Is that all she does? Cry?

Of course not, it only seems that way! My eyes are about swollen shut again after seeing "The Bucket List" the second time. This viewing was with Twila and her visiting sister, Elaine. It was just as wonderful as the first time, although knowing ahead of time what's going to happen takes away some of the edge, as one would expect. It probably would be a good idea for me to take a rest, at least my eyes, before heading out to a fund raiser for Travis later on. Another event, another change of clothes.....

Thus far I haven't heard from Justin, as I was out much of the day and he has school all day Thursdays. I'd like to know what he's thinking about today, if he's upset about yesterday's news or simply concentrating on the things which he can affect--grades!

This late morning I met Jen and Martie at Pengree's, enjoying a wonderful meal and visit. Martie had to leave for work but Jen and I were a bit later leaving as, strange as this is to believe, I met up with someone I knew. Hugging and conversation and more hugging ensued in the parking lot, so I was nearly late to the movie theater. I called Twila to let her know I was running behind so they got their tickets and saved a seat for me. As it turned out, I managed to locate a convenient parking spot, rare at the movies, and found my friends in plenty of time. We watched and wept, ate our popcorn, and then left the theater in the midst of a rain storm! Of course, cold and wet, my favorites! And Twila had just mentioned going to the beach one of these coming days..........supposed to be 80 tomorrow and hopefully sunny!

Thanks to all who have replied to my first blog yesterday about Justin's hearing loss. Sorry that the Comment thingy is on the fritz but e-mails are just as welcome. Your prayers are appreciated, including those of thanksgiving for it not being even worse than it is!

What does it mean when the moon turns orange?

Good evening, all!

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Well, I am back home after church and choir practice tonight, feeling a bit worn out after the news and such earlier. We rehearsed "Jerusalem, the Golden", again singing with tears running down my cheeks. Makes it a bit difficult to hit those high notes. It's truly a lovely anthem, sung to a melody called "Jupiter", from an orchestral piece called "The Planets", described as being "stately". It is all that, particularly with Suzanne playing the viola and Robbie accompanying on the organ. I wish we could get someone else to play to the organ so that Robbie could play his trumpet, but.......I guess we'll get by with viola, organ, and me sobbing my eyes out!

*

The good news is that as we were leaving church after choir practice we were able to see the moon eclipsing. It was not quite done so I drove home as quickly as I could to watch the finale. At first the clouds were blurring it but then when I took another peak, ta da! Red orange in color, making the clouds around it look the same hue...gorgeous and phenomenal. I hope that is the appropriate word choice there. Yep, it is the perfect explanation for what we've seen tonight: extraordinary and remarkable--thanks Miriam Webster! Judy just sent a quick e-mail reporting that she took pictures of our shared moon (saying she was out mooning on her deck!) and commented it was an absolutely perfect night in MN....probably it, too, was phenomenal!!

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Thanks for the kind, caring words and thoughts about Justin's hearing loss. I'll pass those along to him tomorrow. Cindy, you're my biggest fan, and I yours!!! The Lord's continued blessings to you all!

I have to put my sad face on today

Let me see..is this a sad color? Kind of.

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This morning Justin and I had to waken very early, especially since I had to drive wwaayy over to his side of town. He had an appointment with the audiologist and ear people, the experts, and underwent some in-house tests.

*

I should have sensed something was up when the first technician went into the office with another lady who seemed to be a boss, and shut the door. She then came back, directing us to yet another room for more tests. This particular machine was quite sensitive to sound, so we had be as quiet as could be, with even the sound of the machine operating picked up on the program. I was afraid my telephone would go off and ruin the whole thing, but fortunately it was quiet.

*

Following that test we were ushered into another waiting area until the next person, a registered nurse, came for us. We went into an exam room where she asked a million questions about the onset of this malady, even asked if there was any diabetes on either side of the family. She didn't say why this was important but it must help them to sort out cause/effect or something. She typed the whole works into her computer and then left. It wasn't long until another lady came in, a Physician's Assistant (PA), Judy, whose been doing this for 25 years already. She knew her stuff.

*

Judy showed us print outs of his hearing tests and the others they did this morning, asked many questions again, going over the who, what, when, where, and whys of the onset, trying to narrow it down. According to their tests and examinations, Justin is totally deaf in his left ear, most likely permanently.

*

Given the way everything played out, apparently Justin had a virus in his ear, not causing pain but producing pressure on the balance nerve as well as the hearing nerve, and the pressure apparently crushed his hearing nerve. Fortunately the balance nerve recovered, with the nerve that controls some facial muscles being unaffected. (Bell's Palsy). If there is a bright side to this, and of course, there is, Justin ONLY lost his hearing and not his entire equilibrium and facial muscles.

