZjkuIKI1Kb8Mm5BVczCosEep4zota0oCKDOHyaTFCcTYF8UnpTdykuiR5lmrQDmz98sPd-o7bItFRGLtoPwAmIeUojbVBjxk8utZ86HGNfsObS5P0dUMBaMe0fRB6uZnDRKJsFzduotYr8vQ=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpHEkztZbh9C1ZNmwKti-DQw7BHda1U2hLGP-5FoYG6KZjkuIKI1Kb8Mm5BVczCosEep4zota0oCKDOHyaTFCcTYF8UnpTdykuiR5lmrQDmz98sPd-o7bItFRGLtoPwAmIeUojbVBjxk8utZ86HGNfsObS5P0dUMBaMe0fRB6uZnDRKJsFzduotYr8vQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art courtesy of Scoot Smith</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>So, yeah, we're trying to taper off our deep love of California and our California-ness! There is a certain "west-coast vibe" that many this side of the country have, but we're up here in Northern California. This is where take-it-easy-don't-harsh-my-mellow does not exist, and actually could get you shot if you openly display anything but rage and distrust! But this is not about that!</p><p>This is about being a couple of a certain age who need out! We have been through many huge fires in our life together and several mandatory evacuations and several more evac warnings. We've had summers when we can't swim in our pool because the smoke levels are "unhealthy"! It's weird that the news casters announce that smoke levels are high and we should remain indoors as if we liked walking the river trails inhaling small glowing embers!</p><p>Then there's the fact that in good ole California 66% of the cost of a gallon of gas is actually taxes! Yup 66%! But, again, this is not about that!</p><p>This is about PTSD and Drought and a bit of ignorance.</p><p>The evening news on March 3 announced Wind Warnings for the morning of March 4. You know the big red banner <span style="color: red;"><u>Wind Warning</u></span>! </p><p>Morning of March 4 the guy takes dogs for a walk. Upon returning he states, "There's smoke rising in the north hill." I responded, "Yeah, I think <u>they</u>'re doing a controlled burn today." (they being Cal Fire)</p><p>"Not today," responds the guy. "have you seen the wind out there?"</p><p>Fifteen minutes later on scanner there is a request for a dozer at the site of controlled burn! Surprisingly (not) the fire has jumped! </p><p>Can you imagine?</p><p>Half hour later we receive a mandatory evacuation alert on both our phones! The alert was not for our neighborhood but the fire is north of us and headed south! </p><p>Goose bumps, chest pain, tight jaw and a couple of veins throbbing in our foreheads...NOT AGAIN!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQuRWOTwqDTNUnivkHAfRTddn5x1ySvEByZHYwvFKW_b9KR--lKnbssNlx64jWmMuTy7iT6MyL4gAl8SQV83zC6QyONTbvCl5w75GiFz3cqe8hyYMzGtjAuKxe8mQOXkQ1tC773xxRTuoOU5j8KXgV7v84UfzSJdnd-XGUUKITpURobVEt00CLTzBsCg=s886" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="886" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQuRWOTwqDTNUnivkHAfRTddn5x1ySvEByZHYwvFKW_b9KR--lKnbssNlx64jWmMuTy7iT6MyL4gAl8SQV83zC6QyONTbvCl5w75GiFz3cqe8hyYMzGtjAuKxe8mQOXkQ1tC773xxRTuoOU5j8KXgV7v84UfzSJdnd-XGUUKITpURobVEt00CLTzBsCg=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It's only March! We need to get out of here before summer!!!</p><p>They've got it under control. Evacuations have been lifted for the immediate area of fire, The sheriff's department announced that the fire was under investigation...apparently Cal Fire was hesitant on taking responsibility for burning on a High Risk day with incredibly harsh winds but too many people have scanners and heard the first couple of calls for help go out. The next day they sent out a press release announcing that a controlled burn went out of control but nothing like, "We sincerely apologize to the Peeps of Shasta County for lighting a fire on a day we warned you all not to!"</p><p>We're going to miss this beautiful area. Mountains are my best friends and people have promised me there are mountains in Virginia, though they are a little stooped like my and The Guy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilvUw9sR_fqB_PdC8R7U6N3Pvg7LFja52LFfgwLWeu1njA88RKPu9wQJq7UoKSYwK30H6jsdbfr2hoESABMooekgQ18OsBtxVWiDs7dmdv6ZaK81NWx3a4JKtj0mQ6iTfvAiab2j2dJ3fzlrngPMdLml5tI8LNbh6E5k0zpQ2e_QX_ZHhu0_V-ADf-qg=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilvUw9sR_fqB_PdC8R7U6N3Pvg7LFja52LFfgwLWeu1njA88RKPu9wQJq7UoKSYwK30H6jsdbfr2hoESABMooekgQ18OsBtxVWiDs7dmdv6ZaK81NWx3a4JKtj0mQ6iTfvAiab2j2dJ3fzlrngPMdLml5tI8LNbh6E5k0zpQ2e_QX_ZHhu0_V-ADf-qg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the lookout above Shasta Dam!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8-gmKEVHURdnmdezMMyz2Y6lmROlYJ7LuVMugFI5nc6OrrVx9e7rAjUHzcOnB-FCVREkv4VQcVsTwQToOTlGYRDNsd1Okv_PA9Sj9SuetAaHlGF1C-M3mxBRf5lQxGwT-V967-XH3sfCUsqCj4P69KHbr1FKPZCGOyroPRD1CsntbBaR94EzpTv2WSQ=s960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8-gmKEVHURdnmdezMMyz2Y6lmROlYJ7LuVMugFI5nc6OrrVx9e7rAjUHzcOnB-FCVREkv4VQcVsTwQToOTlGYRDNsd1Okv_PA9Sj9SuetAaHlGF1C-M3mxBRf5lQxGwT-V967-XH3sfCUsqCj4P69KHbr1FKPZCGOyroPRD1CsntbBaR94EzpTv2WSQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /> </td></tr></tbody></table>I swear this is through the windshield on out way to photograph lennies on the mountain. My camera lens is never that dirty!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSTyVnuO_wc5pOApQ0HFR8Bg_zRw9nu0W7nMFJAVS71jkUSUk2n85g0isDVVXpy241hx3sjZIOd1njaZoQXL5-y1p2dl0PA922q-9uCcaJeMeFD31BhMJC_PmNEBaeMtHXGlVQm6iEuWzZrXNSt0KoeiAr4DrYnkHXrLM8IsbvyVqzlJi6JSGYvlZTcw=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSTyVnuO_wc5pOApQ0HFR8Bg_zRw9nu0W7nMFJAVS71jkUSUk2n85g0isDVVXpy241hx3sjZIOd1njaZoQXL5-y1p2dl0PA922q-9uCcaJeMeFD31BhMJC_PmNEBaeMtHXGlVQm6iEuWzZrXNSt0KoeiAr4DrYnkHXrLM8IsbvyVqzlJi6JSGYvlZTcw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I do know that east coast color is more vibrant than ours...maybe more of it but can it really be more vibrant.