Still snuggled in

Have I ever mentioned how much I like my 'bosom top' computer? Oh, if only I had word processing on this tiny computer...I could stay snug and warm all day. Only a few moments ago I went to the kitchen for a soda and I must say, it was bitter cold in those rooms, the hallway and the kitchen. The thermostat is set at 68 and I have not heard the heat running. My room is independent, both sets of doors closed and the little space heater working through the night. This a.m. I took my heat pad into the bed with me, resting under my back, making me quite content right where I am. At various times I have looked at bedside tables similar to those found in hospital rooms but have not seen one which would likely serve me as well as the system used right now---a pillow on my stomach balancing the machinery. Justin frowns on this method as the dust from the pillow and such is bad for the fans inside the laptop. I did see a nice lap desk at Barnes and Noble that would work but I will wait until after CHRISTmas in case I receive one as a gift.

As I am writing, I am also listening to a lecture over the Internet, being given is a rather dry style, regarding the Constitution. The subscribers/listeners have an avenue to give our input regarding this series and I am going to vote NO on this particular 'instructor', as I remember him from last semester's lectures as being as dry and uninspiring as a bone. One cannot learn as much when one is falling asleep!

Well, let's see...what happened yesterday besides my posting the news about my mystery lump. Justin and I met for Bible study at Victory, a VERY good class discussing further our trials and tribulations in life. The 'chapter' we covered was taken almost entirely from "Luther Works" about this very subject. It was incredibly interesting and at times, funny, because at one point, 'Marty' talks about how some people may have to deal with a 'vexatious wife', which the man reading at the time stumbled all over. It made me giggle, and Pastor Hoyer said that Luther was certainly not talking about his Katie! The readings we covered in class were extremely interesting and makes me feel like I want to read more of the Luther Works books. Now THAT would be a project!

After class and in separate cars, Justin and I drove to Fleming Island to dine at the newly opened 5 Guys, which was quite busy. I love to see that for a restaurant, hope it lasts. We ate inside as it was so cold outdoors but it is difficult for Justin because the restaurants echo badly. This is the second 5 Guys at which we have eaten and the echo was true with both. The furnishings and decor is not sound absorbing, giving the sense of chaos, and with his bad ear, makes it hard for him to hear. Of course, I did not finish my hot dog and we had half an order of the wonderful fries leftover which I took home with me. Justin made the comment that he has never seen me finish the entire hot dog, but it is a quarter pound dog! It will be good reheated later but the fries lose something in translation from fresh to leftover.

We walked to the next store, Sprint, to look at the phones. I was mistaken about the extra charge of $6 for the Internet, the upcharge was actually to have TV sent to my phone. So, nope, no increase in the monthly costs. If I could somehow limit my calls, both incoming and outbound, to landlines, I would qualify for a reduced package, but since this is my primary phone, really do not want to live life with limits, if you know what I mean. It would require me to keep close track of all my calls and such, so for the extra monthly charge, I will keep my unlimited ins and outs, etc. The nice clerk at the store told us that the phone I am looking to buy goes on sale $100 off today so we are going back. The nice young man, Kiel, got a big hug from me for sharing that news with us!!! I will have a GPS for only at one time charge of $50---I hope!

Justin had errands to run as his father's CHRISTmas party was happening last night but he opted to join me at Kohl's. With my 15% discount card, I was able to find two pair of jeans to replace the one pair I ruined with paint when Mike was here doing my work. As I told Mike, that hallway and the doorways are evidently not quite wide enough for me!!! The jeans are the darker indigo which I really like, making them appear less 'denim', allowing for a more dressy look. Between the new jeans and my velour black slacks, I should be good for my traveling to the north. In my drawer are the black tights to wear for extra layering, as Kerry cautioned me that it is not nice up there right now AT ALL! Blizzard conditions abound, and I am hoping all my people get to their jobs and home again safely.

