Strathmore News

Due to the weather changing here in Syracuse,

2007-09-11T12:54:00.000-04:00

I have another lovely sinus infection. I woke up with the worst sore throat yesterday, it actually made me cry. So I go to the doctor's office, and see the NP - totally lacking in bedside manners (not that I expected her to hug me and tell me everything will be ok). I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. It took more time for them to weigh me, check my temp, pulse, and BP, than it did for her to listen to my lungs, look up my nose, and be out the door. So I called in yesterday and today. What is it about calling in sick? I hate being sick, but not as much as the guilt I feel calling in. I would rather stay home than spread the germs, why can't everyone else see that I'm doing them a favor??

My brother's bff/brother he never had is real sick. Chris got the call Sunday that he is in the hospital with a tumor on his brain. Last night he got the worst call. Mark has masses on his lungs, liver, aorta, neck and brain. They're doing a lung biopsy today. Mark is about 48, just got married within the last 2 years, adopted his wife's 13 year old son, and is Godfather to Alex. And I thought my sinus was bad news.

On to brighter news. Mike and I went to Cirque Du Soleil. Holy cow what a show. They had a couple dancing and whipping around the balls on a string - we saw them on our honeymoon - way freakin' cool. Saturday Mike, his brother and I along with Mike's co-worker, went golfing at Hickory Hill. I did good the first nine, and then blew it the last nine. You would think I was playing whiffle ball. I need lessons.

This weekend I've been invited to "girls weekend" up at Sandy Pond with 8 other girls. Cannot wait. I have been told I need to bring Pico de Gallo, so I'm going to try to make it more like Lupe does; Mike's famous Cole Slaw Salad; and an egg bake which is yummy - made with eggs and leftover pasta (instead of bread). That will be a great page in my book of memories!! Sinus infection or not, I will not miss this opportunity!

My Guardian Angel appeared a few weeks ago. Friday the 31st, I met Mike at the fair after work, since he worked there all day. We were going to grab something to eat, then watch the BOC/Foghat show. Walking to the Horticulture building, I noticed I was missing a diamond earring. My mother's Aunt left them to her when she passed, and Mom gave them to me since she couldn't wear earrings anymore - they were my something old when I got married. I burst into tears. Needless to say, not much sympathy came from Mike - he is a guy after all. We had to leave the fair anyway, since he had his "pay" for working, and you're not supposed to leave the fairgrounds without "pay" if you haven't purchased it. So Sunday I go to bed, and around midnight I wake up to something stabbing my right leg. I reach down and there is the earring - WITH THE BACK ON IT! I wouldn't have been so freaked out had it been, oh I don't know, the same night. But come on - two nights later??? And why was the back on it? Not like I ripped it out of the hole. And I don't think I would take it out of my ear and put the back on it, in my sleep!! HMMMM. Strange.

Back in the saddle

2007-09-03T11:47:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Strathmore! Hope everyone is well. I know, I know, it's been a while. Mike and I have been so darn busy with the house, and wine stuff...

We are getting ready to side the house. We were going to paint, but there's no way we would finish in our lifetime. Mike bought a power washer thinking it would blast the paint off. Well, the only thing it did was create little pinholes. He could write his name so pretty in cursive with the stupid thing. We've had two estimates on siding - anywhere between $10 and $15 thousand. If we do it ourselves, it will be a third of that... So we're gonna do it. We are thinking of a dark colonial blue with white trim, then doing the porch in a dark cranberry color. We finally painted our bedroom - Pecan Sandie - but it's very beachy - like a latte color. LOVE IT!!!

Wine stuff. Let's see. Mike and I spent three days at the end of May in Watkins Glen pouring and serving wine for 40 judges at the International Eastern Wine Competition. This was the Best of Category - each judge had to sample about 40 wines to determine which white, red, and sweet wine was the best, then pick the best of show - top dog.

We stayed at the "cottage" on Seneca Lake owned by our brother in law's sis. Every morning we had to be there by 7 am, and didn't get back until 9 pm. For every day we worked, we each got a case of wine. At the end of each day we also got to sample the wines we poured - and take a case of them home. So - we took home 3 cases of unopened white, and 3 cases of unopened red (last year's winners), and 5 cases of open wine.

mmmm.... wine. This is just an example of what we got to bring home.

We dumped alot out - not all of it was tasty - and had blind wine tastings with my bff Biggeek and Mr. Biggeek, and at Mike's sister's house. What a blast. We both got to sit with our panel and learn how they judged wines. My guy - Dana - is originally from the Finger lakes area, now in Myrtle Beach - let me try wines that he thought were good ones. Mike's guy - the owner of Glenora - gave out some pretty nifty tips. If you want to serve bad wine, serve it with cheese. If you want to serve good whites, serve them with bread or crackers; reds with roast beast.

We then signed up to work the NYS wine competition held at the fairgrounds. We both worked the logging in of the wines, then Mike decided to get a sinus infection. So I went solo. I was nominated to do nothing but pour, because I was trained at the IEWC so well by Larry, that I can get a minimum of 25 pours from one bottle! ^5 to me!

Mike also worked the Home winemakers competition. We also have been asked to join the NY Wine committee. So now when there are competitions, we help coordinate with the judges and the wineries. AND we are on a subcommittee that meets once a month at various locations to sample one category. Last one we did was Sauv Blanc. I never was a big fan, but if you ask me, Long Island makes the best. Pindar - kudos to them!! I also have a new fave red - Barberra - very similar to a Cab Franc, but just enough difference!

We then worked the fair this year at the Art and Home center. Pouring wine for the attendees of the cooking demonstrations in the Wegmans kitchen. That was boring, but we got more free wine!