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-RkgPqwPMotAVzpLeazXf8jtqGh0gstJcKBNmGTjxyesOWtsaIcA2wtslHM2FGWTYjvb4Erh6aNXgjYkZeLR9OQacNeM1-A5XEjZq9V92woXEkkNWKrgoeLCE1rlkdRGv3NBHLJe6G9-GdbPV16TBOmmFB_gscbPsIDAYsHnUwaIYwVazdXCUX1biyw=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-RkgPqwPMotAVzpLeazXf8jtqGh0gstJcKBNmGTjxyesOWtsaIcA2wtslHM2FGWTYjvb4Erh6aNXgjYkZeLR9OQacNeM1-A5XEjZq9V92woXEkkNWKrgoeLCE1rlkdRGv3NBHLJe6G9-GdbPV16TBOmmFB_gscbPsIDAYsHnUwaIYwVazdXCUX1biyw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, until next time...The Guy is telling me there are lennies on the mountain and we gotta get up there!</div><div><p>p.s. I know there is a war going on, and a pandemic and apparently some kind of civil war in the U.S. but I thought we could all use a distraction!</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-8464629715833538812021-07-09T19:44:00.006-07:002021-07-09T19:56:59.973-07:00Made It!<p> Time to tick off the boxes of surviving being exiled for the good of the realm.</p><p>We made it! Vaccinated, never got the dreaded virus and relieved that our world is only mostly a mess!</p><p>We actually thrived through social distancing said the introvert) and fell even more in love with each other! </p><p>We finished remodeling the guest bathroom.(Except painting ceiling but if you don't look up and just take care of business, it looks done).</p><p>The remodel plans for master bath were cut back to painting, new baseboards and new curtains. Instead of knocking out old tile and shower pan for fancy new tiles, we had our dog's butt remodeled. Rex had a giant tumor which cost $3500 to removed. I do have to say, though, that his new butt is pretty dang nice...for a butt! He's doing well and is just as beautiful and loving as ever. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sv07Vtr1Ww/YNTFlpjczCI/AAAAAAAAGh0/b1Hufh5NJo8Oo8N1QyFlRNjeiWkkqf4DQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sv07Vtr1Ww/YNTFlpjczCI/AAAAAAAAGh0/b1Hufh5NJo8Oo8N1QyFlRNjeiWkkqf4DQCNcBGAsYHQ/w358-h268/IMG_6173.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guy, Little Lily and Rex in his cone of shame!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The Guy and I have been getting out about 3 days a week for long drives in the mountains with photos of fall color, snow covered trees and volcanos, spring flowers and now, back to airplanes bombing fires. </p><p>Frank had one of his photos featured in a local magazine in March. He also submitted six of his photos to the new court house and four were accepted for hanging in the halls! Really proud of him. Six of his wild flower photos have been chosen by the city for wrapping utility boxes around town. </p><p>I purged all the 'stuff' from my studio and have been painting again. Trying my hand at watercolors, acrylics, and furniture. My favorite is watercolor but I'm better at furniture. I'm tempted to paint my piano but might have to leave it behind in move to North Carolina and no one wants a hippie painted piano. Instead I painted a picture of my guitar...so far it's saved the piano, though never say never!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWWoqS_7Wfw/YNTHSomRI6I/AAAAAAAAGh8/hK7G3xDoVUwnKVlVpmCXgAN-TyO4I9vRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWWoqS_7Wfw/YNTHSomRI6I/AAAAAAAAGh8/hK7G3xDoVUwnKVlVpmCXgAN-TyO4I9vRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w305-h406/IMG_6308.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><p><br />After a long, long, long time apart our youngest son and his family came up from southern California for a very nice visit. We hiked in Lassen Park one day, and had a picnic and hike in the upper Sacramento River near Castle Crags one day. Our great granddaughter joined us; youngest grandson and great granddaughter are both 7. We skipped rocks, rock jumped, slipped and fell or pretended to slip and fall in water. Temps were in high 90's that day so just laying in the water was super refreshing. Thank goodness for leather seats and towels for ride home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYTqq408DA4/YNTJAO9qgnI/AAAAAAAAGiE/P-SZ49AS6zIjZGSnEWX-gFH1IIvUpKCdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_6368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYTqq408DA4/YNTJAO9qgnI/AAAAAAAAGiE/P-SZ49AS6zIjZGSnEWX-gFH1IIvUpKCdgCNcBGAsYHQ/w275-h366/IMG_6368.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ms. B and Lukas preparing to lose control!</div><br /><p>It is 117 degrees at our house. Smoke from the 3 fires has gone in some other direction for the evening so deep breaths are possible...slow...deep...lazy breathing. Too hot to do anything else.</p><p>It's time for a blended margarita and another dip in the pool. </p><p>Missed you all sooooo much!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-49092724361344777832020-09-30T12:30:00.003-07:002020-09-30T12:33:46.017-07:00Here We Go Again<p> You may have read about our fires...again. </p><p>It's just too much on top of everything-else-2020!</p><p>We had one day of blue sky and that was the day the Zogg Fire blew up. PTSD blew up to. </p><p>I'm thinking really hard that I'm done living in California. We have a swimming pool that we keep up all year long but can't swim in half the summer because the air quality from smoke keeps us inside. Swimming with N95 mask kind of defeats the purpose of swimming. The temperatures are in the triple digits so going outside and not swimming is crazy!</p><p>We are seriously considering relocating to North Carolina; more specifically Pfafftown or Lewisville. Away from the coast...trading triple digit heat and fires for hurricanes doesn't appeal to either of us.