~ Tag Request - In the Park ~

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~ Tag Request - Love Never Melts ~

Expires 5/01/09 at noon

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~ Beach to Winter Jackets ~

 

Ok, ok, so we really don't need winter jackets today, but damn what a switch in the weather.  On Monday we broke records being in the mid to high 80's.  Yes, that would be in Buffalo, in April no less :)  Yesterday it rained almost all day and temps fell drastically.  As I write this, it isn't even 50.  WTF!?!

After my Dr's. appointment, on Monday, I picked up my sister and we went to a local beach to get some pictures.  It had been what seemed like a 100 years since I'd last been there.  As a teenager/young adult this was an evening party spot.  No one ever really used it as a beach during the day.  It was difficult to get to and it wasn't taken care of.  Holy shit was I amazed at the transition.  Now there is a boardwalk over the marshy swamp area leading right to the beach.  In years past we had to walk a bit after parking to get to a spot where we could just climb over the sand dunes to get to the sand.  :::closing eyes::: oh how I remember the sweet innocent days gone by.

 

You can see the sand is nice.  Well, except for the left overs of the winter winds and the buds that have already fallen.  There were several folks laying in the sun.  Flying kites, and even one gentlemen in a suit (minus the jacket) sitting in a folding chair.  Can you say decompression?  He must have had a rough Monday morning.  Great spot for a lunch break tho!

To the right of this spot you can see the 'new' windmills and the skyline of the city.  It was a bit hazy so those pictures weren't the best.  Nancy has the windmills on her blog.  I tried to stay away from the shots she used. 

 

The sky was so blue and the water sparkled.  I was like a piece of heaven after the cold winter months.  It was fabulous feeling the heat and sun engulf me.  After the past six months I needed that!

You can see the bare trees as well as partial leaves and buds that look ready to pop.  I can't wait for the color!

 

It was a great day and being with Nancy was fun.  Always a good laugh!  I know she needed to get out too.  After all that has been happening at my parents with my Dad and brother she has been playing the part of the 'gopher'.  Go for this, go for that.  She does it with a smile but a break is good too!

I did call my Dr yesterday afternoon.  After getting another low reading before lunch I wanted to know if I was getting excited prematurely.   HEY!  I said excited :)~   At dinner time she returned my call.  Her fear was that my numbers went up.  I gave her my readings and she was excited too.  She was thrilled things were working so quickly and so far I was tolerating rather well.  She lowered my insulin dosage again.  It's now less then half of what I was taking.  I was advised not to worry if my levels spiked a bit.  That is within reason of course.  She is feeling rather confident that I will be off the shots in no time.  One can hope and let me tell you I am hoping!!   I never thought I'd be able to give myself a shot, but one does what one has to do.  I would just rather not prick myself every night.  Ok... that would be prick myself with a needle!  Pigs!!

On the way home from the beach we passed the Botanical Gardens.  You may remember some shots from there in the past.  I pulled over when we saw the family of geese feasting on whatever it was they were feasting on.   I loved the backdrop of this shot so of course, click click with the camera.

It was a fabulous day all the way around!   As a hockey fan I was excited about 2 game 7's in the opening round.  The New York Rangers at one point had a strangle hold on the Washington Craps... I mean Caps.   Sean Avery (a Ranger) did what Sean Avery does best and imploded.   He has done some really assanine things in his career and after his drama, I never thought anyone would pick him up after Dallas just let him go.  Wrong.  The good 'ole Rags gave him a second chance.  Or would that be third?  Fourth?  Fifth? You get the picture.  The coach benched him for losing his cool.  In Washington, game 5.  A wild fan gets under Tort's (the Rangers coach) skin.  He dumps a beer (or drink) over the glass.  Oh Tort acted so professionally.  He squirts him back, throws the water bottle at him.  Grabs a stick from the bench and tries to climb the glass.  What on earth did he think he was doing??  The other coaches pull him back, hold him down.  Good grief!  The coach benches a player for losing his cool then does this.  How can players respect him?  