Enough about us. Tara is still doing amazing. She still receives chemo, but is down to NYC trips once every two months. She and Mike have a black cat named Jupiter, who loves ankles, and a dog named Triton - can't remember the breed. Tara's first cat, Buster, who was living with Val and Bill, developed mouth cancer, which totally took over his body in a matter of days, so he's in animal heaven now...

Chris is now residing in Pulaski - about two blocks from Aunt Mabel's house - so strange to drive by there and see where us cousins played football in the front yard! Not sure if he's going to stay. Alex's mom got a job in Jefferson County and has to move there. Chris may soon follow, but unsure.

Mike and I along with Mary and Pete, are going to NYC at the end of the month for a Genesis concert. That should be awesome. Last concert the four of us went to was the Who and Robert Plant at Hershey Park. Hopefully Pete won't be driving - he doesn't like brakes or space in between the car in front of him and the one he's driving. That's a dramamine moment.

Well, I think that is most of it for now. I will try to keep everyone updated on life here in Syracuse.

Oh- Cousin Sheila sent me a pic of her and my dad playing in the snow after Grandpa shoveled the porch roof - once we get our new printer/scanner/copier, I will scan it and post it - eerily enough you would think it was my front porch they were posing in front of!!

Lightly carbonated. Serve chilled.

2006-08-02T10:24:00.000-04:00

I love Red Bull. Of course I can't drink the sugar free stuff - everything has Aspartame in it these days - even my Big Red gum. I'm addicted to it. I would rather drink that then have coffe in the morning. I feel so alert!!! Since I've started my workout/calorie counting I find that coffee and creamer really add up. Red Bull only has 110 calories. Of course there are 28 grams of carbs - the bad kind. Oh, and 27 grams of sugar... But I like it, I like it alot! PTL for the Red Bull, 'cause the AC here in my workstation isn't functioning. It's 76 with the dew point being 80... that would make it what, 1,000 degrees in here??!!

No trivia tonight - rb is "on call". Just when I talked Mike into going.

Did you know for every 15 minutes of knitting you burn 8 calories? It's true!

Kitchen update: cupboard doors are off. Dropped them off to be stripped. They will look so pretty.

UPDATE

Ok, this whole Mel Gibson thing has me thinking. First people criticize him for his movie "Passion of the Christ" and how it depicted Jewish people as being responsible for Christ's death. Then his father says the holocaust was mainly fictional. Now he gets drunk, and blames Jewish people - yet again - for being responsible for all the wars in this world. I have one question: Weren't we all Jews at one time? Wasn't there just one religion - Christian - in the beginning? So, if he's blaming the Jews, isn't he really blaming all of us for everything????

Maybe it's the heat outside (heat index is now at 105 degrees), and maybe it's the fact that the AC here at work isn't functioning properly (heat index here is 76), but it's really getting my blood boiling. I saw his movie, and didn't see where any blame was put on Jews - in my mind it was put on us ALL for not having faith... Ponder that for a moment would you, and then let me know what you think - am I way off base here?

HEAD ON! APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE FOREHEAD!

2006-07-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

So, yesterday we went to the Gregg camp for a day of fun in the sun and turned out to be moments in the rain sitting under the tree. For a time there, we couldn't see the coast(aka shoreline) looking out toward Oswego. Of course there were alot of stories being told, cousins picking on cousins - mainly cousins picking on me about carkeys, etc... all in good fun... Not to mention MB (RB's roommate, not my hubby)begging me to play wiffle ball so he could trip me, or throw the ball at me - whatever he did before - I'm still in therapy over that. Jeez. Needless to say I wore a skirt, and had the booming headache so we bailed early.
So, the first time Mike comes with me to the reunion, he drives, I go to the car to get something, put the keys in the ignition to put up or down the windows, and lock the car. With the keys still in the ignition. Of course the Hahn humor comes out in full force, and luckily I'm a good sport. Everyone was told by GG the cook, to ask for my car keys. hahahahahahaha!!!!
I ended up having a stupid migraine. I had a headache all day, and it progressively got worse on the way home. Thanks to Mike for saying he could take or leave the Ukie/Irish fest, since it was storming in Syracuse, I took a "little blue pill" and laid down for an hour. My eyes felt like two water balloons poking out of my skull.
Today, I feel like I tied one on - the foggy part of a hangover - without the main side effects. I slept 10 hours. MMMMM. I love to sleep.
It was fun to see everyone even if it was for an hour and a half according to Becky's watch - everyone looked great - kids getting big, cousins getting married... my how time flies. I just look forward to the reminiscing about the Fee boys tackling Chris per Gary's directions....

Gotta love family!!

The Y and the Caguarnas

2006-07-27T10:47:00.000-04:00

Can I just tell you how much I love my cousins? I'm so glad that we've all realized that we don't live far from each other, so hey - let's get together!!!!!!!! I think it's Becky's doing, since she moved back home that is getting us together.

I joined the Y. I am partaking in a 12 week personal training program with my Nubian trainer, Steve. I am in my second week, and tonight is my fifth time. I do 5 minutes warming up, stretch, then 30 minutes of hard ass cardio. I've done the treadmill twice - the first time jog walking at the random level of 4, speed is 3.6. The second time, I jogged at the same random level and speed - for 24 minutes. I was sweating like a pig in a sauna!! I've also done 30 minutes on the arc trainer, but I think I don't know how to do it, because I pinched a nerve in my thumb. Handles are not movable, and they were in very awkward positions. The next cardio machine I did was the Cross ramp. This is a cross between and elliptical and a cross country ski machine. It has a stick figure on it that lights up to let you know what muscle groups you are using. My gluts will be so rock hard soon, you will be able to bounce a quarter off them. Hopefully I won't have the back view of JLo. Don't need a shelf there - already got the "girls"!