As we roamed the store, he was helping me pick out things, and telling me the style was too old for me (I love him!), I mentioned that I cannot remember when we were shopping for me instead of him! When Justin and I parted company, I believe the first time in ages that he did not get anything bought by me for him, I headed for home. The gas prices had been increasing, getting up to 292.9 recently but I noticed they were 'down' to 289.9 so decided to strike when the iron was hot, so to speak, and gas up. This was the 2nd time in a week for me to fill up, having more than one long trip to areas outside of Orange Park on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. That bites! Although I saw my dinner rolls were getting green in the fridge, left since ThanksLiving, and had to toss them, I decided not to stop at Winn-Dixie for bread, and just went home.

In the afternoon I addressed the prospect newsletters and now have to stamp and mail them when I leave later to go phone shopping. I was supposed to have lunch at La Nop with my neighbors but they are going tomorrow instead since MamMa is kaput from all her tests and such yesterday. She has done nothing but medical visits this week, in prep for her surgery next week. I am working on my CHRISTmas cards also, and have to write the Minutes from the November Ladies' Group meeting yet. Jean N. was trying to find ladies to serve as officers but was striking out, and I will not do it. That was part of my long-term plan mentioned months ago about backing out of many things I am involved in, with more to come. Part of me wonders what I will do with all that time being freed up....read perhaps?

For my dinner, I made meatballs with golden mushroom soup, baked potatoes, and peas. A real meal! The charm of it was having the oven on and adding some warmth to the house while preparing a dinner for me---multi-tasking! My sister, Jill, made meatloaf and baked potatoes for her dinner---a real baked potato-type of day, it seems! My guess is that Justin and I will have lunch somewhere today but it depends upon how long it takes me to buy the phone. Certainly I will need orientation on how it works, etc. since it will be a touch-screen style, touch and drag features, and apps. I should plan a trip somewhere to check out my GPS.

Mom asked me yesterday if a GPS was really going to help me....Um, yeah, why would it not??? She said that it seemed I was just destined to be lost. This pronouncement was made based upon the time she and I got turned around when leaving the symphony hall one year. Instead of parking in the garage where I normally parked, we parked in the handicap spaces along the building. So when we left, I made my lefthand turn, and ended up on the bridge, I think the Hart, and found myself heading southeast instead of southwest. I circled round and round to find my way back but could not figure it out. So, I called Joanne first, who did not answer, and then Mark, the JSO friend. While he did not know how to direct me, his partner was working it out, but then I saw the sign for Sunbeam Road and knew my way from there. We were delayed in getting home by about 25 minutes, long enough for both of us. Now I am more careful when downtown about not getting into the wrong lane when leaving the TU Center!

Another time Mom brings up was when we were going to visit Rena in the hospital, St. Vincent, which is in Riverside. I did not know exactly where it was, had not gotten specific directions, but knew it was on the river. So, we took Hwy. 17 toward Jacksonville, and in Ortega, started to follow the river as best I could. We did get there, as was the plan, but Mom seemed to think we were horribly lost. It is surely a matter of perspective between the driver and the passenger. As I told Justin yesterday, there is a difference between being lost and not knowing where you are!

Breathing a great sigh of relief

Okay, now everybody, sit back for a bit and read this and do not get all upset….it has a happy ending, with an abundance of thanksgiving and praise to God being offered.

Sunday night I had a marvelous time at the Ladies’ Advent Service at Victory, attending with my friend, Suzanne, who participated by playing her viola. All I did was sing one hymn with the choir. I loved my time spent with Suzanne both Saturday and Sunday, and the time spent with my other church family. As we lingered around the table, chatting and having a good time with Stephanie, Kelly, Emily, and Elissa (our hostess), I made the complaint that my bra was becoming ingrown. Kelly chuckled and said, “Good thing we are with ladies…” and I said, “A lady would not have said that!”, as I worked my fingers under the tightening band. Man, it was pinching me! Had been a long day already!!!