</p><p>Anyone familiar with North Carolina? </p><p>Hope you are doing well. Will catch up when done fretting and pacinge!!!</p><p>Meanwhile some photos The Guy took this past couple of days.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTT2S33bPLQ/X3Tabj25xgI/AAAAAAAAGQs/q8M9FDB8VHIS1FtqCyxKz0--6ygJstb5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/smoke.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTT2S33bPLQ/X3Tabj25xgI/AAAAAAAAGQs/q8M9FDB8VHIS1FtqCyxKz0--6ygJstb5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/smoke.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Frank Tona<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Train trestle over Sacramento River at 9 a.m. Sun was bright red for two weeks, dull orange a bit longer.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWSjx9bPtfw/X3TbN4aTGjI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/h5sg3tvruDATdvZlXrbZ1gnFs08wmhC4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/bigboy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1000" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWSjx9bPtfw/X3TbN4aTGjI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/h5sg3tvruDATdvZlXrbZ1gnFs08wmhC4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h285/bigboy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Frank Tona</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Big Boy dropping fire retardant. The mountains behind are scarred from Carr Fire of 2018.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys1IMSb61-M/X3Tb2iL4c1I/AAAAAAAAGRA/gQhDsycES0AkKZGxkScXTeBTy8PNImevgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/mercyzogg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys1IMSb61-M/X3Tb2iL4c1I/AAAAAAAAGRA/gQhDsycES0AkKZGxkScXTeBTy8PNImevgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/mercyzogg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Frank Tona<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Photo taken from east side of town, we live on the west side but are not in the fire's path as of this morning's fire brief.</p><p>Final photo, smoke at Lassen National Park. Nice to get above it when we've got the chance!</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ht82lSpafdY/X3TcfHgcj2I/AAAAAAAAGRI/Y9KTjBKLKm0dPEyWelMxUWtcA8yEWF8BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/smokemtn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ht82lSpafdY/X3TcfHgcj2I/AAAAAAAAGRI/Y9KTjBKLKm0dPEyWelMxUWtcA8yEWF8BwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/smokemtn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Frank Tona</td></tr></tbody></table>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-28099830814398418752020-08-13T17:48:00.002-07:002020-08-13T20:31:32.713-07:00Romance At 7000'<p> Tuesday evening The Guy and I had a romantic date scheduled to watch the sunset at Lassen Park.</p><p>We missed the sunset. Romantic Man fell asleep around 4 and didn't wake up until 7. Then there is packing the cameras, tripod, chairs, etc. We left the house about 7:30. </p><p>We didn't actually miss the sunset, it happened all around us while we were driving. No cuddling or smooching but there were a couple of ooh-aah sights.</p><p>We got up to the meadow that we wanted to set up for the meteor shower. Frank set up his camera and tripod. I didn't want to take pictures, so I just settled myself in a lawn chair prepared to stare at the sky.</p><p>It was awesome. At 7000' we were above smoke layering the valley. The air was crisp and clean. </p><p>Then it got really, really, really dark. </p><p>We were near a small stream and could hear the moving water as it flowed through the rocks and made twists and turns. A couple of deer came to hang out with us. Probably figured that there was less of a chance of being chased by a mountain lion if humans are around. Maybe they figured they could outrun us if a big cat wasn't above chowing down on a of slow clumsy human.</p><p>The night was awesome. Between the two of us, we saw at least 28 shooting stars. I ran out of wishes after the 6th one so defaulted to World Peace for the remainder of meteors. </p><p>I couldn't believe how many satellites are flying around up there! Who does the air traffic control? Must be a nightmare!</p><p>We cuddled under a blanket...not because it was romantic but because it got cold. Really cold. Almost an hour past midnight, the moon rose above the mountains behind us. Lit up the sky a bit. The Milky Way was incredible and intimidating. We packed up and headed home. Left the park about 1:30, got into town about 2:30 a.m. </p><p>We are not usually doughnut kind of people (I've lost 85 pounds this last year having changed to a keto lifestyle...pastries are not on the menu). As Highway 44 rolls into town there is a 24-hour doughnut shop on the left hand side of the road. We crossed all three lanes, ordered giant apple fritters in the drive-thru and giggled like teenagers as we chomped on forbidden fruit! It was great!</p><p>Frank couldn't wait until morning to see his photos, insisting that it was morning! He got some awesome shots and a lot of plain old gorgeous starlight. </p><p>I'm so thankful for They Guy. He makes life an adventure!</p><p>We had our eyes checked today. I go back in two weeks to have some measurements taken, then will be scheduled for cataract surgery. I'm not nervous! It's 2020...what could go wrong!</p><p>Speaking of doughnuts, we visited our daughter and her family in Massachusetts last year. Some of you east-coasters probably already have this bit of trivia in your head but we discovered that in the great state of MA, directions are given using Dunkin' Donuts (Dunks). "Turn right at the first Dunks, then take the third left after the second Dunks!"