On to the Caguarnas. Since Beck moved back, she joined my spouse and I at Clark's Ale House for the monthly meeting of the Salt City Brew Club. ( I will one day be able to link things with ease, just not right now). If you want to see their website, go to RB's blog. She got giddy like a little girl when she saw they have trivia night. She went with her roommates (aka her parents - she is on a first name basis with all relatives - ie: her grandfather? Not gramps, grandpa, etc.. Paul is his name) last week, and I blew them off to go to the gym, and apparently had a riot. Then I find out my cousins Paul and Carolyn are in town, and they were planning on attending the festivities, so I was all in. What a riot. Beck's nickname for Carolyn is the name of our team - Caguarna (that's Carolyn Ann Guarna to you). We did great the first two rounds, and once the beer kicked in it was downhill. Paul and Mike kicked keister on the bonus round of chemical symbols, but we all got stuck on Gadolinium. Anyone know? hee hee - I do... We ate tons - brie, purple onion, crackers, sandwiches, and the best part was Pickled Eggs. It was even better when I would pass the plate to Mike and stick it under Becky's nose. She makes pretty faces.

The quote of the evening? Paul singing to Cathy a Neil Young song about putting your hog down on the ground - I think - can't remember all the lyrics, but he was right on last night!

The highlight of the evening was the drive to the bar. I told Paul I would drive slow so he could keep up with me, but didn't mean that I would go 10 miles below the speed limit! Retirees. We're not even 2 minutes from the homeland, and I see flashing lights in my rear view mirror. Paul flagging me down. Carolyn left her cell phone in our couch. Why? She wears it on her belt to get a rise out of Becky. I go home to get it, and Mike says "old people shouldn't be carrying around modern electronics - they'll only lose them". So of course I share with Carolyn, who begs me not to tell Becky this, because she will never hear the end of it, so I say ok, thinking - oh this is going on my blog for sure! We weren't at the bar for five minutes, and what does Carolyn do? Start telling Becky about losing her cell phone!! Ammunition being fed to the smoking gun!!

Next Wednesday won't be the same without Paul and Caguarna - are we still going to play? I'll talk Mike into it now that the puncture wound in his eye is healing...

updates

2006-07-12T11:21:00.000-04:00

Ok, so Becky yelled at me last night (which by the way, I don't blame you for removing my link!). I told her I can't do this from work, I can get into trouble. I tried and got past the firewall, so here I am. No pictures today.

Let's see, where do I start.

So far the summer has been good. Very busy. Mike's brother in law and his little 8 pound Pekinese dog, Bunny, spent a week with us while his wife and 9 year old daughter went castle touring in France. Who remembers anything they did at that age? Not me. Although I do remember my 2nd birthday party.

We finally got a power lawn mower - it's an electric start, but it's much easier than the push mower. It's still a "blue job", so Mike won't let me mow. Hey - I love mowing the lawn!!!!!

We are 90% done with our kitchen, so we had our appreciation dinner sans the cabinet/countertop person. He and his wife are MIA - don't know why... Oh bother. We had steak and lobster, and I actually ate a chunk of meat. It was yummy, but not as good as the lobsta!!! We just have to finish the trim, strip the big cabinets, add the kick plates, and then strip, sand and poly the floors.

Mike and I are going to Oak Island in September for a week's vacation at cousin Sheila's friend's daughter's house. Too bad it's a few weeks after the Fayettville family's trip to the Outer Banks!!!

Mike and I also went to the brew club meeting (see rb's blog)last night at Clark's - and our brother in law PK won the 50/50 - guess who picked the winning ticket?? RB!!!!! PK gave her a little peck and bought her a beer!!!!

And now on to Tara. She is doing very well. She had to stop the chemo for a while because her afp's (proteins) were increasing. Here's a little background: Normal afp's are around 300 or so. When they found the tumor, Tara's were 14,000. Now they're down to 1,400. But since they were increasing, they had a cat scan done. Two tiny spots were found, so they are giving her systemic chemo (through the vein) in addition to the chemo in the pump. The good news is that there's no liver damage, and the tumor has changed shape. It's no longer round like a tennis ball - it's flat and long, which the doctor seems to be very pleased with. She had another visit with Ted, the "seer", and he confirmed what he told her last year. But he needed to remind her that it's not only the prayers, but her attitude that is helping her fight. She needs to continue to think of herself and her health, and not worry about anything else.

I went to NYC with her a few weeks ago, and went to mass at St. Patrick's. For those catholics out there - mass was 1/2 hour!!! Go figure!!

I can't think of anything else to say - except I'm still knitting (PTL for central air)!!! and I'm almost done with the back of my sweater. I will post pics soon, I promise.

TTFN!!!!!!

Ok, so it's been a while...

2006-03-26T11:10:00.000-05:00

Can you say lucky leprochaun???

Hi there. Yes, it's been a few months, so I'll try and catch up on everything.

Let's see, where to start...

Tara is doing absolutely fantastic - she went to NYC last week for her bloodwork/cat scan and chemo, and the tumor is now 50% smaller. It's now a reported 5x7 centimeters small!!!! The oncologist - who according to Tara has no personality, bound in the door screaming - your cat scan is wonderful! Wanna see it? She goes back in two months for another cat scan, and possibly they will determine when they can do the resection. She is in a great frame of mind - spiritually and healthwise. I think that is half the battle... Not to mention all the prayers and well wishes from everyone - family, friends, co-workers, strangers. I wish her friend would update the Ride for Tara website! I'll have to get on her about that.