When Suzanne left my place in her own car, I came upstairs to change into my nightie to try to get warm, as it had become quite cold as night fell. Man, that bra was bothering me, and as I took it off, noticed a tender spot under my arm on the side of my left breast. (Any menfolk who might be reading this might wish to look away for a bit…). Oh, oh….I felt around and sure enough, I figured out which area was the tender spot and found what I thought was a lump. Dear God, no!!!

Sleeping was out of the question as I lay in bed making the Lord all kinds of promises and trying in my mind to get my affairs in order. Both ends of the spectrum, between doing battle against ‘it’ or resignation to having to suffer and likely die. Or worse--lose all my assets!! Fortunately I did not promise the Lord anything which I cannot or would not be able to deliver, and am rejoicing to be able to fulfill my end of the deals made. Advice to others is not to do this ‘deal making’ with God when under a great amount of duress…do not try this at home!

First thing in the morning, I started the process of trying to call the doctor’s office because, besides the obvious reason, my female doctor is HIGHLY involved in the Pink Ribbon Commission and is all about breast health and so on. Well, the office was supposed to open at 8:00 am, but every time I called (like 30 times!!!!), the automated system kicked in and told me to call back during regular off ice hours. Well, I nearly got in my car and drove up there to make an appointment but restrained myself, finally getting someone to answer at 9:30. Usually I am just a delight to talk with on the phone but this time, I was nearly frantic as I expressed my dismay at not being able to get through. Poor Eva, she had to explain calmly that their phones and computers were down and only now had gotten them up and running. I backed down, hearing this, and told her I needed to see Dr. Wonpat right this minute. NOW! Well, the soonest she could see me was at 12:45 and I grabbed the appointment.

Thankfully I decided to go ahead and attend Monday Bible study which was a great distraction, great in many ways. And lunch, which I ordered but did not eat, since my time was quite tight schedule-wise. I took my chopped steak and veggies in the to-go box (part of my agreement with God) and headed off to the appointment. I could not wait to see Betsy, as she calls herself. ­ She took me ahead of time, since they are actually on their lunch breaks (why schedule me during their normally closed lunch hour???) and off we went.

My blood pressure was quite high, obviously due to stress, and I explained that I had not slept during the night because of being so upset. She had me find the lump, which was extremely difficult because, because, because it no longer hurt!! I had marked the area as best I could with a pen, an X, and yes, she was able to feel something. Actually, she felt lots of somethings, as is usual and normal for me. She knows I was not going to let this go as only tenderness from my bra or anything, and assured me we would follow up with an ultrasound. Good!

The office manager, who it turns out is Eva, the lady I was frustrated with on the phone earlier, is a cancer survivor, and took sympathy on me. She made the appointment, pulled strings, as it were, for the imaging place to take me STAT. Bravo for Eva! Off I went, and after a brief wait , was taken back for the ultrasound. The technician asked me when I had my last mammogram, which was done there, and I told her it was in May---I thought. Hmmm….she went to talk to the doctor and came back with the decision to have Betsy order a follow-up mammo since it had been 6 months since the last one. So, off I went to get my gown on and sit with the other ladies to freeze in our scant outfits. Should not have sat by the windows!!! Finally a lovely, caring lady took me back for the mammo, one side only, with about 8 different views, nearly painless. She was good! Then back to the cold room to wait for the ultrasound.

That young lady finally came for me and tried to get me comfortable on the table. And darn it, I could not find that lump again for anything!!! Since I had found it when standing up, she had me sit on the edge of the table and see if that helped. Nope, but she used my X to try to get an image. She took several areas, going from every direction, and then we were done. The young lady told me she was going to show ‘my doctor’ what she took, and after a few moments came back to report ‘nothing unusual’. I burst into tears and hugged her close. I had told her earlier that I had been praying to the Lord, asking this to be only my imagination…She said, “Well, your prayers are answered!” I nearly skipped to the car and called Linda to tell her the good news. She was the only one who knew what was going on…and was happy, with me.

