Back to reality...

Santa and Mrs. Claus had a fabulous time in San Diego. Our room was just outside the ocean and I feel asleep each night to the waves crashing. I LOVE LaJolla!! Unbelieveable homes and landscaping. It is very expensive though. We just might make this an annual trip around this time of the year. Back at home, all is fine. Shawna is going to AA with a friend guy that has several years of soberity. Seems to be a good influence and considerate. I'm always skeptical initially, wonder why??? LOL Will be celebrating with family on Jan 1, 2010. Good food, gifts, music and just plain fun. I think the trip rejuvenated us. Whew!! We needed it...

Catching up...

Exchanging gifts today with Lee's mom. Shawna cannot get into the treatment facility until the 10th!!!!!!!!!!!! Big disappointment but what else is new. It's been 6 days and still sober. She is going the AA on her own without encouragement. I think she realizes that her dad and I have had it. It just is too much at our age and or age, as far as that goes. The dr. talked to us privately and said, "Number ONE, you two cannot fix this!" and "Number TWO you are angels." Lee and I looked at each other and Lee says, " I've never been called an angel before." I don't know why God has chosen us to go through this in the last six years BUT I can say it has made us a much stronger couple and our love deeper than deep. After 34 years it's just amazing how we still feel so strongly for each other. AND we're both fixers!!! so must back off on this one.
Looking forward to the beach on Christmas morning and church in SanDiego. It will be a welcome change. Blessings to ALL!!!

Long day. . . .

After 40 hrs in the ER , Shawna was discharged to a detox facility and a 30 day treatment program in Yavapai County. It's become a HUGE mess of course. She has AHCCCS - up here her insurance is Bridgeway, in Maricopa it's Mercycare. Sooooo if she goes to Marp. she loses the benefit up here which is much better. Counselor, classes, AA meetings, etc. Anyway, tomorrow at 10AM we're suppose to call YavapaiWest to see if there is an opening and bring her down. She appears 1,000% better, of course, sober now. Says she'll never drink again because she remembers seeing figures and hitting the floor. OH! her hip is okay, just bruised, very lucky not broken. She is more than willing to go and is giving us no grief. We told her she cannot continue to live with us IF she doesn't change. We do mean it this time, no exceptions or excuses. She is being very nice. Tomorrow is another day and right now, it's literally one day at a time!!!!!

Rough Weekend!!

It seems that I never, ever get a break. The big "D" is looming in the background. Shawna is back in the hospital for the 13th time in 2 years for alcohol. We took her in yesterday after a friend brought her home to us. She left the hospital AMA. Sooooooo this morning, Lee heads back to Phoenix and she gets up and has a gran mal seizure and I'm by myself!!!!!!!!!!! When I called 911 I was so frightened I could hardly talk except my address. She had no eyes, bleeding from the mouth and like a fish out of water. She was taken by ambulance toYavapai and her BAC was 475!!!!!!!!!!!!! The dr. said in 20 years he had seen that 4-5 times in a female. It's fatal!! I am absolutely beside myself. Called Lee back. She is currently still in ER until stable. ??? The will be transferred again to detox facility and then again to a 30 day rehab. IF!!!! she agrees. She is an adult and actually I have NO CONTROL over her decisions according to the counselor. I am emotionally, physically and mentally drained and can barely get into bed. Need to be back to ER at 8AM for the decisions. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorrry for the vent but it's my blog.

Thanksgiving Nightmare!

Actually my day started off as usual. I have been under the weather but felt better and hosted the big feast. Did all the planning, buying, preparing and serving MYSELF. I set my table early and it was beautiful with nine candles. When I got up to do the last minute touches, Shawna was hallucinating in the hallway so drunk she couldn't make sense. I was totally disgusted!!!! My dinner was at 2pm and at 1pm - she had fallen asleep in the upstairs bath with the water running and FLOODED MY DINING ROOM! I was just beside myself. Quickly, swept the water off my wood floors into the atrium and then started hand drying with towels. I was able to keep it together until everyone left and just had to go to bed. (to escape) Now facing depression. It was soooo embarrassing. I have decided I WILL NOT host Christmas. It's just too much in front of family members to talk about for the next six months. This was probably my worst Thanksgiving EVER and never want to experience it again. Later. . . . . .

