Memories...

I decorated the Christmas tree today. This is an annual event, obviously, so I don't know why I continue to be surprised by my feelings each year. Let me fill in the background... I have dozens of tree ornaments. Far to many to use all of them on the tree. So, what do I do? I sort through them each year while remembering where and/or why I got them, what the special significance of each would be, etc. I choose the ornaments that "speak to me" each year. They are the ones that make it to hang on the tree. There is one ornament...I should say one style of ornament...that makes it every year. I consider it an honor to put these ornaments on my tree. A little back ground is called for here...As most of you know, I was a teacher for many years. Most of my classroom experience was teaching high school history. I had roughly 125 kids a day passing through my classroom. Despite the numbers, I "adopted" my kids and I still come in contact with many of them today. They are teachers, bank managers, sales staff at the place where I buy my tires, restaurant and bar managers, etc. I can usually recognize either their name or their face. I rarely can put the two together. Throughout my teaching career there were students who stood out for some reason or another. There was one that, professionalism aside, was and still is my favorite student of all time...Jana Burks. Jana was in my US History class. She made me smile, if not laugh out loud, every single day. She had a quick wit, a kind heart, and a brain that she wasn't afraid to use. I trusted Jana...even loved her. Still do, as a matter of fact. I even hired Jana to babysit for us when my kids were small. That's how much I trusted her! Jana talked to me. She told me things she wouldn't tell her girlfriends...things like how much she "loved" that particular boy who didn't even know she was alive. She shared her dreams...she wanted to be a teacher. She talked about how lucky she was to have the family she had since she was adopted. She just talked. I believe she loved and trusted me, too. Fast forward several years to 1994. I was sitting in a photo studio waiting to pick up our family portraits. There was a portrait on display of Jana in her wedding gown taken a couple of years prior. She was absolutely gorgeous! I said something to the photographer about how beautiful she looked and how she was a former student. He asked if I knew she had cancer. My world literally stood still. I remember that moment as if it just happened moments ago. Even as I type this my heart is aching and my eyes are starting to tear. To get to the point, and to spare both you and me the emotional turmoil I am already starting to feel, I got back in touch with Jana. She had been diagnosed with biphasal synovial sarcoma. It's a cancer that strikes in the lining of the body's nerves. She underwent numerous treatments, chemo, radiation, surgery, etc. She would get better...and then worse. Her "husband" (in quotes because, in my opinion, he doesn't deserve the title) left her because he "didn't sign on" for that life. Jana was left to go it alone...or so she thought. She had her mom and dad and her brother. Before all was said and done she also had a community of supporters so big that it defied measure. Somewhere during her ordeal Jana began making these little pasta angels. They were handmade at first just by Jana and they appeared as pins, as ornaments, even as refrigerator magnets. She sold them for $5. It gave her something to do and made her feel useful. One year all of the principals in Lancaster bought them for all of the teachers on our respective staffs. Ronnie helped sell them to officers in Addison. One guy was in a motorcycle club and he bought a bunch of them to sell at meets. We ordered dozens upon dozens of them and sold or gave away almost every one of them. I say "almost" because I still have about a half dozen of the ornaments. And every year they are proudly displayed on my tree. As I put them on the tree I hold them in my hand and remember the beautiful girl that was Jana Burk. I remember how very special she was and how much she impacted not only my life, but that of my family, friends and co-workers. Jana was "the angel girl." She was truly an angel.

Several years ago I got "that" phone call. Jana had lost her battle. It wasn't the cancer that killed her. It was all the damage the cancer drugs had done to her. She had, I was told, multiple organ failure. Today Jana is an "angel girl" in Heaven. I am pleased to say that she did find happiness before giving up this life on earth. She reconnected with someone she had known earlier...a former boyfriend. He knew she had cancer but his love reached beyond that. He and Jana lived out the last of her days as husband and wife. She was at peace with her family...all of them...by her side when she passed. So, each year as I decorate my tree, there is never any question that Jana's angels will be prominently displayed. I am hit with an overwhelming sense of loss. I do, however, eventually find comfort knowing that Jana found peace and happiness and an end to her pain. I find comfort in remembering that beautiful girl with the giggle and grin. I smile at the memory that she was my friend. I am honored by that. So, Godspeed, Jana. Tell Jesus I said "hello!"

Blasting toward a new year...

I can't believe that 2012 is rushing headlong to a conclusion...and so much is happening seemingly all at one time. Since last I posted we had Halloween...a quite night as usual. No one comes out to our world to trick or treat. Apparently not enough houses. Whatever. It was nice to sit at home and enjoy dinner and television but I kinda miss the whole Halloween thing of passing out candy and seeing all the cute costumes. November, thus far, has proven to be quite busy...with no end to the busyness in sight. November 1st I spent the day at Veteran's Hospital with my dad. He finally had the surgery to implant his pacemaker. Actually, most of that time I spent visiting with my Uncle Ed. Daddy was in surgery for two and a half hours so that gave me and Uncle Ed, and my cousin Barbara who dropped by, plenty of time to visit, tell tales, laugh and generally have a good time. Daddy was alert when he went in to surgery and alert when he came out. Seems they used something called conscious sedation. It doesn't knock you out. Daddy actually watched the surgery and interacted with the doctor when needing to. The following day, November 2, I went to Winstar with my son, son-in-law and his sister and boyfriend. Ryan, Yola and Juan went to gamble. They did. Rich and I went to see Olivia Newton John in concert. She was great. I came back home, worked a bit, watched election returns etc. The routine stuff. I had a routine check-up at the doctor's office. Praised for weight loss and blood sugar being down some. Good check-up at the dental office. Love my hygenist. She keeps me laughing with her weird sense of humor. My youngest grandson celebrated his 4th birthday and we attended his party at Bounce U. Great venue and great time!! My birthday on the 15th...no celebration at Bounce U though (LOL!). Actually, my celebration is forthcoming...dinner at Margarita Ranch and tickets to the Gaylord "Merry Madagascar" ice show with my whole family. Attended a baby shower today "opportunities" for December 1st!!! I think I really should consider cloning as an option... ~Cheers!

