Rainy Day = Going to the Movies

A yucky day, but a good one to just hang around the house and do some minor chores and play on the computer.

Tonight we decided to go see UNITED 93. I wasn't sure I was ready to see it, but George really wanted to, so I thought "what the heck?".

I'm glad I did. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Or as good. They filmed it like a documentary, so the camera was jumping all over the place...hard to watch...both what was happening on screen and how it was filmed.

The movie was supposed to be about Flight 93, but they didn't give enough coverage, in my opinion, to what happened at the Worlds Trade Center or the Pentagon. I guess I just wanted to honor everyone who died that day.

Another Good Day

We started tennis early...and I mean early this morning 7:30...yep...hard, but worth it so it's not so hot. Of course, the other 3 girls live minutes away from the court...I have a 25 minute drive. A beautiful day! Afterwards, Carol and I went to Starbucks to pass an hour before my radiation treatment. I hurried home afterwards so I could hit the beach again. Yesterday was just too nice. I finished the shrimp salad and fruit salad from yesterday and read my book. I was alone for a couple of hours until George joined me. We took a walk down the beach...the water was crystal clear, but still pretty cold. We stayed in tonight and ate Chinese and watched the old Cary Grant/Audrey Hepburn movie "Charade". Another good day!

Life is soooooooooo Good!

Tennis or the beach - always fun with these two!
Dinner right on the pier - yummy!
Lemon Drop Martinis - dangerous!
Wow.....what a sunset!

A busy, but fun day! I had my radiation treatment at 8:30, then rushed for a 9:30 hair appointment (yeah!). I then stopped and picked up some shrimp salad and flew home to pack a quick lunch to take to the beach. My friends Carol and Jeanette came over to spend the day on the beach while Garrett and George played golf. What a wonderful day! Absolutely gorgeous! We even saw lots of dolphins...maybe 30...no kidding! The girls were thrilled! Later the guys joined us for drinks on the balcony and then we all went to our favorite seafood spot right on the water and watched a beautiful sunset. Life is soooooo good!

A Rainy Birthday

It rained all night last night....big storm! So.....my tennis was rained out and George's golf. It's his birthday, so I really hated it for him. We spent the morning catching up on chores around the house...kinda nice. We went to our favorite pizza place for lunch. The rain finally stopped around 3:00 and the sun came out. We really needed the rain, so I hate to complain.

I had my first official radiation treatment today at 4:15. I was given a card to scan each time I enter the office. Everyone is so nice. I felt very comfortable...no concerns....very easy...very quick...I really couldn't feel anything...still fascinating. There is a really nice smooth cream (Prylo Skin Care) I put on right after the treatment and again before bedtime.

Tonight for his birthday George wanted grilled hotdogs and sourkraut and we went to the movies to see Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland and Eva Longoria in THE SENTINEL. Very intense...very good!

Back to Dr. "B"'s

Tennis was great today. Lots and lots of fun. Hot though! It was hard to concentrate and keep up with the score. It was kinds funny how no one could remember.

I went back to Dr. "B"'s this afternoon for a "dry run" to make sure the treatment plan is a "go"...it was. Good! The clear band-aids have stayed on even after showers, baths, lotions, etc. and I haven't had a reaction, so they're a "go" too. Tomorrow will be my first treatment.

Sad, but fun to say goodbye

Lynda's in the middle!



Some were missing, but those of us who could come had a great time!


My friend, Lynda, is heading back home to Canda and won't be back until next Fall probably. She's subbed in our tennis group and has been alot of fun. We'll sure miss her. Tonight a group of us went out for a "Girls Night Out" and had a great time.

Sunday - my favorite day of the week

I really, really, really love Sundays. We love our church. The message and the music today was incredible. George slipped out right after communion though since he had a tee time for golf. Three of my girlfriends were there and we were all talking and leaving the church at the same time. A single guy who had his eyes on one of my friends, invited us all over for bloody mary's at his house which is in walking distance. We all decided "what the heck" and had a wonderful time on his rooftop balcony! Later three of us girls went to the beach and had a good time. Lot of laughing!

Getting Ready For Radiation

Just 2 of my radiation marks - these are kinda on the side near my armpit...the clear circles are about the size of a quarter.

