Guess it's time to write something so that my sister won't think I'm dead. I'm not. I realize it has been a while. Last entry was after Sonoma. It was our new pastor's first Sunday. Today was her installation. It was a long journey, but now we are official. The happily retired Pastor Nominating Committee can draw a huge sigh of relief and say to each other, "job well done."
So what have I been doing. I finished the scarves with a week to spare. They were well received. I have an ante-room meeting and Installation left to go next Thursday. I wasn't entirely sure that I would complete my term as Worthy Matron, but I did it. We had a good chapter year.
Grand Chapter was a couple of weeks ago--one of the best I've been to and I've been attending them since 1982. Kim and Don presided beautifully. Everything went smoothly and I never had to correct their grammar in my head. It was really a pleasure. Grand Chapter, as usual, was followed by four days at Yosemite. They were glorious days--warm in the daytime and cool in the evening. We didn't do much, just enjoyed hanging out. There was even a little water in Yosemite Falls. The weather being fabulous, Tioga Pass was open, so we went on to Reno for two nights. Once again, we had a blast. I couldn't lose. Well, I'm sure I could have if I'd tried hard enough and long enough. We didn't have the option of staying extra days this time, so I came out ahead. I came home with more cash than I left with.
Now i really am home. Next Yosemite trip will be in May, and that's a long time from now. I had my follow up CT scan yesterday. I'll get the results next Friday when I see Dr. Chee. I'm not expecting anything bad. I've been feeling good--maybe a little peppy. It's been a long time since I could say that.
You're up to date. I have a new scarf project, but this one is only five and I'm almost done with the fourth one. My goal is to be finished by Thursday. It may happen or it may not. The world will not come to an end. After that is done, I get to move back to socks and hats and try to put a dent in the yarn cave.
xxooxx
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Home for a while
Leaving the Inn is really hard. As with Yosemite, I know that it will be there and I can always go back. This was an amazing visit. It was almost spiritual. I know I'm paying a king's ransom for the privilege, but it is more than that. The love that surrounds me there is palpable, both at the Spa and The Big 3. I love my friends there and they love me. They pray for me and take care of me. It is almost as though my time there was one big Watsu, and I'm floating happily through my time there. Saturday was toes, fingers, hair, and scalp, all with Rudolfo. I got to visit with Bebe too. Bebe is another one who seems to know what's going on inside me. In January 2010, before I had my scan and people started saying "remission," as she was doing reflexology on my feet, Bebe looked at me and said, "You're better." She was right. Rudolfo is just a sweaty. How can I not enjoy my last hours there since they are spent in the salon? I'm not always glamorous through the various wonderful treatments, but after a morning in the salon, I leave pretty.
Sunday was a very special day too, It was our new Pastor's first service with us. We've been waiting for her for so long. It was a happy time. And I got home in time to see the 49ers win. Life is good.
I got up today full of purpose. I did some picking up in the bedroom, remembering my plan at the beginning of the year to put, throw, or give away at least 10 things a day. If I look at the whole mountain, it is just too depressing. But anyone can deal with 10 things a day. If I do more, so much the better. I also did some vacuuming on the landing, stairs, and hall. I finished the knitting project last night. Now all I have to do is press all of them and they will be ready to go--and I've moved on to the next project--a hat and mittens--one set, not seventeen. After that, I'll start on the boxes of yarn. I've got socks to make for two friends from the Inn. Gosh--then I'll have to take the finished products up there! I can handle it.
xxooxx
Sunday was a very special day too, It was our new Pastor's first service with us. We've been waiting for her for so long. It was a happy time. And I got home in time to see the 49ers win. Life is good.
I got up today full of purpose. I did some picking up in the bedroom, remembering my plan at the beginning of the year to put, throw, or give away at least 10 things a day. If I look at the whole mountain, it is just too depressing. But anyone can deal with 10 things a day. If I do more, so much the better. I also did some vacuuming on the landing, stairs, and hall. I finished the knitting project last night. Now all I have to do is press all of them and they will be ready to go--and I've moved on to the next project--a hat and mittens--one set, not seventeen. After that, I'll start on the boxes of yarn. I've got socks to make for two friends from the Inn. Gosh--then I'll have to take the finished products up there! I can handle it.