Falling in love with...fall!

It's truly amazing to me how quickly time is flying by. We are most of the way through October...leaving only weeks until Christmas. In between now and then we have Halloween, Carter's birthday, my birthday, Kristin's baby shower, Thanksgiving and finally we arrive at Christmas. In addition, I have a girlfriend birthday trip to Fredericksburg and a Winstar trip with my boys. Then, of course, there is my dad's heart surgery next week. Geesh! My life is about to get REALLY busy! At least I don't have time to get bored!Lol I absolutely love fall. I love the feel of the change of weather...the beauty of the trees as they change colors, the nip in the air, the smell of campfires (my neighbor burns one almost constantly), the relief from the ridiculous heat in Texas...basically, everything about the season. It triggers some innate "domestic virus" in me and I get this insatiable desire to cook and/or bake. I love the smell of soups in the crock pot, pastries baking in the oven, etc. Couple that with the condensation that forms on windows when the temps outside are colder than the snuggly warmth of the house and I couldn't be more content! My dream day is to awaken to a cold, cloudy dark day, with the house lit by candles, a fire in the fireplace, lounging in my jammies with a good book and a cup of coffee doctored with a bit of Baileys. On this dream day there is a roast in the crock pot and an apple pie in the oven. I read a bit...nap a bit...read a bit more...nap a bit more...well, you get the idea. So, as we approach this holiday season I encourage everyone to slow down and take time to enjoy the fall days and nights. Figure out what you like most about fall (even if it's not your FAVORITE season) and make a point to work that into your life. We're approaching a busy time of year. Make sure that you don't overdo the "busy" and take time for the things...and the people...that are important to you!

Surprise? Only the weather...

On Saturday, October 6, 2012, we saw the fruition of a surprise birthday party that I have been planning since April. My husband, Ronnie, turned 60 this year. That is a milestone that bears recognition. So, recognize it we did. I rented the outdoor pavilion at Harry Myers Park in Rockwall. We had used one of these facilities in June, when it was blistering hot, for my mother's family reunion. It was perfect for our needs so I rented these accommodations knowing that they would be perfect. Then I set to work on the other details...guest list, food, cake, gift, etc. The one thing I guess I should have considered, but didn't, is the weather. Afterall, October is usually a temperate month. Usually is the operative word here. In the week prior to the party the weather was in the 80s and 90s. The sun shone brightly and we continued to use our air conditioning. Then...on Friday evening prior to the next day's party, a cold front blew in. The high on this day was 50 and there were scattered showers and gusting winds. Wouldn't you know it. Regardless of the cold wind being channeled through the pavilion...and the two heaters we brought...and the fire in the grill pit...we partied and had a great time visiting with one another. Good friends and family came out to help us rehash old memories and make new ones. We grilled burgers and had delicious birthday cake. We laughed at Ronnie in his shorts and a jacket and we revealed the special birthday gift...a forthcoming trip to Ireland! Ronnie has always said he would love to go to Ireland...and so he will once we figure out the timing for the trip. Can't wait! In the meantime, a huge HUG to my daughter, Kristin, who took care of designing and mailing the party invitations while I was partying it up on my trip, to my son, Ryan, for figuring out how to get Ronnie to the party (and home again), to my son-in-law, Scott, for his expertise at the grill and to my friend, Brandy for the delightfully Irish themed birthday cake. Hugs, too, to all the friends and family who braved the chill in the air and the threat of rain in order to share in this special day!

Make Mine a Triple...

Last night my phone rang. Not that this is an unusual event, but it is part of my story. Anyway. Phone rang. The screen displayed "Facetime" from Kristin. My daughter. My heart skipped a couple of beats because I knew she was having her "gender determining sonogram" that day. I'm not sure "GDS" is an official term but work with me here. I knew when I saw that display that we were about to find out if Baby Durbin is a boy or girl. Let me digress here a minute and say that IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO ME WHETHER THE BABY IS A BOY OR GIRL. All I want...have ever wanted...is a healthy baby. I will admit that both Trenton and Carter had expressed a desire for a baby sister and I wanted them to get what they want but, in fact, I know that Trenton probably doesn't care what it is and Carter probably doesn't understand the whole thing. I'm not sure he's going to be happy with either since it will usurp his strangle-hold on being the center of attention! Back to my story. Phone rings...When the connection is finally made Kristi asked if Ronnie and I were both home. We were and we moved together so that the phone would show both of us. Kristin then turned to phone on her boys so that they could tell us that their new baby is a...boy! Trenton seemed quite happy with that as did Carter...until Trenton said "it's a brother." At that point Carter said, "No, it's a sister." He actually said it a couple of times. I joked, "So it's twins?" which went unaddressed since Carter started to cry. I think he was more upset about being corrected than he was about it being a boy. Carter likes to be right, but then again, who doesn't? To make a long story short, Trenton and Carter were talking to us while enjoying "blue lollipops and blue "boy" cake. I know that baby Durbin doesn't have a clue how lucky he is. He is being born into a family with the two best brothers in the whole world, with a mommy and daddy who already adore him and a Nana and Popaw who can't wait to spoil him rotten. God bless you, little Durb! Take care, grow nicely and we will see you in late January or early February. We love you!!