</p><p>Any of you able to get your hair cut by a professional lately? Frank is starting to go crazy with his bushy curls but he doesn't trust me to trim it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR7QL-9FoPw/XzXeaImi69I/AAAAAAAAGNo/-3TVAow9-ucwABCckSguycH2HjQgiXMJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s934/93061662_10222522789237129_221656531932807168_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="934" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR7QL-9FoPw/XzXeaImi69I/AAAAAAAAGNo/-3TVAow9-ucwABCckSguycH2HjQgiXMJgCNcBGAsYHQ/w512-h512/93061662_10222522789237129_221656531932807168_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>We're bushy twins! I still need to buy some blouses that fit but as long as we're social-distancing, I'm holding off...maybe I'll lose more!!! (not eating ginormous apple fritters in the wee hours of morning).</p><p><br /></p><p>Have a great weekend everyone.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-9334630174867706772020-08-10T19:27:00.008-07:002020-08-10T19:32:45.773-07:00Lightning and other stuff!<p> The Guy talked me into loading a lightning detector app. His cell provider reception is crappy. My cell phone provider is awesome (can you hear me now)! We were in the Marble Mountains on Friday, chasing lightning, got caught in a torrential rain and hail. The storm moved off but we didn't know whether to head north or jump I-5 and go east. He batted his puppy-dog eyes and made a couple of epic promises; so I downloaded the app.</p><p>Every day since then my phone is going off with little synthesizer lightning strikes! Then The Guy tells me where it is and how many miles away; how quick we could make it there. Yet, here we sit!</p><p>Not that I'm antsy but I didn't get out of my pajamas to just sit around the house.</p><p>As it was, we didn't get any lightning photos because rain and hail aren't camera-friendly. We did get some great sunset photos. Well, to be honest, Frank got the great photos, I was reading a truly hard-to-put-down book. I did put the book down now and then to click off a couple of just-okay pics with my phone (so sad to have a killer camera in the backseat and be too lazy to reach back and grab it, but that's how good the book was!).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnddmSGGgYU/XzH97uRIZpI/AAAAAAAAGMo/RMZ01F2-VAYQS8nwjTvdj8PqSzooGUWCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5301.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnddmSGGgYU/XzH97uRIZpI/AAAAAAAAGMo/RMZ01F2-VAYQS8nwjTvdj8PqSzooGUWCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_5301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We were south of Yreka before the storm let up and, to be honest I took this from the car window. Couldn't get out of car...can you spell "lazy"?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB08PSOPJEo4xFJEmoqBvZo_RBjk9a2LRKNtYpdZiEJWScEYpLQ9m6Q0trRIBKV_GcZfvTXtvKR5VJuTrileFC25Mc5YVpviz4D-pWPArd8OoBygzj1Tz-IBCHrcT8c0aCA0loShpq8p44/s2048/IMG_5272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB08PSOPJEo4xFJEmoqBvZo_RBjk9a2LRKNtYpdZiEJWScEYpLQ9m6Q0trRIBKV_GcZfvTXtvKR5VJuTrileFC25Mc5YVpviz4D-pWPArd8OoBygzj1Tz-IBCHrcT8c0aCA0loShpq8p44/s640/IMG_5272.jpg" /></a></div><p>Missed sunset on Mt. Shasta but the clouds gave the impression of a mini-eruption!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBD5pY41EwU/XzH-457TwvI/AAAAAAAAGM4/QIIMN7bKbiUyxiAZidmjb_DW5rwGRbgmACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBD5pY41EwU/XzH-457TwvI/AAAAAAAAGM4/QIIMN7bKbiUyxiAZidmjb_DW5rwGRbgmACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_5270.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Our high temp today was 109! We spent the afternoon in the pool with our fur-babies. Rex and Lily got a great bath; both smell like tea tree this evening...nice!</p><p>I snapped a photo of Rex after his bath and sent it in to our local news. KRCR broadcast our beautiful boy on the 5:30 news! Cool!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivKUrvxuCtc/XzIABHwM8aI/AAAAAAAAGNE/h9b3h42nwr0rIpbiyEwGsBXPZY7NlNdBACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivKUrvxuCtc/XzIABHwM8aI/AAAAAAAAGNE/h9b3h42nwr0rIpbiyEwGsBXPZY7NlNdBACNcBGAsYHQ/w600-h800/IMG_5315.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>He is usually much fluffier but soaking wet he looks a little like a mop with eyes. I told him he was a local celeb but he seems completely unimpressed. Humble baby!</p><p>The Guy is sooooo romantic. He has invited me to go to Whiskeytown Lake to watch the sunset tonight! Don't anyone say "ahhh!" "As long as we're there" he is going to practice videoing the meteor showers tonight so he knows what adjustments to make when he heads to Mt. Lassen tomorrow night!</p><p>Honestly, I don't mind being part of a practice date night! There will be at least an hour between sunset and meteors to make out under the stars!</p>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-32988400341215255462020-08-06T12:45:00.000-07:002020-08-06T12:45:52.114-07:00Old FriendsThe only time I've ever been able to get close to a Giant Blue Heron! Apparently it was just too cold to fly away!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdXiRnD3wME/XyxaBov1BKI/AAAAAAAAGLU/m1baDV3aWIsWCiecgfDIM1Hg-APOR1V9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/blueheron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdXiRnD3wME/XyxaBov1BKI/AAAAAAAAGLU/m1baDV3aWIsWCiecgfDIM1Hg-APOR1V9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/blueheron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7SUf08qbMY/Xyxanwi1y8I/AAAAAAAAGLc/EXiRpclaMlwno893CXasA-im6QCqFXh2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/eaglecouple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1855" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7SUf08qbMY/Xyxanwi1y8I/AAAAAAAAGLc/EXiRpclaMlwno893CXasA-im6QCqFXh2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/eaglecouple.