Today was my first official visit to Dr. "B"'s office to begin getting ready for my radiation treatment. No actual radiation today though. The technician who will be treating me every day (5 days a week for 6 weeks) is Cindy....a really sweet, kind person. Madison works the front desk and helps Cindy sometimes....another sweetie pie. I really like Dr. "B"...she's wonderful.

Anyway, today was pretty interesting. The whole procedure was fascinating to me...not frightening at all. I first changed into a gown (opening in the front, of course). I was told to lay down on the table with my left side exposed...it was so cute the way they made sure my other side was covered completely...why I don't know since it was only us "girls". Me, Cindy, Madison and Dr. "B"....I kept expecting others to just pop in. The first thing they did was make a "mold" of me laying down with my left arm raised over my head. I was laying on this bean bag type thingie and then a loud machine sucked the air out of it so it conformed to my body from the waist up. This way I will always be in the same position when I have treatments. It fits tightly around my head and shoulders so I'll know exactly how to lay each time. They then placed all kinds of marks, stickers, pieces of metal, pieces of tape, etc. all over my left breast. Cindy could control the bed with a hand-held remote to line up the marks with these red laser lights coming down from the ceiling when the lights were out. Kinda cool. They took lots and lots of "x-rays" and this crazy machine went slowly across my body. I couldn't feel a thing. The girls, of course, left the room anytime the machine was going to be on. Afterwards, I was told to get dressed (with all the contraptions still on me!). We walked over to the hospital which is right next door connected by a covered sidewalk. Cindy carried my "body mold" with us. I was registered, given my little hospital braclet and taken to have a CAT scan. Another gown, another table (with my "mold" on it, another machine taking "pictures"....again 3 ladies in the room with me....Cindy, Madison and the hospital technician. Modesty?...what modesty? None any more! After the CAT scan, they took off most of the contraptions but I'll have to keep the marks on (covered with clear round band-aid type covers) to help guide them each treatment. I didn't want to be tatooed, so I'll have to put up with these marks for the next 6 weeks...that is if they will stay on me and I don't have a reaction to them. Looks kinda funny to have one breast spotted and the other not. Oh well. I'm just happy to have two! All of the tests today will be sent to Pensacola where Dr. "B"s main office is so that her "team" will come up with my personal radiation treatment plan. Everything should be ready by Monday or Tuesday and then treatment will begin.

Home

A long day. We had to get up really early. A good flight to Atlanta though. Angela's Dad picked us up at the airport and we got to see the kids before we jumped in our car for the drive home. Great to be home!

Last Day

Wonderful Movie! Very powerful.
The view of the clouds outside our window. Also shows what Shadow Ridge condos look like.

Last day. Kinda rainy. We ate lunch at PF Chang's and tried to see a movie...nothing good playing though, so we picked up the DVD "CRASH". George and I had seen it before, but wanted to see it again. Eric and Angela had never seen it, but wanted to. They loved it. A powerful movie.

We played more Farkel before packing.

More Fun

George and Eric played golf again so Angela and I decided to repeat our fun again too. We went out for breakfast, did a fast walk and headed back to our favorite Mexican place...more margaritas and cheese dip.

Carlos and Heather drove over from L.A. to spend the night. We all went back over to The River for dinner and the kids went back to try on silly hats again.

Later, the six of us played Spicy Farkel.

Palm Springs

At Hamburger Mary's, the bill comes in a shoe!
Don't think Eric will buy this one!

A Viking?
I like this one.

Today we visited Palm Springs. We split up so Eric and Angela could have some time alone and we could too. George and I had lunch at Hamburger Mary's...a funky hamburger place. At the end of the meal, they brought our bill in a red high heel...a first time for everything, I guess!

After lunch we headed back to Palm Desert and caught an afternoon movie....INSIDE MAN...really good!
After the movie, we walked around the shops and Eric decided to try on all kinds of crazy hats.

Back at the condo, we played a new version of Farkel...Spicy Farkel. Even more fun!

Joshua Tree National Park

We drove to Joshua Tree National Park this morning. What an awesome place in the desert. Full of Joshua trees...they grow to be about 1 foot tall in the first 5 years and then grow only 1/2 inch every year after that. The trees all around us were hundreds of years old. The rock formations were incredible. We stopped often and just took off climbing...well Eric and Angela and George took off...I followed slowly, especially when they starting climbing too high. I don't like heights! Amazing views everywhere we looked.

