September 11, 2001 is one of those days that you will always remember where you were and what you were doing when you first heard the news - just like those of us who were around then remember when President Kennedy was assassinated or our parents and/or grandparents when Pearl Harbor was attacked. These kinds of days are burned into our hearts and memories forever.
I was at work at the church where I was the secretary at the time. I started at 8:30. A little before 9 one of the parishioners came in and told me one of the Twin Towers had been hit by a plane. Though I had a radio, I rarely listened to it but I turned it on. Then we heard the second Tower had been hit. One plane hitting the Towers could be a mistake, but not two.
When we heard about the plane going down in Shanksville, PA and the Pentagon being hit, it was unbelievable. What in the world was going on?? Was our country under attack?? I remember some of ladies were there at the church and they didn't believe me when I ran in to tell them the Towers had actually fallen.
I remember thinking I just wanted to be home and have my family together. At the time our son was at school in Texas with the Air Force. He had just joined the Air Force earlier in the year. What did this mean for him?
Later in the day when I was home and able to see the pictures of what was going on in New York, it was just so surreal. It's still hard to comprehend that something like this actually happened.
Suddenly, everywhere you looked, people were flying flags. In fact, after awhile flags were hard to find in stores so many had been bought. There were flags and patriotism everywhere. People were flocking to houses of worship. It was nice to have the country united for the few months that it lasted.
For those of us who were alive that day, September 11th will never be known as "September 11th" but always as 9/11 and we will always remember where we were and what we were doing that day.
May God bless our Troops! May He bring comfort and peace to those who lost loved ones that fateful day 10 years ago and to the families who have lost loved ones in the fight against terrorism since 9/11.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
What to do???
I'm thinking of quitting this blogging thing. First of all, I haven't kept up with it very much and when I do, I don't usually have anything worthwhile to say. Second, I don't think anyone reads it anyway - except you, Dawn!!
But, then, on the other hand, if at some point I decide to participate in Blog Hops at OWH, then I would need it. Didn't get to participate in the Memorial Day Hop but there will be more in the future. Plus, isn't having a blog sort of like keeping a diary except that the whole world can see it?! I was never very good at keeping up-to-date with my diary when I was a young girl either!
June 8th I went for my six month checkup and everything is fine! It also happened to be the fifth anniversary of the day I had the biopsy that confirmed that yes, I did have breast cancer. On my way to the doctor I couldn't help but think how different this June 8th was compared to the June 8th of 2006. For one thing, I'm living in a different state and going to a different doctor. This time the only thing I was nervous about was the blood draw! Since my chemo treatments my veins have shrunk and sometimes it's hard to get a good vein. But, I have to give kudos to the nurses at Sarah Cannon, they do an excellent job! I have been there three times since we moved to TN and each time I hardly even felt the needle and they got it the first try!!!
Today I had to go get my yearly mammo and bone density test. I was talking with the tech after the mammo and we were discussing how different it is today than years ago. We remember the days when they really squeezed hard and it hurt like the dickens! Plus, back then, the techs actually left the room so ya had to wait for them to come back in to release the pressure. Now, they are in the room and it's released as soon as they get the picture. It's uncomfortable but not so bad. I can remember one time back in the day when I was almost in tears from the pain. Maybe some day they'll come up with an even easier method. So, ladies, if you have never had or are due for a mammo, go ahead and get it done. Don't be afraid! The alternative is a lot worse.
As far as having a bone density test - it's a piece of cake. You just lay on the table and the scanner goes over you. No changing of clothes and no pain whatsoever.
An update on Matthew - he is doing well. His back is much better. After my last post about him having Follicular Non-Hodgkin's, we went to Fox Chase in Philly to see a specialist. After reviewing all his tests and looking at the slides, the doctor concluded that he is not 100% sure Matthew has it. They think his enlarged lymph nodes could have been from the operation. They told him not to worry about it, but just to put it in the back of his mind and live his life. He does have to go for another CT scan for comparison to the first one. That will tell them more. If it is the same or there's nothing there, then it is indeed just swelling. If there is a change with additional spots, then they will go from there.
The TN grans stay with us every weekend, now including 3 year old Lizzie. The past couple weekends, she has stayed one night. Though yesterday when we had to take them back home, she actually cried because she wanted to stay again last night. I'm worn out by the time they go home, but it is fun having them here. Can't believe I said that! I must be getting old! :-)
So far, the small veggie gardening I'm doing this year is growing good (or is it well?). I didn't get home from NJ until the middle of May so it was a late start. This year, though, the ground has been amended more so I'm praying everything will be successful, unlike last year.
