I was just re-reading an old post about before I had the radiation on my lip and it reminded me of just how much I've been through with my skin cancers. I've been very lucky that I only had basal and squamous and not melanoma but those first two are bad enough!
I have very light, freckled skin which burns very easily and, when i was young, we never bothered with sunscreen so I had many sunburns. Then my husband and I got a sailboat when we were in our 40's and I stupidly refrained from using sunscreen on cloudy days...I had some horrific sunburns on my face during that time.
All in all, I've had some form of skin cancer on about 10 spots on my face, chest, and arm. The one on my lip was treated with radiation and that was horrendous, not in pain but in the size of the scab that spread across my lip during treatment. A few were cut out or sprayed with liquid nitrogen. And then I had a chemical peel on my face and that was also horrendous. I looked like someone had used a blowtorch on my face!
Fingers crossed, I haven't had a recurrence in a couple of years but there is one little spot on my chest that probably will need a blast of liquid nitrogen when I see the dermatologist next month. She feels I don't need to see her twice a year any more but I'm not sure about that. I'll always have to be on the lookout for suspicious spots and that's my price for not using sunscreen. I've paid a big price already but I've also been very lucky that the treatments seem to have worked well.
Use sunscreen. Point out any unusual spot to your family doctor. Don't bake in the sun!
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Doing Laundry
Ever since the advent of permanent pressed fabrics I've loved doing laundry. I know some people still iron everything regardless but not me, I'm lazy.
I don't know what it is about getting the laundry done that is so satisfying to me but I just love seeing the closet and drawers filled with nice freshly cleaned clothes. Mind you, I have way too many clothes and could go for months and not run out but I still love to wash what's in the hamper.
Considering I'm not a clean freak about the rest of the apartment...it's neat but not squeaky clean because that would be too much trouble...I do love the smell of freshly washed clothes that have been hung out on the line to dry. I can only do that at the trailer but it's still nice.
I did vacuum today because the afghan I'm working on is covered in pilling and much of it seems to drop on me and then onto the floor. I can't stand mess that obvious so it had to go.
Other than one more load of laundry, my work is done for the day and it's only 7:30 A.M. This is nice!
I don't know what it is about getting the laundry done that is so satisfying to me but I just love seeing the closet and drawers filled with nice freshly cleaned clothes. Mind you, I have way too many clothes and could go for months and not run out but I still love to wash what's in the hamper.
Considering I'm not a clean freak about the rest of the apartment...it's neat but not squeaky clean because that would be too much trouble...I do love the smell of freshly washed clothes that have been hung out on the line to dry. I can only do that at the trailer but it's still nice.
I did vacuum today because the afghan I'm working on is covered in pilling and much of it seems to drop on me and then onto the floor. I can't stand mess that obvious so it had to go.
Other than one more load of laundry, my work is done for the day and it's only 7:30 A.M. This is nice!
Friday, June 16, 2017
A Beautiful June Day
It's warm and the sun is shining. I've had no bad news for a while now and I'm starting to relax. My family is doing well and that's what counts the most for me.
I believe that June must be the most perfect of months here in Canada. The weather is usually good to perfect and the flowers are still young and lush. I love the early autumn months, too, but they just aren't as beautiful as June.
I have lots of memories of Junes of the past. Gardening was a huge part when I had my house and I still carry the memory of June air on my skin, planting and watering and sitting to admire my work. Early June was much more relaxing than late June because that's when school ended and the kids stayed home. I can still picture them playing under the sprinkler, laughing and enjoying their freedom from school for a couple of months.
Years passed and my girls married and moved away and there was quiet all through June. I remember a bit of sadness that a very important era had come and gone but, joy of joys, along came grandson #1 on June 7, 1984. Yes, I do love the month of June!
I believe that June must be the most perfect of months here in Canada. The weather is usually good to perfect and the flowers are still young and lush. I love the early autumn months, too, but they just aren't as beautiful as June.
I have lots of memories of Junes of the past. Gardening was a huge part when I had my house and I still carry the memory of June air on my skin, planting and watering and sitting to admire my work. Early June was much more relaxing than late June because that's when school ended and the kids stayed home. I can still picture them playing under the sprinkler, laughing and enjoying their freedom from school for a couple of months.
Years passed and my girls married and moved away and there was quiet all through June. I remember a bit of sadness that a very important era had come and gone but, joy of joys, along came grandson #1 on June 7, 1984. Yes, I do love the month of June!
Thursday, June 15, 2017
It's Always Something
A comedian once said (and wrote a book titled) "It's Always Something". She was right. Problems in the family, problems in our city, problems in the world...we can't have a damn day of complete peace!
I'm a worrier by nature and it's a curse. One niggling little hint of a problem and I immediately go into worry mode. This involves considering all the possibilities and then trying to convince myself to choose the best one but too often failing.
When I went to the hematologist last week, I sat in the waiting room with a dozen or so patients who almost certainly were suffering from something much more serious than I was. The lady sitting next to me began a conversation and I mentioned my hope was that the outcome of my visit would be that my CLL was nothing to worry about and that I could go back to having my family doctor monitor it with my regular bloodwork. In my heart I thought that was a pipe dream but darned if that isn't what happened! I don't think the good news has completely settled into my worrying little mind, though. What if there was some kind of mistake?