VALLEY FOR THE WINTER....

Yep! I'mmmm back! and we broke a record today 11/10 and it was 91*!!! The exact reason I love it in the north. Got laundry caught up, kitchen Lysol ed, roast in crockpot, stripped the beds, and now relaxing. Trying to decide how to keep Christmas to a minimum this year. Lee says we can't overdo it this time. I just saw on tv that 63% are upside down on there mortgages sooooooo thankful this one is paid off!!!! I just don't see a change for the good in the economy and it really is starting to effect ones dear to me. It's really scary. Thanksgiving will be here. Just the kids and mom. Carol will be in PA and Lee's mom in CA with Mark. It will be nice. Going to take Mom up to Prescott on the 5th for "Walk to Bethlehem" and the light parade. She loves lights and it's quite the show. Happy Turkey Day to all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to the Valley

Down for a few days: Mom lunch, Lee dinner and Book of Me. I thought I might run over to the quilt store while down here. Thinking of making a lap quilt for Lee's mom for Christmas. Her fav color is blue so it should be easy. Went shopping with mom and had a fun time. Found a tv table for Paolo. That's her Christmas gift from me. She's always so grateful for anything. I left Sedona with Mark but in another week she'll be down here as well. I felt like it was so hot here. I'm sure it's that I'm used to cooler all day. Still have my home work to do for class. Later........

Busy week and have had fun...

Spent part of last week in the valley. Went to Jean's card class, loved it!!!! Then lunch with the girls, even better. Back up to Prescott and went to the Fall craft fair on Sat. Believe it or not!!! I didn't buy anything except a Funnel cake. Ha! Can never pass those yummies up. Been looking for a refrigerator ONLY unit for the garage and found one on CL that is only a year old. They were moving and needed to sell it YEAH!!! Didn't dream I'd ever find one like this. Off to Hobby Lobby for an exchange and of course, some shopping. Meleah is in CA I think but have had no contact. Very sad situation!!! but life goes on.

Rough day emotionally...

Shawna's BF (ex) has decided to take Meleah back to Nev. to her grandmother's. I honestly didn't think it would effect me either way but I have cried most of the morning. She is such an innocent 12 yr old and tries so hard but without structure, discipline and gypsy moving around lifestyle I don't see how she'll ever succeed at anything. I had become a surrogate grandma and gave her positive reinforcement when she did well - something she has never been exposed to. Her mother is in Orlando on a church mission so will be thrown in with several other grandchildren. I know I can't save the world but I had hoped to have the opportunity to save on special little girl. Blessings to Meleah.........

Fall is here, finally!!

Woke up this am and wow!!! it was cool temps and I was buried under my down comforter. Sedona joined me in the wee hours because she actually got a chill on her furry coat. She buries herself so deep that I'm always afraid I'll wake up and she'll be dead from suffocation. HA! Had a wonderful day yesterday with Jean and Kristin. They were up for business and Jean and I shopped and then had lunch with all three of us at Casa Sanchez. YUM! Kristin says it's the best cheese crisp she's ever had - could be, they are awful good. Picking up today and baking a cake for the weekend. Think I'll do cinnimon struesel. Sounds good, hugh?? So ready for this weather, it's my very, very favorite time of the year and it just gets better as the weeks roll into winter.

Cool temps today 77* high

BUT heading to the valley UGH!!!! Shawna has court appearance for a ticket and I have the Book of Me tomorrow at Jean's. Lee suggested we go together and just drive one vehicle to save on gas. I need to get my homework done for class anyway. Shawna has moved back.... again! Lee told her the next time she moves out, no moving back in regardless of the circumstances. He has always said she has a room to move back to and she has certainly utilized that. Things are good!!! Expect Mark back to on Sat. Participating in the neighborhood garage sale and hope to empty out most of my garage YEAH!!!! Happy week!!!

Back from Orlando...