We decided to try those upside down tomato planters. I had started out with one that I had bought last year at the end of the season on sale but then I bought three more this year when I found them on sale. So, I have four tomato plants in those, two in regular pots, and two planted in the ground. There are others that have come up randomly by themselves from last year's seeds. It will be interesting to see which ones produce the best tomatoes!!
There are watermelon and cukes growing from last year, too. The only other thing I actually planted myself was corn, which is growing quite well. I am keeping it watered and trying to keep it weeded.
Besides the veggies, I also planted basil and oregano in pots, but the basil is the only one that seems to be doing half way decent.
I seemed to have rattled on quite a bit for someone who is considering quitting blogging! Maybe I won't. I do kinda like to share my thoughts, even if it is just to myself!! And, like I said, it's a diary of sorts albeit public. It gives me an opportunity to go back and read about things I don't remember even writing!!
God bless! Until next time....
But, then, on the other hand, if at some point I decide to participate in Blog Hops at OWH, then I would need it. Didn't get to participate in the Memorial Day Hop but there will be more in the future. Plus, isn't having a blog sort of like keeping a diary except that the whole world can see it?! I was never very good at keeping up-to-date with my diary when I was a young girl either!
June 8th I went for my six month checkup and everything is fine! It also happened to be the fifth anniversary of the day I had the biopsy that confirmed that yes, I did have breast cancer. On my way to the doctor I couldn't help but think how different this June 8th was compared to the June 8th of 2006. For one thing, I'm living in a different state and going to a different doctor. This time the only thing I was nervous about was the blood draw! Since my chemo treatments my veins have shrunk and sometimes it's hard to get a good vein. But, I have to give kudos to the nurses at Sarah Cannon, they do an excellent job! I have been there three times since we moved to TN and each time I hardly even felt the needle and they got it the first try!!!
Today I had to go get my yearly mammo and bone density test. I was talking with the tech after the mammo and we were discussing how different it is today than years ago. We remember the days when they really squeezed hard and it hurt like the dickens! Plus, back then, the techs actually left the room so ya had to wait for them to come back in to release the pressure. Now, they are in the room and it's released as soon as they get the picture. It's uncomfortable but not so bad. I can remember one time back in the day when I was almost in tears from the pain. Maybe some day they'll come up with an even easier method. So, ladies, if you have never had or are due for a mammo, go ahead and get it done. Don't be afraid! The alternative is a lot worse.
As far as having a bone density test - it's a piece of cake. You just lay on the table and the scanner goes over you. No changing of clothes and no pain whatsoever.
An update on Matthew - he is doing well. His back is much better. After my last post about him having Follicular Non-Hodgkin's, we went to Fox Chase in Philly to see a specialist. After reviewing all his tests and looking at the slides, the doctor concluded that he is not 100% sure Matthew has it. They think his enlarged lymph nodes could have been from the operation. They told him not to worry about it, but just to put it in the back of his mind and live his life. He does have to go for another CT scan for comparison to the first one. That will tell them more. If it is the same or there's nothing there, then it is indeed just swelling. If there is a change with additional spots, then they will go from there.
The TN grans stay with us every weekend, now including 3 year old Lizzie. The past couple weekends, she has stayed one night. Though yesterday when we had to take them back home, she actually cried because she wanted to stay again last night. I'm worn out by the time they go home, but it is fun having them here. Can't believe I said that! I must be getting old! :-)
So far, the small veggie gardening I'm doing this year is growing good (or is it well?). I didn't get home from NJ until the middle of May so it was a late start. This year, though, the ground has been amended more so I'm praying everything will be successful, unlike last year.
We decided to try those upside down tomato planters. I had started out with one that I had bought last year at the end of the season on sale but then I bought three more this year when I found them on sale. So, I have four tomato plants in those, two in regular pots, and two planted in the ground. There are others that have come up randomly by themselves from last year's seeds. It will be interesting to see which ones produce the best tomatoes!!
There are watermelon and cukes growing from last year, too. The only other thing I actually planted myself was corn, which is growing quite well. I am keeping it watered and trying to keep it weeded.
Besides the veggies, I also planted basil and oregano in pots, but the basil is the only one that seems to be doing half way decent.
I seemed to have rattled on quite a bit for someone who is considering quitting blogging! Maybe I won't. I do kinda like to share my thoughts, even if it is just to myself!! And, like I said, it's a diary of sorts albeit public. It gives me an opportunity to go back and read about things I don't remember even writing!!
God bless! Until next time....
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Still Here
I'm still hanging around Jerseyland!!