Also, I called Justin because he knew I was going to the doctor, only did not know why. Of course, I was crying as I told him the good news, I was going to cry either way, you know that, and he was glad to hear the good report. He said, "Don't cry when it's good news because I am not sure it is good news...", just teasing me. I went home and took a nap!!! Prayers were answered and God said, “Yes, you are fine!” It was the same day as the Ladies’ Group party at Fran’s and I had to be able to drive, so needed the nap. I did not have time to buy my present, which was my plan for after lunch, so all I had was my spinach dip and Fritos to take along. I so did not care one bit that I would miss the gift exchange---I had gotten my gift already!!!!

In today's mail, which could have been yesterday's mail, was a letter from the imaging center and one from the doctor's office, with a report from the radiologist reporting it is all clear, negative results, no sign of cancer. Thank you again, Lord Jesus, thank you so much.

One thing Betsy stressed was how absolutely delighted she was that I came in right away, that I did not brush it off, and that I immediately went to have the tests done. She told me to tell my friends, all of them, that breast tissue is so much more than just the bosom part, but all the areas up to the neck, under the arms, and even around toward the back. So, I am keeping yet another promise, and telling all my readers to do your self-exams, be aware of what's what, and follow-up on anything unusual. Do it!

Photos from the CHRISTmas party

LuAnn, Renee, Janet, Jayne

The Ladies' Group CHRISTmas party was held at Fran's home in Arlington, quite the ride for many of us from OP and beyond. The room used for this party was absolutely fantastic and I envy this space! Every nook and cranny had some sort of holiday treatment---amazing!

Plenty of seating for the ladies! Janet, Jayne (who had Janet as her teacher back in MI!!!), Julaine, Terri T., Gretchen, Judy, and Carol

It looks like Fran is tooting on a whistle but she is, in fact, opening a tiny gift. The stick is actually Sue's cane extending in front of her. This is Fran, Twila, Sue, Kristin, and Ethel

I just love this photo of Jean, looking so serene. A serene Jean....

Terri, Gretchen and Judy watch as someone is opening their present. This type of gift exchange has a tendency of getting brutal...went without bloodshed this year, though, likely because I did not participate!

Carol, on the other hand, is not as nice as she appears! She loves to be the primary present snitcher and has her grubby paws on Jean's lovely electric lantern. I believe she spared Jean and went for something else in the room---whew!

A couple types of frustration today

Love love love having days where I stay in the majority of the time, and wish I could also stay in tonight. We have midweek Advent service first and then choir rehearsal afterward, so must bundle up and go out. Rachel, the music director from Victory, is coming over to our church tonight to help us rehearse for the joint Advent song service to be sung the next two Sundays, alternating between Good Shepherd and Victory. Saturday is a run-through at Victory and then we sing together at GS the 12^th. Sunday the 19^th we will sing the same service at Victory, and from there, to the airport!!!!

Our record setting temperatures continue, resulting in bringing the space heater from the back bedroom and finding a way to plug it in. There are a limited number of outlets available to me, here at Mission Control, but I did find an open spot on an extension cord. The heater is now snuggled right up to my desk chair, and, with one false move, I will have a hot seat! So very badly I want to place my hands on the radiator-looking heater but know this might not be the wisest thing to do. Even though the heater is belching out warmth, I am yet shivering, hence, my frustration!

While sitting here, I was printing off prospect newsletters and got the annoying beep beep beep from the machine, claiming my ink was exhausted. Of course, in the midst of this project, the pages are coming out blank. Well, not quite blank, but very lightly printed. Fortunately I had a replacement cartridge to put in but then the machine has me run a couple tests before resuming the printing. Hopefully I will not mail anyone my printer test sheet instead of their newsletter! That would be frustrating, too!