Dang!!! The last two weeks have been crazy. Lee's mom's 90th went well and she had lots of friends attend from all over the country. Then the bbq at the cabin. Lindsey's new "friend" was in charge of the grill and he actually did quite well. Found a new bottle of vodka in the room I was sharing with Shawna. Dumped it out - not in my presence!!! Oh well! Drove straight down to Phx. from up north to ap. Easy checkin and went right thru security. Had a fabulous time, as usual. Soooo much fun. On the way back Ugh!! A medical emerg. right beside me. I didn't think I was ever going to get home!!!!! Lee was there with bells on his toes. Ha! Mark is on his mission on the \Hopi res. for next two weeks so my place is empty. Sedona is really missing him because he spoils her rotten 110xs over. Ready for cool temps and fall colors NOW!!!

Looking forward to the weekend....

It is cooler up here but still seems very warm. The AC hasn't stopped all afternoon. Got my thank yous in the mail. Had an unbelieveable birthday. Two dinner/plays and then had a special cake at Connie's with my Scrappys. Jean gave me a quote book which I love. Connie and Jean gave me the NEW scrappy paper to use. Can't wait until I do. Busy, busy month ahead. I begin with Lee's mom's 90th birthday celebration in Flag., then on to a bbq at the family cabin on Sun. On Mon. I leave for Orlando YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! for a week of girl time with Rhonda. Return on the 13th late. Mom, Carol and I will go see The Taffetas (dinner/play) on the 20th and then the Montgomery's are up the following weekend. Should be beautiful with fall colors by then. Hope so since it's my very favorite time of the year...... Linda is the same, not really improving, just hanging in there. It is so depressing for me and I can imagine what she feels like. Did find a new Mom for Rosy but not Beanie which is the one that tripped her. Still praying for her recovery. Hugs to all my Scrappys!!!!!

Still in Prescott....

Shawna's moved out so I'm redoing her room. I tried to give her "her" bedroom suite but she wants to leave it here for now. I'm thrilled to have an extra closet up here. One just doesn't cut it. Going to the store to stock up for the weekend before Lee gets here - he's on his way. Slept with the windows open last night. It was 64* HOORAY. Much better sleepin than with the AC blowing all night. Finished my Christmas Card Tracker gift and plan to make some more for others for Christmas. It's really kinda a neat gift. Off to the grocery.....

Saturday 'eve.

Dinner's over, dishes done and I've done some card making. Whew! All my laundry is caught up except one load. Yeah! I'm going to put a roast in the crock pot with carrots and potatos for dinner after church. Tomorrow afternoon we have some yard work to catch up on. We've had some storms and the tree branches have blown down. Oh! the joys of a homeowner. All is well Yeah!!

Celebrating our 32 years of marriage....

It seems amazing but we have been married 32 yrs and together 34 years. Went to dinner at Murphys' (my fav) and then to a play entitled, " I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change". Very cute. However, the theater was packed and it was too hot with no AC. You know me, I can't stand HOT! Lee was hot as well and his back hurting so we agreed to leave at intermission. It was fun thought. Mark's at the cabin, Shawna in Ca. so we have the place to US. WOOHOO! All is well.

Holiday is over...

I received a beautiful bouquet of red,white and blue flowers from Dave and Terri delivered on the 4th. What a great surprise. We stuffed ourselves as usual. Lee and Mark went to parade while I prepared foods. We all went to the fireworks and enjoyed the firepit later that evening. Dave and Terri arrive on the 6th from being in Texas and had a fabulous week with them. Gosh!! We had so much fun. Loved the antique shopping. Sure found some awesome pieces but I have too, too much now. Found a floating table to die for. Man, I want that sooooo bad but I just don't know where on earth it would go. :(

Happy July 4th!!

This has always been a favorite holiday around here. We love the hotdogs, ice cream, watermelon and fireworks with family. My buntings go up with the American flag. This year all of us hope to be together and in the evening Smores' at the backyard firepit. YUMMMM. I love those things. All is fine and all doing well. Have a safe holiday!!!

New Cell Phones...