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you remember the old Wonderful World of Color show on Sunday evening television (dating myself)?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sometimes it would show an elegant, proud eagle flying in, wings stretched out in regal glide over a frozen lake. Landing appears to be pure perfection until regal eagle slips onto its tush and slides on ice for 15 feet. That's what it's like on Tule Lake!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0YnVoq3S1w/XyxbsGPgEsI/AAAAAAAAGLo/hcDMUc0-kHIND_zeXpDzo_wIeR2bcOdWQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1520/eagleportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1498" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0YnVoq3S1w/XyxbsGPgEsI/AAAAAAAAGLo/hcDMUc0-kHIND_zeXpDzo_wIeR2bcOdWQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/eagleportrait.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This one was not so happy after such a humiliating landing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUjt8P9D0gg/Xyxb8r-vZmI/AAAAAAAAGLw/WzbqkuE64rQ-hfeAWBnHVNSIKtUIp9ZHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUjt8P9D0gg/Xyxb8r-vZmI/AAAAAAAAGLw/WzbqkuE64rQ-hfeAWBnHVNSIKtUIp9ZHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/flight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't laugh at them. They get mad and leave!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsqV7SeTu3E/XyxcQP1p6rI/AAAAAAAAGL4/lXPMOd6RTT81oclNvc5B8Mb9YQsro40DACNcBGAsYHQ/s1096/eaglewings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1096" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsqV7SeTu3E/XyxcQP1p6rI/AAAAAAAAGL4/lXPMOd6RTT81oclNvc5B8Mb9YQsro40DACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/eaglewings1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Assured of less humiliating landing. Eagles are fun to photograph but they're very thin-skinned when it comes to humor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzv5-8pPg-A/XyxdErmdl_I/AAAAAAAAGMI/hSMOALzyTj8ytzO7z6QSkfsLtjic5XmSQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/hawkyawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1633" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzv5-8pPg-A/XyxdErmdl_I/AAAAAAAAGMI/hSMOALzyTj8ytzO7z6QSkfsLtjic5XmSQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/hawkyawn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe if the hawks didn't laugh so loud, the mighty eagles could have a little chuckles now and again at their own expense!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-2282957711434035332020-08-06T11:10:00.002-07:002020-08-06T11:26:18.462-07:00Need I Say More<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNjzvUDXMs0/XyxHiC1jnCI/AAAAAAAAGLA/x44MluAqRaAuE3CVxKxAFZC4NZQwcaYZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s542/jealous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="542" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNjzvUDXMs0/XyxHiC1jnCI/AAAAAAAAGLA/x44MluAqRaAuE3CVxKxAFZC4NZQwcaYZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/jealous.jpg" /></a></div>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-83535052473803595782020-08-05T13:48:00.002-07:002020-08-05T13:54:00.724-07:00The Waiting GameGood news! We finally got our new roof! Been waiting for 18 months!<div><br /></div><div>So, we were in the Carr Fire, had some minor roof damage, but didn't discover it until 6 months later when we had a severe snow storm which took out our pergola, swimming pool filter, and various trees and bushes. Then we (Redding) had tornado warnings and an incredible hail storm which damaged all the roofs that weren't destroyed in the Carr Fire or snow.</div><div><br /></div><div>We needed a new roof but we still had shingles and gutters (and a house, which, sadly many didn't even have that). We got put on a waiting list. We could have had one installed by a bay area roofer but they wanted an average of $14,000 more than the local super roofer. We waited.</div><div><br /></div><div>Poor guys finally got to our house in triple digit weather! Felt bad for them but am so happy to look up and see light gray shingles and white rain gutters! No to repair the ceiling by the chimney and we're good!</div><div><br /></div><div>Really, really, really good news! Our daughter just earned her PhD! She is the Director of Distance Learning at an East Coast University, has directed the whole university to distance learning in this pandemic, trained faculty and staff and finished her dissertation! I can;t imagine the stress! She did it!</div><div><br /></div><div>So proud of her!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IO8_3xx_cY/XysV5niU6HI/AAAAAAAAGJg/_Zllz8k5qz4jn_jMiNB3I_USCaEBcn4YACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/coyote.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IO8_3xx_cY/XysV5niU6HI/AAAAAAAAGJg/_Zllz8k5qz4jn_jMiNB3I_USCaEBcn4YACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/coyote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>We interrupted a coyote on his hunt for breakfast when we were in Klamath Wildlife Refuge. I didn't get the "Best" photo of a coyote but I did get the First one (extra points for first) of the day! Not a sharp focus but can't win them all!