Dinner in El Paseo

We had a really nice steak dinner on El Paseo at Sullivans in Palm Desert.

A Day of Games

George and Eric played golf today on a really beautiful course right where we are staying, Shadow Ridge, in Palm Desert.

Angela and I took a long walk and ended up at El Paseo, an outdoor shopping center right in Palm Desert. We found the best Mexican restaurant with the BEST margaritas...dangerous, but so good. The cheese dip with spinach was also the best I've ever ever had.

Tonight, Eric pulled out a game he bought recently, but had never tried. It's called Farkel...6 dice in a small can...lots and lots of fun. We played while sitting on the balcony of our condo enjoying the view. You roll the 6 dice and try for sets of 3 threes, 3 fours, 3 fives, or 3 sixes or 2 triplets or 3 pairs or a straight. Each successful roll has a point value. Easy. Lots of fun!

FIRST DAY IN CALIFORNIA

Palm Desert - Beauty Everywhere!
We hiked up high and could overlook Palm Desert.
This was our view for breakfast. Eric and Angela found an interesting tree to climb.

We went to breakfast at one of the best breakfast buffet in the most beautiful spot imaginable! We sat outside and the view was incredible. The food was really, really good.

Later we all went hiking and had a wonderful afternoon. Beauty everywhere we looked.

California Here We Come!

Our flight to California wasn't until 7:00 so we had all day to play with the kids. Fun!

No problems with our flight and we were all so excited to arrive.

Off to Atlanta

I went to see Dr. "P" this morning to check on my lab results for my thyroid test...all is well...no changes. Good news.

We picked up bagels and headed to Atlanta.

Seeing the kids was wonderful...I love how they run out to meet us as soon as we drive up. Hugs and kisses. Wow...so happy.

Angela cooked dinner so we were able to stay in and just play until bedtime.

Excited about our trip tomorrow.

I love our beach!

A REALLY BEAUTIFUL DAY - SEE! I LOVE OUR BEACH!

Tennis this morning - FUN! So nice to be on the court and with my friends.

Leaving tomorrow for Atlanta and California so I've started my packing. Can't wait.

Radiologist/Oncologist

I went today for my first visit/consultation with my Radiologist/Oncologist Dr. "B". I really, really like her alot and her entire staff. She explained everything to me in detail and I feel good about everything. She said it was perfectly fine for me to wait until we return from our trip to California before beginning treatment. I'll begin the week after we get back.

2nd visit with Dr. "M"

I went for my second visit to see Dr. "M" today. He said everything has healed really well and I can go back to tennis as I feel like it. Yippee!! His receptionist has made me an appointment to see Dr. "B" my Radiologist/Oncologist for a consultation.

How much more?

Beth found out terrible news today. Not only does she have MS, now she has epilepsy! Probably a seizure was the cause of her wreck. By law, she can't drive for 6 months after being diagnosed. How much more can she take? I hate all this for her. I wish we lived closer......

Montgomery

Beth looked so sad this morning when she got up...so swollen. I drove her to Montgomery where Mark met us at The Cracker Barrel. She still isn't sure exactly what happened. She needs to get back to Nashville so she can see her doctors.

A scary phone call

We had plans to go out to dinner with Rudy and Sharon tonight. Beth's trip here was delayed so instead of arriving yesterday, she was supposed to arrive tonight right around the time we would be leaving for dinner. She was just going to chill out until we got home. While getting dressed, the phone rang. I just knew it was Beth telling me she was crossing the bridge. Instead I heard her screaming about being in a wreck and that she was being air-flighted to Pensacola. Scared me to death!

George and I canceled plans...packed an overnight bag in case we were stuck in Pensacola...and drove quickly to the hospital.

Beth was covered in blood and was in lots of pain when we arrived. Her nose was full of dried blood and they were just wheeling her back to the room when we arrived after x-rays. It turned out she was okay...just badly bruised and cut in several places.
Beth couldn't remember what had happened. We know another car was involved. She was released and we took her home with us. Amazing they would release her just hours after being flown in. Her entire face was so swollen.

I still tire easily and it was a long day. I slept most of the way home.