We have changed our service to work up north and in the valley. It is with Verizon now. It took two hours. I thought we would never finish. Stopped by and had my favorite fish and chips and now home for the evening. Shawna's out and Mark must have gone to the cabin for the weekend because he was gone as well. Nice and cool here and sooooo peaceful.

Chillin'

Just enjoying the coolness and fresh clean air with a slight breeze. I'm going to work with my Cuttlebug tonight. I have one but just haven't spent the time to really fool with it. Surprise!! I got an email from the mother of Scott's bio son --- it has been 8 years!!! When they split, it was extremely bitter and they never reconciled. We fought for grandparents rights in court, which she resented. BTW we lost because in CO if both bio parents are living and can be located there are NO grandparent rights. Shawna and Mark are going to be roommates. Mark is up at the cabin, Happy Jack for the weekend. Shawna has decided to make Prescott her permanent home. YEAH!! It's much better here for her than the valley. Getting ready for a great weekend with my hubby.

Two weeks already???

OMGosh!! I can't believe it. Well, lets see for the news. Mark has moved in with us, along with Shawna in Prescott. Both are job hunting diligently. Soooo I have a full house again. All is working out quite well - surprise. I can't seem to get enough of the cool climate up here. It is just so great and when I have to trudge to the Valley UGH!! it just stiffles me. I guess age has caught up with me because I just can't handle the 107* +'s anymore. So thankful, I have a little getaway. Brother David and wife will be over this weekend YEAH!! Love to see 'em. Will be down for my hair appt new Wed. but then will go right back. Like I can't stay away HA! Thinking of all of you - try and stay COOL!!! Hugs

Lovin Prescott

It's Sat. eve with a slight breeze and so very beautiful here. I just love it and Lee does too. I cooked ribs, scalloped pot and watermelon for dinner. After dinner we'll go out to the fire pit and cook Smores YUM!! That we do only once a week. Tomorrow we have a party to meet our new neighbors. It's a potluck and thought I take a fruit platter. Holly's graduation was fantastic!!! She has far exceeded any expectations. Her parents are so proud and should be. Had a wonderful family gathering. The BBQ was today but we had to get the llamas' to pasture, it was getting just too hot in the valley. Watched Farrah's Story last night and felt so bad. She wants to live so badly and I don't think she has long on this planet. She is so very ill. I just wanted to look like her in the 60's so much. Boy, as I look at her today WOW what a transformation with all the drugs and treatments for her cancer.

Happy Mother's Day to all Women!

First, Happy Mother's Day to each of you. I think we are mother's in one way or another. Tomorrow we will celebrate at Murphy's with Lee's mom. On Sunday, we will celebrate with my mother and two brothers and their wives. Woohoo! This is a first since my dad passed away. We can never ALL get together at the same time. So there will be lots of pics. Shawna is back home so she had to come up here. Lee does not want her available to Rick anymore than she has to be. We are hoping this will wear thin and she'll move on. Anyway, she has been a GREAT help. I am finallly through ALL the black bags of STUFF. Now for the boxes. You all are probably tired of me complaining and I apologize BUT it's just so overwhelming. I have been having reflexology therapy and WOW what a difference in my ole' knee. I actually don't have near the pain and walk without hestitation. Fixed my famous wreath dinner tonight and it was just so good. It's a favorite in this family. Can't wait to get my couch back with the new fabric.

Where did April go??

I can'tbelieve that it's already May. Mark plans to be here by the end of the month. Shawna has decided to move back home "again". I do feel that she's safer here than with Rick. He has an explosive personality and could harm her easily without thinking first. My sister fell and injured her knee, the same one I did in Sept and is facing surgery within the next couple of weeks. I've basically put all my crafting on "hold" except Book of Me with Jean. I am unindated with household work so decided this is the time to get it behind me. Shawna will help me since she's not working. That's honestly a blessing - two sets of hands are always faster than one. Lee is on midnight to 9AM for the rest of the summer. It's a tough shift but his company let 5 mechanics / 8 pilots go. Now is not the time to complain if you're employed.

