TGIF

Happy Leap Day Y'all!

Yeah! It's Friday and it's absolutely gorgeous here in "paradise". Sunny, warm and so nice to be outside.

I went this morning and got the stitches removed and Dr. "F" said it looks great. He's released me to play tennis as soon as I feel I can. I don't think I'm ready just yet...it's still pretty stiff. I told him it's hurt a little bit more in the last day or so and he laughed and said he's surprised I wasn't complaining about the first few days since he had to scrap the bone. I told him I was very glad to hear him say that so I don't feel so bad about acting like a baby those first few days. NOT FUN at all! He said the cyst had gone through the tendon and into the joint and he had to clean everything pretty good in hopes it won't return. Please Lord, don't let that happen!

After I got home, George and I took Miss Daisy for a long walk up to the village and had lunch sitting outside at Mango's...yum...I love their Mango Burger (no bun for me). It's a burger topped with grilled pineapple, melted provolone cheese and topped with honey mustard and their special Mango sauce (it doesn't have mango in it though...not sure exactly what it is...a dark sauce they make...so good!) After lunch we walked over to the marina and stopped to visit Taylor, the marina's beautiful talking parrot. Miss Daisy never knows whether she wants to get close or not. Smart dog. Taylor is beautiful, but I don't want to get too close to those claws or that beak either!

"Taylor"

Miss Daisy wants to see who that is that's talking....

But she's not too sure about getting close!

I'm obviously not good at making videos since I held the camera wrong. You'll have to lean your head to the left to watch it. Gosh...please ignore my silly "talking to the bird" voice too! LOL

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I'm having one of those "I feel fat" days. Do you ever have one? I hate feeling this way. Hey, maybe it's just air I'm retaining! LOL

I'm gonna go get George off the couch so we can ride our bikes over to the gym and work out and then ride back. Hopefully, I'll feel better after a workout since we're meeting friends for dinner at PF Chang's tonight. (No rice for me though.)

Happy Friday everyone!

I LOVE YOU THISSSSS MUCH!

What a special gift I received today from Deena at Can I Be Pretty In Pink? I just love her! Her attitude. Her love of life. Her Faith. Her Bravery. I could go on and on. If you haven't met her, you really should. She blesses me daily. Thank you sweet Deena!

I want to pass this on to all the girls in The "B" Club - Jean at What's Up At The Stauffers, Jill at Who Could Ask For Anything More, Dianne at Glasses of Grace, Tonja at Gatherings, Sandi at Whistlestop Cafe Cooking, Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, and Tracey at Show Me State...Of Mind.

And....Sandi at Holding Patterns, Mary Isabella at Daisy Bouquet, Sheila at Gim'Me Memories and Jen at The Comfy Place.

Oh heck, this is too hard. I want everyone to have it. I love you ALL, so if you read my blog, please accept this award as a small thank you for your friendship.

I WILL REJOICE

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
~Psalm 118:24

Thought for the Day:

Choosing to rejoice in God changes our perspective on the day.

AN ANNIVERSARY, OF SORTS

Exactly two years ago today my world changed with one phone call. Time literally stood still.

My doctor called to let me know the results of my biopsy and that he wanted George and I in his office the next morning. I was am very very lucky. Mine was caught early so it was tiny (the size of a BB pellet) and nothing was found in my lymph nodes. Praise God!

I guess it might seem weird to celebrate the anniversary of such a dramatic day, but I do. For lots of reasons. I'm still here. I'm healthy. I'm happy. I appreciate life more. I don't sweat the small stuff. I value my health. I enjoy life. I've learned how much I am loved. I love more. My faith has grown. I believe in miracles.

It's strange, I know, but I was at peace almost from the "get go". I turned my life and my cancer over to God and I found peace in knowing that no matter what, I would be okay. What a comfort to know He holds me (and you) in the palm of His hand.

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This poem was written by a breast cancer survivor who openly and honestly recounts her thoughts and emotions upon learning of her illness, as well as living with the day to day reality of it. I couldn't have expressed it any better.