I'll check on her during the night. I've offered to drive her to Montgomery so Mark won't have to drive all the way here to pick her up.

Our Anniversary

Wow....28 Years! Seems like we've been married forever sometimes and other times it seems so fresh and new. That's nice!

George and I went out to dinner at one of my favorites - Beachwalk Cafe. Soooooo good!

I still tire easily, but it felt good to get dressed up and go out for the night.

My friends are the best!

Bree with "Hershey"
Jo, Jeanette, Carol and me - friends on and off the tennis court.
Carol, Jeanete with Hershey, Jo and Bree.

Today my friends Jo, Carol and Jeanette had Bree and I over to Jo's house for lunch. They all wanted to meet Bree and they even let Bree bring Hershey. We had a wonderful time! Yummy food too! I was tired by the time we got home, but very happy.

My best day so far!

Today was the best so far. We all got out today and did a few errands and went to lunch at The Back Porch. My strength is coming back! Still sore, but so much better. Mom and Sherry plan to head home tomorrow. I'm so lucky and blessed to have those two! I love them so much.

First visit to the Surgeon after surgery

George, Bree and I went for my first visit to see Dr. "M" after surgery. I was kinda nervous to hear what he had to say. I knew what I was told after surgery, but I had not talked to Dr. "M" myself. I needed/wanted to hear from him that all was well.

His nurse, Marlene, who is the BEST, was so sweet. She removed my bandages and I was absolutely amazed at how well my incisions looked. WOW! When Dr. "M" came in, I told him " it looks like you've done this before!". He said "once or twice" while smiling a big old smile. His eyes sparkled the whole time I was there and he was explaining everything. I could tell he was pleased with the surgery, my prognosis, etc. and I'm sure he sees lots of bad cases and mine was so good. All good news! I'm a very lucky girl!

When I started to leave, I told him I needed a hug and threw my arms around him. I think I surprised him more than myself.

Determined to go to church

I was determined to go to church, although I know everyone else thought I shouldn't. I just needed to. My prayers have been answered and I needed the "feel" of my church. I was uncomfortable wearing clothes...my underarm is still sooooo sore, but I'm so glad we went.

Back home, I was glad to get back into my gown and spent the rest of the day on the couch.

Sad again around 5PM - wonder why?

A YUCKY DAY

Today was the worse so far. I just couldn't get comfortable. I felt down...seems to start around 5:00 or 5:30. I had a little crying jag so I had Bree call her Pharmacist friend to ask if I could take a Xanex along with the Tylenol Extra Strength. Yep...so I did and it helped. Ambien helped me sleep too.

Ice Packs Galore

Bree and "Hershey"!

I just could not sleep last night...maybe got two hours max! George found me in the tub at 5:30 in the morning. No pain...kinda upbeat really, but tired.

Mom and Sherry got here before breakfast. I decided to get off the pain meds since my heart was just racing away. I starting taking Tylenol Extra Strength. We did the ice packs every 20 minutes like clock work. I tried to rest, but I was still wired for hours.

Bree arrived right after lunch and it was great having her here. Another nurse! I was anxious to tell her all about everything, but I suddenly felt like my balloon had been deflated. She brought her new puppy "Hershey" with her. Oh my, what a cutie pie! A bundle of energy too. It was fun watching him run and jump everywhere. Made me tired though just to watch him. Bree and George took him to Baytowne to exercise and I slept off and on the rest of the day.

Around 5PM, I started feeling very blue...tears would spring up easily. Just felt sad.

At bedtime, I decided to try taking the Ambien again...didn't want another night of walking the floor.

Surgery

5:00 AM came quickly. I wanted to take a shower and wash my hair DEFINITELY since I had no idea when I would be able to do it again myself any time soon. I went to the hospital in full makeup and my hair freshly done. Just another day, right? Wrong, but I felt better knowing I at least looked like myself.

Here's a good example of how our God works: yesterday George went by the new house to check on things and found a note from my new friend, Karen. We met her a few weeks ago walking her dog and stopped to talk. We learned she had recently divorced and moved here from Pensacola and really didn't know alot of people. But, we found she attended our church. Anyway, her note gave us all her info....phone numbers, e-mail, etc. George gave her a call and told her about my surgery. She didn't tell him, but she hung up and called her friend, Lynn, who is a nurse anesthetist and asked her to look out for me. What a blessing!