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a cold foggy morning. My birthday, and this was the best present I could imagine. We were up at 4;30 to get to the spot we wanted. Kind of mystical!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuXPjfkgrb0/XysbVqrDXoI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/P2XKmfJwOMol1QgZRVnJiGaNeW0rvqoBgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/foggymorning.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1559" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuXPjfkgrb0/XysbVqrDXoI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/P2XKmfJwOMol1QgZRVnJiGaNeW0rvqoBgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/foggymorning.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaK4xDbcLuE/XysZuV7cBnI/AAAAAAAAGJ8/XHopLcVBigwBI9AJ1zCnf2srh6t2JPxAACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/antelope.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaK4xDbcLuE/XysZuV7cBnI/AAAAAAAAGJ8/XHopLcVBigwBI9AJ1zCnf2srh6t2JPxAACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/antelope.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also took The Guy's mom to Oregon last fall to photograph the color in Lithia Park, oops, too late. Leaves dropped early last year! So we went up to Roseburg to check out another Wildlife park.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGB-53VVU8Y/Xysana9sM4I/AAAAAAAAGKE/gAWG5HmrrxUCJKQLWdcYE1y1pH0fLtL2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/zebra2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2022" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGB-53VVU8Y/Xysana9sM4I/AAAAAAAAGKE/gAWG5HmrrxUCJKQLWdcYE1y1pH0fLtL2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/zebra2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a good Wednesday, Friends!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div></div>Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-32287902270631974642020-08-04T14:27:00.001-07:002020-08-04T14:27:29.611-07:00What The?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Damn! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I can't believe I haven't been here for over a year! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What a year, right?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">How are you all?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've missed you all tremendously, though I do check in on Bob Statten's Twitter! ( Thank god for you, Bob! I've needed the voice of righteous reason so much!)</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What to say about this year?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ups. Downs. Haven't choked, killed or slapped anyone so I guess I;m ahead of some! I also think I deserve a "Good Job" sticker for not slapping or choking people...I do live in a Red county! I guess I could tell you all that I've been working on my tolerance, patience and self-control but really, I've just been sitting on my hands a lot and swearing quietly behind my covid mask.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Made rainbow masks for my husband and me. My own little passive-aggressive act to all the <strike>shitheads</strike> fine people of Shasta County!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What have you been doing during this global social distancing? Vodka, Tequila, Zanax?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The Guy and I have been taking off to take pictures of nature about 3 or 4 days a week. Neowise comet actually had us up at 2 or 3 a.m. to drive up to Lassen Park (6000 to 7000 ft elevation to photograph it in mornings. Then we were all over the place to catch it in the evenings. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BDXtFWHv10/XynOBZuy-pI/AAAAAAAAGIY/o47KEQCOnC8L89UwiQqT8kfkdwcRE2m_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/cometgloryhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography by Frank Tona" border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BDXtFWHv10/XynOBZuy-pI/AAAAAAAAGIY/o47KEQCOnC8L89UwiQqT8kfkdwcRE2m_wCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/cometgloryhole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Here's a shot the Guy took at Whiskeytown Lake; Glory Hole in foreground!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMUMuffisqo/XynO9838oFI/AAAAAAAAGIg/HLdt_6a9Nk4VpAQedhN9YPvi26O_vp_rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/milkyway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMUMuffisqo/XynO9838oFI/AAAAAAAAGIg/HLdt_6a9Nk4VpAQedhN9YPvi26O_vp_rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/milkyway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Milky Way from Lassen Park!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In January we took of to Klamath Wildlife Refuge and caught some awesome photos of gloriousbirds and wildlife.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Te25WpvGVao/XynPqLAhooI/AAAAAAAAGIs/OoBmVj3Q464lkZnoRiM2qLNDSGwVfvChACNcBGAsYHQ/s1604/82476818_10222645941124150_5672495635769589760_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="1371" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Te25WpvGVao/XynPqLAhooI/AAAAAAAAGIs/OoBmVj3Q464lkZnoRiM2qLNDSGwVfvChACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/82476818_10222645941124150_5672495635769589760_o.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Goose bumps when one of these guys is staring at you through the lens!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfSdVXpd_2M/XynQIuJ2aiI/AAAAAAAAGI0/KtcnJVLG1GAVpY_sKfD_vG9FFGr_G4LswCNcBGAsYHQ/s1459/82552113_10222645943244203_6740103250038489088_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1053" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfSdVXpd_2M/XynQIuJ2aiI/AAAAAAAAGI0/KtcnJVLG1GAVpY_sKfD_vG9FFGr_G4LswCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/82552113_10222645943244203_6740103250038489088_o.