Our son definitely has Follicular Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His doctor here says that at the moment no treatment is required or necessary but they will keep an eye on things. He has to go back in six months for another ct scan for comparison. In the meantime, his doctor has suggested Matthew see a lymphoma specialist over in Philly for a second opinion. We have an appointment on May 2nd at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Thankfully, his back is healing nicely and doesn't seem to be giving him much pain except on a rainy, damp day like today.
Everyone asks me what I have been doing to keep busy. I brought a bunch of my cardmaking stuff so I have been making cards for Operation Write Home, reading, and playing on the computer. I have made about 50 cards, which I will add to the ones I have at home and get them mailed out when I get there. I've read about 10 books and am currently reading Jodi Picoult's "House Rules", which I'm 3/4 done. In between, I've been visiting with my friends.
One of my friends told me I should rest and enjoy this time because when I get home I will be quite busy getting my gardens into shape. I don't even want to think about the weeds that are probably taking over everything! :-( I did a little bit of planting here but there's no sense in doing too much because I know DS will not continue to take care of anything after I leave! I just planted some pansies because they pretty much can take care of themselves!
I can't believe tomorrow is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter already! Where has the time gone?
Guess that's about it for now. Nothing much else going on. Take care. Have a blessed Easter!!!
Our son definitely has Follicular Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His doctor here says that at the moment no treatment is required or necessary but they will keep an eye on things. He has to go back in six months for another ct scan for comparison. In the meantime, his doctor has suggested Matthew see a lymphoma specialist over in Philly for a second opinion. We have an appointment on May 2nd at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Thankfully, his back is healing nicely and doesn't seem to be giving him much pain except on a rainy, damp day like today.
Everyone asks me what I have been doing to keep busy. I brought a bunch of my cardmaking stuff so I have been making cards for Operation Write Home, reading, and playing on the computer. I have made about 50 cards, which I will add to the ones I have at home and get them mailed out when I get there. I've read about 10 books and am currently reading Jodi Picoult's "House Rules", which I'm 3/4 done. In between, I've been visiting with my friends.
One of my friends told me I should rest and enjoy this time because when I get home I will be quite busy getting my gardens into shape. I don't even want to think about the weeds that are probably taking over everything! :-( I did a little bit of planting here but there's no sense in doing too much because I know DS will not continue to take care of anything after I leave! I just planted some pansies because they pretty much can take care of themselves!
I can't believe tomorrow is Palm Sunday and next Sunday is Easter already! Where has the time gone?
Guess that's about it for now. Nothing much else going on. Take care. Have a blessed Easter!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
In like a lion.....
The saying "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" sure is true around here and not just in regard to the weather.
DH and I arrived in NJ on the Sunday the 6th, two days prior to our son having an operation on his back. The operation on the 8th went well, or so it seemed. Obviously, he was in lots of pain but that was to be expected. What wasn't expected was that he would need a second operation.
The following Sunday night found us in the ER with DS having a swollen leg. When it was finally checked by a technician, it was discovered he has a blood clot. After complaining that he had no pain in the leg with the blood clot but did in his other leg, his doctor ordered a ct scan of his back and pelvis. Well, the results were less than favorable. Turned out that the graft that was put in Matthew's back was moving which was causing the pain in his leg. The solution? Another operation to fix it! Not what anyone wanted to hear.
So, now he had to be put on coumadin for the blood clot and decide if he wanted to go through another operation, this time through the abdomen.
The second operation was performed the following Tuesday, same place, same doctor!! Again, everything seemed to be okay. We found out a week later that during the second operation, one of the doctors noticed Matthew's lymph nodes looked enlarged and took a specimen for biopsy. The biopsy showed he has Lymphoma.
Last Friday we met with an oncologist, Dr. Berk, who made us feel hopeful by the time we left his office. He took the time to explain everything to us without making us feel rushed. At this point, he is not 100% convinced Matthew has Lymphoma. We will know more when we go back to see him next Wednesday. In the meantime, they did specialized blood tests, a ct scan is scheduled for later this week, and Dr. Berk wants to see the original specimen himself before he gives his final report.
In conclusion, I'm praying that March goes out like a lamb.
DH and I arrived in NJ on the Sunday the 6th, two days prior to our son having an operation on his back. The operation on the 8th went well, or so it seemed. Obviously, he was in lots of pain but that was to be expected. What wasn't expected was that he would need a second operation.