GOD HEALS

Remember when you heard the words - and your mind went blank - you were in another world

God heals

Remember in your darkest hours - when all that surrounds you is pain and sorrow

God heals

Remember friends' prayers - your family's encouragement- glimmers of hope from everyday angels

God heals

Quiet...you can hear Him now - always there - yet never this close

God heals

It's just another day - yet everything has changed - and you hear yourself say

God heals

Birds are singing - the sky is a beautiful blue - flowers are blooming...

God heals

Truths that you knew as a child - awakened again with new understanding

God heals

Remember when others can't - that life is a gift - each day to treasure

God Has Healed

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Brrrrrrr....it's been a cold day here today...windy too. I think our high was around 53, but it sure felt alot colder. I weighed this morning and I've gained back one of the pounds I had lost. Not too bad I guess considering that my Mom and Sherry feed me so good last week and I didn't get exercise or play tennis. So I've now only lost 6 pounds. George and I had a marathon day of exercise today though, so hopefully I'm back on track.

This morning we bundled up and walked Miss Daisy up to the village and back, so we probably got in a good 5 mile walk. Oh...we saw TWO snakes. The first one was stretched out across the sidewalk. George stepped over it without even seeing it! He was holding Daisy's lease and thank goodness she was walking in the grass on the side. I saw it right before I practically stepped on it. It scared the "bejeebies" out of me! Seriously...I was lucky that my undies stayed dry! That happened on the way there. Then on the way home, we came across another B-I-G one laying in the pinestraw alongside the path. Shudder, shudder! I hate those things.

After we took Miss Daisy home, we rode our bikes back up to the village for lunch and then rode over to the bayside to our gym and worked out and then rode back home. Of course, Daisy needed to go out again so we took her for another walk.

Believe me, we're in for the night and will probably sleep real well.

MY TUESDAY

Oh what a difference a few days make! My finger is feeling SO much better. It's still a little stiff and sore to the touch, but I can do more and more. I'm looking forward to getting the stitches out on Friday. Hey, I even washed my own hair today. It took alot longer, but boy does it feel better!
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This morning I went to a coffee for volunteers for the Children's Volunteer Health Network, a faith-based organization which facilitates the delivery of comprehensive direct medical, dental and mental health services to low-income school children throughout our county and surrounding counties. They partner with a network of physicians, dentists and healthcare providers that give their servies at no charge to the children. Just think about that...what a wonderful organization! You might remember I mentioned wanting to volunteer for this organization in a post I wrote in November. I really didn't know about this organization until last year, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. George and I have decided we will both volunteer to drive children to their appointments and I will also help in the office when needed.
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Tonight George and I went to the movies. We saw Vantage Point, starring Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, William Hurt, Forest Whitaker and Sigourney Weaver . Wow...talk about a thrilling, action packed movie! We both loved it. Click here to see a bit of the movie. It's a wild "edge of your seat" ride for sure.

6 WORD MEMOIR MEME

Lynne at Lynne's Little Corner of the World tagged me for this meme. (Hey, I did it with a hurt finger...it's easy!)



Here are the meme rules:

1. Write your own six word memoir
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4. Tag five more blogs with links
5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Here's mine in six words:

Grandchildren... all are precious to me!
(this photo only shows 8 of our 9 grandchildren...one wasn't there that day)

I hope these 5 will play along:

Sheila at Gim Me Memories

Kellan at On The Upside

Heather at Running From The Little People

Meggie at Meggie's Stuff

Cheryl at Cherdecor

SHORT BUT SWEET

Just wanted to say "Hi" and "Thanks"... for all your sweet comments, e-mails, phone calls, and visits. Today is my best day so far. I haven't had to even take Tylenol today. It's still swollen and sore, but better. It's amazing how much a little thing like this can hurt and how much it can affect every day things that I try to do since it's on my right hand. I've found today I can type, but it's very slow ... I'm just using my pointing finger on my right hand. I'm reading all the comments and visiting your blogs, but can't comment like I want to.