xxooxx
Friday, September 30, 2011
Happy Skin
Here's my last night in 917. Thursday morning I started with Reiki with reflexology and a Rejuvenating Kur with Diane. Reiki is better than a CT scan. It's almost spooky how Diane knows what is going on with my body. It was pretty intense. Diane knows, so I do what she tells me. The Rejuvenating Kur is quite lovely. It concludes with a warm oil and a conditioning mask for the hair and scalp. You don't look glamorous when it's done, but you really feel good. I took my towel wrapped head to the loggia to rest and let it sink in before I showered it out. Next was a Thai Massage--great stretching--with Bill, who is 4 months younger than I am. It's another of those "Will you respect me in the morning" treatments. Love it. Last treatment of the day was a Total Body Recovery with David. This is another of the new treatments. Starts with a soak and concludes with a massage using icy cold and hot stones--I had wondered why Diane hadn't schedules a Sonoma Stone Massage--this was where I figured it out.
Today was my last Watsu with Laura. Each provider does generally the same thing, but each one has their own signature. I think that's why I need so many of them. After the Watsu, I finally did the Bathing Ritual, since I was already wet. After that, I lay by the outdoor pool to give my suit time to dry out and read till it was time for my Balance Body with Laura--my last new treatment. tarts with a foot soak and exfoliation, an amazing body scrub, shower, and massage with really amazing oils. You leave with spa hair--I never realized how much I can look like Albert Einstein--but your skin feels so good you just don't care. I napped on the loggia until it was time for my facial. The facial means things are winding down, which is sad, but it feels wonderful, which is good. Another rest on the loggia to let the creams soak into my face and feet. I stayed there till it started to get dark--at least until it was hard to read, and then I got back into clothes and had my dinner. I had fillet mignon tonight since it is my wedding anniversary (33rd). Now I'm ready to sit by the fire and knit. Tomorrow is pedicure, manicure, and hair and scalp treatment with Rudolfo, and then back to the real world. My body usually goes into shock when it realizes that no one is going to slather it with lotions and oils. I could do part of it, but it just isn't the same thing.
Right now, my skin is happy and softer than it has been since before Chemo. I'm a happy girl.
xxooxx
Today was my last Watsu with Laura. Each provider does generally the same thing, but each one has their own signature. I think that's why I need so many of them. After the Watsu, I finally did the Bathing Ritual, since I was already wet. After that, I lay by the outdoor pool to give my suit time to dry out and read till it was time for my Balance Body with Laura--my last new treatment. tarts with a foot soak and exfoliation, an amazing body scrub, shower, and massage with really amazing oils. You leave with spa hair--I never realized how much I can look like Albert Einstein--but your skin feels so good you just don't care. I napped on the loggia until it was time for my facial. The facial means things are winding down, which is sad, but it feels wonderful, which is good. Another rest on the loggia to let the creams soak into my face and feet. I stayed there till it started to get dark--at least until it was hard to read, and then I got back into clothes and had my dinner. I had fillet mignon tonight since it is my wedding anniversary (33rd). Now I'm ready to sit by the fire and knit. Tomorrow is pedicure, manicure, and hair and scalp treatment with Rudolfo, and then back to the real world. My body usually goes into shock when it realizes that no one is going to slather it with lotions and oils. I could do part of it, but it just isn't the same thing.
Right now, my skin is happy and softer than it has been since before Chemo. I'm a happy girl.
xxooxx
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Back to Sonoma
I can't believe it--last blog I was amazed that it was September and now it's almost over. Haven't done much--still trying to get my stamina back. Highlights of the month were our Remembrance Sunday service on 9-11. I played Barber's Adagio for Strings for the candle lighting. I haven't played serious music in a long time--it went quite well. The following Saturday was my niece Victoria's engagement party. We had almost the whole family together for the first time in almost forever. Missing were my nephew Kyle, at a wedding in the Carolina's, I think, and grandson Ryan, who was doing boy things with his friends. I had my check up with Dr. Chee (oncologist). Things are about the same. I'll have my next scan in November.