*

Now, the questions come: How did this happen? Why did the family doctor determine it was allergy-caused rather than this virus at work? What could have been done to reverse this earlier on? The way Judy described it, this was just bad luck.

*

Not believing in luck, good or bad, I was glad to hear her explain that even if we'd come immediately to their office and diagnosed the problem, they'd have given him massive doses of prednisone for a couple weeks, with a 50/50 chance that it would correct the problem. In other words, it happens.

*

No one's fault, no one upon whom to afix blame. Not himself for contracting this virus, not his mama who was cruising in the North Pacific, not his doctor, who read the symptoms just as they presented.....even Dr. Potts, his roommate's mom, thought it was only an inner ear thing affecting the eustacian tubes and would take a few months to work itself out, which is what our family doctor said, too. His tubes are just fine, it's the nerves way inside that were affected, and again, we are thankful that ONLY the hearing one remains damaged.

*

On the bright side, he has fantastic, perfect hearing in his right ear, which he was admonished to preserve with every effort possible. No lawn mowers, leaf blowers, jet engines, rifles, or rock concerts, unless he's wearing approved ear protection.

*

Justin has to go back in a couple weeks for more in-house tests and have an MRI performed before getting to see the Big Guy--Dr. Green. He comes highly recommended and his staff claims he is the best when it comes to things like this. Oh, by the way, the PA said they don't usually see this in men as young as Justin, but in older men who like to play with loud toys (boats, machinery, and the cars that go thump, thump, thump from the speakers.) Since Justin's malady was caused by a virus, I don't understand the correlation between the loud noise and the nerve, unless just the results are the same, and not neccessarily the cause..........anyway...

*

As far as treatment goes, there is none, as the damage is done. However, as Judy said, they always have some tricks to do with equipment that would transfer the "sound" from the left ear to the right ear, which hears for both then. It would not be perfect, but at least allow him to have what she referred to as "surround around" sound. Or, he can do absolutely nothing and live with it, or without it, as the case might be. We'll make that decision once the doctor has seen him, and proceed from there. The MRI is to absolutely rule out anything else going on in his head that could have affected the hearing.

*

Naturally, I felt terrible about it, feeling totally responsible for not addressing this matter as soon as I got home from my travels, but Judy assured us both that there was little we could have done, and at best, the 50/50 chance of reversal if treated immediately. She said it's no one's fault, and I have to believe her on that. Some people are quick to assign blame in order to "handle" a situation, but that just won't work in this case. It happens. But, I feel sad for Justin, as his worst fear was realized, not being able to hear from his left ear again---possibly. If we decide to go ahead with some helpers for his hearing, that's another story. A hearing aid will not do a thing for him since it's not the ear drum that's affected, it's a nerve that got compressed by a virus.

*

That's it..........

The sun isn't even up yet...

It felt wonderful to lay down last night and I have no idea what time I fell asleep, guessing it was before 11:00. Earlier I had a houseful of friends here for a Southern Living at Home show. Jan said the very nicest things about me and my home, describing it as that--a home!

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She told a little story about how one of their designers claimed she can tell much about a person by the front door of their home and by the napkins they use. I was a winner with my sunflower wreath and garish ceramics at the door, as well as using the fabulous napkins that Lori gave me for my birthday featuring two hefty "sisters" sharing a dessert. Jan took one of the napkins home with her to put in her scrapbook.

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She also took photos of my house before setting up because she wanted to take advantage of the remaining light to enjoy the view. Jan told the ladies how in her long career she's gotten into many homes including some in the more posh areas of town....she nearly moved me to tears with her praise! Upon getting started it turned out only a couple ladies had attended a Southern Living party, making it all the more enjoyable. Now they know another reason for my joy---ceramics and pretty glass things!!!

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There was no Bible study yesterday morning due to it being a holiday and Pastor was able to be with his family who were all off from school. Justin had class yet at UNF, but told me he's off on MLK Day.....that's another subject.

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Since I had my art class in the afternoon, I utilized my 'free' morning to make my preparations for the party. Sunday night I made my ham salad, using leftovers from our CHRISTmas feast. I'd stored it in the freezer in a cookie tin, not remembering it was in there at first. What a wonderful surprise and a brilliant idea to make ham salad with it! Got rave reviews, too!

*

Guess it was the moving of chairs and such that tired my back, which is why it felt so wonderful to lay down. Martie had stayed to help clean up afterward while I worked with Jan. Now I have some selections to make from the catalog based upon the dollar value of the show---fun, fun, fun! Glad I'm finally off 'dish restriction'! Oh, that reminds me--my neighbor's fiance came past the door as Brenda N. was arriving so I snagged her into the fray. She loves dishes and says that Travis told her she couldn't bring home anymore little bowls and such. I asked Jessica if she is on dish restriction......I love to feed other people's passions!!! She took a catalog!