After all, someone made a mistake when I was diagnosed with a 3.5 cm cyst in my pancreas last November. Now I'm worrying that my results got mixed up with someone else's and there is someone walking around thinking they're fine but they're the one with the cyst! A recent MRI and a catscan showed nothing in my pancreas and not even a lymph node that size so how could this happen??
Doctors make mistakes all the time. The quack doctor I had when I was in my 20's and 30's told me I was pregnant many times when I wasn't. He told me I had a nerve rash when I actually had chicken pox. He told me I needed a hysterectomy and a gall bladder removal. I still have all my innards! When you think about it, it's a good thing I don't agree to anything quickly and sometimes never at all.
But now I'm going to worry about who the heck is carrying around that 3.5 cm pancreatic cyst and hope it's benign!
Update: A sigh of relief as I found out one of my male relatives does not have prostate cancer. He'd had an elevated PSA...kind of embarrassing to find out that having sex elevates your PSA. He's been told to refrain from sex for at least 5 days before his next test. I'd been pretty sure he'd be okay but when I got the phone call I fell apart. Nerves are a funny thing, aren't they? Anyway, such good news and I'm very thankful!
I'm a worrier by nature and it's a curse. One niggling little hint of a problem and I immediately go into worry mode. This involves considering all the possibilities and then trying to convince myself to choose the best one but too often failing.
When I went to the hematologist last week, I sat in the waiting room with a dozen or so patients who almost certainly were suffering from something much more serious than I was. The lady sitting next to me began a conversation and I mentioned my hope was that the outcome of my visit would be that my CLL was nothing to worry about and that I could go back to having my family doctor monitor it with my regular bloodwork. In my heart I thought that was a pipe dream but darned if that isn't what happened! I don't think the good news has completely settled into my worrying little mind, though. What if there was some kind of mistake?
After all, someone made a mistake when I was diagnosed with a 3.5 cm cyst in my pancreas last November. Now I'm worrying that my results got mixed up with someone else's and there is someone walking around thinking they're fine but they're the one with the cyst! A recent MRI and a catscan showed nothing in my pancreas and not even a lymph node that size so how could this happen??
Doctors make mistakes all the time. The quack doctor I had when I was in my 20's and 30's told me I was pregnant many times when I wasn't. He told me I had a nerve rash when I actually had chicken pox. He told me I needed a hysterectomy and a gall bladder removal. I still have all my innards! When you think about it, it's a good thing I don't agree to anything quickly and sometimes never at all.
But now I'm going to worry about who the heck is carrying around that 3.5 cm pancreatic cyst and hope it's benign!
Update: A sigh of relief as I found out one of my male relatives does not have prostate cancer. He'd had an elevated PSA...kind of embarrassing to find out that having sex elevates your PSA. He's been told to refrain from sex for at least 5 days before his next test. I'd been pretty sure he'd be okay but when I got the phone call I fell apart. Nerves are a funny thing, aren't they? Anyway, such good news and I'm very thankful!
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Foggy Day
I do believe that reduced visibility like this will almost ensure there will be more car accidents. If the crazy drivers I saw yesterday are out on the road today, someone will get killed for sure! I was driving down the Linc and speeding just a little bit but 2 cars passed me like I was standing still. They not only passed but wove through the traffic like crazy people. They endangered their own lives but, worse, they endangered every other person on the road. Plain selfish and stupid!
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
May Be Time To Be Vegan
I think about it occasionally, especially when I let myself look at the culture of meat eating and see it for the ugly thing it really is. I remember visiting family on a farm and hearing them refer to a calf by name and how they planned to butcher it. I remember feeling amazement and disgust...how can you give an animal a cute name and then eat it? Logically, it is no different from loving animals and buying their carcass pieces at the grocery store and taking them home for dinner.
I watched a bit of a video today (couldn't stomach to watch more than just a little bit) that got workers at a chicken farm fired for how viciously they treated the poor things. It just might be enough to put me off meat for good.
What kind of human being...in this case 6 who work together...can convince themselves that torturing a living animal is okay? How can they look themselves in the mirror? How can they torture these animals and then go home to their families, posing as a normal human being?
We meat eaters know that the meat comes from once living creatures. We know we have no right to murder and consume them. It's interesting how we are able to fool ourselves or to push any shame aside for what we're doing. Seeing that video has brought my shame to the surface and I hope that's where it stays.
I watched a bit of a video today (couldn't stomach to watch more than just a little bit) that got workers at a chicken farm fired for how viciously they treated the poor things. It just might be enough to put me off meat for good.
What kind of human being...in this case 6 who work together...can convince themselves that torturing a living animal is okay? How can they look themselves in the mirror? How can they torture these animals and then go home to their families, posing as a normal human being?
We meat eaters know that the meat comes from once living creatures. We know we have no right to murder and consume them. It's interesting how we are able to fool ourselves or to push any shame aside for what we're doing. Seeing that video has brought my shame to the surface and I hope that's where it stays.
Sheep
I was thinking today how our government is slipping in new laws that could have a profound effect on our future but no-one seems to be questioning them. On the surface, the laws seem to have value but you have to look beyond the surface to the ways the government could choose to interpret these laws. Our young people do not appear to be questioning anything!