So here I am at the Sonoma Mission Inn. I left home around 11:30. Traffic through the city on 19th Avenue was a breeze and I got here a little after 1. My room was ready so I went off to catch most of my soap. I got to my building and met the bellman--at the foot of the staircase. No elevator--that was not going to work. So back to the lobby to wait for something on the first floor or in a building with an elevator. I sat and knit. I got into my room a little after three. I got organized, then it was off to the spa for a massage with David and the first Watsu with Soledad. Wednesday morning I had breakfast--lemon cottage cheese pancakes--always the first day breakfast--and Watsu number 2 with Glenn. In the afternoon, I had a new treatment--Wine Country Recovery with Soledad, starts with a bath then an aloe-gel wrap, foot massage and facial. It was amazing. My chemo dried skin loved it. That was followed by a tandem massage with Soledad and David. I still think that should be illegal it feels so good. I rested on the loggia for a bit, then it was off to dinner and back to the room to knit. I'm half through with the last scarf in the project--and two weeks to go. I stayed up too late to get to that point and to finish this. I think I have four activities tomorrow--pampering can be exhausting. So good night for now.
xxooxx
So here I am at the Sonoma Mission Inn. I left home around 11:30. Traffic through the city on 19th Avenue was a breeze and I got here a little after 1. My room was ready so I went off to catch most of my soap. I got to my building and met the bellman--at the foot of the staircase. No elevator--that was not going to work. So back to the lobby to wait for something on the first floor or in a building with an elevator. I sat and knit. I got into my room a little after three. I got organized, then it was off to the spa for a massage with David and the first Watsu with Soledad. Wednesday morning I had breakfast--lemon cottage cheese pancakes--always the first day breakfast--and Watsu number 2 with Glenn. In the afternoon, I had a new treatment--Wine Country Recovery with Soledad, starts with a bath then an aloe-gel wrap, foot massage and facial. It was amazing. My chemo dried skin loved it. That was followed by a tandem massage with Soledad and David. I still think that should be illegal it feels so good. I rested on the loggia for a bit, then it was off to dinner and back to the room to knit. I'm half through with the last scarf in the project--and two weeks to go. I stayed up too late to get to that point and to finish this. I think I have four activities tomorrow--pampering can be exhausting. So good night for now.
xxooxx
Monday, September 5, 2011
September Tunes
I'm not sure how it happened, but it seems to be September already. I should be at Camp Jones Gulch this weekend, fiddling my heart out. Alas, the Gateswingers don't go there for Labor Day any more. I remember when Lee first took me, just before we were married. I didn't think I could spare the weekend, but it came to be a cherished time. I don't think I ever would have started fiddling without the time spent there and the encouragement I got playing with Keeping Up With the Joneses. I think I prefer playing with the Brawlers, because we don't play for dancers and we can play the tough tunes a little slower if we need to and we only play the tunes twice through as a rule.
I had a gig yesterday morning in Morgan Hill. I had to leave the house around 8,which meant breakfast by 6:30. In the morning. I forgot there was a 6:30 in the morning. The gig wasn't terribly taxing--ended up playing less than planned. That's because just before we were going to start, as I tuned, my G string broke. I go years without strings breaking, but my A broke just before Piper's wedding last year and there went the G. Fortunately, I always carry spares, but there was the whole production of changing the string, then praying that it didn't go out of tune when I needed it. The best part of the exercise, was that they paid me for playing! That was a treat--and they fed me--and I got home in time to watch the Cal game. Cal won.
A few months ago, I took on a huge knitting project. I had several months to complete it, so I wasn't worried. I now have four and a half weeks to finish and I'm about half done. So much for knitting socks for fun--it's the project till I get it finished.
The little girls from across the street stopped by to visit this evening. They aren't little girls any more. The older one graduated from college last May and the younger one is starting college in a week or so. The older one was a baby when her parents bought the house across the street. I've watched them grow up to be lovely young women. They have always been really sweet girls. I didn't let them leave empty handed. One got a hat when she asked if I would make her one (no, I didn't sit down and whip it up, I had it on hand) and the other got the most recent pair of socks. I'll get back to socks and hats when the project is over.
I'm doing well. Chemo was six weeks ago. I'm still dealing with side effects, but I'm not as tired as I was, and that's a blessing. My skin is still very dry and more hair falls out than I'd like. I know that is cyclical and will pass. It's like the stamina thing. I'm feeling good for the most part--once again working my way off pain meds. I won't push it, but if I can get off them, I will--at least until I start to hurt again. I'm not rushing either. I think I'll just enjoy feeling good for a while.
That's it for now. Besides the knitting, I have to practice real music. I'm playing at church next week. Guess I'd better check my stash of strings while I'm at it.
xxooxx
I had a gig yesterday morning in Morgan Hill. I had to leave the house around 8,which meant breakfast by 6:30. In the morning. I forgot there was a 6:30 in the morning. The gig wasn't terribly taxing--ended up playing less than planned. That's because just before we were going to start, as I tuned, my G string broke. I go years without strings breaking, but my A broke just before Piper's wedding last year and there went the G. Fortunately, I always carry spares, but there was the whole production of changing the string, then praying that it didn't go out of tune when I needed it. The best part of the exercise, was that they paid me for playing! That was a treat--and they fed me--and I got home in time to watch the Cal game. Cal won.