Anyway, George and I are sitting in the waiting area. He's reading a book - yep, kinda made me mad/hurt my feelings since he was just acting like it was another day and I was getting kinda nervous and cold (why are hospital soooooo darn cold!). I guess I wanted him to hold my hand and tell me not to worry, everything would be just great, etc., etc. No such luck today. Out walks Lynn in her green scrubs and green hat and tells me she's going to take good care of me. It turns out she didn't have me scheduled as her patient, but she swapped with another nurse. Wow...talk about personal service. Another angel God placed in my path!

She takes me back to a room and I was told to change into my hospital gown and booties. I had to take off all my clothes, but here's the kicker...they never told me to remove my earrings...no panties, but you can wear your earrings??? (later, right before surgery, they finally did though) Lynn came back and did my IV so gently I barely felt a thing. She also gave me a little bit of "happy juice" (not enough though in my opinion) before I had to go see the Radiologist for the procedure before surgery which I was dreading terribly. The biospy was enough for me to not want another needle in the breast without being out like a light. They call this a "wire localization"...I call it being harpooned. The Radiologist puts a needle into the breast using ultrasound to guide him, pointing it at the lesion. Then they pass a wire with a hook on the end through the needle and then position the hook so the end of the wire is on the site of the lesion. The wire is left in the breast until surgery. The surgeon can then find the lesion...mine was very small...the size of a BB. Not a fun procedure, but I knew it was going to happen. What I didn't know was that they were also going to stick me 4 more times. FOUR powerful bee stings in the breast. The Radiologist injects a blue dye which spreads to the lymph nodes. He also injected a radioactive tracer. This helps the dSurgeon find the sentinel lymph node...the stereo geiger counter tells him where to make the incision. Once the incision has been made, they can then see the blue lymph vessel leading to the lymph node and track it. I was happy when all this was over...very! The Radiologist went out to tell George it was over and he told him it was a true miracle they ever found my lesion on the mammogram since it was so tiny and so hard to find. I was then wheeled into another room where I was placed on a table with a machine that followed the dye and radioactive tracer and took pictures/x-rays, etc. Kinda weird having to have both arms raised over my head with one breast full of "stuff" and the other hand having the IV attached. This took FOREVER (or so it seemed to me).

Afterwards, Lynn wheeled me through the waiting area so I could see the family before getting me settled back in bed to get ready for surgery. Mom and Sherry and George got to come in for a quick visit and then Karen, Kim and Theresa came in. Hugs and kisses and then off to surgery.

I woke up feeling like I couldn't breath for a second and my throat hurt. Another thing I didn't know about...dummy me...the tube down the throat during surgery. Anyway, once I was awake enough, sucking on crushed ice helped. I actually felt pretty good....still numb though. My recovery nurse was a hoot...very talkative, very helpful, lots of fun. My sisters came in with flowers and a sweet card and visited for awhile but I shooed them away as soon as I could since I knew they had to get back on the road. All three had to be at work tomorrow. Mom and Sherry were staying...my personal nurses! I'm so lucky. I learned the really wonderful news - no lymph node involvement and the Surgeon was able to get good clear margins all around the lesion. Yippee and praise GOD! Prayers were heard and answered!

I was hungry so we stopped at Chick Filet on the way home. The pain pills were great...no pain and I felt incredible...talkative too. Mom and Sherry aka nurses, hovered ever ready to help, but I felt pretty darn good. Ice packs every 20 minutes.

The first time I went to the potty, I had a surprise. I stood up to flush the toilet and was shocked when I saw the water was VERY blue. Looked like Mama Smurf and the entire Smurf family had been in for a potty break and no one flushed! It took a few seconds for me to realize it was because of the blue dye they had injected before surgery. Whew! Kinda funny. Actually turned out to be fun to see what color it would be each time I had to "go". Each time, the color was slightly lighter.

I had bandages on both incisions, but I was pretty "blue" around the edges. I thought it was brusing, but it turned out that was the dye too.

I rested (in between ice packs every 20 minutes), BUT, I could NOT sleep. I probably got two hours the whole night. I layed on the couch watching TV but could not sleep no matter how hard I tried. I wanted to take one of the Ambien I was given before surgery, but I wasn't sure I could take it with the pain medicine. A long night!