Back to unpacking...

I drove back up to Prescott to start unpacking. Will be so-o-o-o glad when it's done. I went for a reflexology foot therapy today and it amazed me that the therapist could tell by the zones in my feet where I had pain ie; my knee, thumbs and lower back. It's just arthritis and Connie suggested Celebrax but not sure if my dr. will prescribe it. When I get back to the valley I will check it out though. My knee aches morning and night. Scott and Megan will be up to help tomorrow. Shawna had said she would be up but called and really wasn't up for it - no surprise! It's work!! hehehe
Getting my sofa picked up tomorrow for new uphostery. Yeah!! It needs it because I let my Sedona sleep on it (don't tell Connie, she'll throw it out). It's cool and such clean, crisp air here. I just love the fresh air to breath. OH!! for the first time ever----I planted tomato plants (4) and so anxious to see how they do. I'm not a gardener but have always wanted fresh tomatoes and especially "green" ones that Mom can fry up UMMMMMMM I think that's a southern thing.

Still unpacking!!!!

Well I have moved but I have floor to ceiling, wall to wall packed full in the 2 1/2 car garage. Now I know that it will take months - not days to get thru this mess. I'm successfully eliminating a bunch of crap. If I can't get it to Goodwill, it goes in the trash. I know that's wasteful but if I keep it around, I'll dig it out Yep!! that's right. Just got back down to the valley. Connie is going to pick me up for the Book of Me class tomorrow night. Really glad I don't have to drive in the dark since I sorta fumble my way around at night. Mark will be here at the end of the month. Plans are now - for him to stay in Prescott and look for work. I pray it works out for him.

Still moving. . . . . .

I am embarrassed to say that I still have TWO more storage units for the movers to get into the 2 car garage by Monday AND the garage is currently FULL. I honestly had no idea that I had so much stuff. I have just shopped my life away, I guess. I talked to a girlfriend and she said Cheryl why do you need more than 3 black suits??? One casual, one dress and one for everyday. I have 17!!! I realize she's right. I don't work and I don't usually wear black suits to church so what the heck am I doing with a closet full????? I don't know but they are going to the Goodwill. I think of all the $$$ I have spent over the years and some of them still have the tags on them -CRAZY!! I am definately downsizing big-time. I will go up tomorrow afternoon and try to clear out for the movers this weekend. Otherwise, they will making one stop and it will be the Goodwill donation center. I just tend to junk up my house and it always looks cluttered because of all the crap. Lee has spent thousands on dollars on storage units and it's just ludicrous. Thanks for listening or reading HA! I have my car back Yeah! and life is good and will be great when I get thru this process. Happy days ahead!!

One of those days. . . . . .

I knew that Monday was going to be a bear. I had to get all the utilities connected and make a drs appt. Just as my day started, mom called and needed to get her car to Lexus for a new battery and needed me to follow for fear it would quit again. After taking care of that - I started home for my list of things to do AND was hit by an 86 yr. old man. Thankfully, no one was injured but my car is in the body shop for 10 days!!!! Lee came to pick me up and put gasoline in our "diesel" car and we had to have it towed. Still needing to get to Prc. to transfer the freezer foods over to the new house since elec. was off at the old one. Mission accomplished, I collapsed last night. Waking up today to an email from Lee's brother and he has lost his job after 31 years. He got one weeks pay!!!!!!!!!!! and his unused vacation days. I really hate it for him. He's single and really has no one to turn to except family. I offered for him to live with us as long as he needed. I really do love him and he's such a christian that I would love having him around.

Lots of news today. . . . . .

First, I have finished all the meds. Alleleuia!!!! and I am feeling better. Still need to go in for a followup but sure do feel like it did the trick. Second, Scott turned 37!!!!!!!!!!!!! We can't believe it. He is so happy and life is good for him. We are thrilled. Shawna will be 35 next week. BUT the big news is: We found a summer home in Prescott and get the keys on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have signed and inspected and signed some more but all will be final by tomorrow morning and all docs checked for the upteenth time. We plan on spending the hot months in northern AZ ( a lot closer than CO) and the winter months in the valley. It's new berber carpet, hardwood floors, built in firepit, ramada patio and all on an acre!!! That's the best part. We like a little space between us and our neighbors. I think we've just gotten use to it in Cave Creek. Will sell PineLakes when we can. Can't wait to start decorating!!