It is now against the law for anyone to bash religion...this gives religious leaders enough power to advance in any adverse way they choose. We know that not all religious leaders are decent, law abiding people...some create cults!
It is now against the law for parents to raise their children according to their beliefs if the child is not a willing participant. Your 5 year old is now given too much power in the family unit. Your 5 year old child can now be removed from the home and put in foster care if the parents force them to wear clothes according to their birth sex. This is probably the scariest law that we sheep have allowed to be passed in a free country.
We also have a law that I fought against for 7 months last year. Statistics Canada, a government agency, has the right to demand you answer their questions or face fines or jail. One of their questions is "where do you vacation". It's starting to sound like a police state and I'm shocked at how few people are even questioning the powers they're handing over to the government.
I believe Stats Canada decided to leave me alone on Jan. 1 (after 300+ calls over the 7 months of 2016) because enough Canadians did stand up to them and refuse to answer their questions. My family saw no problem with answering them and that fills me with dismay.
I wish I was smart enough to run for office. Maybe I could be instrumental in changing the dangerous path our government is on. But I'm not smart enough or strong enough...I can only hope for someone to come along that I can trust enough to vote for!
It is now against the law for anyone to bash religion...this gives religious leaders enough power to advance in any adverse way they choose. We know that not all religious leaders are decent, law abiding people...some create cults!
It is now against the law for parents to raise their children according to their beliefs if the child is not a willing participant. Your 5 year old is now given too much power in the family unit. Your 5 year old child can now be removed from the home and put in foster care if the parents force them to wear clothes according to their birth sex. This is probably the scariest law that we sheep have allowed to be passed in a free country.
We also have a law that I fought against for 7 months last year. Statistics Canada, a government agency, has the right to demand you answer their questions or face fines or jail. One of their questions is "where do you vacation". It's starting to sound like a police state and I'm shocked at how few people are even questioning the powers they're handing over to the government.
I believe Stats Canada decided to leave me alone on Jan. 1 (after 300+ calls over the 7 months of 2016) because enough Canadians did stand up to them and refuse to answer their questions. My family saw no problem with answering them and that fills me with dismay.
I wish I was smart enough to run for office. Maybe I could be instrumental in changing the dangerous path our government is on. But I'm not smart enough or strong enough...I can only hope for someone to come along that I can trust enough to vote for!
Monday, June 12, 2017
Dangerous New Laws In Ontario
No-one blinked an eye or came out raving mad about 2 new laws that proclaim the beginning of tyranny in Ontario. The first dangerous law passed is that it is now a criminal offense for anyone to speak out against religion. Frightening to lose our freedom of speech in this way.
The second dangerous law passed is that it will now be considered child abuse if a parent forbids their under-age child to cross dress or declare themselves as the opposite sex from what they were at birth. This is so scary because it gives the government the right to take away your child if you don't give in to these demands.
What the government is doing is destroying the family unit. The parents are no longer in control and their children know it. Based on these terrifying new laws which remove parental rights...they can't spank (I don't but a whack on the bum never caused emotional damage) and now they are forbidden to raise their children according to their own beliefs. There will be people who decide it isn't worth having children at all if they have no control over them.
What this means is, if you oppose your minor child deciding they want to live as a different gender, your child will be removed from the home. You don't have to beat them into submission, just refuse to accept their immature demands and you've lost your child. The child would have no idea that by making demands that their parents oppose, the child will be removed from their home and raised in foster homes. I wonder how many more street children will be created by this ridiculous law limiting a parent's rights.
I'd like to blame Ontario's premier because she happens to be gay but a whole slew of Canada's politicians support these horrible laws. It's tough enough for parents who work hard to provide for their children and now they will be, in effect, raising children of the state.
I don't believe any child has the maturity to know whether or not they are gay until they at least reach mid teens. I do believe some idiot liberal parents are jumping on a bandwagon to prove they are modern thinkers. Some of these idiots are actually promoting cross dressing in their very young children and probably screwing them up for life. Now that is child abuse!
Removing and reducing parental rights is leading us to a totalitarian government. Remember how the LGBT fought hard to keep government out of the bedroom? And now they are leading the pack in pushing government into the homes of parents and children. We have to ask ourselves why. And we have to stop this craziness before it goes any further. Choose your votes wisely and be very careful who you put in power over you.
The second dangerous law passed is that it will now be considered child abuse if a parent forbids their under-age child to cross dress or declare themselves as the opposite sex from what they were at birth. This is so scary because it gives the government the right to take away your child if you don't give in to these demands.
What the government is doing is destroying the family unit. The parents are no longer in control and their children know it. Based on these terrifying new laws which remove parental rights...they can't spank (I don't but a whack on the bum never caused emotional damage) and now they are forbidden to raise their children according to their own beliefs. There will be people who decide it isn't worth having children at all if they have no control over them.
What this means is, if you oppose your minor child deciding they want to live as a different gender, your child will be removed from the home. You don't have to beat them into submission, just refuse to accept their immature demands and you've lost your child. The child would have no idea that by making demands that their parents oppose, the child will be removed from their home and raised in foster homes. I wonder how many more street children will be created by this ridiculous law limiting a parent's rights.
