About two weeks ago I went to a dermatologist here to have him check me over, which I do every six months. He did his job and I was expecting him to freeze any pre-cancerous areas he might find. Each time I have done this in the last 20 years I get some spots taken care of in this way to prevent them from becoming more serious. This doctor thought I should try a different system of smearing my face twice a day with a chemo creme for two or more weeks. I did not really want to do this but he convinced me to try this system. I picked up this prescription cream, paid my co-pay of $15 and learned that my insurance had saved me over $200. I was truly appalled at the cost of one tube of this stuff and hoped it would really work, at that price.
After about a week of twice daily applications, It began to have results. I have so many spots that I have not tried to count them. The cream kills the fast growing cancer cells and then like a small burn spot the skin underneath replaces the affected area. In the meantime I look like I have leprosy. The second stage of this treatment is to slather steroid type cream to help heal the skin. In a month all should be well and I hope the new areas will be as smooth as a new baby's bottom. This system seems to work and I am glad to be able to do it. I must admit it has been quite a trial once it started to get warm and itch. If you have similar problems with skin cancer check into this system with your dermatologist. Happy travels.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Decendents
George Clooney is the star in this movie set in Hawaii. It was great fun in the early moments of the movie to see Waikiki, Alawai Canal and be almost able to pick our The Iolani School just behind the canal where I taught for three years. We have been wanting to see this movie and had to drive to Dallas to see it wince that was the only place in the entire area where we could find it being shown.
It was an excellent movie and well acted. I will not go into the plot and merely encourage you to see this movie. I can see why George is up for an Academy Award. Happy travels.
It was an excellent movie and well acted. I will not go into the plot and merely encourage you to see this movie. I can see why George is up for an Academy Award. Happy travels.
Max talks
Last night we returned from caring for the grandsons, taking them to swimming and then attending a dinner for new members of our church at the pastor's home. It was a lovely time and a nice chance to meet other new members. One of the new members had moved here from North Carolina and I got a chance to ask him if he had ever heard of the expression 'Buddy Roe'. He said he had not heard that in years but it was a common expression there and that it meant you were talking to one of your close friends. I had always wondered where Jan Karom heard this expression or whether she made it up for her series of books about an Episcopal Priest in Mitford. Now I know.
When we got home I first let Max out for a necessary break and then we sat and talked about our busy day. Max as usual sat on my lap and suddenly stared across the room and started to growl and make sounds like he was talking. I tried to get him to do it again and he did it several more times. I could not see anything unusual and wondered if he could see himself in the mirror there. Finally he jumped down and began to bark and bark. Foxy figured it out. We had left a cake carrier on the counter and Max had noticed this and realized it was new to him. I got up and took the cake carrier off of the counter and showed it to Max and he quit barking after much sniffing, of course. I have never heard a dog make such interesting sounds and now know that Max can talk. Happy travels.
When we got home I first let Max out for a necessary break and then we sat and talked about our busy day. Max as usual sat on my lap and suddenly stared across the room and started to growl and make sounds like he was talking. I tried to get him to do it again and he did it several more times. I could not see anything unusual and wondered if he could see himself in the mirror there. Finally he jumped down and began to bark and bark. Foxy figured it out. We had left a cake carrier on the counter and Max had noticed this and realized it was new to him. I got up and took the cake carrier off of the counter and showed it to Max and he quit barking after much sniffing, of course. I have never heard a dog make such interesting sounds and now know that Max can talk. Happy travels.
Todd
About 24 hours ago, Todd died after a valiant four month fight with lung cancer. Even when you expect this result it still is a shock to everyone left behind. Todd was surrounded by his family at the end. They can take much support from each other as they work through their loss. I will miss him. We three musketeers have become two.
I have been able to sleep very little tonight and have been reflecting on many past events in his life.I was supposed to sing "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" at Todd and Marti's wedding. I came down with laryngitis and could not sing a note but they still got to hear the music although only played on the church organ. Todd graduated from West Point and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While there, Marti waited for him in Hawaii and took care of Kristin their first child.
During this time we moved to Hawaii and I taught school there. After years of service,Todd left army life and in Chicago went to night school to get a master's degree in business, later going into his life's work of banking and specializing in oil stocks. Later moved to New Jersey and after retirement moved between homes there and in Honolulu. They had four children and many grandchildren.
We kept in touch throughout the years and enjoyed the occasional times when our path's crossed.
I will miss you Todd and fully trust that your soul has gone home. Happy travels.
I have been able to sleep very little tonight and have been reflecting on many past events in his life.I was supposed to sing "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" at Todd and Marti's wedding. I came down with laryngitis and could not sing a note but they still got to hear the music although only played on the church organ. Todd graduated from West Point and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While there, Marti waited for him in Hawaii and took care of Kristin their first child.