Aren't I the luckiest girl to have an Aunt and Mom who love me so much and come anytime I need them? They are my true sweet angels. I miss them already. They are the best!!! I'm so glad Sherry was willing to be my "blog reporter". I sure wish she would join us here in "The Land of Blog".

Thanks sweet friends!

JOB DONE....LEAVING PARADISE

Kat really enjoyed last night's dinner, declaring that it was definitely a "keeper" since it smelled good, looked good and tasted good! So, she thought you might enjoy it, too. This is what her plate looked like before I had to cut up her chicken roll and she attacked it with her left hand!!




Spinach-Chicken Breast Rolls

4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 egg white
1/2 10-oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained
4 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)
1 1/4 cups light spaghetti sauce with garlic and herbs
2 tbsps tomato paste
6 oz dried multigrain or whole wheat spaghetti cooked according to package directions


Preheat oven to 375 F. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap; lightly pound with flat side of a meat mallot to about 1/4 inch thickness.

In a bowl stir together egg white, spinach, cottage cheese and half of the mozzarella; spoon on chicken leaving 1/2 inch border. Roll up from narrow side. Place seam sides down, in 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Combine spaghetti sauce and tomato paste; spoon over chicken. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, about 25 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink and cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes. Serve with spaghetti, adding more sauce if desired.


Kat's finger is still swollen, sore and stiff, so we're all still getting "the finger!" But, her disposition has improved....maybe because we're getting out of her hair in a little while! Her mother and I will have some peace and quiet as we head back to Georgia leaving Kat in George's somewhat capable hands. Knowing George, if Kat complains or demands too much, he'll just take Miss Daisy for a ride in the golf cart! We're leaving behind a small mountain of unwrapped chocolates.....as a result of the last few days, Hershey's stock has risen!


We'll miss our marathon sessions of Mexican Train (I won last night!!) and Rummikub, but we know that we'll be back to paradise soon! Thanks for all of your comments about my first attempts at substitute blogging and a special thanks for being such sweet "cyperspace pen pals" to my niece!


Sherry

THE FINGER EXPOSED

Such a small incision, such complaining, moaning and carrying on! But, I must admit that the surgeon did have to scrap the bone, so I'll allow her a little latitude!
They say that the third day is usually the worst and that has proven true in this case. Kat awoke to increased pain and complaining this morning. As you can see, the bandage has been removed, and during the day the swelling has decreased and she has increased mobility. All of that is, of course, thanks to excellent nursing and extra chocolate...dark, of course! Perhaps a good dinner and the departure of her nurse tomorrow will further improve her attiude!

In addition to nursing, her mother and I have been busy with other chores.....grocery shopping, cooking, washing dishing, filling bird feeders, and making minor repairs. But, I must admit, those chores are a small price to pay for a few days in paradise with Kat, George and Daisy.

Kat should be able to continue her blog on her on, although it will be hunt and peck at first!

We're trying a new recipe tonight, so I'm off to check on it.....

Sherry

JUST GIVING YOU THE FINGER

This is nurse/cook/chocolate candy opener/shoulder scratcher/blog reporter/Aunt Sherry reporting on the condition of Kat's finger. It's still there although we can't see it! The bandages come off tomorrow and the stitches come out next Friday. She had a reaction to the pain medicine last night...itching....so she took Benedryl and went to bed really early! Finally, I got some rest, too! George got her some extra-strength Tylenol this morning, but it just dulls the pain. She's still managing to give orders and win most of the games we've been playing to take her mind off of the finger.....left-handed Mexican Train and Rummikub!

All of your comments about the medicinal properties of chocolate have been tested and we are pleased to report that they are indeed helping....pills, chocolate, pills, chocolate on a regular schedule keeps Kat and her keeper happy!

Kat will continue to read your comments and I'll send you another update later!

My impatient patient is calling.......

Sherry

DOING JUST FINE

I'm home and just fine...pretty swollen (as you can see) and still very numb, thank you Lord! Hey, I can type though, although it's a slow process. Thanks for all the prayers!