Back to School...

School started last week. I had my first assignment on Friday of the first week. I have been subbing in Rockwall for four years and have never subbed at Pullen Elementary until Friday. Oddly, it is one of the schools closest to my house. I had a great day and made a new contact that may provide me with more jobs closer to home. Today, Monday, is Labor Day and I already have jobs for Tuesday and Wednesday. Not bad...work one day and then have a three day holiday...work 9 more days and then have two weeks off for a trip to Vegas and San Diego. I could get used to this!

Fall is...well, falling!

We are right on the edge of September. Where has this year gone? I know I shouldn't be surprised because I have been conscious (most of the time) but I am truly amazed that we are on the precipice of fall...the holiday season. Since last I blogged I have been rather sedentary. Enjoying the last days of my summer break because, yes, I am going to sub at least one more year. I actually have found these last few days that I am restless and anxious for some normalcy. Since all I have ever know since I was 16 is working, then that is my normalcy. In the meantime, and to kill time, I have done a few things until I begin working again. First, Ronnie and I went to Choctaw with Ryan and Rich. It was just a quick trip up and back, but it was fun. Especially since I came home a winner. I turned $7 into $265 so I was very happy. That rarely happens for me. I also FINALLY schedule and went to a dental appointment that was previously scheduled in April, 2011, before my car accident. I go tomorrow for the final step...the real crown. Ronnie had surgery to remove a fatty tumor from his back and I took him to that and took care of him for a couple of days after while he was in pain and sore. I followed up with a CT scan and appointment to find out that the lump in my foot is actually a benign cyst that I don't have to do anything with unless it grows or the pain increases. Speaking of lumps, I knew that I had a fluid filled cyst in each breast. Not my first rodeo. I have had SEVERAL needle aspirations since I tend to be prone to this condition. My doctor, however, is concerned that one of the masses doesn't feel like a cyst that he can drain so...off I will go on Wednesday to have another mammogram, followed by a sonogram. They will drain the one large cyst and if the other is, in fact, a cyst they will use the sonogram to guide the needle to the center of the cyst in order to drain it. Must say that I am not looking forward to this procedure though I am not worried about it either. At the same time that I am having my cyst procedure Ronnie will be undergoing a procedure to remove a basal cell carcinoma from his chin. Can I just say that it sucks to get old? But, it beats the hell out of the alternative. Anyhoo...as we step in to September there willl be some R & R. We will be heading out the middle of September for almost 2 weeks in Las Vegas and San Diego. We will be celebrating both Ryan and Rich's birthdays in Vegas. When they fly home we will go to a Hall & Oates concert before packing up and heading on to San Diego. Neither of us has ever been to the Pacific before so we'll stick our toes in the water just to say we did! After we return the crunch begins. It's Ronnie's birthday, Carter's birthday (g'son #2), my birthday, Thanksgiving and then ::insert scarey music:: Christmas! Shortly after Christmas we are expecting the birth of grandchild #3! Life is good!!! Till next time ~ Cheers!!

Summer 2012

Wow! What a summer it has been! Expecially in the good news/bad news department! The good news first... We took a couple of short vacays. It was nice to get away...both by ourselves and with at least one of the grandsons. Summer school was an awesome experience. I was responsible for the computer lab. I worked mostly with 7th graders who needed help in both English and Math, but I also worked with one group of 5 who were math only and one eighth grader who needed help with pre-AP English. The other teachers that I worked with were awesome and some new friendships were formed. I found out that I get to be a Nana again! It was really cute. We went to my daughter's house to pick up her youngest for a weekend trip out of town. While there she asked me if I had my phone with me. When I said "yes" she said she wanted to text something to me. She then texted me a picture of her sonogram. I am just as excited this time as I was the first time...and the second time. We're getting ready for a bigger trip...two weeks...in about a month. We will be going to Las Vegas with Ryan and Rich and when they fly back to Dallas we will continue on to San Diego. Really looking forward to that trip. I bought a health tracker and I love it. It is making me much more conscious of my activity and eating habits and is helping me keep track of significant information like blood pressure, blood sugar, activity, weight, resting and exertive heart rate, etc. that I will need to share with my doctor. It has also resulted in a steady decline...of weight. Because I am paying more attention to my activity level I am being more active and therefore, am losing weight. Yay! I have a Winstar trip planned with Ryan and Rich...actually Rich and I are going to a concert there and Ryan is going to gamble. We don't have the same taste in music! Lol! In the "not so good news" department... Since my doctor made me aware that I need to be monitoring my blood sugar it has gone totally beserk! He wants it to be between 80 and 100. Some mornings it will start at 103. Some mornings it will start at 213. Some days at lunch time it will read 144. Some days it will read 67. Frustrating! That is the reason I bought the aforementioned tracker. I had a CT scan done on my right foot. It was a "growth" that the doctor is baffled by. I'm still waiting to get the results but hopefully there's an answer in my future. I am getting rid of my wine business. Because I make sweet wine...and the whole blood sugar issue...I have determined that it is not in my best interest to have that wine in the house. I have given cases of wine to my children and a couple of friends who hosted tastings for me and I am going to continue making just a couple of wine solely for personal consumption...wines that aren't sweet like a reisling and maybe a zin. Otherwise I am out of the wine-making business. I am currenty trying to decide how I will repurpose the wine room. In the good AND bad news department...AC went out in hubby's car (bad...in case you couldn't figure that out)...BUT...it is still under warranty!! (good!!) So now, as summer 2012 draws to a close, and we're cramming in those last minute medical things that need to get done and getting ready for our trip(s), I am readying my "kit" for subbing next year...getting my calendars and notebook ready...sorting clothes...cleaning closets...etc. You know, the routine and mundane that HAS to get done. So...till next time... ~Cheers!!