During this time we moved to Hawaii and I taught school there. After years of service,Todd left army life and in Chicago went to night school to get a master's degree in business, later going into his life's work of banking and specializing in oil stocks. Later moved to New Jersey and after retirement moved between homes there and in Honolulu. They had four children and many grandchildren.
We kept in touch throughout the years and enjoyed the occasional times when our path's crossed.
I will miss you Todd and fully trust that your soul has gone home. Happy travels.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The three musketeers
Many years ago, Todd, Alan, and I had all married sisters and we frequently compared notes about what it was like living with the three ladies. Somewhere through the years, Alan and I parted company with our two spouses but Todd managed to stay married. We musketeers still stayed in touch just not as frequently. Recently I got updates on the others and sadly learned that we all had been fighting cancer. I had mine operated on two years ago in June. Alan had his operated on and is still undergoing chemotherapy but has a good prognosis. Todd did not have our good luck and his has metastasized and now his time on this earth is coming quickly to a close. It seems sad that we all have had to fight this battle and that the results could not be the same for all of us. Bad things do happen to good people. The way we choose to deal with it says much about us. I wish Alan well and truly hope that Todd is surrounded by friends and family at this time. Happy travels.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Progress on behavior
Today we had Christian all day and most of this week since he has been sick and had Strep. We hope not to get that. Today he was feeling much better and actually managed to entertain himself quite a bit and was a joy to be around. When Jon got home we played cards and behavior was much improved with both boys. So it a few steps forward and some in the other direction. Having had one or the other most of this week we were quite tired tonight. Somehow a little something sounded good when we got home. So scotch it was. The rest of the evening was sitting around in pajamas and either solitaire or reading. Foxy is finishing the third book on the girl with the dragon tatoo and I am immersed in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plumb mysteries. What a kick these stories are and frequently I laugh out loud and disturb Foxy. I try not to do this but frequently cannot help myself. Try either series and you are in for a treat.
Weather here is cold one day and hot the next. It is hard to prepare for the day except by layering up and shedding as you pass through the day. I am not complaining since I am glad to not have snow. Happy travels.
Weather here is cold one day and hot the next. It is hard to prepare for the day except by layering up and shedding as you pass through the day. I am not complaining since I am glad to not have snow. Happy travels.
Friday, January 13, 2012
How to change behavior
We have been working on behavior in our grandsons. These are good boys and just need a bit of guidance now and then. Part of it has been to teach good card playing behaviors such as once a card is played, you can't take it back into your hand. Sometimes they get quite rowdy and noisey which is sort of typical for an 8 or 10 year old.
Today we sat them down and decided on what behaviors might be inappropriate such as cussing and bossing each other around. They came up with most of the behaviors. We then decided that there would be a cost for the behavior and the appropriate money would go into a money jar. For example, cussing could cost you a quarter. We also though it might be a good thing to be able to take money out of the jar for good behavior. They came up with having had good behavior all week in school or having their clothes self washed and put away each week. It was quite interesting to see what behaviors they came up with and we also decided if there was any money left at the end of the month in the jar, we would take it and go out for a treat for the boys.
We will keep you informed on how well this works after we try it for awhile. We also may modify the rules as we go along. Time will tell. Happy travels.
Today we sat them down and decided on what behaviors might be inappropriate such as cussing and bossing each other around. They came up with most of the behaviors. We then decided that there would be a cost for the behavior and the appropriate money would go into a money jar. For example, cussing could cost you a quarter. We also though it might be a good thing to be able to take money out of the jar for good behavior. They came up with having had good behavior all week in school or having their clothes self washed and put away each week. It was quite interesting to see what behaviors they came up with and we also decided if there was any money left at the end of the month in the jar, we would take it and go out for a treat for the boys.
We will keep you informed on how well this works after we try it for awhile. We also may modify the rules as we go along. Time will tell. Happy travels.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Back into the routine
We seem to have dropped back into our comfortable rut of a routine here. We have seem a couple of movies, the Sherlock Holmes one and Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I liked them both but Foxy thought the LeCarre remake was depressing. We look forward to viewing The Decedents and The Iron Lady with Foxy choosing our next visit.
We have also started locating new medical doctors and starting that annual process. So far Foxy has been to the Opthamologist with good results and I to a Dermatologist. I am in the process of chemically peeling pre-cancerous growths off of my face which takes 2-3 weeks and makes you look like you had a very bad sunburn. If it helps, it will be worth while I think.
The boys are back in school and we have taken care of them 2-3 times each week. This is birthday time for them and Foxy made a birthday dinner for Christian and now in a week or so will do the same for Jon. Both boys wanted cowboy boots for their birthdays and we helped find such.
Church is beginning to take on a larger role in our lives and Foxy has begun to meet with a circle group once each month. Saturday we meet with the pastors for a session on new membership and possibilities for involvement. The pastor gives good succinct sermons and the music offered is splendid. On Sunday after church we will go to the Fort Worth Symphony for a mid-afternoon concert on Brahms and Beethoven. It should be delightful.