I'd like to blame Ontario's premier because she happens to be gay but a whole slew of Canada's politicians support these horrible laws. It's tough enough for parents who work hard to provide for their children and now they will be, in effect, raising children of the state.
I don't believe any child has the maturity to know whether or not they are gay until they at least reach mid teens. I do believe some idiot liberal parents are jumping on a bandwagon to prove they are modern thinkers. Some of these idiots are actually promoting cross dressing in their very young children and probably screwing them up for life. Now that is child abuse!
Removing and reducing parental rights is leading us to a totalitarian government. Remember how the LGBT fought hard to keep government out of the bedroom? And now they are leading the pack in pushing government into the homes of parents and children. We have to ask ourselves why. And we have to stop this craziness before it goes any further. Choose your votes wisely and be very careful who you put in power over you.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Healing Salt Cave
Kim and Cindy took me out for my delayed and surprise Mother's Day present today. The refused all along to tell me what it was and I worried a lot it was going to be a hot air balloon ride or a helicopter ride...I've often said I'd like to do those things but I am much too scared of heights. I also laughingly thought they might be taking me to a nursing home but, no, it's a little too early for that. LOL!
Anyway, they picked me up at 9:30 A.M. and handed me brochures for the "Healing Salt Cave", a spa based on the healing powers of the Himalayan salt mines...I bought a salt lamp a while ago. I was soooo relieved!
We entered a pretend salt cave, a room with salt floors and salt particles filtered into it. We had to cover up with blankets because the temperature is kept at about 15 degrees celsius (I think) for an optimum experience. We talked a lot but I think it would be a perfect place to meditate, too. Then we went into the sauna which is also not the usual kind. I'm not sure how to explain it but it also has something to do with the salts. They call it an infrared sauna. Kim couldn't take the heat and got out first, then Cindy, and then me. I love saunas!
We finished off in another quiet room where our hands and feet were placed on heated salt slabs designed to remove the toxins from you just as the sauna does. There were other salt baths that we didn't get and I don't think I want to do that but I might at a later date.
I purchased a salt scrub facial which I'll have next Sunday. They do the facial and a shoulder massage so that sounds just lovely!
We went to Wendy's for lunch and then over to the store where I bought my salt lamp. I'd asked the girls if they would like a salt lamp for Christmas and both said yes so they picked out the ones they wanted. When I went to pay, I discovered I'd left my credit card at home because I was using a smaller and lighter purse for the day. I'll pick the lamps up tomorrow and give them to the girls...we're all going out for dinner with Lisa and Anna tomorrow.
I really loved today's experience and will most certainly go back there for the sauna and maybe the float treatment.
Back home, I must have been very relaxed from the treatments because I had the longest afternoon nap ever!
Anyway, they picked me up at 9:30 A.M. and handed me brochures for the "Healing Salt Cave", a spa based on the healing powers of the Himalayan salt mines...I bought a salt lamp a while ago. I was soooo relieved!
We entered a pretend salt cave, a room with salt floors and salt particles filtered into it. We had to cover up with blankets because the temperature is kept at about 15 degrees celsius (I think) for an optimum experience. We talked a lot but I think it would be a perfect place to meditate, too. Then we went into the sauna which is also not the usual kind. I'm not sure how to explain it but it also has something to do with the salts. They call it an infrared sauna. Kim couldn't take the heat and got out first, then Cindy, and then me. I love saunas!
We finished off in another quiet room where our hands and feet were placed on heated salt slabs designed to remove the toxins from you just as the sauna does. There were other salt baths that we didn't get and I don't think I want to do that but I might at a later date.
I purchased a salt scrub facial which I'll have next Sunday. They do the facial and a shoulder massage so that sounds just lovely!
We went to Wendy's for lunch and then over to the store where I bought my salt lamp. I'd asked the girls if they would like a salt lamp for Christmas and both said yes so they picked out the ones they wanted. When I went to pay, I discovered I'd left my credit card at home because I was using a smaller and lighter purse for the day. I'll pick the lamps up tomorrow and give them to the girls...we're all going out for dinner with Lisa and Anna tomorrow.
I really loved today's experience and will most certainly go back there for the sauna and maybe the float treatment.
Back home, I must have been very relaxed from the treatments because I had the longest afternoon nap ever!
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Opinions
I guess it's still bugging me how some of the younger generation is afraid of hearing opinions that don't coincide with their own. I was really shocked when our local university invited speakers and the students shouted them down rather than be civilized and mature enough to listen. If they didn't want to hear then they shouldn't have attended!
My personal opinions on any subject have changed many times over my lifetime and I'm sure they will continue to change. The youth of today who believe they have all the right answers are in for a shock as they get older. They, too, will see the world differently than they do now.
Something I've seen that has changed for the worse is common respect for one another. I have many friends, relatives, and acquaintances who matter to me but who don't share my opinions on a lot of things. Do I ignore them or drown them out? Never! And that's because I respect their freedom to have their own opinions. Being respectful is the only way you can have a proper conversation because rudeness turns the conversation ugly. I will back away from ugliness and disrespect as quickly as I can...I won't forget it but I can get past it if the person matters enough to me. It will always leave just a little bit of insecurity, though, and that's something that shouldn't be allowed to happen.