Mwah! to all my blogging buddies

My sweet friend Sandi at Holding Patterns presented me with this MWAH big kiss award! Thanks Sandi! For a girl who ALWAYS wears lipstick from the time I brush my teeth in the morning until I brush them before bedtime, an award like this makes me smile!
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My Mom and Sherry (my aunt) arrived this afternoon. "Other Mother" is real sick and couldn't come :-( Sure hope she's feeling much better soon.

We had a really nice afternoon, a wonderful dinner of turkey, gravy, rice, sliced tomatoes, asparagus and sweet tea, and we played a fun card game. I'm so glad they're here.
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Off to bed...surgery in the morning. Yikes!

EXCITED AND A TAD NERVOUS

Bet aka "Other Mother", Mom, my aunt Sherry and Me

I'm excited. My three angels are coming today to spend a few days and be my nurses after my very simple surgery on Thursday. These girls are always ready to come help ANY TIME... for any reason. They are truly amazing. And fun. And good cooks. You know we'll be playing games too. My finger might be in a splint, but we can always play things that I can do with my left hand. Mexican Train dominoes for sure. I'm so excited they're coming.

My surgery is scheduled for 11:30 on Thursday morning at The Surgery Center as an out patient. I'm sure I'll be in and out of there quickly. I hope so anyway. I'm just a tad bit nervous. I kinda wish they were putting me to sleep. I certainly don't want to watch as they dig around in my finger!

I might having trouble typing for awhile...maybe just a quick line or two typed with two fingers...we'll see.

Pssssssss.....guess who's 40?

Go wish Kari at Kari & Kijsa a Happy Happy Birthday!

AHA MOMENT

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS GOING THROUGH
A TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE. WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

Wow...I saw this recently and it was one of those "aha moments".

Hmmmmmm.......................

I haven't checked "snopes.com" to see if this actually works or not;
But they say,
If you ever get the sudden
urge to run around naked,
you should drink some Windex first.

It'll keep you from streaking.

Hehehehe (I think it's funny!)

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I almost feel like streaking...I've lost 7 pounds so far!!! Yeah me!

Have a Great Day!

A MEME WITH A TWIST

Wow...3 posts in one day!

Sandi at Holding Patterns tagged me with this frustratingly hard to do FUN meme! Thanks Sandi! (It's actually only hard because I've written over 1,000 posts, so there was lots to go through.)

This is how it works:

Go back through your archives and post links of your five favorite blogs posts that you've written.

But here's the catch ~

Link 1 must be about family

Link 2 must be about friends

Link 3 must be about you yourself

Link 4 must be about something you love

Link 5 can be about anyone or anything you choose.

This is supposed to be good fun, because it gives us all a chance to read the archive posts and leave more comments. It was actually nice to look back over my archive and re-read posts I've written. So, here goes

Link 1 (about family): Click here

Link 2 (about friends): Click here

Link 3 (about myself): Click here or here or here

Link 4 (about something I love): Click here

Link 5 (anything): Click here

I hope Karen and Cheryl with play along. You're tagged!

WOULD YOU HAVE FAITH?

After our beautiful days recently, today is windy and chilly and it looks like rain any minute now. A good day to stay inside.

We had a wonderful time bowling last night...so much fun. I had a miserable night though. My left contact was driving me crazy the whole time we were bowling. When we got home and I went to take my contacts out, only a small bit of my left one came out. I could not find the other part. Oh, I could feel it alright, but I couldn't find it. It was painful and it was hard to keep my eye open. I used eye wash, eye drops, etc., but that sucker would NOT come out. It felt like a large grain of sand in my eye. I finally gave up and went to bed. Until about 2:30 am. It was painful and tears were flowing out of both eyes like crazy. I prayed and then got up and went into the bathroom. Once I adjusted to the lights, I tried again and BINGO I finally got it! Praise God! I put some medicated ointment in it and went back to bed. We didn't make it to church this morning though. My eye is still very sore, but much better. I'll leave out the contacts for a few days, so I'm wearing my glasses and most of the time I'm keeping my left eye closed to let it rest.