Tara and Mike moved into a great two family home - they have the downstairs - and they have a new kitty - Jupiter - isn't he adorable???

He's got quite the personality. And a skinned toe. Someone dropped a plate on his paw, and it skinned it, so they took him to the vet, and he had it glued back on. Cat abuse, I tell you.

Val had some roto-rooting done last month. She's doing much better - actually has energy and color back in her little cheeks!!!

Chris and Alex are doing great - busy with sports, growing way too fast...

Mike and I are renovating our kitchen. We are doing most of it ourselves - with help from friends, so the cost is much less than if we hired a professional. Our brother in law is our electrician, a childhood friend of Mike's is doing the window, and Mike's co-worker is doing the plumbing. We put the cabinets together ourselves, and our friend Scott is helping with installing them and doing the countertop. Yes, I will have countertop space!!!!!!!!!!!!! We picked out a plum-ish color countertop called Heather Legacy. It's pretty! The window is going to be a 30x30, and we are moving the sink over to be under the window. Unfortunately we peer into our neighbor's dining room, but they never use it, so it's all good. The walls will be painted a stable hay color, and we are going to have a tile backsplash with accent tiles scattered throughout of grapes. Somewhat Tuscan
meets modern. Once I figure out how to link the photo album, I will share the pictures. Sorry, it's been a while, so my mind isn't working right!!!!

The girls and I haven't met in a while for our stitch 'n bitch sessions, but this is what I'm working on - my co-worker is having a baby girl in about 7 weeks - named Jorga (pronounced Georgia). I'm also making booties for her.

So that's about it for now. Hope to hear from you soon!!!??

Can't wait for spring!

Ms. 35%

2006-01-26T11:45:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've updated anyone on anything - specifically Tara. So, here goes. She went to NYC Monday through Wednesday for her 3 month CT scan, and to meet with her oncologist to determine the results of the CT Scan. As of this time, she has had two rounds of chemo. Well, she called me Wednesday afternoon, while still down in NYC, waiting for them to finish mixing the chemo doses together.

THE TUMOR HAS SHRUNK 35%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has gone from a whopping 11 x 13 centimeters, to 9 x 10 centimeters. The doctors are blown away. They are so impressed with her.

So on behalf of my little Tara, thank you all so much for the prayers. I told her to keep fighting, and we'll keep praying. The seer that Jackie put her in touch with apparently knows what he sees. He told her she would be at her worst in November - which she was when they inserted the pump. He told her she would live to be an old lady. Which she will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!! ;-)

Need a laugh?

2006-01-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week.
Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office telling me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am. I had
only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45 am. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.
As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in "that area" to make sure I was at least presentable.
I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.
I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in.
Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, "My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?" I didn't respond.
After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home.
The rest of the day was normal... some shopping, cooking, etc.
After school when my 6 year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, "Mommy, where's my wash cloth" I told her to get another one from the cupboard. She replied, "No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it."
NOW TELL ME YOU ARE NOT LAUGHING OUT LOUD!!!

CAN YOU SAY BARGAIN???!!!!

2006-01-09T13:29:00.000-05:00

I go to JC Penney to return sweats I bought for Mike, and while walking toward the escalater, I see this coat. I've been looking for an "allweather" Fall/Winter long coat with a detachable hood. They have exactly what I want - it's black, with a tan underlining. Removable hood, removable lining... for $180. OMG. I PAID $47.99!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M IN HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phew!

2006-01-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

Well, the party went off without a hitch. But it was the longest day of my life up until 6 pm!!!! Mike had no clue about the party! There were 50 people in all. The funniest thing was beside me thinking that he knew about it all day, was driving home from the first party, he said he couldn't wait to get home because he had to use the bathroom, and I don't mean tinkle!!!! I thought great, he has to poo and we have a house full of people there to honor him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beth and Theresa did an awesome job setting up and decorating - it was fun!!!
The hat Beth is wearing is hand made - she is the big geek knitter....

Surprise party!

2006-01-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

So, I'm a nervous wreck, planning a surprise party today for Mike. He only turns 44, but he's never had a surprise party, and he's not expecting it!!!! I bought everything purple - down to the plasticware - since that is his fave color and the Vikings are his fave gridiron team!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to finish cleaning, and then go to the store to get booze, beer and chips. He is at OCC right now taking a Civil Engineer I test for work, then we have to go to our friends for a party from 2-5:30 or so. Then he thinks we are coming back home to get the turkey chili I'm making for my friend Beth's party tonight. However, the turkey chili is for his party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll make sure to take pics and download them - making them big enough for people to see..... Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY 2006!!!

2006-01-01T13:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's been a very long time. The holidays have come and gone - Thank God. Not that I'm Scrooge, but it was just a very hard time this year. The one thing that kept me going - ok, two - was Tara and her positive outlook and faith. She is doing great by the way - on her second round of chemo, with her liver enzymes decreasing, her liver is functioning better!!! The other is my strength of the rest of my family. There are hard times, and not so fun times, but we stick together, sometimes because we have to, but most because we know each other. We know what makes us tick, sets us off, and makes us smile. And yes, we do love each other.

My new year's resolution - other than losing tons of weight so I don't snore anymore, is to follow that Al-anon mantra that was printed in Dear Abby today. So much wasted energy dwelling on things that I have no control over.

I'm sharing pictures - this one is of a scarf I made - a "potato chip scarf" for our nephew Rich's girlfriend Dara.