*

Travis is running for a seat on the County Board and has invited me to a fund raising event on Thursday night. He delivered the invitation to me after my party was wrapping up but didn't want to come in as he was already in his jammies. Oh my, the sky is simply magnificent this morning with greys and greens and salmon on the horizon. The Lord is using His entire pallet today!

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We had quite a rain storm yesterday but the radio folks kept reminding us that we "dodged a bullet" as some regions west of here really got clobbered. I timed my trip down to the car for groceries just exactly right---the heavens opened as I reach the car! Dave, our 'doorman' helped me carry the bags upstairs so I didn't have to make a second trip down there. I needed the items to make my food for the party, otherwise I'd have waited until the rain ended.

*

Today brings only a doctor appointment after lunch, perhaps an outing with Twila and Elaine to see The Bucket List again, and then a building committee meeting tonight. Other than that stuff, a quiet day. It's time to publish the newsletter again so must end this "verbose" update (my biggest fan, Justin, told me I was 'verbose' in my postings...) and get busy on my church business.

*

I pray all are getting shoveled out, Jill keeps me posted on the removal thereof. Dolly said she's sick and tired of it, too, and I remind all that the door here is open to anyone wishing to vacate their premises for a break! Even when I'm gone to NYC, make yourselves homely!

Such Joy!

Robbie called it last night.

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As we were filing from the Moran Theater after experiencing "La Traviata", I asked the boys if they noticed the last words spoken from the stage were, "Such joy!". Robbie said he had and then, "I'll bet that shows up in your blog." Ta da! He was absolutely correct, 'cause it needed sayin'. Am I so predictable?

*

Robbie, Justin and I enjoyed our meal at Juliette's before attending the opera. The location of our seats in the theater was perfect, the production extraordinary (complete with overhead "subtitles"). The newspaper calls them "supertitles" instead, which gives me an image of a cartoon character or something....I don't know what.

*

While we ate our dinners, the bar patrons at Juliette's provided pre-opera amusement. The 'entertainers' were people from all walks of life. One 'man' was dressed as though he was in the rodeo, complete with spurs on his cowboy boots, quite the contrast for the opera crowd. Instead of a beer, as one might expect, Tex was drinking a frothy white adult beverage--perhaps a White Russian. Odd. Fringed jacket and pants, 20-gallon hat, which he nobly doffed to an elderly couple, the old man looking like Santa, without the red outfit.

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Another guy had on a formal tailcoat, eye glasses with rhinestone frames, and a black shirt unbuttoned half way down. Like Justin said, we were getting to see an opera AND a circus all in one night! Guess there was an "old" rock group performing across the street, which brought out the clowns. Okay, I just looked it up, the group playing was "Van Halen", which, according to the newspaper, didn't do too hot. And the hits just keep on comin'!

*

Frasier Crane is Going to Raise Some Hell!

Here I am again, laughing in my room, and scaring Lynx! This time I tuned into an episode of "Cheers" and there was Frasier, freaking out about being a "good boy" as compared to Sam, the bartender. He proceeded to run around the bar with a pair of scissors in his hand, planned to going swimming immediately after eating, and was about to go pet dogs that he didn't know where they'd been! Wow! In the course of one of his reckless, manly acts, he crossed against the light, slipped and fell on the ice, then proudly announced, "I nearly split my pants!" Whoa there buddy, better reel yourself in! I nearly split mine laughing at him!

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Ordinarily I watch "Fox and Friends" but there was just no major news on today, other than the horrible campus shootings in Northern Illinios last night. Of course that just freaks me out, with having my own son on a college campus, but must have faith that the Lord is watching over him and has things in His control. The same is true when Justin is driving from his condo to this side of town---I have to simply NOT dwell on the potential dangers and do rejoice when he arrives safely!

*

Yesterday was spent in front of the computer, as it is most days, but my accomplishment was getting the Art Guild Board Meeting Minutes typed and sent off. This was finished just as the housekeepers arrived so I left them to their work as I ran up to visit my friends at "Great Hang Ups". Julia showed me how to search the AAA site, finding the restaurants located in proximity of our hotel in NYC. Her hubby came in to share lunch with Julia, and then another artist, Kris, arrived with brochures and such for an upcoming show at Hang Ups. It was nice to see both Mike and Kris again but I had to dash off for my hair appointment.

*

My special "Valentine", Pam, called and made plans for us to have dinner with some other friends at Sorbello's. We met about 6:00 or so, as members of our group kept trickling in. Justin even came over to have St. Valentine's Day dinner with his mama. It was a beehive there, and we got to see Twila Squared, as she was called in at the last minute to help with the rush of patrons. Even little Nikki was busy as Hostess, such a cute girl growing into a lovely young woman. Our meals were delicious, me having more than half come home for another time. Yummy!