Earlier when I was cooking (if microwaving food is cooking) my lunch, I noticed that cobwebs were hanging out around my windows yet again. I got the fuzzy wand from the laundry room and began the process of swishing dust all over the place, catching my window corners, the sun catchers (dust catchers!!!) and the lanterns. Now, as I look at the shelf next to my desk, below the area I just dusted, see all my ‘junque’ is layered in dust, which formerly graced my hanging stuff. Ugh! So, therefore, if I get the duster and sweep around on the items on my shelf, must I then vacuum the floors? Oh this dust really makes me wild! That’s okay, I will just go and lie on my bed where I cannot see it so well….

Oh, I wish I did not have to go outside tonight!

But I must do so. Good thing my coat is in the car already, getting nicely chilled for when I leave later on---excellent plan, Kim! Oh, well, by the time I get to church, my car will have sufficiently warmed the coat through and through, especially with my seat warmers going. Today as I drove MamMa to the Mayo Clinic, I warmed her seat for her which she really appreciated. Tracy met us out there and I handed Willie Mae off to her and came home. On the ride back, I stopped at Wendy's on Baymeadows for a soda and saw they now serve hand-cut fries. Yummy! A half order would have been enough as I ended up disposing of the unfinished order. Justin used to like to dip his regular fries in a Frosty ice cream treat from Wendy's, and I wonder if he would like these new fries that way as well.

Tracy gave me such good directions and Cassidy dropped off the paperwork for MamMa (Willie Mae), her great-grandma, after she returned from taking her to the same place for other tests this a.m. plus a parking voucher so we did not have to pay the fee for the valet twice in one day. Nice! We drove right up to the place where we needed be, got inside and to our proper floor and dept. with no troubles at all. The Mayo is a huge enterprise, and was so nicely organized, it made me feel quite comfortable, if that's possible, in a hospital. MamMa and I noticed the abundance of poinsettias situated throughout the waiting areas and lobbies, and figured it is likely a substitute for the highly controversial CHRISTmas trees about which people fuss.

Earlier in the day, I was visited by Dick the Clock Man, who came to clean my clock in more ways than one....not really, he is a delight. He cleaned some of the inner workings, which were gummed up, polished the brass, and made it work like new again. The last time I saw him was at my lake house after moving there in 2004. Dick mentioned that if I ever decide to move out of my apartment......I should let him know. I said, "Let's talk!" It is about 1000 sq. ft. larger than what he lives in now but man, was blown away by the view and room sizes. Most people are, and he especially likes it because he is a photographer as well and would love to photograph the birds and other wildlife seen from my windows. Hmmmm......

If you are not already aware, north Florida has record temperatures going on, lows being in the 20's overnight and highs only teasing 50! All the trees and flowering bushes are wearing white covers, looking very much ghosts out on the property. Last winter, January of this year to be exact, we had similar temps and Connie, the maintenance lady, told me mine were the only plants to make it through the freeze. I hope that remains so this time, too. I watered them with hot water, not directly on the greenery but into the pot. Did that help? Not sure, but worth an effort again.

Last evening I was the designated driver for Judy C., Twila, and Jean, as we headed to a different part of town to Fran's house. I had printed off directions via a website but others at Bible study were making other suggestions than what I had gotten. Oh, oh....now I am nervous! I called Mike K. to ask him about it and he told the directions I had were the best ones for coming from OP. We did well, up to a point, and then, not so good. We tried various people's cell phones for help and not even Mike answered his at first, so next was pastor, who has been there before. He was going to pull out the map, from the atlas, and call me back, but Mike called me in the meantime and walked us to the door! We were the last ones to arrive but only late by about 5 minutes. It would be easier in the light of day, but the darkness for sign reading was not our friend. When it was time to leave, Terri T. lead us back out and pointed in the right direction for our ride back to my house where the ladies had parked their cars. Having not had a good night's sleep the night before allowed me to drop right off, or rather, shortly after climbing under my covers, and I slept until nearly 7:30 a.m. today. It was too cold to get up!