The Day Before Surgery

Mom and Sherry arrived today around lunchtime. We had a nice afternoon. We went to our favorite pizza place for dinner for my "last supper" before surgery. I can't have anything to eat or drink after 9 PM. My three sweet sisters drove down together to be here for the surgery too. They didn't arrive until almost bedtime so we only had an hour or so to talk, but it helped to know all five of them would be there with me tomorrow. I'm so touched they all wanted to come. I can't express adequately how much it means to me for them all to be here. Bree has finals so won't be here until the 9th. She feels bad, but I told her to wait. I'll need her more after surgery than before and she needs to finish her test.

Gotta be at the hospital at 6:30 AM tomorrow...YUK!

Fun on the beach

The water was a little cool, but they didn't seem to mind. Angela and I had fun too!

A Day of Play

A fun day...first lunch and the playground and then at the park in Sandestin. The kids even rolled up their pants and got in the water...too cool to me!

Ice Cream - A family tradition!

Angela and the kids arrived today for a long weekend visit. I love the fact that she will do this all by herself...a six hour trip minimum...with three little ones just to see us! Wow!

We did our usual...pizza for dinner, then ice cream...a tradition Granddad started years ago and the kids NEVER forget. Who needs ice cream...I could eat them all with a spoon!

TWO DOCTORS IN ONE DAY

George and I went in for our chat with Dr. "P". He was very positive about what he felt the outcome would be since it was found so early and is so small (BB size). He and his nurse were so kind. They knew I was scared and needed things moved along quickly so they made an appointment for this afternoon to see the surgeon, Dr. "M". I was given a prescription for nerves and to help me sleep. I took the Zanex right away, but still shook like crazy during the entire visit with the Surgeon. He was very, very nice but still it was nuts hearing him give me my choices: (a.) Lumpectomy or (b.) Skin saving mastectomy or (c.) Total Mastectomy. I wanted (d.) out of there! I guess he had to give me all the options, but my head was swimming. I asked him what he recommended, but he said he couldn't tell me what to do. He kinda indicated that he agreed with Dr. "P" and knew I could be back at tennis quicker than with either mastectomy. George and I agreed and my surgery was scheduled for March 8th. "Calgon take me away!"

The Call

I was running errands and was in a plumbing supply store when I got "the call". Dr. "P" himself called to let me know the results of my biopsy. His suggestion is to have a lumpectomy (wide local excision) followed by 6-7 weeks of radiation regardless of what is found during surgery. (Dr. "P"s wife died of breast cancer years ago so he is very pro-active about cancer.) He wants George and I to come in to his office in the morning to talk more. I'm in shock!

A Needle Biopsy - Oh My!

A needle biopsy...no fun...never want to do that again...please! Two nurses in the room did an ultrasound just to find the lesion before the Radiologist came in...hard to find since my lesion is tiny...the size of a BB. Then in he comes and the "fun" begins. A nurse on one side showing him the way with the ultrasound and he was on the other side...talking away, asking questions, etc. I just wanted him to get it over with. He said they would do a needle aspiration first and then the biopsy. It seemed to take forever. Lots of pressure. I kept my eyes closed until I heard him say "okay". I opened my eyes and said "it's over?". He said "nope, gotta do it again". I said "you're kidding!!!!???". He said "nope, again". I thought "_____, _____!!!"...you can fill in the blanks. More pressure. I didn't like this whole thing AT ALL! Now the hard part...waiting for the results. I can't lie...I'm afraid. I'm reading my healing scriptures and it is helping though.

AN ANGEL IN A LAB COAT

I went to the hospital today just for lab work before my biopsy. The lab tech (her name was Kathy too) was excellent...I could hardly feel a prick...quick too.

Somehow, she revealed that she was a Christian and we began to talk. I truly felt that God had placed her in my path...just what I needed and when I needed it. She asked if I would like a copy of a list of healing scriptures and I immediately said YES. We talked some more and I hugged her when I left... with tears in my eyes.

I remember walking out of the hospital into a beautiful sunny day and I looked heavenward. God had placed an angel in a lab coat in front of me just when I needed one!

I'm going now to get my Bible and find the peace only He can give.