The following Sunday night found us in the ER with DS having a swollen leg. When it was finally checked by a technician, it was discovered he has a blood clot. After complaining that he had no pain in the leg with the blood clot but did in his other leg, his doctor ordered a ct scan of his back and pelvis. Well, the results were less than favorable. Turned out that the graft that was put in Matthew's back was moving which was causing the pain in his leg. The solution? Another operation to fix it! Not what anyone wanted to hear.
So, now he had to be put on coumadin for the blood clot and decide if he wanted to go through another operation, this time through the abdomen.
The second operation was performed the following Tuesday, same place, same doctor!! Again, everything seemed to be okay. We found out a week later that during the second operation, one of the doctors noticed Matthew's lymph nodes looked enlarged and took a specimen for biopsy. The biopsy showed he has Lymphoma.
Last Friday we met with an oncologist, Dr. Berk, who made us feel hopeful by the time we left his office. He took the time to explain everything to us without making us feel rushed. At this point, he is not 100% convinced Matthew has Lymphoma. We will know more when we go back to see him next Wednesday. In the meantime, they did specialized blood tests, a ct scan is scheduled for later this week, and Dr. Berk wants to see the original specimen himself before he gives his final report.
In conclusion, I'm praying that March goes out like a lamb.
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 Highlights
I feel bad because I haven't been on here since October and now it's January 1, 2011 which I can't believe! Where has the time gone?
The biggest thing that happened in 2010 was our move to TN in March. That's hard to believe, too - that we've been here almost 10 months already. I would say we are quite adjusted to being retired and living in TN. It's no longer a strange place. It's getting more familiar every day. I love our home and where we live. It's so quiet, peaceful and quite relaxing; that is, until the grandchildren come to visit!!! LOL!!
And, come they do! Just about every weekend. Which is okay because that was the main reason for moving to TN - to be able to see the grans grow up. During the summer our oldest granddaughter stayed with us for a few weeks. She didn't want to go home! Of course, having her BFF living in the neighborhood prompted part of that desire! Living in the country allows the children to have plenty of room to run and play without bothering neighbors or having to watch for traffic around the apartment where they currently live.
During the Summer and Fall we had quite a few friends and family visit which was fun! It started over the July 4th holiday with our son coming from NJ and Gene's brother Stew coming from FL. Private fireworks are permitted in TN so on July 4th we had our own fireworks display as did several of our neighbors. It was really cool! The weather was soooooo hot it was too unbearable to be outside for long so we didn't do any sightseeing but my BIL wanted to see the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, which we did one afternoon. I like country music, but after awhile I was bored but Stew enjoyed it so that's what counts!
Our next visitors were our friends from NJ, Bernie & Ray, who came for a week in September. They had been to Nashville already so didn't care to go there again. One day we went to Chattanooga to Ruby Falls, the State Aquarium and then over to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo. We ate a delicious dinner at the Gardens Restaurant. Another day we went to the Jack Daniels Brewery, which was quite interesting. We learned about some TN Civil War history at the Carnton Plantation and Carter House, both in Franklin. One Sunday afternoon we went to the Little Theater in Murfreesboro to see "The Boys Next Door". We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the show! Bernie & Ray said they had a great time and plan to come again!!We're looking forward to another visit!
In October we had visits from two sets of friends from Jersey. First, Gail & Vince came for four days. We took them to see the Children's Holocaust Museum in Whitwell. All of us had been looking forward to seeing this. It is quite moving. We plan to take our grandchildren to see it, too. Another day we went over to The Stones River Battlefield in Murfreesboro. This was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War and one which most people are not even aware of! Unfortunately, Gail & Vince couldn't stay too long as they were headed to NC to visit other friends as well. It was good seeing them!
The day after they left, Marian and Eddie came. They were doing the opposite of what Gail & Vince did - they visited family in NC and then came to TN. Their visit was quite short...they arrived on Saturday in their camper and had to leave on Monday. They originally had planned to visit for a few days more but had to get back home. Even though they couldn't stay long, it was still good to have them here. As I told Marian, having our friends visit make it seem like NJ isn't so far away.
In early November Gene's brother, Lee, visited from AZ. He arrived on Friday night and had to leave to visit friends in PA the following Wednesday. Lee lived in the Nashville area years ago. We haven't seen him in a couple of years so it was good to have him visit. He really liked the area and enjoyed the peace and quiet, too!
Our favorite Aunt visited from PA for a week at Thanksgiving! Aunt Thelma is my MIL's younger sister. It is always a pleasure to see her! We enjoy just sitting and talking with her. She is one of those people who doesn't care to do sightseeing but we did take her over to the newly reopened Opryland Hotel. She fell in love with it and declared that if she ever got remarried (she's been a widow for a very long time), one of the stipulations for marriage would be to honeymoon at the Opryhand Hotel!!! LOL!!