Justin sent me an instant message this late morning, asking me if I made it safely to the party and home again last night. I reported that I did make it, but not without needing help. He got busy on the Internet and found me a new cell phone that would come with a GPS built-in, adding $6 to my monthly billing (I would really like to go less on the bill, but cannot be limited in my talking minutes). It was also my hope the phone would be free but that hope was not met either. The cost of the phone, however, is substantially less than buying a a stand-alone GPS for the car, and it would go with me everywhere. His sales pitch to me, ever the salesman, was that I could even do my blog on my phone. Oh, good! Just what I need, another weapon at my disposal! He went on his lunch break to 'touch it', to see if is what I would like, and it is right for me. I may, just may, have to carry it in my purse or elsewhere than where I do carry it, because it is a soft screen phone. I would REALLY like to have access to the GPS and now have to decide if that's what I wish to do, since my present phone is only a little more than a year old.

So, tonight, I am off to the long-awaited meeting from the SoWE event some of us attended in late October. It will be good to this behind us and the items discussed, if there will be any addressed, we just do not know. We ladies consider it our privilege to give this report and can chalk it up to making an attempt at the very least. Attending that 'conference' was such a wonderful experience that I am considering attending the national Worship Conference in MN this summer! Judy R. might go, too, for part of it. This visit, then, it can encompass Lori's 60th birthday party, and our plans to attend the Winona Shakespeare Festival for which Judy serves as usher, and front office. Sounds like a plan to me!

Good morning, Angelo! and Gabe!

Gabriel and his littlest brother 'nuggling' on the bed before school

Lisa sent this photo taken this a.m., which she titled, "Chillin' with Mama in the morning"...sweetness!

All tucked in

It is getting colder and colder outside with my bed feeling quite snug right now. Suzanne and I rode to Victory for the Ladies' Advent Service in my car, after being 'bumped' by Gus in the parking lot. Gus and I had waved at each other when transferring Suzanne's viola and music stand into my car, and closed the hatch back. We got into the car and were getting me settled in, struggling with my belt because my coat was in the way, when we felt/heard a clunk. And Gus eased his car alongside of me. Suzanne put her window down, as did Gus, and he asked "Did I get ya'?" In fact, you did, Gus! I got out to look, as did he, and Suzanne. She said, "We don't have time for this now..." as we needed to get to Victory by 5:00 pm. Mine did not seem to have any damage but she noticed plenty of red paint on his bumper. All he wanted to ask me was how his borrowed robe worked out. I told him it was fine and thanked him, but did not want to tell him we did not use it. Gotta go, bye, Gus! As we got back into the car, he told me to have the car checked out, and fixed, and send him the bill. Poor Gus, he's had quite a year, with me leaking all over his unit earlier this year!

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Before Suzanne got here, I watched the Jaguars win at football--whoo hoo! What a great game to watch, beating the Titans which had humiliated them earlier in the season on Monday Night Football, in our house! The way I understand it, the Jags are very near to being able to go to the playoffs this year. Love it! The Packers were also victorious in their game today. I was a winner for getting to spend yet more time with Suzanne this weekend, last night having dinner and going to the symphony to see/hear Handel's Messiah, with the Victory folks. We enjoyed a dinner at Juliette's across the street from the Times-Union Center and then walked to the venue, getting a whiff of the animals inside a tent. The Rockette's show was going on at the same time as our show, and their program concludes with a live nativity, including live animals---which have a whiff!

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My big news Saturday morning, though, was hearing from Judy Rusert, on the phone instead of e-mail or Facebook. She was calling to let me know of a plan she cooked up with Linda J.---the Ruserts are coming to Manitowoc to see me when I am up there for CHRISTmas!!!! On New Year's Eve, Linda is making an earlier dinner for us and then we will all go to church together. Judy and Jer Bear will stay at a hotel and I told her about the meeting room off the lobby that we used in the spring when I was up there. We played Apples to Apples and ordered a pizza....it was great! We can ring in the New Year if we want to, or not. Judy said I did not have to make my plans around her, she wants to be the icing on my cake, not my entire cake!! I love my friends.....it means everything to me to have my two friends making these plans like this!