The league didn't respect him and suspended him from being on the bench for game 6.  That leaves Jim Schoenfield to coach the team.  A little loyalty as he played for the Sabres long ago.  Hmm..  I said a little!  Well, the Rag's lose both games 5 & 6 leaving the door open for Washington.  Game 7 last night.  Oh good gaawd the Rag's folded like a cheap circus tent and lost the series.  Now it's on to the big event.  The showdown of Crosby and Ovechkin (Pittsburgh vs Washington).  They came into the league the same year and there is a definite difference in who is better.  Ask 10 people and see who they say.  This is not the ultimate challenge it's a team sport but hell it's a great story line.

Wow.. I got off on a hockey tangent.  Imagine that.  LMAO!!!  I will stop now... hope everyone is doing well.  

Hugs

~d 

~ Signs of Spring ~

Yeap, right in my own backyard. The other day I was at the kitchen sink looking out back and I noticed green appearing on the trees and shrubs in the fields. Yeah! It's finally spring. It was a good thing too as my camera was off in the corner calling my name. Gently at first, then it became a yell. You know you have to listen when that happens! I think it may have even used my middle name just like when I was younger and my mother really wanted my attention.

Well, I grabbed the camera and went out front to see if I could find anything. As I turned to walk in the backyard I noticed the green and thought this was a pretty decent shot/view. Welcome to my yard :) Good thing I took it when I did. This past weekend they tilled a spot for strawberries. Ahhhh strawberry fields.... no worries you'll see pictures at some point.

My yard is lower then the neighbors and on the far right side is their driveway and garage. This little 'garden' area runs along the base of their garage. Currently no plants are there as it's been too cold but you can see the remains from last year. Our rock wall. LOL Ok so it's not as fancy as those you see around million dollar homes, but we like it. Or need it to hold the dirt in place.

A couple of flowers from the yard. The smell is to die for. Definitely lets you know spring is here!

Oh, and yes the grass has been cut since these were taken. How nice to see color and the vibrant green. Each day more and more appears.

Not only has spring arrived but after all these months I've actually got some good positive news. I don't want to get to excited yet but it's hard to hold back. I went to see the Dr yesterday for my diabetes. After some talking about the issues with my foot she ordered a nerve conduction test. It will be done on Thursday. This should help determine if it is caused by the diabetes or nerve damage. Either way we may get some answers so we can now deal directly with that. I told her no more surgery and she agreed. Two majors in six months is enough.

One thing led to another. We talked about my numbers from testing and the insulin and booster insulin I've used. Ok, so the booster has not been needed in forever. My levels have been low enough that there was no need. We talked and talked and as she looked at my results from recent blood work she wanted to try something a bit different. I no longer need the booster. I will be taking a pill with dinner that should help the insulin I produce work better. There are some side effects so I will start with taking it once a day to see if I can tolerate it. If all goes well I will take it with breakfast and dinner. The dosage on my nightly insulin shot will be lowered. Hopefully all will go well and we can eventually ween me off the shots! OMG you have no idea how happy that will make me if it works.

So last night was the first. I took the pill at dinner and when I tested before bed my sugar was in good shape. Not the best but it was lower then it normally is at that time. Could it have worked that fast? I doubt it but it was positive. I gave myself the shot and went to bed.

This morning I got up and as usual I had to test. I was a bit concerned. Lower dosage? How high would my numbers be. Holy shit! Again lower then usual in the am. Sooooooooooo does a pill work that fast? Am I getting excited to soon? Probably... and I am trying to bring myself back to earth. Keep your fingers crossed will ya?

Yesterday the weather was fabulous. Temps in the 80's... explain to me again why I am excited about going back to work next week? LOL After the Dr's. I went and picked up my sister Nancy. We took a ride to a local beach to get a few shots. I think we were successful. Very as a matter of fact. I will post mine a bit later but feel free to stop by Nancy's blog to see hers too. I don't think they are up yet, but I know they will be.

Well off to do a few things before the rain starts. Enjoy...

hugs

~d

~ Tag Request - In the Army ~

 

Expires 4/29/09 at noon
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~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Spring Day ~

 

Expires 4/27/09 at noon

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Yeap somethings don't change :)

~ This Old Mare ~

 

.... ain't what she use to be.  I took this picture the other day when I went for a ride.  This horse is not far from where I live and I've seen it a gazillion times over the years.  I couldn't help but think she's not what she use to be... kind of like me.  LOL  Seriously though, I'm not what I use to be.  Not saying it is bad, it's just different.  My mind goes in different directions when I'm thinking or planning.  I react different in situations.  I can't put my finger on it, but it's different.  Maybe a more thankful approach to life in general.  