You start out with something like 72 stitches and end up with 181!!!!!!!!
Here is our Christmas with Val, Bill, Chris and Alex, and then with Rich and Dara...
So, here's to a happy new year Happy Christmahannukwanzika to all that are in my life. Peace out...

so many things!

2005-12-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, Tara is back from NYC - she got her staples out, and the chemo is in. Yippee!!! She said that now instead of a zipper, her belly looks like railroad tracks. She goes back 12/12 for the saline, then 12/28 for more chemo. She and Mike will also be moving into a new "home" hopefully on the 10th. Her father in law bought a two family home, and renovated it, so they have the downstairs apartment. The wood is gorgeous!

Secondly, our Thanksgiving was good - no rushing around through dinner so that Mom could be ready for the van - it was so strange... Chris actually made a pretty good speech. My sister bought a 22.5 pound bird - hello!!!!!!!!!!! There were only six of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We couldn't fit it on the grill, and the wings were hanging over the roasting pan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She wanted to make sure that we all had enough leftovers. Duh. Alex came and we played Catch Phrase - what a riot.

Thirdly, our computer is fixed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On Black Friday I took the tower to Comp USA and Hanz fixed it for me for free! Just the video and audio drivers needed to be reinstalled. So he asked me to make a donation to the new Arnold Palmer Hospital, in lieu of payment. What a guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once I have time, I will download all the pictures and start up kodakeasyshare again, so that I can download pics here.

Lastly, my friend Beth - the big geek knitter - and Stefanie - the punk rock bank teller - had a stitch 'n bitch at my house last night while the Mr. B was at class. What a riot. Beth tried to teach me how to make socks on two pairs of circular needles. I hate it. But I will keep trying.

Does anyone know how to politely tell someone that they need to blow their nose, instead of sucking it in? Especially when you're eating????????????????

The burial of the hard drive

2005-11-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

Val and Bill came over yesterday for dinner, and for Bill to look at our computer. He couldn't even format it, and suggested we bury the hard drive, and get a new one. Comp USA is really inexpensive, depending on the size gigabyte you want!! They range from$40 up, with a $30 installation fee, and offer 2 year warranties if the replacement drive craps the bed. Hmm. But then we would have to install everything - Windows XP, etc...

This weekend was fun - Friday we just hung home and ate pizza and wings, and had a revalating conversation about our finances, relationship, Christmas, blah blah blah. Then Saturday I got my hair cut - my bangs are too short - but I still like it - sometimes I look like Helen Hunt when I put it behind my ears - and we went to Garrett's play - Our Town. He was the constable. It was great. Then went back to Mary and Pete's for wine and Chicken Satay. Mike, who hates peanut butter - ate the most!!!!!!!! I also stained my dresser. Not quite done. Still waiting for the parts to come in. But it looks good. I just have one more coat on the top, and the body of it, then I can do a top coat on all the pieces. It's so pretty!!!

We're having Val, Bill, Chris and Alex over for Turkey day. It should be fun - it will be strange though. Normal holidays didn't exist - the day was all around the transportation company's schedule when picking up and dropping off Mom. We always rushed into the dinner, and usually the van came when we were about halfway done. To have a relaxing day is going to be odd, and it's going to suck without her, but we still have each other. Christmas will be the hardest - Alex's big thing was to help Grandma, and at the funeral services, he lost it when he realized that he wouldn't have anyone to help now that she's gone. There go the heart strings....

I still haven't started on the cat brown challenge. I do want to work out tonight - maybe I'll do Tae bo. I haven't done that in a long time, and that always gets my blood flowing, and sweating...

Updates, etc...

2005-11-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, Tara is home - they came back from NYC last night. I was joking around with her about her incision - she looks like she had a zipper sewn into her belly, poor thing!! She has 32 staples, and two incisions. One goes from her breastbone down past her belly button. The other is just below her left boob, where the pump is. She will have to go back in a week or two, to have the staples removed, and chemo injected into the pump. She technically does not have liver cancer - it's in the bile ducts inside her liver. Her doctor has all expectations that the chemo will shrink this thing!!!!!

I bought a dresser, and am putting it together all by myself. They forgot to pack the 12 pewter knobs, and the right hinge brackets, so I can't go any further, which is good because I need to stain it. I will start that tonight after I make turkey meatloaf and turkey balls - I cannot wait!! I'm eating broccoli with chicken in garlic sauce, and am getting stuffed and my mouth is on fire, but I am salivating over the turkey balls!!

I'm really kind of bummed about the Thursday night line up on tv. My favorite show - Alias, is on the same time as Survivor, so I have to channel surf. Hate it. Don't have Tivo, or dvr, or anything like that. And taping on a vcr is just a pain. I have to make cookies tonight too, so I hope I have time to make dinner, stain, make cookies AND watch two shows. Clone me like Ping!

Ooh this is weird - my fortune cookie - "bring something up from the back burner". I've been meaning to talk to Michael - he is so unhappy, and I know he doesn't like his job, and some of the people he works with, and I think they are a bad influence on him.... Very strange. And the "learn Chinese word" - Friend = Ping-you. HMMMM.

Tara's surgery

2005-11-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

Tara had surgery this morning - to implant a chemo pump that will inject chemo right to the tumor. They did remove her gall bladder. She is doing ok, in recovery, and will soon start the chemotherapy. I'm going down to see her tomorrow. Keep praying, and having positive thoughts.

On a side note - we have to bury our computer. It's done. So, no emails for a while....