When you're having fun...

Summer is upon us and with it comes the burning desire to get away...to take a short vacation from the routine and relax without some task or obligation hanging over your head. We chose to get away for a couple of days by taking the RV up to Hot Springs. Just the two of us...and Beau. Let me start by saying that Beau is not necessarily a good traveler. He is a bit nervous. So why does he insist upon sitting on the dash where he can see everything that is going on while fidgeting around in a nervous state? The only tie he appeared comfortable was when I put my feet up on the dash, put his bed in my lap and let him sleep in my lap like that. Can we say spoiled? Anyway, this was the first time for us to pull a car behind the RV. It gives us the opportunity to park the RV but still have transportation to scoot around town. We parked at the KOA in Hot Springs...a shady spot in a scenic park. Really nice. We put up our screened canopy over the picnic table and this gave us the opportunity to sit outside in the evenings without being chewed on by the bug of the day. There must have been a billion cicadas there because they made a thunderous noise at night. But each camping spot had a cute little street light and curbside garbage. We spend our five days in Hot Springs just relaxing. We stayed at the campsite for the most part and spent our days...and nights...resting, reading, swimming, napping, etc. Oh, yeah...and taking Beau to the puppy playground... We went out to eat a couple of times. There was a really tasty Italian restaurant that overlooked Lake Hamilton. Beautiful view while enjoying margaritas and pasta. We joked about the plethora of Mexican Food restaurants in Hot Springs. There seemed to be two or three on every block. We went window shopping down main street on Friday. It was humid and hot so after a bit we happened upon a kitchy little bar named the Ohio Club. What a find! This bar was established in 1904 and has been patronized by lots of famous, and infamous, people. Mae West performed there as did Frank Sinatra. Al Capone tipped a few glasses there and rumor has it that Teddy Roosevelt also stopped in for a beverage or two. The bar was this massive oak cabinet with horses and ship maidens carved into it. Mmmmaaaassssssssiiivvveee...and gorgeous. This bar was a "cigar store" during prohibition and there were still holes in the floor where the false wall separate off the illegal bar and casino. There was a tunnel that had been walled in. Apparently it runs under the entire area and it is how the patrons escaped when the Feds raided the "store." It was a fascinating place!!! We broke down our camp on Saturday evening so that we could head back home early on Sunday. We had plans for dinner with our son, Ryan, on Sunday evening. So, after breakfast on Sunday morning, we hooked up the car to the RV and headed back to Rockwall. While it was an uneventful trip home...I can't say the same thing for our trip out to dinner. On our way back home we had a flat. The good part of that is that we were out on a two lane country road that doesn't have very much traffic. Of the traffic that did come by there were three people who stopped to offer their help if needed. We got the tire changed and made it back home. On Monday morning I had to go to work for a few hours....inservice for summer school that I am teaching in July. Afterwards I bought a new tire and got my car inspected. Now...vacation is over and everything is back to normal. The RV has been cleaned, laundry done and everything put back in its place. I've got a couple of weeks before summer school starts and then it's only a matter of time before the next school near begins. Amazing how time flies....when you're having fun.

Time for myself...

Time has flown...and "things" have changed since last I rambled at you. Shortly after my last post I ended my long-term subbing position (which had gone on for 3 months) and took a little time off. Actually, I worked in all the medical appointments and things that I had been putting off for work. I worked a couple of days a week and took the rest of the time for myself and the things that I needed/wanted to get done. My husband and I, along with two other couples, headed out in our motorhome and their travel trailers for a week at Lockhart State Park. We went hiking (and got lost), shopped at quaint little shops in Wimberly, shared meals and fellowship, visited a goat farm, and just generally relaxed. It was refreshing...and renewing. Ahhhhh! The only thing that would have made it better is if my allergies hadn't flared up and I hadn't come home with bronchitis which I battled for two solid weeks before I began to improve! During our trip I got a follow-up call on a medical appointment I had prior to the trip. Seems my blood sugar is too high and I must change my diet and get that under control. It's not ridiculously high...most of the time. I bought a glucose monitoring kit (the finger prick thingy with the machine that tests the blood drop) and have changed my diet radically. I still can't seem to get the reading down to the 80 - 100 range where Dr. S wants it. Guess that means there is more work to be done! Hubby is looking into vacation options for us for late June. That's the only time I will have off since I agreed to teach computer lab in summer school and that starts on July 7th. I'm actually looking forward to that. Four days a week for four weeks. No lesson plans and no papers to grade. Now really, who could turn down that kind of a deal? That said, I will have four weeks off before summer school begins and three weeks off after it ends. Niiiccceeeee! Took a short (overnight) trip to Shreveport with "the girls." Lost my butt! 'Nuff said. Went to the Ranger game Wednesday night. They were "playing" (and I use that term loosely) Seattle. I stopped paying attention in the 3rd inning when we were already down 16-0. It was ridiculous...painful to watch. I turned in my paperwork to sub again next year. Figure I'll give it one more year. After that... That's all my news. It's summer and I'm taking it slow and easy. Wishing you the opportunity to carve out some time to do the same. Till next time... ~Cheers!