Hugs!

Kat

Home, but not normal yet!

We've been home for a little over two weeks and this is the first time I've even felt like blogging! Amazing!

The trip was wonderful and I'll try to write about it and post photos soon, but the first week was hard dealing with the jet lag and I was overwhelmed to say the least trying to catch up with laundry, mail piled up (both e-mail and snail mail), and much, much more. This last week has been even harder since I've been dealing with a health issue (more on that later too).

Anyway, it's good to be home!

Packed and ready!

Well, the time is finally here! We're packed and ready. Got to get up early, load the car, go to church, and then head to Atlanta after church. We're excited that we'll get to see Bob and Jennifer and their new house. They're taking us to the airport on Monday morning. Australia/New Zealand here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to bed....so tired, but very excited.

Last Day of Tennis for Awhile

My knee was back to "normal" (not sure why it hurt the other day), so I was excited to get to play tennis this morning since it's my last time before our trip. I really love all the girls I play with. It's wonderful to be able to spend time all week with these girls playing tennis and still do lunches, parties, movies, etc. and never get tired of seeing them. A really fun group!

This afternoon I used this year's massage gift certificate from George that he put in my stocking and had a great hour massage. Wonderful! I picked up Chinese on the way home and we just stayed in....nice!

Connie's coming tomorrow to house-sit while we're away. Can't wait to see her!

Only 13!

I hated missing tennis due to my knee, but I sure was happy since I was able to get lots done instead. I met Max over at the new house to go over some things to be done while we're away.

A beautiful day! I was able to put the top down on the car and just enjoy doing my errands.

We went to dinner with Karen and Richie at O Sole Mio. Antonio's youngest daughter, Carla, has been here visiting for the holidays, but is flying back to Italy on Saturday. She's growing up! She was only 10 when we met her and she didn't speak any English. Now she's almost fluent and has such a cute personality....but, she doesn't look 13!

Going to try tennis tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

Already Wednesday - Yikes!

Wow...this week is flying by! I've still got things I want to do before we leave!

Played tennis today. My knee starting hurting again. Bummer...I really thought things were back to normal. So frustrating! I played yesterday with no problem. Supposed to play tomorrow and Friday, but I've canceled tomorrow to let it rest. We'll see about Friday. Hope I can play since it will be the last time before I leave.

I worked over at the new house all afternoon taking things off the walls and moving things around so work can be done while we're gone.

I went to the movies with the girls tonight to see "Rumor Has It" with Jennifer Aniston, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo and Kevin Costner. Awesome...really good...funny...good music too! Thai food afterwards. Yummy!

WHITE LEGS

Still packing. I keep thinking of other things I want to take. So far, everything's fitting in the suitcase...that's the bad thing about packing early...you always think of other things. Anyway, it's summer there so I'm packing sleeveless shirts and capris, sandals, etc. Man, I hate my "white" legs and feet this time of the year. Gotta start using my "tan in the bottle" stuff I guess. For some reason (probably tennis, etc.) my arms aren't as bad, but oh how white the legs and feet are. Paper white...not a pretty sight!

Sooooooooooooooo excited.

Packing for a dream trip

Wow...proud of myself. I'm actually 75% packed for our Australia/New Zealand trip. I spent most of the day running around picking up last minute items after packing a little this morning and then did more tonight. My goal is to have it all done by Friday afternoon so we can enjoy our last weekend at home. I'm really getting excited!!!!

A NEW YEAR

I'm glad New Year's Day is on a Sunday this year. As I sat in church this morning, it just felt right to start this new year with church. God literally lets us begin anew every second, but New Year's Day is a good time for me to reflect inwardly and to make plans to move evercloser in my relationship with God. Surrounded by beautiful music, in a beautiful place, I felt something magical.

New Year's Eve

After a big breakfast, John and Bree left for home. I'm kinda sad about that. John was cute saying he didn't want to leave. "Can't we stay longer?" he said. It would have been nice.

George and I spent the rest of the day catching up with paperwork and other chores. as much as we could before having to dress for our New Year's Eve party at Carol's. We almost didn't want to go. It was nice in a weird way to just be the two of us and it felt good to get some things accomplished that we had put off due to the holidays and company. The party was really fun, but we were home and in bed before midnight.