One of my grandsons spoke of anyone whose views don't match his own as "ill informed and ignorant". Just how far will a person get in this world if their minds are sealed tight against the opinions and beliefs of others? I think it's arrogant and foolish to go through life with that attitude but he did offer an apology for his thoughtless words so I guess that's an improvement.
I will continue to love my family fiercely and will fight for their freedom of opinion even though it might not be my own.
My personal opinions on any subject have changed many times over my lifetime and I'm sure they will continue to change. The youth of today who believe they have all the right answers are in for a shock as they get older. They, too, will see the world differently than they do now.
Something I've seen that has changed for the worse is common respect for one another. I have many friends, relatives, and acquaintances who matter to me but who don't share my opinions on a lot of things. Do I ignore them or drown them out? Never! And that's because I respect their freedom to have their own opinions. Being respectful is the only way you can have a proper conversation because rudeness turns the conversation ugly. I will back away from ugliness and disrespect as quickly as I can...I won't forget it but I can get past it if the person matters enough to me. It will always leave just a little bit of insecurity, though, and that's something that shouldn't be allowed to happen.
One of my grandsons spoke of anyone whose views don't match his own as "ill informed and ignorant". Just how far will a person get in this world if their minds are sealed tight against the opinions and beliefs of others? I think it's arrogant and foolish to go through life with that attitude but he did offer an apology for his thoughtless words so I guess that's an improvement.
I will continue to love my family fiercely and will fight for their freedom of opinion even though it might not be my own.
Friday, June 09, 2017
Apartment Balcony
I just love the view out my sliding doors. I've clustered most of the flowers at this end where I can see them but there are a few more along the center of the balcony that you can't see. Maybe I've gone a little too far with the number of plants but it doesn't matter. I get a smile on my face ever time I look at them...especially the gorgeous new dahlia I just got! The last photo is the view I get from chair.
The natural beauty of flowers is good for the soul, at least my soul!
Thursday, June 08, 2017
An OMG Evening
Shelley and John surprised me with tickets to the Neil Diamond concert in Toronto, tickets for me and Faye. I was shocked at the price but thrilled to death to be able to see one of my idols in person.
Faye and I took the go-rain to Toronto (first time for me but Faye had done it before) and we exited right next door to the Air Canada Center where the concert was being held. The crowds were massive and of every age but maybe mostly seniors because our dear Neil is 76 years old now. No-one cared...everyone seemed very excited to be seeing this legend of a man, one who seems to have led an exemplary life with no scandals.
We needed directions everywhere we went but there were always nice people who helped us along...the people who helped us get out go-train passes, the people who directed us to bathrooms, the people who directed us to our seats, and the people who ended up giving us their seats on the go-train home. In this crazy world of so much negativity, we sailed along in a sea of friendliness and kindness last night.
The concert...OMG! It was an absolute uproar of screaming fans when Neil Diamond took the stage. He is adored! And then he sang...his voice strong and vibrant almost as it was when he was a young man. Beautiful! Thousands of fans stood, danced, and sang along to almost every song. I sang only because the rest of the fans were singing so loudly no-one could hear me. I could have listened to him sing forever.
Some of the fans were bit of a pain...blocking our view and the whacko girl sitting in front of us who spent most of her time screaming to Neil that she loved him...but we expected all of this and took it in stride. The whole atmosphere was such a happy one!
Neil Diamond's voice really was amazingly strong right up to the very end when he seemed to tire. He'd been singing for 2 hours without an intermission so he's forgiven. It was a little sad to realize the show was over but such a privilege to have been able to see him live. We could never have afforded those tickets if it hadn't been for the generosity of Shelley and John and I thank them so much!
After the show, masses of people hit the streets and I think most headed for the go-train. It was there that we discovered no available seats but a lovely couple immediately gave us their seats. Again, so many good people came our way and added to this remarkable evening.
I stayed overnight at Faye's and we had a gin and tonic and a piece of chocolate cake before going to bed around 1 A.M.
Life is good. Most people are good. Thank you again, Shelley and John!
Faye and I took the go-rain to Toronto (first time for me but Faye had done it before) and we exited right next door to the Air Canada Center where the concert was being held. The crowds were massive and of every age but maybe mostly seniors because our dear Neil is 76 years old now. No-one cared...everyone seemed very excited to be seeing this legend of a man, one who seems to have led an exemplary life with no scandals.
We needed directions everywhere we went but there were always nice people who helped us along...the people who helped us get out go-train passes, the people who directed us to bathrooms, the people who directed us to our seats, and the people who ended up giving us their seats on the go-train home. In this crazy world of so much negativity, we sailed along in a sea of friendliness and kindness last night.
The concert...OMG! It was an absolute uproar of screaming fans when Neil Diamond took the stage. He is adored! And then he sang...his voice strong and vibrant almost as it was when he was a young man. Beautiful! Thousands of fans stood, danced, and sang along to almost every song. I sang only because the rest of the fans were singing so loudly no-one could hear me. I could have listened to him sing forever.
Some of the fans were bit of a pain...blocking our view and the whacko girl sitting in front of us who spent most of her time screaming to Neil that she loved him...but we expected all of this and took it in stride. The whole atmosphere was such a happy one!