Ok, it's dead again

2005-11-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

I hate computers. I think my Microsoft word has the virus. I fixed the computer. Sent an email with an attachment. Poof. Connection is gone. I also hate Norton. I'm going to switch to McAfee. They do the updates themselves. I think I will have to remove Microsoft Word and Excel, do the whole reinstallation thing, and see if that works.

I apologize to my cousin Cathy and her daughter Becky. I have not participated in the Catbrown weightloss program as I said I would. Things have really been so hectic with Tara, planning our Dia De Los Muertos party that we had, etc... that I slacked. I promise to try, I really do. I'm so fat I can't stand it. I used to be hot. I need to start my treadmill again. And do Tai-bo. It's really not the eating that I have a problem with - it's getting off my fat a$$ and exercise.

Tara is going to NY to have surgery on Thursday. It turns out the nurse practitioner was partly right, but I still don't like her. She is having the chemo pump inserted, and they will start the chemo in two weeks. I'm going to take the train from Albany on Friday and go down to visit her. Keep praying and having good thoughts for her, ok?

I bought the Magician's nephew today - the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia - which I never knew is actually the Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe stories. My boss asked if I was into witchcraft because of this book and our party this weekend. I told him to watch it or I would hex him.

Tara and Mike ran into Barrie and Michelle Fee at the Phoenix Arizona airport - pretty neat.

Not much is new. I made a potato chip scarf before my friend Beth did - the knit geek - and now she wants to make it. Copycat. I also finished a sweater for my friend's 2 year old for Christmas. He's got red hair and big blue eyes, so I picked out a brown/rust color yarn. He'll look so cute. I will download pictures (I know same old story) when I get the blankin' computer fixed.

Cat and rb please forgive me.

Why are there nurse practitioners?

2005-10-24T13:48:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry but there are some people that need to be shot. No questions before, during or after. But then again, PTL for malpractice. Here's my reason.

Tara went down to NYC last Wednesday and Thursday to have a CAT scan done, and meet with their cardiologist to get his final blessing on surgery. This is because Tara's surgeon, Dr. Yuman Fong - he is a cutie! - believes that with the preliminary information he has received, he can operate on the tumor. There are two blood vessels going in to your liver, and three coming out. All he would need to work with is one each. So, let's do a CAT scan, so we can be sure of what we're working with. Thursday Tara met with the cardiologist, who told her that Dr. Fong's office would probably have the scan results by the time she is done, so call the office. Tara calls the office, and speaks with the nurse practitioner. Not the doctor, but his nurse.

Here is what is said - BY THE NURSE - The scan shows the tumor is wrapped around all the blood vessels so there is nothing that can be done. They will probably want to try and insert a chemo pump, but that is major surgery and you could be in the hospital at least five days, and we don't even know what type of chemo to give. This will only prolong things. Sorry.

Fast forward to Friday night - a message from the oncologist at Johns Hopkins wanting Tara down first thing Monday morning. Tara and Mike fly down, and have the appointment this morning at 10 a.m.

Here is what is said - BY THE ONCOLOGIST - We will be able to insert the pump. This will be done laparoscopic, in and out in one day. We will be changing the chemo every two weeks. So come down once a month. By the way, you are the 28th person to receive this pump, and of the 27, 67% have had their tumors shrink up to 33%. That's 18.76 people out of 28. So, if yours shrinks, we can then do the resection. And another thing - very little side effect - you may experience a little heartburn.

HMMM - who would you believe? I wonder if Dr. Fong even knows that the information given to Tara is incorrect, and that Tara could sue her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't mean to be mean, but this whole weekend, everyone has been so sad. Yes, it is the nurse practitioner's fault. Nothing should be said until the doctor has a chance to speak to the patient.

So, Jackie's friend the Reiki healer - Linda - who suggested Tara see the seer - and did - and was told this - you will be very sick - you will be having surgery the beginning of November, and you will be very sick. But you are going to live to be an old lady.

Who would you believe?

TOAST

2005-10-19T08:43:00.000-04:00

Is what our computer is. I tried to restore it, to no avail. I have to back up everything on a disc, remove everything, and then reinstall. Not to mention that whatever the virus is, has apparently attached itself to our email. I need to teach my husband that if he doesn't recognize the name of the person emailing him - DON'T OPEN IT DELETE IT AND BLOCK SENDER!!!!!!!!!!!

How is everyone's morning so far?

We are celebrating 4 birthdays at work today. Food everywhere. No matter where I turn. I can't escape it. I'm salivating as I type. UGH!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2005-10-18T11:39:00.000-04:00

Mike and I celebrated our first anniversary this weekend by going to Niagara Falls, Canada. What a great time! I have a ton of pics, but obviously since our computer is still in ICU, it will be a few days before you can view them.

I highly recommend staying at the Holiday Inn by the falls - directly across the street from the new Fallsview Casino! The room was clean, the restaurant - Coco's was fabulous! The staff were great too - we met Melanko - he is Serbian (aka Yugoslavian), and Melo, and a few others that were pretty darn funny. We went to the Butterfly Conservatory, did the Maid of the Mist boat tour, Journey behind the falls, Walk the rapids, and even got in some wineries! They were snooty though, not to mention that you have to pay $1 for every tasting - sometimes $4!!! Peller Estates was interesting. You order samplings by flights. One flight was 4 different wines for $7, and another was 3 different wines for $5. The good news is, that the samplings - are not just sips - they are very generous with their pourings! So, we ended up buying a case. Then on the way home, we stopped at duty free - to claim our taxes on our room - and ended up buying $96 worth of booze - but get this - three bottles of Sky vodka, three bottles of Tanguray, and one huge bottle of Kahlua!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found out yesterday that I won the 50/50 from the Leukemia/Lymphoma fundraiser that my co-worker Kim had - she is running in a 26.2 mile marathon in California in a few weeks, and I bought some tickets. I won $120!!!! I wasn't going to tell Mike, just because I don't have to. However, his co-worker Marc, is friends with one of the other girls that is running, so he was there, and he told Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a pal!!!!!