Relay for LIFE...

Tonight I get the honor...and yes, I do consider it an honor...to walk in the Rockwall Relay for Life supporting one of my teacher friends, Leigh Plagens. When I first began my career teaching at Rockwall High School Leigh was already a veteran there. She quickly became a friend and a mentor and to this day I still treasure her friendship. After I left RHS to begin a career in educational administration, I lost consistent contact with my friends there, but they have never been far from my heart. A couple of years ago I learned that Leigh had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew...just KNEW...that she would come out the winner in that battle. Leigh is a fighter...a strong spirit and a compassionate heart. I've seen Leigh a couple of times over the last year or so and have kept up with her fight. She has NEVER been anything but 100% positive. So it is with pride, and not just a little bit of thankfulness, that I will be be on 'team Plagens' tonight...sharing the joy and celebration of a battle won. Not all news on that front is good news. However, as Leigh says, "Cancer is a word, not a sentence." Leigh's precious husband, Clarence, is fighting his own battle against cancer. He is not doing as well...but this race is not yet run. So while celebrating Leigh's victory, I will be walking and praying...asking God to reach out to this wonderful man and extend His healing hand so that Clarence and Leigh can continue being a joy to their friends and family. As I've had an opportunity to think about things over the last month or so, I recall all of my friends and family who have been touched by the ugliness and scariness of cancer. I'm sure that I will fail to list someone here...not because they aren't important to me, but because I have the memory of a gnat, and because I'm on steroids again for poison ivy and they make me crazy! Kristin Durbin: my daughter. Diagnosed with uterine cancer at 24 years old. I remember the emptiness I felt at hearing her say, "Mom, two of the tumors are malignant." I felt like a sleep-walker. I can only imagine how she felt. I am proud to say that today Kristin is perfectly healthy and has even blessed us with another grandson since her healing. For privacy reasons I will now only use first names: Judy: A friend. Diagnosed with breast cancer about 5 years ago. Fought and WON her battle. Pat: A friend. Diagnosed with colon cancer about 5 years ago. Fought and WON her battle. Mary: My Aunt. Diagnosed with colon cancer. Fought and lost her battle. Kim: My cousin's daughter. Diagnosed with breast cancer. Fought and lost her battle. There are others. Friends and spouses of co-workers. Neighbors. Some win their battle and others, sadly, do not. Cancer is an ugly, dreaded, horrific disease that, pardon me, scares the hell out of you. But, as my friend Leigh says, it is a word. It is no longer necessarily the death sentence it once was. So, if you are so inclined, reflect on those you care about who have been touched by cancer. Send up an extra prayer on their behalf. Give them and extra hug. Thank God for letting them be a part of your life. I know I do.

Picture Perfect

I won't bore you (or gross you out) with the pictures, but I am sure that you will be thrilled to know that you have been reading the blog of someone with a "beautiful" esophagus. That's right. I said "esophagus." I will explain.

I have suffered...and by that I mean SUFFERED...for years with acid reflux. It got so bad about 4 1/2 years ago that I thought I was having a heart attack. I was returning to my car from shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall. I love that place. No crowds. Close parking. But I digress. Walking across the parking lot I began having severe chest pains. I got in the car and just sat for a few minutes while the pain moved up into my left shoulder and into my neck and jaw. It scared me. Before I even pulled out of the parking lot I called my doctor and scheduled an appointment. A doctor visit, a cardiology referral and a few dozen tests later I was referred to my gastroenterologist, Dr. Zopolsky. I love this man. He's like a life-sized Weeble. As sweet as they come. Anyhoo, he scheduled me for a surgical procedure called an EGD. Bottom line, they put you to sleep and run a scope down your throat to look at your stomach and esophagus. My esophagus was severely inflamed and that little flap that covers your esophagus was having a field day with spasms...thus the pain. A high dosage of omeprazole and I've been good to go. Or so I thought. On my most recent visit in order to get my prescription renewed another year, Dr. Z informed me that I needed another EGD done...and will apparently have to have one done every 4 or 5 years. It seems that acid reflux puts you at a much greater risk for esophageal and throat cancer. Oh boy.

So, on Monday of this week we trekked off to the surgical center AT 5:30 IN THE MORNING!!! The only good thing about that was that I knew that I could go back to sleep during the procedure and that the "anesthesia hangover" would let me actually REST while sleeping the day away.

Oh, yeah. There was the post-surgical report from Dr. Z that I have a "beautiful" esophagus. So. There you have it. Eat your heart out all of you with plain and/or ugly esophaguses...esophagi? Whatever.

And for my doofus brother-in-law, Keith: No, they do not use the same equipment they used with the colonoscopy of the patient before you!

Doctor, doctor, gimme the news....

The diagnosis is in. It's official. I have been diagnosed with...Spring Fever! Of course, it was a self-diagnosis, but I believe that makes it even more accurate. Beware! I understand it is highly contagious.

Symptoms of Spring Fever include, but are not limited to the following:

An uncontrollable desire to pick up the alarm clock and hurl it through the nearest widow...open or not. This desire is usually initiated upon the incessant buzzing/ringing/chirping, etc. of said alarm clock. Do not...I repeat...DO NOT give in to this desire as it can result in costly repairs, replacement of said alarm clock, loss of employment, etc.

Spontaneous cravings to be a spectator is outdoor sporting events such as TEXAS RANGER BASEBALL! A little sun, a little partaking in the consumption of adult beverages, a little "fellowshipping" with family, friends and fans...aahhhhhh! The only time that I can determine this activity to be dangerous is if it results in repeated absences from work. Proceed with caution!