Feelin' better...

WOW!! I have been sick. Finally, feeling better but not 100% yet. Still not sure were I picked up the bacteria bug but never want it again. I still have 72 more pills to take in next week. I literally gag them down. I have accomplished nothing except lying in bed and reading. Scott came out today to clean up the front of the house. He did a beautiful job and I was thrilled. We will be signing on the house this week if all goes well. We'll move out of Pine Lakes first and then empty the two storage units in PrescottValley - ugh!! The part I hate. Will definately be having a garage sale. Carol is considering retirement on our birthday. It will be nice to spend the rest of our lives close to each other and Carol without stress from AmExp. She took vacation this past week and really enjoyed the time off. Clean house, play with her dogs, shop, lunch with mom, Etc. Check out Jamie's blog. It's great!!

Sick

I have "h pylora" in my stomach and I am miserable. It is a bacteria that is pre-ulcer condition. I finally got my meds from a Canadian pharm. and they make me feel sick. Uck!! I was up last night with a horrible stomach ache (sounds familiar, huh Jamie??). Not really sure where I got this but the medicine is enough to kill anything, I think. If this doesn't help, then I do an endoscopy. Man, what is this???? I turn 60 and everything starts to go - that stinks!! I live healthy, thank heavens, what if I didn't????????? I'd probably be a goner.

Yes, I'm in computer heaven.....

I have struggled with my printer since before Christmas. Finally, I got Steve (Jamie's roomie) to come over and he was wonderful. He had it up and running within one hour. What a computer guru and I am in heaven. It is all working wonderfully. Having some trouble with my stomach YUK! I try to be careful what I eat and in the morning I feel so nauseated. Still waiting for my meds to get here from Canada!!! Hopefully, will be here tomorrow. Tomorrow is Mom's day with me. I really try to do this once a week or she gets blue and lonely. Carol usually takes a weekend day and I do the middle of the week but this week I have to go to the CPA in Scottsdale and thought it would be good for a change. Tues. lunch with Linda at the PinnPeak Country Club. It is soooo nice and I just love going there. Wed is Jean's "Book of Me" I'd crawl to get to this class-Ha!!
Thurs free=yeah! and Fri back up to Prescott. Busy week.

Tragedy strikes, not really!!

Shawna is back home with her special fish, Aries. This evening she was changing the water and came in to talk to her dad. When she went back, no fish!!!!! Sedona!!!!!!!!!!has eaten it!!!!!!!!!! OMG it was catastrophic. I never have had fish and I certainly didn't think Sedona would eat a live thing swimming around but I was wrong. She is very sad and angry, not sure what I should do. I could replace the silly thing but Sedona would probably think it was a game. One thing for sure, it's never dull around Smallsreed's. Anyone who knows us well would agree in a heartbeat. Had a great embossing class with Jean. WOW!! Did we make some super cards. I swear I'm addicted to her creativity. She has to spend hours and hours getting ready. Oops! I hear Sedona barfing - gotta go.

YEAH!! GOT OUR PRESCOTT HOUSE!!!!!!!

We found a house we both liked and put a bid in and the seller accepted. It is in Apaloosa Meadows in ChinoValley (outside of Prescott). It is on a beautifully, heavily treed one acre and just so cute. The best thing, we got it $110,000 below the original asking price!!!!!!!!!!!! Great deal and fantastic subdivision - ironically, no horses. The llamass will pastured 2 miles away during the really hot months of summer. I will be living up there May thru October. It's cooler and only takes 1hr40mins door to door. I will decorate in red, white and blue using my Colorado things instead of buying all new. I enjoyed that color theme and don't really mind since it's a summer place. Congrats to me!!!!!!!!!!

I'm falling apart at the age of 61!!