A few months ago, I took on a huge knitting project. I had several months to complete it, so I wasn't worried. I now have four and a half weeks to finish and I'm about half done. So much for knitting socks for fun--it's the project till I get it finished.
The little girls from across the street stopped by to visit this evening. They aren't little girls any more. The older one graduated from college last May and the younger one is starting college in a week or so. The older one was a baby when her parents bought the house across the street. I've watched them grow up to be lovely young women. They have always been really sweet girls. I didn't let them leave empty handed. One got a hat when she asked if I would make her one (no, I didn't sit down and whip it up, I had it on hand) and the other got the most recent pair of socks. I'll get back to socks and hats when the project is over.
I'm doing well. Chemo was six weeks ago. I'm still dealing with side effects, but I'm not as tired as I was, and that's a blessing. My skin is still very dry and more hair falls out than I'd like. I know that is cyclical and will pass. It's like the stamina thing. I'm feeling good for the most part--once again working my way off pain meds. I won't push it, but if I can get off them, I will--at least until I start to hurt again. I'm not rushing either. I think I'll just enjoy feeling good for a while.
That's it for now. Besides the knitting, I have to practice real music. I'm playing at church next week. Guess I'd better check my stash of strings while I'm at it.
xxooxx
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Ran Away from Home--Had an Extended Blast
I haven't blogged for a while because I haven't done anything except recover from chemo. Had a transfusion on the 16th and that perked me up a little. Last Tuesday, that would be the 23rd, Dory picked me up around 11 and we were off for a three day stay at the Silver Legacy in Reno. Thursday, as we were thinking about going home the next day, we decided to stay over another night and come home Saturday. we were having such a good time. The same thing happened on Friday. We kept crazy hours, we ate when we felt like it, we never went outside between turning the car over to the valet and retrieving it. We laughed most of the time. I played many machines--Dory would find one she liked and stay there. We each have our own code. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I hardly ever go to the movies--slots are entertaining as hell for me. I spent lots of time playing on house money.
We packed up this morning and left before breakfast so we couldn't change our minds again. I really did need to come home. We stopped at Boomtown for breakfast and a little slots. I kept setting times that we should leave and we kept ignoring them. We actually got into the car around 2--and decided to play just a little longer. So we played a bit more, watched the end of the Giants game on the jumbo screen, thought about spending the night there--but I was out of clean clothes and really did need to get home. I called Glenn just before we left so there was no turning back. We had dinner at Lou LaBonte's just before Auburn and got home a little after nine. Two very happy old ladies. Now we're plotting our next trip.
I'm feeling good--still some abdominal soreness, but my energy is coming back. Have to figure out how to be a normal person again.
xxooxx
We packed up this morning and left before breakfast so we couldn't change our minds again. I really did need to come home. We stopped at Boomtown for breakfast and a little slots. I kept setting times that we should leave and we kept ignoring them. We actually got into the car around 2--and decided to play just a little longer. So we played a bit more, watched the end of the Giants game on the jumbo screen, thought about spending the night there--but I was out of clean clothes and really did need to get home. I called Glenn just before we left so there was no turning back. We had dinner at Lou LaBonte's just before Auburn and got home a little after nine. Two very happy old ladies. Now we're plotting our next trip.
I'm feeling good--still some abdominal soreness, but my energy is coming back. Have to figure out how to be a normal person again.
xxooxx
Friday, August 5, 2011
Two good newses
Wednesday morning I got up at five to eat breakfast so that I could get to my CT scan by 8:30. I stopped off at the fancy yarn shop after the scan and the requisite blood sucking. I got two more sock pattern books and extra needles--socks take a lot of needles. The message light was flashing when I got home, so I checked it--my favorite niece calling to let me know that as of her birthday, the previous day, her boy friend became her fiance! How terribly exciting. Her engagement ring was our Great Aunt Jessie's ring--appropriate because Aunt Jessie died shortly after she heard that Gretchen was going to have a baby--who turned out to be Miss Victoria Gabrielle. It is a lovely diamond in an old fashioned setting and Victoria loves it. I couldn't be happier for her, I love weddings. Not that they are in a rush, but chances are I will be around for it.