Visual acuity. That's right. You suddenly develop an eagle-eye for every weed, empty spot in the flower bed and landscaping faux paux in your immediate proximity along with an insatiable need to "fix" everything at one time. This can be hazardous to your budget as you stroll through your nearest Home Depot or Lowe's suddenly desperately needing every tool known to mankind along with bedding plants, soil preparation materials, mulch, fertilizer, bug killer, etc., etc., etc.

Narcolepsy. That ability to instantly fall asleep during your favorite television program right when it gets to the best part.

And finally, the relegation of gainful employment to last place on the priority list. While it may appear otherwise, this is usually a Lose/Lose situation. While the loss of a job may net you freedom and control over your own schedule and how you spend your time, it will also result in an immediate reduction in funds which then determines how you can AFFORD to spend your time. Not a good thing.

So, if you find yourself experiencing any of the above symptoms, do not seek medical attention. There is absolutely nothing that they can do. Instead, look at your calendar, look at your budget and determine when and how much you can afford to wallow in the symptoms of your "illness." Good luck to you, mate. Not to discourage you, but I'm fighting this battle and it seems to be uphill. Arg! Summer, you need to put in an appearance really soon!!!

There but for the grace of God...

Tuesday, April 3, 2012, is a day that will not soon be forgotten in the DFW area. That rarest of cosmic events transpired which put those of us living in the area in the path of not one, not two, but up to 20+ tornadoes. Most of the time thunderstorm and tornado watches leave me unconcerned. They're never really close to the area that I find myself or my loved ones in. Yesterday was different. It didn't matter where you were...you were in potential danger. My first "awareness" of the weather came in the form of a text from my son. We were planning a birthday dinner for my daughter later that evening. I texted reminders to all of the time and the location. Ryan texted back a message telling me to watch the weather. He works in Ft. Worth and was being blasted at the time. I checked the radar and, sure enough, there was a huge storm cell out there. Not long after that the secretary at the school where I was working came in to the room to make me aware that we might have to initiate emergency weather precautions (duck and cover in the hall). I was still thinking, "No big deal." Shortly the announcement came that everyone was to seek cover in the hallway. In truth, it didn't look that bad when I looked out the window. But, whatever. Fortunately I grabbed my cell phone before heading into the hall. Via cell I was able to keep up with my family and reassure my friends who were calling and texting to check on us. Keep in mind that in the hall we were cut off from computers, newscasts, etc., so we really had no idea how serious things were. Until. Yes, until I got that message that a tornado was on the ground in Forney...about 3-4 miles from my house (as the crow flies...or, in this case, as the tornado flies). My husband and puppy were home. Then I got a message saying that a tornado touched down one block from my daughter's office in Plano. Thankfully she had already left work and grabbed her kids from school so they could all take shelter in my son-in-law's office. My son-in-law in Mesquite was being told to take cover because there was a confirmed tornado in their neighborhood. Then I heard that Ft. Worth was getting a second wave of activity. I must admit, I was fearful. The people that mean the most to me in my life were in danger and there wasn't a damned thing that I could do to protect them. I don't consider myself a control freak...but I had no control and I was worried. Thinking back on things, I was never worried for my own safety. I was, however, scared to death that someone I love would be injured...or worse.

Obviously we rode out the storm. No one that I know was hurt...none of us suffered any damage to our property. We all awoke this morning to a beautiful morning that reeks of freshness and renewal. Thank you, God, for your merciful hand on all of us. And thank you, too, for the affirmation that I am loved. I can't say how very special it was to me to receive that phone call from Yola, that text from Tina, the Facebook messages from Karen and Reba (high school friends living elsewhere) and Amy (a former co-worker in Scurry) and Jo and Jeanne and so many others. They wanted to pass on the information that they were concerned and praying for me during the midst of the storm. Thank you...all of you. I have witnessed first hand the miracle of an answered prayer. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that maybe, just maybe, if you hadn't interceded on my behalf this blog might have a different tone today...if, indeed, there even was a blog today.

When I got home after 2+ hours of being locked down in a hallway with students and strangers, we had no electricity. There was still no electricity when I went to bed at 9:30 last night. That meant no television...no computer...no reading after it started getting dark. It was quite a peaceful evening. Not something I would want to do every night, but not a bad break from the clamor of a busy life.

No electricity also meant no ability to watch the news coverage of the days events. It wasn't until this morning that I learned many of the details of yesterday's weather phenomenon...homes in a former work community destroyed (and this not the first time for Lancaster)...a former co-worker's community devastated by the twisting, roaring winds of a funnel...the cars, trucks, RVs, semis, tossed about like Hot Wheels. So in the midst of my thankfulness and humility, I feel an ache for those that were not as blessed. I ask God to reign over their lives and pour out His blessings as these individuals and families draw together and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. As they rebuild, I pray that they recognize that even in the turmoil there is a merciful God at work and that they make a place for Him in their lives as they move forward from this day. And I think..."There, but for the grace of God..."

This picture was taken from the parking lot of the Wal-Mart located in Forney at Hwy. 80 and FM 740. It is responsible for lots of damage to homes in the area and a nearby elementary school.

Updates and Lamentations...

February has come and gone and March has almost passed since last I posted. Why? Um...I've been busy? In truth, I HAVE been busy. After the cruise I came back to town and went right back to work. I took a "short term" position subbing at the alternative school in the GED program. Short term was supposed to have ended in February. It has now been extended until at least 4/30. Whether or not the position is still here will not matter to me. MY last day in this position will be 4/30. I wouldn't have accepted the job if I had known that it would last this long. I did not retire to work full time. It interferes with my play time!