Mike is on his way to the dentist office - to get the female portion of his titanium implant installed. Then he goes to another dentist to have the temporary tooth put in, and a mold taken for the permanent tooth. So I made chicken Diavolo (chili) to cook in the crockpot today. YUM!!!! Hopefully this tooth thing will be done and over with soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures to follow soon...

testing...

2005-10-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

rb's instructions!

no access

2005-10-11T09:07:00.000-04:00

Our computer crapped the bed - again. I have to get in touch with Dell, to have my operating system reinstalled, since for some reason, we have a virus. I can't get into emails, nor can we go onto the web.

I am fighting a sinus infection because my doctor wouldn't see me for two days, so I have no antibiotics. I am suffering through it, and we're supposed to go away this weekend for our one year anniversary. I'm full of snot.

Tara is going to NYC on the 19th and 20th for a CAT Scan, and to see their cardiologist. She got clearance from hers to have surgery. Then she sees the surgeon - Dr. Yuman Fong - on the 31st.

So, if I don't post for a while, it's because I can't from home, and am afraid to do it from work, but wanted everyone to know... sorry!!

what a weekend!

2005-10-03T12:22:00.000-04:00

I love the weekends, but I'm glad it's over. Phew. Friday we went to Mike's sis and bro-in-law's (Mary and Pete from here on in) house to have wings (three days in a row. I'm done), and play cards(yes,I won money). Garrett (Mary and Pete's son) - had to do a paper on three important events in his life. One of them was me! I talked him into playing drums - the kid has enough energy for the whole freakin' band - and he talked about the night I said "dude, you need to play the drums"! I was a little verklempt.

Saturday morning, got up and went to Rome for Tara's benefit. I burst out crying when I saw her get off the bike - orange tye-dyed shirt, chaps, and a do-rag. Just hearing the bikes - all 30 of them - coming in sent chills up and down my spine!! They ended up raising over $5000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her girlfriend Kristi, who got the ride going, wants to do a spring run, so I'm going to see what I can do here with Performance Harley and the Dinosaur BBQ - I will keep everyone posted...

Sunday we went to breakfast, Bargain Outlet, Home Depot, and then Green Hills for steak and seafood - I actually had three pieces of Mike's steak!! It was real good. I organized my closet, and my yarn!!! And finished the treadmill. It was a productive but busy weekend, and of course at 1:47 a.m. I wake up with a sore burning throat. So I'm pumped up with Eccinachea, vitamin c, ibuprofin, and Claritin. Think I 'll get the shlotzke's?

Tara is enroute to NYC so as soon as I hear, I will pass on any info.

TGIF

2005-09-30T13:22:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad it's Friday - Mike and I are going to his sister's tonight for wine and cards. Can't wait to get out of the house.

So, I bought a treadmill. I tried to put it together Wed. night, and stopped at the point that the directions said - this requires two people. It was 11:30 when this occured, and my husband didn't come to my aid once. Not until I asked for his help. I'm finding out that he isn't a mind reader (no man is), and that if I want help, I have to ask for it unlike us gals, who automatically offer to help. So, maybe next time I won't offer. But then again he won't ask. So I tell Beth this, and she says when he helps me he will take over. I of course being "newly married" disagree with her. Glad we didnt' bet! He took over last night, getting so frustrated that he actually said "boy, we can't to do anything together, can we". Hmmm. Yes WE can do things together, because I have patience. We punched each other when it was over.

Tomorrow is Tara's benefit. There are supposedly a few hundred bikers (my ultimate dream date), and the weather is going to be spectacular. I of course, won't be riding (Sucks to be me), so I will be at Bucky's helping set up. The donated prizes are the bomb.

Update on Tara

side note: Tara is having trouble getting here to post - Cath - can you share what she needs to do, since she is also a contributor like you?

Tara has been accepted as a patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan! What does this mean, you ask? Well, here's a hint - they only accept people they feel they can treat!!! Not to get hopes up, but this is such good news - not to mention that her liver is strengthening, and it appears as though the tumor is shrinking. Tara continues her veganism (gross juiced organic carrots, yuk), is seeing the Reiki healer that Jackie referred her to, and an Osteopath. And she goes to healing masses at least once a week.

Either she or I will post after tomorrow, and hopefully will have some great pictures!!!

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!

2005-09-26T20:00:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun with my family, I can't begin to tell you!! It was so fun to get to know my cousin Cath, not to mention her three girls. Holy cow - personalities come out when you're not at the reunion, and there's booze involved! Got off to a great start - my mimosa's went in the first half hour -which never happened before. Three different kinds of bloody mary's were floating around. But the lack of beer seemed to set the tone - not as wild as before.

Anyway, right off the bat Rebecca grossed me out - see below. In between drinkin and eating she found a very precarious place for her gum. I told her a male appendage could have been sitting there but that didn't matter to her. Oh well, it's her mouth!!!

Mike loved Rebecca's roommates eyes - l to the k - you rock.

The strip show started early - and of the four, my husband was the first male - woohoo!!!! Ain't he sexy?

Which then prompted the kissing to commence. I can't believe Mike turned them on!!!

So, after everyone cooled down, Pam took over and I won't show what happened after this. Needless to say, never attempt this - unless you're home alone.

Even the pedophile was unphased - he read the paper!!!