My family often mentions a wheel chair when a long walk is in store.  I don't want a wheelchair!  I don't want a cane!  I want to walk on my own.  Sure I have a slight limp these days and I can't walk as fast as I use to, but I can walk.  Since this latest surgery I'm able to walk almost as though nothing happened (except for the limp)  I want to continue and try to get things back.  I don't want to baby or pamper myself.  If I didn't think I could and/or can do it I won't.  I will ask for help.  Stairs are a slow go still but that is more because of the limited movement in my ankle, not because of my legs. 

I am limited with the amount of weight I can lift or move, but I do try.  I also try to contribute in the household cleaning and cooking, not just financially.  It's not the best but it is getting there. 

The computer.  Well, it's still not there.  I'm not addicted to daytime TV, I think it sucks.  I just get here and start surfing and I get blah.  I have made my rounds to several blogs but I have noticed most of us aren't writing like we use too.  I know it has a bit to do with AOL kicking us to the curb, but I wonder if it was a phase that we are taking out of our lives and we are doing other things.  I have been playing in PSP and actually I've been having some fun.  It takes me a bit longer when creating a tag.  I can't get the groove going, but I have done a few and will offer them up.  Does anyone still offer tags?  I've not seen any really.  Was that a phase too?  LOL  Or does everyone have so many they don't need anymore.  Do folks just want snags with no names? 

I did make a couple that are here.  I was playing with a scrap kit I have and just thought maybe folks would use them for that specific post.  Not sure.  If you want feel free to snag 'em as is.  As always I ask that things not be edited in anyway and that they aren't claimed as your work.   :)

I know my sister has kept everyone posted on my Dad's knee surgery.  It went well and he actually came home from the rehab/nursing home today.  If you read Nancy you knew that already but I will tell you I didn't sit in the lobby I took that long walk to her Dr's. office.  The reason I wasn't sure if I would was because my knee had been stiff/sore for a couple days.  Not sure why.  If I twisted in my sleep, if it was from the nice compression stockings I have to wear, or if it from compensating because of the limp. Regardless it's fine now so it wasn't an issue.  I actually stayed at the house after bringing her home from the Dr so I was there when he got home.  I was concerned about him coming home and not being ready but that was because I had not seen him use the walker at all.  My brother helped him up the 3 stairs into the house but he did great.  What a relief! 

I was suppose to go out with a friend today to watch the Pittsburgh/Philly hockey game.  She actually just called to cancel.  She's not feeling well and wanted to go home to rest and get to bed early.  I don't blame her one bit.  I didn't really care.  I can watch the game here and be just as happy.  My sister won't be as I will be switching between the games that are on, but she'll live.   Ohhhhhhhhh speaking of ... congrats Brit your Bruins did a sweep (won the best out of 7 by winning the first 4) over the Habs.  Whuuuuu huuuu girlfriend.  Now they can get some rest and wait to see who their next opponent is. 

Well that's it.  I'm off to get dinner going.  Veggie stir fry (zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and snapped peas), stuffed chicken breasts, and mashed taters.  Doesn't sound bad does it?

~ Mystery Blogger Update ~

Well we had a few guess on the most recent mystery blogger, but I'm surprised we only had one correct guess.  I thought the picture said it all.  In my eyes I didn't think she changed that much.  Ok, well I don't think her mom still cuts her bangs.  LOL   Our Mystery Blogger is none onther then Linda over at Adirondack Country Gal.  Stop by and leave her some love will ya?

~ Brush Yourself Off ~

Yes, that is right.  Pick yourself up and brush yourself off, it's me yet again.  While recovering I've gone weeks if not months without a word.. barely a visit.  Now in the span of a couple days I've been here several times.  Ummm, no I am not trying to make up for the time I've missed.  It only looks that way.  I swear!  I have missed you all tons.  So many of you have sent me greetings, both on here and in the mail.  Thank you!  There is not a soul out there that could tell me on line friends aren't real and get away with it.  So many of you helped me through some of the darkest days.  That IS real!  Again, I want to thank you all.  The cards always came/come when I need them most.  Like you knew it and sent them. 