Other than working what have I been up to??? Well, we went camping in the RV during Spring Break. Not far...just to Joe Pool Lake, but it was a nice getaway and it made us aware of some things that we need...and need to get done to the RV...before our camping trip in May. Ford Motor Company has issued a recall on the RV. Something to do with a sharp edge on something that might cut a cable that tells you which gear you are in. Ronnie is getting that fixed even as I type this. While on our camping trip in March a couple of problems manifested themselves. We are scheduled to get those fixed in April. Add a tow package, an ice maker (already ordered) and a couple of hammocks (also already ordered) and we are ready to roll. Can you tell I'm a bit eager?

We went to Shreveport with Ryan and Richard one weekend in February. No, I didn't win...but Richard won $1500.00 so we still had fun. I live vicariously through other people's good luck! Lol

I've also been several times with Richard to play Bingo. Again, I did not win, but Richard did. Hmmmm. I'm sensing a pattern here.

Spring has reared it's lovely head and while my allergies are kicking my butt, I am soooo loving sleeping with the windows open at night and the ceiling fans on. LOVE this time of year.

The grandsons came to stay with us last weekend. Trenton and I went outside to wash my car. I washed...he rinsed. Most of you know my penchant for foot problems. Well.....I happened to drop the hose reel (containing two 100ft. waterhoses) on my big toe. I'm thinking that pedi isn't going to last. And that was my first pedi since the car accident last year. I've been afraid to go...afraid they would hurt my ankle. Finally got up the nerve to go and now the toe is swelling underneath the nail and pushing it up. Hurts like crazy! Such is the story of my life.

I think I'm getting spring fever. I am picturing all these projects in my head...repaint living room and do something special in the inset...strip master bath cabinets and re-stain...strip and resurface ceiling in master bath...refurbish the patio...etc...etc...etc. Just have to keep reminding myself...one step at a time! But I will have all this time on my hands once school is out for summer! Oh. Wait. I'm thinking of teaching summer school...

It Went By in a Flash...

You know how it is, I'm sure. How you can look forward to something for so very long and time just draaaaagggggsssss ever so slowly by. Then whatever you are looking forward to gains speed as it gets closer, it slams into you and passes before you even know what hit you.

That's how it has been with our family cruise. We have been looking forward to this for almost 3 years. Ronnie told the kids we would take them on a Caribbean cruise when we both retired. I retired in June, 2008, and Ronnie retired in March, 2009. We were ready to schedule the cruise but then...life intervened. First one thing and then another reared its head to postpone our trip yet again. Kristin got pregnant. Ryan switched jobs. Kristin lost her job. Ryan couldn't go during his busy season. Kristin got a new job. Ryan switched jobs again. Kristin didn't have any vacation time. etc. etc. etc.

Finally, we scheduled the cruise and said, "Hope you can make it on this date. If not, we'll take lots of pictures for you to see." Amazingly, everybody was able to make it on that date. The anticipation began. It seems like we waited an eternity for the date to get here and then all at once I needed to get busy packing! I blinked and now I am back at home with the luggage unpacked and the dirty laundry in piles waiting to be washed, dried and put away.::sigh::

Let's backtrack and see if we can piece this together. Step one: Reservations were made. Our traveling party consisted of Ronnie and me, our daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Scott, our son and son-in-law, Ryan and Richard and our grandsons, Trenton and Carter. Traveling with us were my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil and Carlene, their grandson, Garrett, her daughter Dovie, Dovie's friend, Lisa, and family friends Alan and Tina. Count them. That's 15! Yeah for big groups!!


Our Family Caribbean Cruise was scheduled to set sail from Galveston on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, and we would visit Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel before returning to Galveston on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. Being somewhat eager, and also being retired, we were able to get away a little bit sooner than most. Ronnie, Ryan, Richard and I headed to Galveston on Friday, Jan. 20th around 1:00 p.m. Richard has a very generous friend, Jim, who owns a condo on Seawall Blvd. in Galveston and he graciously loaned us the use of the condo for the weekend so we took advantage of that and headed down on Friday. Scott, Kristin and the boys joined us on Saturday. The rest of the crew was staying just a couple of blocks away at the Hilton. Our accomodations were great! Such a nice condo I could have been happy living there. All the amenities needed for a life of contentment. Our only problem...which turned into a HUGE problem...was the thick, thick, thick fog. You literally could not see the water if you were standing in the middle of Seawall Blvd.::more on that later::
Pics of the condo












On Saturday morning we took a drive around Galveston, had breakfast and just basically hung out waiting for the Durbins to arrive. Finally they came rolling in between 2p and 3p. After they got settled in we needed to eat. None of us had eaten since breakfast. The other part of our group was still on the road and had eaten lunch so we set out for Mario's Italian Cuisine where we stuffed ourselves. Back at the condo, we snacked, read, worked puzzles, watched television, etc. until we all gave up and went to bed.