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Can you believe the frost on on those feathers?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jad8o8VAj0w/XynQ5HoYOuI/AAAAAAAAGJA/vA1gJhesx8g079V23uZiM5e3QYOunZqjACNcBGAsYHQ/s1728/83142660_10222645934923995_5935150443746295808_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1716" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jad8o8VAj0w/XynQ5HoYOuI/AAAAAAAAGJA/vA1gJhesx8g079V23uZiM5e3QYOunZqjACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/83142660_10222645934923995_5935150443746295808_o.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Not as sharp on the focus but I was so excited I might have been shaking! Or, it could have been the cold; it was 10 degrees F.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm hoping it won;t be another year before I remember there is more to life than cameras and audio books!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In the meantime, Friends,remember to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjkJS6ydX9s/XynSAKskipI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/cCbPQPOBDwsOVyowlfAP3ue-C1flUkI7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s720/moat-clipart-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjkJS6ydX9s/XynSAKskipI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/cCbPQPOBDwsOVyowlfAP3ue-C1flUkI7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/moat-clipart-2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>
Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-91533213146388629782019-04-10T10:58:00.003-07:002019-04-11T04:53:54.715-07:00Abyss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow. Couldn't remember how to make a new post for a second there.<br />
<br />
Life continues. Spring has sprung. FINALLY!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntYNfplCSEw/XK4uoUcWvnI/AAAAAAAAFxA/G6jpvK3e2DcRalCyaStvr3-Po_syzB0_ACLcBGAs/s1600/_DSC2481a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntYNfplCSEw/XK4uoUcWvnI/AAAAAAAAFxA/G6jpvK3e2DcRalCyaStvr3-Po_syzB0_ACLcBGAs/s320/_DSC2481a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Ashes removed from yard from fire.<br />
<br />
Snowed. Snow caused trees to fall on pergola and in pool.<br />
<br />
Insurance claims filed.<br />
<br />
Even more trees fell on grandson's new house, taking out cars, power, shop, fences.<br />
<br />
More insurance claims filed.<br />
<br />
Grandson and family moved in with us for 32 days while trees were cut, power poles reset, etc.<br />
<br />
Get a new pool sweep, pool pump and filter and new pergola. Yay!<br />
<br />
Received offer on folks' house.<br />
<br />
Had Dad's funeral service with Patriot Guard procession, Military honors, gun salute, VFW presentation, U.S. Flag presented to me. Incredible. (remember we had to cancel first funeral because of Carr Fire). <br />
<br />
Folks' House flooded ruining 4 month old floor.<br />
<br />
Hi Insurance Adjuster! Remember us?<br />
<br />
New floor being installed.<br />
<br />
Buyer leaped out of escrow. Bye Bye, Felicia.<br />
<br />
Spent yesterday at folks' house.<br />
<br />
What a beautiful day. Spring actually was bursting around us as we worked in yard and did some tweaks to put house back on market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EskP68DLj7s/XK4ub5roFFI/AAAAAAAAFw8/tzWllOXIl_0WqIx9pYeMhz9DyJJ6dALbgCLcBGAs/s1600/chinarapids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EskP68DLj7s/XK4ub5roFFI/AAAAAAAAFw8/tzWllOXIl_0WqIx9pYeMhz9DyJJ6dALbgCLcBGAs/s400/chinarapids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My mom and dad had both talked about how Ted, a wonderful and loving family member who passed from cancer 20 years ago would often visit them in their backyard. When they thought of him a butterfly would show up within feet of them. Mom often said she would do the same if she was to visit us.<br />
<br />
Yesterday as my sister and I worked in the backyard and talked about Mom and Dad, two butterflies came and hung out with us.<br />
<br />
In spite of chaos, things are good. The Guy retired. We paid off out mortgage. We know the house will sell, but to the right buyer.<br />
<br />
My Mother and Father are missed but we know they are in a good place.<br />
<br />
The day before the funeral service, the Guy was washing the kitchen floor. He moved the refrigerator to wash underneath. Under the fridge there was an old, yellow clipping from a newspaper. It was crisp with age but couldn't have been under there any length of time because Frank always moves the fridge when washing the floor. (I know, a bit OCD but works for me!).<br />
<br />
The clipping was of this poem, just in time for Dad's services.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: normal;">Do not stand at my grave and weep, <br />
I am not there, I do not sleep. <br />
I am in a thousand winds that blow, <br />
I am the softly falling snow. <br />
I am the gentle showers of rain, <br />
I am the fields of ripening grain. <br />
I am in the morning hush, <br />
I am in the graceful rush <br />
Of beautiful birds in circling flight, <br />
I am the starshine of the night. <br />
I am in the flowers that bloom, <br />
I am in a quiet room. <br />
I am in the birds that sing, <br />
I am in each lovely thing. <br />
Do not stand at my grave and cry, <br />