Which brings the other piece of good news. Because I'm still in a great deal of abdominal pain, I was worried about the scan. Worried to the point that I really didn't want to go to this appointment by myself. Glenn, who has been so good about taking me to my various appointments, had to work swing and my appointment was at 3:30. Dory had a 4 PM appointment, so she couldn't go. This morning, I called Elaine to see if she could go with me. She had a little rearranging to do, but yes, she could come over. I picked her up at the BART station just after 2. We stopped at CVS to pick up a prescription then came home so I could pick up my knitting and Elaine could see the pictures Victoria had posted to Facebook--which should now be renamed Fingerbook. Elaine knows that Victoria is six years younger than she is, but still likes to think Victoria is 16. She was, however, properly excited and thrilled over the ring.
We grabbed our stuff and headed to San Mateo. in the one storey elevator on the way up to the office, Elaine gave me a hug and said "I love you, Mom." She knew I was scared. I didn't need to be. The scan was good, compared with May and January scans. There is still the collection of fluid. Dr. Chee thinks that's what's causing the pain and is a leftover from surgery. It is something that only time will take care of. But everything is stable. My blood counts are all down--to be expected from the chemo. If I want a transfusion, I can have one, but I think I'm OK. Red count is 9.6 and she usually transfuses when it goes below 9. It was 8.2 for the last transfusion last month. White count is low--stay away from sick people. Platelets are low--be careful of sharp objects. All of that should come out as I get through this chemo cycle and don't replace it with another one. I made an appointment to have my port flushed in a month and to see Dr. Chee in seven weeks. She wanted it to be six, but she's going to London. I want to go with her.
So we were happy girls leaving the office. We went grocery shopping so that I could take advantage of Elaine to tote them upstairs. She stayed for dinner and we had a good time, buoyed by the news that I'm not dying tomorrow. We laughed as silly stuff and said that I'm good a lot. I took her to the BART station and was home in time to watch most of the Giants game. I'm not inviting Cliff Lee to the next party. He wasn't nice to my team. I have faith in them and will love them no matter what.
So that's the good newses and no bad news--unless you count the Giants game. They will turn it around for me--it's their job. My job right now is to rest and make all sorts of blood cells. Their job is to win and keep me happy. What's so hard about that?
xxooxx
Which brings the other piece of good news. Because I'm still in a great deal of abdominal pain, I was worried about the scan. Worried to the point that I really didn't want to go to this appointment by myself. Glenn, who has been so good about taking me to my various appointments, had to work swing and my appointment was at 3:30. Dory had a 4 PM appointment, so she couldn't go. This morning, I called Elaine to see if she could go with me. She had a little rearranging to do, but yes, she could come over. I picked her up at the BART station just after 2. We stopped at CVS to pick up a prescription then came home so I could pick up my knitting and Elaine could see the pictures Victoria had posted to Facebook--which should now be renamed Fingerbook. Elaine knows that Victoria is six years younger than she is, but still likes to think Victoria is 16. She was, however, properly excited and thrilled over the ring.
We grabbed our stuff and headed to San Mateo. in the one storey elevator on the way up to the office, Elaine gave me a hug and said "I love you, Mom." She knew I was scared. I didn't need to be. The scan was good, compared with May and January scans. There is still the collection of fluid. Dr. Chee thinks that's what's causing the pain and is a leftover from surgery. It is something that only time will take care of. But everything is stable. My blood counts are all down--to be expected from the chemo. If I want a transfusion, I can have one, but I think I'm OK. Red count is 9.6 and she usually transfuses when it goes below 9. It was 8.2 for the last transfusion last month. White count is low--stay away from sick people. Platelets are low--be careful of sharp objects. All of that should come out as I get through this chemo cycle and don't replace it with another one. I made an appointment to have my port flushed in a month and to see Dr. Chee in seven weeks. She wanted it to be six, but she's going to London. I want to go with her.
So we were happy girls leaving the office. We went grocery shopping so that I could take advantage of Elaine to tote them upstairs. She stayed for dinner and we had a good time, buoyed by the news that I'm not dying tomorrow. We laughed as silly stuff and said that I'm good a lot. I took her to the BART station and was home in time to watch most of the Giants game. I'm not inviting Cliff Lee to the next party. He wasn't nice to my team. I have faith in them and will love them no matter what.
So that's the good newses and no bad news--unless you count the Giants game. They will turn it around for me--it's their job. My job right now is to rest and make all sorts of blood cells. Their job is to win and keep me happy. What's so hard about that?
xxooxx
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