We have been luck to have several rainy days and the water table should be improving. We still need more to come back from our serious drought throughout Texas.
My Mom has had another fainting spell and currently is staying with Maurice and Anne but is quite unhappy with all of us since she thinks she should be able to stay home alone. A sad time for all. Not bad though for a 99 year old lady.
I think that brings us up to date. Happy travels.
We have also started locating new medical doctors and starting that annual process. So far Foxy has been to the Opthamologist with good results and I to a Dermatologist. I am in the process of chemically peeling pre-cancerous growths off of my face which takes 2-3 weeks and makes you look like you had a very bad sunburn. If it helps, it will be worth while I think.
The boys are back in school and we have taken care of them 2-3 times each week. This is birthday time for them and Foxy made a birthday dinner for Christian and now in a week or so will do the same for Jon. Both boys wanted cowboy boots for their birthdays and we helped find such.
Church is beginning to take on a larger role in our lives and Foxy has begun to meet with a circle group once each month. Saturday we meet with the pastors for a session on new membership and possibilities for involvement. The pastor gives good succinct sermons and the music offered is splendid. On Sunday after church we will go to the Fort Worth Symphony for a mid-afternoon concert on Brahms and Beethoven. It should be delightful.
We have been luck to have several rainy days and the water table should be improving. We still need more to come back from our serious drought throughout Texas.
My Mom has had another fainting spell and currently is staying with Maurice and Anne but is quite unhappy with all of us since she thinks she should be able to stay home alone. A sad time for all. Not bad though for a 99 year old lady.
I think that brings us up to date. Happy travels.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Christmas decorations
We really like Christmas decorations but there is little room in our motor home for such. We did manage to put up some chili lights and some Annalee Santa and Mrs. Santa Dolls. They were very cheerful and added much to our mini docor. In our shop we put out lots of christmas items for sale and even tried to make them more attractive by offering a half price sale to all potential buyers. We did manage to sell some of the items and yesterday decided it was time in this new year to take down our home decorations and then go to the shop and pack up the Christmas items for another year. Our booth is also now back to normal and quite uncluttered. I guess that means that we will have to continue our hunt for garage and estate sales. It is fun and keeps us occupied even though we barely break even. I like these annual doings both the putting up and the taking down of the decorations and always look forward to seeing them again next year. Happy New Year and happy travels to all.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Years Eve
Back in Denton we decided we could take care of the boys and got invited to dinner at their folks of Steak, salad and potatoes with a dessert of apple crisp. Kim and Chuck got dressed and left for their party and we settled in to play cards with the boys. By ten o'clock they were tucked in bed and we watched a bit of television while waiting for the new year to arrive. Kim and Chuck got back around 2 pm and we quickly drove home and got to bed. A nice way to celebrate a new year. Happy travels.
Traveling for Christmas
We left here on the 23rd to travel to see Jerry and Marlene's family in Albuquerque. They called us to get an early start since they expected bad weather. So we listened and got up at four am and were on the road by 4:45 am. We had good dry roads until we got to Amarillo and then there was a hint of snow in the air. By the time we got to Klines Corners there was snow on the road. Driving through Morarity and Edgewood we could not see on either side of the road. Once we got over the pass into Albuquerque the roads had cleared. Some time later in the day Interstate 40 was closed so we got there just in time.
We had a lovely week in Albuquerque and managed to take the kids to breakfast at a favorite restaurant Loyola's. It was like home coming there as we greeted long time friends and had a good breakfast as well. We managed to see Cal R. and some family but Susan had plans and we missed her. Other than that we stayed at Jerry's house and enjoyed each other. I came down with a cold and did snooze quite a bit but managed to play cards with others. Christmas was a wonderful time of sharing and many presents enjoyed. Foxy's sister Susie and husband Al joined us for Christmas dinner of Standing Rib Roast, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes, and especially Yorkshire Pudding. Dessert was pecan pie and chocolate pudding cake. It was excellent! We also shared the day with good friends Brenda and Richard. It was a happy time and all too soon it was time to make the trek back to Texas. Happy travels.
We had a lovely week in Albuquerque and managed to take the kids to breakfast at a favorite restaurant Loyola's. It was like home coming there as we greeted long time friends and had a good breakfast as well. We managed to see Cal R. and some family but Susan had plans and we missed her. Other than that we stayed at Jerry's house and enjoyed each other. I came down with a cold and did snooze quite a bit but managed to play cards with others. Christmas was a wonderful time of sharing and many presents enjoyed. Foxy's sister Susie and husband Al joined us for Christmas dinner of Standing Rib Roast, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes, and especially Yorkshire Pudding. Dessert was pecan pie and chocolate pudding cake. It was excellent! We also shared the day with good friends Brenda and Richard. It was a happy time and all too soon it was time to make the trek back to Texas. Happy travels.
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