All is not perfect in my world.  I still have a long way to go and somethings I'm not sure will ever get better.  The doctors aren't sure either but I will not go down without a fight.  That you can count on!   I have to wear those oh so special compression socks (knee high).  Ever try to put them on?  Now think of me with an incision (that is healing) from the top of my sternum to my pubic bone.  You want me to what?  Pull those things on?  Oh thank God they at least come in colors now and not just white!  It's only a temporary thing.  Well, my doc says it is.  We are working on getting the swelling in my left foot to stay down.  Along with a water pill every day, it seems to be working.  That is except for the constant need to run to the potty.  He has seen me in my highs and lows and no doubt is not wanting to feel my wrath if I have to wear them forever.  Soooooooooo until further notice no pretty shoes.  LMAO ok so my Fred Flinstone feet never fit into pretty shoes, now I just have an excuse. 

 

Here are the remaining pictures from my drive today.  Ok, not all of them but a few more.  I found the modern windmill in this shot with the old barn to be interesting.  To the right of the one you see there are about 30 more. 

 

This was the old barn I wanted to actually use for the challenge. I just thought the extensive damage up against the blue sky added something.  Not sure what I thought it added but........... I decided not to use it because someone else used an old barn....

 

This fence lines the road not far from my house.  Had it not been so wet and yucky I would have walked down to it and took the shot length wise.  It appeared to go on forever and every few feet it had fallen down.  Maybe another day when I'm a bit more sure of my footing... or maybe I will have my son come with me so I can hang on to him.  Ohhhh... he'd surely be calling me a freak then, eh?  You do remember he has called me that in the past regarding my picture taking, right?

Speaking of my son.  We went out for dinner this evening.  We went to a local place (one he use to work at) that is close by with yummy food.  I'm a bit limited on the menu items but it has a few things I can splurge on.  The grilled chicken sandwich I had was to die for!!  Not literally, I promise :)   He was thrilled to hear I'd been out taking pictures.  He was even more thrilled to hear I've been on the PC a bit more.  I know he's happy to see me moving on and not being on a constant crying jag.  Poor kid.  He's been through as much hell as I have been and he did nothing wrong.  I tell him I must have done something really good in my previous life to luck out and get such a good boy.  He blushes, but I know he knows I mean it.  I am blessed to have such a son!

 

::giggle:: I know a few rolled their eyes when they got the alert for yet another entry so I will end now.  Besides I feel like the above tractor (old) more and more and it's now time to put my feet up and rest my eyes.  LOL   Actually I'm off to watch more hockey.   They are playing for the holy grail you know.  My boys aren't in it....  :::heavy sigh::: once again their season ended after the regular season, but the off season is long and I need to get my fill.  You watching?  You care?  Who are your picks?  I know in years past I did entries with the teams and choices but I just wasn't up to it prior to the run actually starting.  Maybe the finals...  if you can stand me posting regularly now.

Thanks again for being you and being behind and/or next to me in my wild adventures of the past few months.  I can never thank you enough or show just how much it means to me.

Hugs

~d

~ Community Photo Challenge - The Great Outdoors ~

::waving:: Hello! Yeap it's me again. Some of you might have read on my facebook that I was going for a ride with my camera. I did just that! I was hoping to get a few shots for the Community Photo Challenge this week. Check out other folks taking part. Don't forget to put the main page in your favorites or on google reader so you can see the updates, and future challenges. It's fun and I would hope everyone would take a picture and show it off. It's fun.. and just for fun :)

I did take several photo's and had one of an old barn that I loved. I thought about that one for this but then found someone else had done an old barn too and I wanted to keep it different. I've been playing with photo edge masks as you've no doubt seen in the past few photos I put up. I really like the look it gives. Too much? Anyway.. here is my Great Outdoor shot and I DO hope you will all consider joining in.

~ Mystery Blogger XVI ~

 

OMG! Yes it's back :)~  I have a few more and I will do my best to get them all up and soon.  I found one today that the picture was missing and the URL was to AOL blogs....  so if you sent one in and I didn't get it up yet please resend with picture, URL, and a few hints.  Exposure, exposure, exposure......  and what about you guys out there??????????????????????????