I am not there. I do not die. </span></b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;">We cried and cried but in our hearts we knew it was from Dad. He was generous like that. We also knew the message was for Frank because Dad knew damn well, I wasn't gonna be moving no refrigerator when I wash the floor. </span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;">Life is good. Busy. Crazy. But good.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;">Can't wait to catch up with everyone's blogs.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-normal;">Thinking about you all! </span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></b></div>
</div>
Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-34284018608019120322018-12-13T14:50:00.001-08:002018-12-13T15:23:15.858-08:00High Seas - Sunday Kind Of Love / We Go Together - DMG 4000 - 1960<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is the High Seas, on of my Uncle Adrian's bands. He is back row, second from the right, my Uncle Bill is far right (handsome dudes, right?) My Aunt Anita's brother John is back row, second from the left. Funny, both Uncle Adrian and John were called Sonny by their families. I saw the other Sonny (John) at Uncle Adrian's funeral. He kept telling me how beautiful my mom was (over and over and over)! He must have had a heavy duty crush on her "back in the day"! <br />
<br />
My dad took these photos for them in our living room.<br />
<br />
The band started out as Little Al and the Uniques. Then just the Uniques. When they started touring with Jan and Dean, they got a new manager who wanted them to change their name. They became the High Seas. Uncle Bill joined the army and left the group.<br />
<br />
Uncle Bill continued to play guitar and he had a voice like Elvis. He sang all the old Elvis songs when ever we were around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCB_D8PGURg/XBLnsshxYgI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/KRlqqHRp_Js_YmUjzLduVYSvODP-prLlgCLcBGAs/s1600/High%2BSeas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="746" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCB_D8PGURg/XBLnsshxYgI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/KRlqqHRp_Js_YmUjzLduVYSvODP-prLlgCLcBGAs/s400/High%2BSeas.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qow_O7rxM_c" width="459"></iframe></div>
Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1216849284613897226.post-62227028219276529122018-12-07T14:34:00.000-08:002018-12-07T14:34:09.031-08:00C'mon 2019!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi all.<br />
<br />
Missed your blogs and comments and wondering what's been going on with you all. Will try to catch up on blogs soon.<br />
<br />
Therapy is doing the job, only half a bubble off now!<br />
<br />
Camp Fire was crazy scary. Can't believe the devastation and so many lives lost.<br />
<br />
Air was bad but better than Carr Fire.<br />
<br />
Two of The Guy's aunts lost their homes and everything else in the Camp Fire. Lots of friends and friends of friends are homeless but community is rising strong. <br />
<br />
We lost two uncles in November. The Guy's uncle died on Veteran's Day. My uncle passed last week.<br />
<br />
Saw incredible cousins and aunties and had our heart tanks filled up. Nothing like family misbehaving with cousins to make one feel young again!<br />
<br />
My uncle was in a band in the late '50's and early '60's. His band opened for the first Jan & Dean Tour. He also sang back-up for Buddy Holly and Richie Valens. His voice was incredible.<br />
<br />
The folk's house on the river is on the market. (Phew, that was a lot of work, but it shines!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38X4RKk--HM/XArynuHwCYI/AAAAAAAAFo4/aEye5OwiwO4ggodULDv3nAgLt7I2sWdYACLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38X4RKk--HM/XArynuHwCYI/AAAAAAAAFo4/aEye5OwiwO4ggodULDv3nAgLt7I2sWdYACLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJUmnU02C0s/XAryzndh9jI/AAAAAAAAFo8/Zv5ZF7iP2qYD8D7WvSovQj9Xyytioo0pQCLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJUmnU02C0s/XAryzndh9jI/AAAAAAAAFo8/Zv5ZF7iP2qYD8D7WvSovQj9Xyytioo0pQCLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTETH-Fu59E/XArzBOIAODI/AAAAAAAAFpE/NienAX7B1qcfTjWM6Okp2Z7er-0f2QNfACLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTETH-Fu59E/XArzBOIAODI/AAAAAAAAFpE/NienAX7B1qcfTjWM6Okp2Z7er-0f2QNfACLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCSNsShAmGI/XArzHyUhIgI/AAAAAAAAFpM/o01YGLJLcZ8PgGDZZUEEt3KusL1CuO6lQCLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCSNsShAmGI/XArzHyUhIgI/AAAAAAAAFpM/o01YGLJLcZ8PgGDZZUEEt3KusL1CuO6lQCLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9tbOVVjTjM/XArzPR0H6zI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/JQYn1RZmJJ4IGPHtK7zCAp8JcQ0XnIQ3ACLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9tbOVVjTjM/XArzPR0H6zI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/JQYn1RZmJJ4IGPHtK7zCAp8JcQ0XnIQ3ACLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKw3S4r68yg/XArzVq6ariI/AAAAAAAAFpY/pVsKyJOKbvYrmaVS_2OCQyRngjs2xqpmgCLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKw3S4r68yg/XArzVq6ariI/AAAAAAAAFpY/pVsKyJOKbvYrmaVS_2OCQyRngjs2xqpmgCLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poJJueqDXOQ/XArzdyxjsRI/AAAAAAAAFpg/tFXkOdqvhNY0NM-j8C_UQjG0XJ3kJMXygCLcBGAs/s1600/rbhouse11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poJJueqDXOQ/XArzdyxjsRI/AAAAAAAAFpg/tFXkOdqvhNY0NM-j8C_UQjG0XJ3kJMXygCLcBGAs/s400/rbhouse11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Almost tempted to live there ourselves. The folks owned it for over 42 years.<br />
<br />
So life moves on, but, to be honest. 2018 was a bit of a shit-show and can't wait for 2019!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
</div>
Tonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05187611054293001721noreply@blogger.com17