Neil Diamond's voice really was amazingly strong right up to the very end when he seemed to tire. He'd been singing for 2 hours without an intermission so he's forgiven. It was a little sad to realize the show was over but such a privilege to have been able to see him live. We could never have afforded those tickets if it hadn't been for the generosity of Shelley and John and I thank them so much!
After the show, masses of people hit the streets and I think most headed for the go-train. It was there that we discovered no available seats but a lovely couple immediately gave us their seats. Again, so many good people came our way and added to this remarkable evening.
I stayed overnight at Faye's and we had a gin and tonic and a piece of chocolate cake before going to bed around 1 A.M.
Life is good. Most people are good. Thank you again, Shelley and John!
Wednesday, June 07, 2017
Bad Day
Can't sleep, feeling misunderstood, feeling sad, wanting to run far away and be by myself forever. I'll get over it.
We all have days like this when it seems something has gone way wrong and we're not quite sure how it happened. It's a lost feeling like you've been living a lie...your place in life is not what you thought it was.
Then the days go by and you struggle to find your groove again but it's never what you had. It's the same but different. It's such a weird feeling when you're between confidence and confusion, not knowing the truth about anything. It is not a nice feeling at all.
This isn't anything new to me because I've felt this way many times before. What's sad is that I will get over it, not completely forget the episode, and come out the other side finding my world a little less safe. I think we kind of go through life partly blindfolded at times because the glaring truth would be too much to bear. Right now I feel as though there's a tear in my blindfold and too much truth slipped in.
But life goes on and I will get past this not so good moment.
We all have days like this when it seems something has gone way wrong and we're not quite sure how it happened. It's a lost feeling like you've been living a lie...your place in life is not what you thought it was.
Then the days go by and you struggle to find your groove again but it's never what you had. It's the same but different. It's such a weird feeling when you're between confidence and confusion, not knowing the truth about anything. It is not a nice feeling at all.
This isn't anything new to me because I've felt this way many times before. What's sad is that I will get over it, not completely forget the episode, and come out the other side finding my world a little less safe. I think we kind of go through life partly blindfolded at times because the glaring truth would be too much to bear. Right now I feel as though there's a tear in my blindfold and too much truth slipped in.
But life goes on and I will get past this not so good moment.
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
CLL Under Control
Well, after having oddball blood reports last October which caused a whole winter and spring to be disrupted with many more tests of every kind, I now know I'm just fine and only something not too serious will kill me.
I had a battery of tests from October to June only to find out that I'm just as healthy as I was last year. I appreciate that my doctor responded quickly to the first aberrant bloodwork in October and that OHIP paid for all those tests but I'm more than happy to know it was all for nothing. Better safe than sorry, I guess.
My CLL (a bit too many white blood cells) is still miles away from needing treatment even if it ever does. The hematologist is a real sweetheart who told me there's no need for me to see him and that I can carry on having my regular bloodwork managed by my family doctor. If and when the CLL does become troublesome, I can go back to him.
He did tell me something very interesting, though. He had told me before that treatment isn't considered until your WBC reaches 80 (mine is 22) but he's had patients with a WBC of 300 who were not experiencing any problems so therefore not needing treatment. I like being well informed and he's always been good about that.
It was a terribly long wait at the hospital yesterday for some reason...my appointment was for 3 P.M. and I didn't get out of there until 6 P.M. I made a few friends in the waiting room, though, and we laughed a lot at our situation. Laughter will get you through the worst of times!
Today I get back to my normal life...Swedish weaving afternoon with Faye and Donna. I'm working on a Christmas table runner and they're both still finishing off afghans they started along, long time ago. It doesn't matter. We'll weave, chat and laugh, have tea and eat some kind of yummy that Faye made.
Life is good!
I had a battery of tests from October to June only to find out that I'm just as healthy as I was last year. I appreciate that my doctor responded quickly to the first aberrant bloodwork in October and that OHIP paid for all those tests but I'm more than happy to know it was all for nothing. Better safe than sorry, I guess.
My CLL (a bit too many white blood cells) is still miles away from needing treatment even if it ever does. The hematologist is a real sweetheart who told me there's no need for me to see him and that I can carry on having my regular bloodwork managed by my family doctor. If and when the CLL does become troublesome, I can go back to him.
He did tell me something very interesting, though. He had told me before that treatment isn't considered until your WBC reaches 80 (mine is 22) but he's had patients with a WBC of 300 who were not experiencing any problems so therefore not needing treatment. I like being well informed and he's always been good about that.
It was a terribly long wait at the hospital yesterday for some reason...my appointment was for 3 P.M. and I didn't get out of there until 6 P.M. I made a few friends in the waiting room, though, and we laughed a lot at our situation. Laughter will get you through the worst of times!
Today I get back to my normal life...Swedish weaving afternoon with Faye and Donna. I'm working on a Christmas table runner and they're both still finishing off afghans they started along, long time ago. It doesn't matter. We'll weave, chat and laugh, have tea and eat some kind of yummy that Faye made.
Life is good!
How To Comment on Facebook
I'm pretty sure I have never rudely responded to anyone on Facebook. Actually, I don't think I do it in person, either, so it surprises me when someone rudely attacks a person whose views they don't happen to agree with.