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Wednesday night was blessed one, traveling over to Victory to hear a special musical event and worship service. Lynne and Janet, my friends from church, rode with me, with Fausto and Julaine already there. Our arrival was timely enough to enjoy a light supper before the concert began, which was lovely, too. The musicians, both from WI, called "In His Service", skillfully performed some traditional Lutheran hymns, mostly of a Lenten theme. Of course, their rendition of "Amazing Grace" just put us away and Janet was quick with the tissue distribution. There is just something about this anthem that moves our hearts! Lynne bought me one of their CD's as a 'thank you' for the ride, which was not expected but greatly appreciated. It was marvelous being with these other brothers and sisters in Christ, especially being the first time at Victory for my passengers.

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Today I am off to the Friday Musicale and then am coming straight back to enjoy a late lunch with my boy. We are hungry for fried rice but with this concert being at Riverside, I can't get back here in time for Koko's. Nuts! He's got some plans for tonight and I am making some chili which I'll enjoy for dinner. Yes, at home.........of course, these plans are subject to change on a moments' notice! Chili freezes.......is that a redundancy??? Pick, pick, pick!

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Speaking of chili---Justin reports that his treatments at the physical therapist make him cold, as they put an ice wrap on him for 10 minutes. I hated that when I went to PT for my goofy knee. I don't care what they say, ice is NOT my friend! He did like some other form of therapy done with heat, and then traction. I pray he gets some relief from his pain and weakness through this therapy.

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Ooooh, high temp of 79 on Sunday....it's getting better right along! Beach, anyone??? I'll bet Jill is getting airfare prices right this minute, as she's about had it with this horrible winter up there in Dairyland!

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Hey, where's the sunshine???

Somehow I managed to get out of bed without benefit of my natural alarm clock, and I'm not referring to 'nature's call'. The sun wasn't shining on me! Man, I hate that, it sets the tone for the day. Guess it's not good to let that happen because just imagine how miserable people must feel where it's dark, cloudy, freezing cold, and just plain yukky outside...... Oh good, the weatherman just said we'd see temps in the low 70's by the end of this week. That helps to cheer me some. I shouldn't feel so grumpy as I've had a productive morning already, having made the reservations for Justin and my trip to NYC over Spring Break. We found suitable flights and a lovely hotel in proximity to the MOMA which might save some cab fare. I insisted Justin take a solemn vow NOT to complain about our hotel or any travel arrangements with the caveat that I am permitted to murmur if required.

*****

Earlier this a.m. I joined AAA to secure substantial savings for the airfare/hotel combo in NYC. Justin is covered as well which is nice. He said the sweetest thing to me when I told him about joining AAA. His words were something like "I want you to be safe". Awww, that boy is just a gem! I got my sunshine after all!!!!

*****

While still under my covers I addressed and stuffed a mess of envelopes for a mailing to our church members away from "home". Who says I can't multi-task? I could keep warm and comfy, take care of business while laughing my head off (again!) at Fraiser!

*****

One episode that tickled me was where Fraiser's radio program was put in the overnight time slot and he was having the worst time trying to sleep with all the commotion going on in his apartment. Niles had shown up asking to borrow his father's pistol for protection for Maris, saying he wanted to "pack some heat". Fraiser rolled his eyes and exclaimed, "You can't even light a barbeque!!" Pack some heat, indeed!

*****

The next morning Niles showed up at the door with a starter's pistol in a leather carrying case and was sort of dancing around with it, and accidently fired a shot. Niles leapt on to the sofa with the gun in his hand, Daphne ducked behind a door, Eddie ran for cover, and Martin froze in his steps. Fraiser, who'd just tried going back to bed for the third time came running back out of his room, hair all standing up and eyes looking wild, finding his household in total bedlam. Niles asked, "Oh, Fraiser, just getting up?", as though nothing had happened. Fraiser was flailing his arms and shouted something about "gun play" and I just lost it. Poor Lynx went flying---again!

*****

Speaking of life's simple pleasures--yesterday I was watering Timmy's lemon tree which is parked in my "river room" and am thrilled to see the number of possible fruit forming on the branches. If even one of them becomes a full-sized lemon, I'll be beside myself with glee. Once ripe, I can cut it open and remove the seeds for replanting. I have only one of my "offspring" left from the last time I did this, as I shared some of the "babies" with Justin's father, and another container I had of them disappeared from the base of the tree when it was outside by the railing. It broke my heart to lose that pot of seedlings but it was my mistake putting them out there in the first place.

*****

So, anyway, I try not to spook the tree but simply make sure it's well watered and knows how much I love it! (In reading back through the previous paragraph, I found it interesting that I mentioned having only one offspring left----in more ways than just the lemon trees.........)