This past week I've has two medical issues. This first is my left breast - YIKES!! Have followed up with two add'l procedures and now awaiting a needle biopsy. Terribly stressful waiting. I just want to cry for some reason. NEXT, my stomach has a bacteria that I have to take very strong antibotics to kill. Not sure how this came about. Usually it's from sushi - I have NEVER touched raw fish or any other kind. Another puzzle. . . Had a great class at Jean's and so enjoyed seeing Judy. Those two are so neat. Loved seeing Addie, missed her and Connie. Hope to have them for lunch next week. It's such a great group of gals - love ya!!

Ready for Lee's bbq

Lee has invited his crew over for a bbq tomorrow. I'm going to have pulled pork, deviled eggs, mac and pot salad, chips and salsa and reg chips with beer. They are all single guys so I could probably feed them dog food and they'd love it HA!! I got another call from my Dr. today - I'm half afraid to answer the phone. I have the bacteria in my stomach that is the beginnings of an ulcer - I can't imagine how this could be happening to me - Heehee!! I'm actually surprised it hasn't happened before now. The med is $390.00 a month!!!!!!!!!!!! So I jumped on line and ordered it from a Canadian pharm. for $214. The med should help.

Out of the Loop this week..

I have been very preoccupied this week. Last Wed I got a call about a suspicious spot on my breast from my mammo. I went in today for a diagnostic mammo and an ultrasound. I was shocked to see the spot the size of a quarter!!! I was expecting a pin dot. The radiologist is sending my results to my PCP and then I will go to a specialist for a biopsy. Still praying it's nothing but it was explained to me that I have very dense breast tissue and this is the only irregularity. The tech did my lymph glands as well. A bit un nerving to say the least. Lee went with me and patiently waited, was relieved that the Dr. did talk to me indicating he felt it was beign but needed further testing. so----next week or asap I'll follow up the the next test. Say a prayer for me - thanks!!

Gosh, It's been a while.

My aunt passed away and was buried in Charleston WV. That was her place of choice and home to her. Mom and David went back. That leaves mom with only one other sibling and mom's the oldest. Mom is in great shape, like always, so no surprise. Took a computer class last night with Jamie and Steve and there were wonderful!! Jamie, if you're reading this, you are a fantastic teacher with tremendous patience. Thank you!!! Looking forward to next month, already. Went to the Book of Me at Connie's and did awesome pages. Jean taught us a new technique and I love the look. Jean is an unbelieveable teacher with new ideas every month - I just can't figure out how she comes up with these. BUT I look forward to each class. My "book" is two volumes now and I'm lovin' it.

Help with a dog groomer if you can...

Does anyone out there have their dog groomed near Cave Creek???? I am looking for a new groomer for my sister's two dogs and everyone I've called is $60.00 HIKES!! that's per dog, per month. Anyway, if you know of someone that works out of their home (preferably) please let me know. Thanks a million!!!

Back from Orlando

OMG what a wonderful time I had with Rhonda. Larry was out of town for the week and so it was just US!!! We had a week of FUN. Shopped, lunched out every day, watched movies, fixed fabulous dinners in the evening, massage with wine OH! it was great!! However, arrived back home with SAD NEWS. My aunt passed away as I was in the air flying back. She lived in Tulsa so the service will be there. I have spoken to my cousins. I think David is flying back with Mom. It is so expensive on short notice. On AA $1400. for overnight. So I think Dave will represent the family with Mom. Otherwise, I will go back. Later.

Back from Orlando

Inbound to Orlando. . .

Can't wait. This time tomorrow I'll be in Orlando at my best girlfriends house. We are so anxious to see each other and just be together. Her hubby will be out of town all week so it's just girl stuff for us. We love the same things so it will be like old times. We have been best friends for 28 years and she lived in Scottsdale for the first 23 yrs. We would see each other at least twice a week and it's been hard to try to fill that void. I won't be blogging for this week. Lee's on his own with the dogs. LATER . . . . . . . . .