Our last visitors for 2010 were Matthew and his dog, Titus, who came for Christmas. The weatherman kept predicting icy weather for Christmas Eve and Christmas, so after all of us attending Christmas Eve service at church, Calvary Chapel of Murfreesboro, our daughter and her family spent the weekend at our house as well. Even though it was quite noisy and a little hectic, it was fun to have a houseful of family together! As it turned out we did have about 1" of snow for Christmas!
That about wraps up our 2010! I wish God's blessings on your New Year!!
The biggest thing that happened in 2010 was our move to TN in March. That's hard to believe, too - that we've been here almost 10 months already. I would say we are quite adjusted to being retired and living in TN. It's no longer a strange place. It's getting more familiar every day. I love our home and where we live. It's so quiet, peaceful and quite relaxing; that is, until the grandchildren come to visit!!! LOL!!
And, come they do! Just about every weekend. Which is okay because that was the main reason for moving to TN - to be able to see the grans grow up. During the summer our oldest granddaughter stayed with us for a few weeks. She didn't want to go home! Of course, having her BFF living in the neighborhood prompted part of that desire! Living in the country allows the children to have plenty of room to run and play without bothering neighbors or having to watch for traffic around the apartment where they currently live.
During the Summer and Fall we had quite a few friends and family visit which was fun! It started over the July 4th holiday with our son coming from NJ and Gene's brother Stew coming from FL. Private fireworks are permitted in TN so on July 4th we had our own fireworks display as did several of our neighbors. It was really cool! The weather was soooooo hot it was too unbearable to be outside for long so we didn't do any sightseeing but my BIL wanted to see the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, which we did one afternoon. I like country music, but after awhile I was bored but Stew enjoyed it so that's what counts!
Our next visitors were our friends from NJ, Bernie & Ray, who came for a week in September. They had been to Nashville already so didn't care to go there again. One day we went to Chattanooga to Ruby Falls, the State Aquarium and then over to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo. We ate a delicious dinner at the Gardens Restaurant. Another day we went to the Jack Daniels Brewery, which was quite interesting. We learned about some TN Civil War history at the Carnton Plantation and Carter House, both in Franklin. One Sunday afternoon we went to the Little Theater in Murfreesboro to see "The Boys Next Door". We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the show! Bernie & Ray said they had a great time and plan to come again!!We're looking forward to another visit!
In October we had visits from two sets of friends from Jersey. First, Gail & Vince came for four days. We took them to see the Children's Holocaust Museum in Whitwell. All of us had been looking forward to seeing this. It is quite moving. We plan to take our grandchildren to see it, too. Another day we went over to The Stones River Battlefield in Murfreesboro. This was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War and one which most people are not even aware of! Unfortunately, Gail & Vince couldn't stay too long as they were headed to NC to visit other friends as well. It was good seeing them!
The day after they left, Marian and Eddie came. They were doing the opposite of what Gail & Vince did - they visited family in NC and then came to TN. Their visit was quite short...they arrived on Saturday in their camper and had to leave on Monday. They originally had planned to visit for a few days more but had to get back home. Even though they couldn't stay long, it was still good to have them here. As I told Marian, having our friends visit make it seem like NJ isn't so far away.
In early November Gene's brother, Lee, visited from AZ. He arrived on Friday night and had to leave to visit friends in PA the following Wednesday. Lee lived in the Nashville area years ago. We haven't seen him in a couple of years so it was good to have him visit. He really liked the area and enjoyed the peace and quiet, too!
Our favorite Aunt visited from PA for a week at Thanksgiving! Aunt Thelma is my MIL's younger sister. It is always a pleasure to see her! We enjoy just sitting and talking with her. She is one of those people who doesn't care to do sightseeing but we did take her over to the newly reopened Opryland Hotel. She fell in love with it and declared that if she ever got remarried (she's been a widow for a very long time), one of the stipulations for marriage would be to honeymoon at the Opryhand Hotel!!! LOL!!
Our last visitors for 2010 were Matthew and his dog, Titus, who came for Christmas. The weatherman kept predicting icy weather for Christmas Eve and Christmas, so after all of us attending Christmas Eve service at church, Calvary Chapel of Murfreesboro, our daughter and her family spent the weekend at our house as well. Even though it was quite noisy and a little hectic, it was fun to have a houseful of family together! As it turned out we did have about 1" of snow for Christmas!
That about wraps up our 2010! I wish God's blessings on your New Year!!
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