It just makes more civilized sense to walk away from a conflict that has sunk to rudeness. I've seen many friendships hurt by people adamantly proving someone wrong and that's not what conversation should be. We all have our own opinions about every subject on earth and most people will not agree completely. Let it go. Walk away before words become daggers.
It just makes more civilized sense to walk away from a conflict that has sunk to rudeness. I've seen many friendships hurt by people adamantly proving someone wrong and that's not what conversation should be. We all have our own opinions about every subject on earth and most people will not agree completely. Let it go. Walk away before words become daggers.
Monday, June 05, 2017
Being Politically Correct
I cannot even express in words how much I detest the actions of being "politically correct". To me it means not daring to say or do anything that might offend even one person in the world. I can't stand these insane and mindless restrictions.
Why has it become verboten to have a dialogue of differing opinions? Why have we allowed the "politically correct" to prevent us from asking questions? We are being buried under a hoard of terrorists who don't even know the concept of being politically correct and we are punished with backlash if we question who they are.
I'm at odds with the most surprising faction...my kind and loving family...who seem to think my questions are prejudicial. I'm in awe that these very intelligent people think it's odd or nasty to question Islam when it's okay to question just about anything else. Well, no. I think it's also politically incorrect to question anything about the LGBT, other people's politics, legal sexual practices, and possibly bathroom practices. I think this is why we have comedians...they stick their noses up at PC and rightly so!
I have family and friends who hold political and religious beliefs that are completely different from my own and I can talk respectfully with them about it. I don't feel the need to stifle them, educate them, or insult them. I am more curious about why they believe as they do. Heaven knows, none of us are perfect in our personal beliefs.
What totally confuses me is how belligerent some people become with those whose beliefs aren't identical to their own, or those who dare to ask questions. I know my loved ones are not stupid enough to believe the truth of any situation is always readily available. Personally, I don't think we citizens ever get the pure truth about anything...and that's why we should ask questions and not be shouted down in our quest.
One of the beautiful things about living in a country where we are blessed with freedom of speech and freedom of the press, is that those are two freedoms we can't live without. Wars have been fought and soldiers have died and suffered to preserve those freedoms for us so we shouldn't take them lightly. Having political correctness forced down our throats is an affront to those soldiers. We don't have to be correct in what we say or think. We need only to retain the right to our legal beliefs and the right to express them.
Why has it become verboten to have a dialogue of differing opinions? Why have we allowed the "politically correct" to prevent us from asking questions? We are being buried under a hoard of terrorists who don't even know the concept of being politically correct and we are punished with backlash if we question who they are.
I'm at odds with the most surprising faction...my kind and loving family...who seem to think my questions are prejudicial. I'm in awe that these very intelligent people think it's odd or nasty to question Islam when it's okay to question just about anything else. Well, no. I think it's also politically incorrect to question anything about the LGBT, other people's politics, legal sexual practices, and possibly bathroom practices. I think this is why we have comedians...they stick their noses up at PC and rightly so!
I have family and friends who hold political and religious beliefs that are completely different from my own and I can talk respectfully with them about it. I don't feel the need to stifle them, educate them, or insult them. I am more curious about why they believe as they do. Heaven knows, none of us are perfect in our personal beliefs.
What totally confuses me is how belligerent some people become with those whose beliefs aren't identical to their own, or those who dare to ask questions. I know my loved ones are not stupid enough to believe the truth of any situation is always readily available. Personally, I don't think we citizens ever get the pure truth about anything...and that's why we should ask questions and not be shouted down in our quest.
One of the beautiful things about living in a country where we are blessed with freedom of speech and freedom of the press, is that those are two freedoms we can't live without. Wars have been fought and soldiers have died and suffered to preserve those freedoms for us so we shouldn't take them lightly. Having political correctness forced down our throats is an affront to those soldiers. We don't have to be correct in what we say or think. We need only to retain the right to our legal beliefs and the right to express them.
Sunday, June 04, 2017
Nick and Bev's Stag and Doe
Saturday, June 03, 2017
Spanking
I spanked my kids. I did it because it was the societal norm at the time to teach your children they'd done wrong and to deter them from doing wrong again. I learned with my grandchildren to stop using brute force to discipline them and never really spanked again other than a tap on the butt (but even that is wrong).
It is imperative when raising children to teach them that there are consequences for doing wrong but it sure isn't right for a grown ass adult to start beating on a tiny child under any circumstances. Once I started thinking for myself instead of following those societal norms, it made perfect sense to use more intelligent methods.
I learned that spanking was abusive when Nick, about 2 years old, didn't do as I told him so I whacked him on the leg. It was one of those whacks that come out harder than expected and I was immediately ashamed of myself. Here was a little baby being physically hurt by his 5' 2 1/2" loving Gramma! I can tell you it was an eye opening moment and it shocked the heck out of me. What was I doing, for heavens sake!!!!
Some parents have gone way too far in the other direction, gently telling their little "buddy" over and over that their actions are unacceptable but not taking enough steps to stop the behavior. Kids are smart and they immediately identify when they have power over their parents. Too soft parents usually raise bratty kids.
I honestly began to get a better result by using "time out" where the child can sit quietly and reconsider his/her behavior and if it was worth having to be shunned for short time. A short time (1 minute per year of age...3 minutes for a 3 year old) is an eternity for a busy little child and quite unpleasant for them. If that doesn't work and the child is unruly, send them to bed for a nap. Just think of what hitting them would teach them...it teaches them to hit.