Sunday morning arrived with heavy fog and a text message that our ship, the Carnival Magic, was delayed because the port was closed. Indications were that the fog would clear around 9a...it didn't. Neither the Magic nor the Royal Caribbean ship was cleared to enter the port until almost noon. At that time we were allowed to enter the building. Before that, Ron and I had been sitting on the sidewalk reading and holding our place in line while the kids went for lunch. Once we could enter the terminal we quickly went through the check in procedure and then it was hurry up and wait. And wait. And wait. We weren't cleared to board the ship until almost 4:30p. During our delay in the terminal we noticed that Carter was coughing quite a bit and you could literally watch his condition deteriorate. Once onboard the ship we ate, walked around the ship a bit, and participated in the muster drill. After that, Kristin and Scott headed down to Deck 0 where Carter was seen by the ship doctor. Asthma. Some breathing treatments and medication and he was packed off to bed. We were told the ship would sail around 8:30...then 11:30. Because the ship had to refuel we were trapped in port when the fog rolled back in. Our ship finally set said nearly 12 hours late...at 3:15 a.m. I had no idea until around 4:30 when I woke up because Ronnie was up looking out the window. Finally, we were on our way.


Monday was a day at sea. We passed the day sitting in the hot tub, reading, playing Bingo, eating, going to the shops, etc. At this point I have to say that the ship doctor is awesome because by Monday morning you couldn't tell Carter had ever been sick.


Tuesday was a day at sea as well. We did many of the same things as Monday...just generally relaxed and hung out doing the things we wanted to do.

Wednesday was our first day in a port...Jamaica. Our delayed start leaving Galveston put us late arriving in Jamaica so our stay there was extended until 7p. Unfortunately for some of our party, our excursion started almost immediately upon arrival and we had to hustle off the ship. Ron and I chose to ride the Jamaican Bobsled Team training track and climb Dunns River Falls. We had a blast. First, we climbed the falls. I thought I might have a heart attack when I stepped in the water. It was icy!! It was a ton of fun...but it was cold. During our trek up the falls I stepped in a hole and felt the crack in my left foot...which immediately went numb. I was certain it was broken. Ronnie fell in a hole and twisted his ankle. But...we made it to the top in one piece. It was an incredible time and I'm glad we did it. (My foot hurt the remainder of the day but was fine the next day. Ronnie's ankle is still swollen...probably sprained). From there we boarded a bus and headed up to Mystic Mountain to ride the bobsled. Awesome!! You get in a bobsled car by yourself and race down the side of the mountain through the thick forest of greenery. Absolutely breathtaking! We were supposed to be able to eat at the restaurant at the top of the mountain, but the excursion was running late. Our guide, Salvia, got the food boxed up and we ate it on the 90 minute bus ride back to the ship. We arrived back at the ship with 4 minutes to spare so we weren't able to do any shopping in Jamaica.






Following a shower we ate, attended the shows, made donations in the casino and hung out. A tiring but incredible day! My daughter and her family had a catamaran adventure. Unfortunately, the minute he got in the water my son-in-law's wedding ring came off his finger and fell to the bottom about 40 feet below. He was VERY upset. Several people tried to dive down for it but the water was just too deep. I will say this for Scott, when I tried to console him by telling him, "It's a ring...a symbol. It can be replaced." his reaction was, "Kind of." He cherished the significance of the ring that was presented to him at their wedding ceremony. How many men do you find these days who get that?


Thursday put us in Grand Cayman, British West Indies. Cayman is beautiful. The water is such a crystal blue color. Our excursion for the 8 of us was a trek out to Stingray Island Sandbar to swim and snorkel with the stingrays. The water there is so shallow you can stand up in it and watch the stingrays swimming around your feet. Of course we each got to hold and kiss a stingray (for 7 years good luck) and play in the water. Ronnie spotted a barracuda swimming around while I got a "stingray blanket." This is where you hold the stingray and lay on your back in the water. The stingray is laying on top of you covering you. My stingray was right in my face and lifted its front lip(?) for a kiss. I gave it a kiss. Must have made it mad because it flapped its fins(?) and splashed me right in the face! What fun! We returned to the ship...but not without incident. Ronnie was putting a window down on the boat when it slipped from his hand. Unfortunately, Carter chose just that moment to put his fingers in the window sill. The window smashed down on his fingers and cut them on both the top and the bottom.
Back in port we did a quick tour of the shopping village. Ronnie and I went to the Green Parrot, a beach side bar, for a quick drink before getting back on the ship. Once aboard, another shower and a night of entertainment. Dinner, a show, a trip to the casino, reading on our balcony, poker in the Red Frog Pub aboard the ship and falling into bed exhausted.






Friday morning found us in Cozumel. This is the one port where we did not book an excursion. We got off the ship with Ryan and Richard around 10:30 and headed into town for lunch. Senor Frogs was a blast. Our waiter, Reuben, really got into the act. He picked on us the whole time we were there. We laughed and ate and drank and laughed some more. Reuben was awesome. A 20 minute taxi ride from there put us at Paradise Beach and Resort where we lay around on the beach, swam, read, napped, baked in the hot sun...etc. Kristin, Scott and the boys joined us after their swim with the dolphins and we all had a great time. About 4:00 we headed back to town and got back on the ship. Another night of shows, casino, etc. and the realization that something we had so long awaited was nearly gone.






Saturday was another sea day as we sailed for home. Kristin and I went up to the Serenity Deck (adults only) and were joined by Ronnie as we sat and read. We had lunch...then a nap...and at 3p Kristin and I, along with Ryan and Richard, went to play bingo. I won!!! It was a $100 game and I had to split it with 2 others, but I still won. I was thrilled. Back in the room to dress for dinner, we packed and got ready for our early morning departure.

Sunday morning arrived, we got off the ship quickly and headed home. A quick stop for donuts and then lunch, we still arrived home by 3p. I have a ton of pictures and great memories of this trip. I love spending time with my family and we were able to be together and enjoy each other's company with no problems. The kids loved cruising and I think they are all hoping to do it again soon.