Back from Prescott

Got everything moved into storage that the realtor felt was necessary. What a job!! I have decided we really can't live in it while it's on the market and definately not take the dogs up. It's just too much work to whip it back in shape before we leave. I'll be leaving for Orlando next Sunday for a week so that will give it two weeks rest. ARGHHHH! Went to dinner with John and Bev. John's birthday the 13th and Bev's 2nd so it was a great birthday dinner with Lee celebrating his on the 15th. Such a great couple and so much fun. It' s suppose to rain next week so that will keep me homebound since I don't like to drive in it. HA!

WELCOME MR PRESIDENT

Today is a day of history!! A new President and hopefully, many new positive changes. I've been glued to the festivities on tv. It is a beautiful day!!

My uncle(92) fell and is in the hospital in Chas WV and my aunt is slipping away each day with cancer. Megan's ex died suddenly with massive heart attach So-o-o-o watch out for 2009!!

Good news! We may have a buyer for Prescott YEAH! Shawna is on a 3rd step interview for Edward Jones financial dept. Pray she gets it!! Scott is fine and Chris is as well.

Life is good. . . .

MY FAVORITE SCRAPPYS

I love going to Book of Me. Oh!! Those gals are so special and it's just more fun then anyone should be entitled to. We "always" have a great time. Jean is such a great teacher and so talented. I can hardly wait for the next meetup to see what she's cooked up. I actually got to Connie's without getting lost!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Hooray for Me!! It's a first. I think after a year I may have it down to a science now.

Girls, If you're reading this, I hold each of you a special place in my heart and mind. I feel so terribly blessed to have each of you in my life.

Love with hugs, C

Happy Birthday Honey!!

Yep!! Lee's 64!! I can hardly believe it. I'm just a few years behind. He wanted me to have a spaghetti dinner for him and his team at work. I had cooked the sauce a couple of days ago, so I had to do was the noodles and put everything in the crockpot. They must've loved it, only a speck left - ha! We are going to celebrate together this weekend in Prescott. My big chore this weekend is to . . . declutter my house in Prescott ;( I hate doing this kind of stuff. I guess we'll sort and part to Goodwill and the better stuff in storage (one of my FOUR). One of my goals this year is to get rid of stuff!!! Some of it I will never use again. Most of it is good but I just don't need it any longer. Who knows when Shawna will ever need it for her "own" place.
Back early Sunday. GO CARDINALS!!!

Curled up in my red cashmere pj's....

I've been under the weather the last few days. I missed Jean's card class that I try desperately NEVER to miss. I just enjoy it so much but really felt ucky so thought it better I stay home. I took a hot bath, was in bed by 8PM with achy feelings, freezing cold and headache. I didn't wake up until 8AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I looked at the clock twice and thought for sure it was wrong!! Anyway, feeling some better today but still not 100%. I plan to stay in this weekend except to pick up some groceries and hoping I'm back to normal by Mon. I was glad we didn't go to Prc just too cold and damp for my joints. I never thought I'd get arthritis in a million years but here I am. And so thankful, I don't have it as bad as many others. Never really understood how you whole body can ache but I sure know now. Will be turning in early. Lee's going over to Scott's tomorrow to help with a washing machine leak of some kind so I'll go to the grocery then.

Welcome 2009

I am always ready for a "new" year. There's something about starting from the beginning. This year particularly I'm ready. 2008 was a rough year around here. Lee's accident, Hunter's death, Aunt Pat's diagnosed with cancer, Mom's deteriorating vision, Shawna's rehab, Scott's new residence, etc. I pray for a drama-free 2009 - is that possible????? HA! Holly's wedding was beautiful and she is absolutely thrilled to be a bride. Even after living with Shaine for 8 years there's something about the commitment. It was a beautiful drive to Lakeside BUT woke up yesterday to return to heavy snow. My car is not 4 wheel drive so left very early - too early for ME but I was outvoted. Got home safe and that's what is most important. Take Scott to dentist tomorrow, infected tooth. Will start dismantling all the decorations today and slowly and carefully put everything away - this is the part I detest!!! I love the decorating and pulling out all the frufru for the holidays but packing it up ARGHHHH! Better get busy. . . . . .