A few hints below.. leave your guess in the comments and come back to see how you did. 

Loves the outdoors

Has 2 children
Lives in a trailer home
You can tell my Mom cut my bangs in this picture! LOL

~ Tag Request - Spring Colors ~

Guess what I did today?  I don't think I've lost my touch but time will tell :)

Expires 4/21/09 at noon

Limit 1

All requests must be in before the expiration date.  An email address is required so I can send you your tag.  No email, no tag... sorry.

Please make sure files are saved as a .gif to keep the animation. 

Do not cut, rip, or edit my tags Resizing is editing.  I've cut the size so they should fit in your blog just fine.

Do not claim as your own

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Yeap somethings don't change :)

~ It's Time ~

 

Yeap, it's time for the pretty flowers to peek out of the thawing gardens and show their beautiful colors to welcome spring, but that isn't what I'm talking about.  It's time for me to pull on my 'big girl' panties and move on.  I've been told over and over how strong and positive I've been through all this and I guess to a point I have been.  What everyone doesn't always see is the tears rolling down my cheeks.  The 'feel sorry' for myself as I lay on the couch being uncomfortable.  How I want my life back.  I want my hobbies to be interesting to me again.  I want to enjoy the next six months and not miss it like I have the last six.  I barely log on anymore.  Well, to clean out my mailbox but even then so much just gets deleted.  That is not me.  I miss everyone but have had no get up and go when I'm here.  It's not like I'm busy doing anything.  Hell, I've watched repeats of daytime TV.  How sad is that?  I use to be 'don't leave home without it', my camera that is.  Now?  I barely pick it up.. well until recently.   I've decided to move forward or change my interests but  sitting on my ass doing nothing is not for me.  I've been given a second chance and I need to embrace it!

It's also time for an update.  I know many of you have visited my sister for updates as well as welcome her to blogville.  She is so enjoying herself and I couldn't be happier that she is getting into this and I so appreciate you following her and taking her under your wing.

So me?  I'm really doing ok.  Much better.  I have another incision that starts from the bottom of the last one and goes right to my pubic bone.  I have two small ones on either leg, maybe 3-4 inches from the top of my thigh and into my groin area (or there abouts.)  Those are the ones that hurt the most, but are doing much better now.  I am now able to get into my jeans and the rubbing at my belly button and when I sit is minimal.  I've recently been cleared for more activity and I've been riding my stationary bike for about 20-30 minutes every day.  I'm not a speed demon by any stretch but I can do it with only leg power and I don't have to stop.  Walking is something I can do too.  My left foot is still numb and swells at times but the pain is mostly gone and I can walk for more then 1-2 minutes now.  That is a good thing!  We are not sure about the foot.  It could take 6 months to a year before we know if it will come back, or if it won't.  I have to learn to be happy with what I do have, but damn walking with a drop foot is not fun nor pretty.  Work?  I can go back May 5.  I'm excited, but then on the other hand wonder why.  LOL  I love my job and the people I work with but I'd love to be rich and not have to worry about it.  Ok, so we all think that way... it's just not the case with me right now :)

So these are new pictures.  They were taken Easter Sunday.  Ohhhhhhhhhhhh and I hope everyone had a good holiday.. whatever you celebrate.  Mine was good.  My sister cooked dinner this year.  Breakfast was put on hold because my Dad had knee surgery and was being moved from the hospital to the rehab center in the am and it was just easier for my Mom to do dinner with us.  He, by the way is doing good.  Great actually.  He is hoping to be home next week.  Time will tell.  I keep telling him and my Mom not to rush it. 

Easter was good.  Bug and Gage were there and enjoying themselves.  Bug offered me some of her candy and I told her no.  I had to explain why I couldn't eat sugar.  It was a good 15 minutes of back and forth conversations and when it was all said and done her response, 'sounds to me like you have a candy problem.'  Out of the mouths of babes!! 

So there you have it.  A little update.  I am going to try to be here and on facebook a little more.  I've been dabbling with tags and hope I'll have an offer and soon.  I do hope everyone is well.  I will be doing my best to get by soon.  I promise!  Love you all.

hugs

~d