One of my Facebook friends also said it is important to send your children to church but I raised 3 absolutely wonderful daughters without "churching" them. I taught them good values. I sure wish I'd never hit them, though, but what is done is done and it can't be undone.
At least I learned better. Too bad I didn't learn it before whacking my poor little Nick.
It is imperative when raising children to teach them that there are consequences for doing wrong but it sure isn't right for a grown ass adult to start beating on a tiny child under any circumstances. Once I started thinking for myself instead of following those societal norms, it made perfect sense to use more intelligent methods.
I learned that spanking was abusive when Nick, about 2 years old, didn't do as I told him so I whacked him on the leg. It was one of those whacks that come out harder than expected and I was immediately ashamed of myself. Here was a little baby being physically hurt by his 5' 2 1/2" loving Gramma! I can tell you it was an eye opening moment and it shocked the heck out of me. What was I doing, for heavens sake!!!!
Some parents have gone way too far in the other direction, gently telling their little "buddy" over and over that their actions are unacceptable but not taking enough steps to stop the behavior. Kids are smart and they immediately identify when they have power over their parents. Too soft parents usually raise bratty kids.
I honestly began to get a better result by using "time out" where the child can sit quietly and reconsider his/her behavior and if it was worth having to be shunned for short time. A short time (1 minute per year of age...3 minutes for a 3 year old) is an eternity for a busy little child and quite unpleasant for them. If that doesn't work and the child is unruly, send them to bed for a nap. Just think of what hitting them would teach them...it teaches them to hit.
One of my Facebook friends also said it is important to send your children to church but I raised 3 absolutely wonderful daughters without "churching" them. I taught them good values. I sure wish I'd never hit them, though, but what is done is done and it can't be undone.
At least I learned better. Too bad I didn't learn it before whacking my poor little Nick.
Friday, June 02, 2017
Casino With Dee and Norma
It was supposed to be a group of 5 going to the casino yesterday but Mary had a home problem, Faye had her granddaughter's graduation, and Donna had a health problem. None of these things were serious but it kept them from going with us.
Norma lives nearby so she drove with me and Dee, who lives across the border, met us at the casino. These are two very special friends I might never have met if it wasn't for vacationing at 3W. They are special people in my life and I think the world of them.
Dee and I are hard core gamblers but Norma can take it or leave it. She spent much of the day walking around outside or just sitting out and people watching. We all met for our buffet lunch and spent a good long time chatting before we went back to the slots. These are smart and fun ladies and I just love being with them!
Our departure was planned for 4 P.M. so we went with Dee to her car and she drove us back to mine where we unpacked 3 huge garment bags of my clothes from the trailer into my car. Dee brought them up for me last summer when I thought my 3W days were over but she forgot her passport and has been storing them for me ever since.
If I get to winter at 3W this year, I won't leave any clothes there because one never knows when it's their last winter, does one? Any way, Dee is such a kind and helpful lady to have gathered them up and brought them to me.
We said our goodbyes with kisses and hugs and promised to meet again this summer at the casino. I am so blessed to have good people like this in my life!
Norma lives nearby so she drove with me and Dee, who lives across the border, met us at the casino. These are two very special friends I might never have met if it wasn't for vacationing at 3W. They are special people in my life and I think the world of them.
Dee and I are hard core gamblers but Norma can take it or leave it. She spent much of the day walking around outside or just sitting out and people watching. We all met for our buffet lunch and spent a good long time chatting before we went back to the slots. These are smart and fun ladies and I just love being with them!
Our departure was planned for 4 P.M. so we went with Dee to her car and she drove us back to mine where we unpacked 3 huge garment bags of my clothes from the trailer into my car. Dee brought them up for me last summer when I thought my 3W days were over but she forgot her passport and has been storing them for me ever since.
If I get to winter at 3W this year, I won't leave any clothes there because one never knows when it's their last winter, does one? Any way, Dee is such a kind and helpful lady to have gathered them up and brought them to me.
We said our goodbyes with kisses and hugs and promised to meet again this summer at the casino. I am so blessed to have good people like this in my life!
Let The Fun Begin
This is the start of a weekend of celebration for Nick and Bev's upcoming wedding. Tonight we'll have a huge family restaurant dinner with surprise guests...I won't say just in case one of my family reads this blog. Then it's back to Cindy and Don's house for a get-together...by the way, the weather is perfect today and we'll all be able to sit out in their beautiful back yard!
Tomorrow Cindy is picking me up (this will be a weekend of me needing a driver) and taking me to her house for dinner and then going to the stag and doe. We, as a family, are so thrilled with Bev and how she makes our Nick so very happy. She is a true ray of sunshine.
Sunday will be brunch at Kim's before all the family heads home for a bit of a rest before work day Monday. I love my family!
Tomorrow Cindy is picking me up (this will be a weekend of me needing a driver) and taking me to her house for dinner and then going to the stag and doe. We, as a family, are so thrilled with Bev and how she makes our Nick so very happy. She is a true ray of sunshine.
Sunday will be brunch at Kim's before all the family heads home for a bit of a rest before work day Monday. I love my family!
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