Here is my cousin once removed's new husband - I think of a year - with all his friends. No one would play with him. Poor Ryan - or poor M?

The party animal - not Will AKA Tony Stewart, but the flasher - that was the best strip show of the day!!!

Beck and I being queer - you put a picture on your blog, and I'll put one on mine! At least she removed the gum.

Here is me and my new sister Kirsten - in looks only Beth don't worry - I got your back!

And last but not least the Mass attack!!!!

I just want to say thanks to my family - you are the bomb diggity. Mike even thinks so!!!!

High five on a good time had by all!!!

new addition?

2005-09-21T22:24:00.000-04:00

Psych!! I puppysat a 6 month old English Chocolate Lab, that I want for my very own!! Her name is Reese, and her owner is Mike's co-worker Mark. They have class Mondays and Wednesdays, so I got to watch her tonight!!!

She is playing with Minnie who was on a hat that my mom made - sorry Mom - and since she came with no toys, she needed something to play with!!!

Here she is waiting patiently for her "dad" to come back and take her home!

This is the coolest- it's the moon - duh - but taken 9.20.05 at 6:45 a.m. That's right folks.

Benefit for Tara

2005-09-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

I have added a link to the right for more information regarding the ride...

Benefit ride and party for tara (Jordan) desimone
Saturday, October 1, 2005
10 am / 12:00 – 4:00 pm

Tara (Jordan) desimone, age 30, was recently diagnosed with primary liver cancer. This benefit is being held in her honor to help raise money for medical expenses.
Bikers will depart from Dick’s Harley-Davidson in Rome at approximately 10:00 am for a 70 mile fall foliage ride. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided; please arrive with a full tank. We will join the party at Bucky’s restaurant and lounge in Rome (1305 Floyd Ave) at 12:00 pm for pizza and wings (cash bar available). A representative from the Rochester/Finger Lakes Eye and Tissue Bank will be on hand to answer questions that you may have about organ donation and sign up future donors.
DJ – Brian Whooten – Raffles and 50/50 tickets
Donation is $15.00 per person / $25.00 per couple
For more information, tickets and/or directions,
please contact Kristi (315)525-0601.

It was the most fun!!!

2005-09-12T20:17:00.000-04:00

Ok, so we get there, and Mike almost breaks his ankle because there are so many holes in the ground. But the lawnmowers were not as souped up as I thought. But the quote of the day was "Chris is in all the races, so his wife better get out the Charmin"!!!!

UGH. They had a flag guy - with the green, white, yellow and checkered. And then they had 2 flag men in the "pit"... This is some serious business up in Volney - they actually travel all over, and have a website!!!!

Can you see the excitement on his face???

Then we had to help "clean the track", by removing rocks.

There are just too many photos - he did take about 50, so here is one good one...

The new phonebook's here!!!

2005-09-10T11:52:00.000-04:00

I feel like Steve Martin in the Jerk - when he got his name and phone number published for the first time, then got attacked by a sniper: Saturday is here!! Saturday is here!! I am so fixin' the camera, my hair and makeup for the races today - I am so excited, I'm shaking!!!!

By the by - yesterday Tara Michelle Jordan DeSimone turned the big 3-0 - a big shout out to you birthday girl!!!

Pictures will be posted the minute I get home, now that I know how to do it!!

little miss cranky pants

2005-09-09T14:52:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had a conversation with someone where they put you in such a mood, that you don't want to speak to anyone, and you get so much work done, it's not even funny? A conversation where they are so mad at someone you love, but won't do anything about it, and chalk it up to "whatever", that you want to slap them?

Welcome to my day!

It's Tara!

2005-09-08T17:48:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I just thought you might appreciate hearing directly from me that my spirits are high and I am feeling good. I had my second biopsy today and it went well from my point of view (it was most likely the sedation...). Now I have to wait again for the result since the first biopsy was somewhat inconclusive. Everyone is pretty confident that it is liver cancer (Hepatocellar Carcinoma) but the doctor at Johns Hopkins wants definitive proof. I am feeling sick and tired of visiting doctor's and talking to them but I guess I have to deal with it for now.

I have been doing a lot of praying. As I told everyone, I have more confidence in the Lord than I do in anyone else. I have attended 3 healing masses recently and I always walk away feeling calm and, believe it or not, reassured. I don't mind this "test" if I can somehow help others - BUT I DO PRAY FOR A HEALING MIRACLE! I appreciate any prayers from my family.

I have also been doing a lot of "homework" on the Internet and through several books that I have purchased. I now know that one of the best things I can do for myself is to build my immune system. As a result, I have converted to vegetarianism and I am incorporating more organic and live foods into my diet. Using a juicer, I make a lot of fresh carrot juice - beta carotene - yum! I am just beginning to work with a natural healing doctor who will help me build my immune system through diet and possibly supplements. My hope is that by building my immune system, I can naturally begin fighting this "thing" on my own. Or, if I start a treatment soon, it will only be to my benefit to be as healthy as possible.

I have done some research on how other countries handle their patients with liver cancer. As a result, I spoke to a man in Denmark who told me of localized hyperthermia (basically, cooking the tumor until it starts to die) and mistletoe injections. These injections are made from the leaves of the misteltoe and are supposed to be more effective (in some studies) than chemo with no side effects. I also located a clinic in Michigan that does this, too but I haven't contacted them yet. I have been fairly vocal about the fact that a liver transplant is my VERY last option and I WILL try alternative methods first. Of course, I am agreeable to more conventional treatments as well if they are offered to me by Johns Hopkins.

If anyone would like to contact me with any information or just to say hi, Peg will get you my contact information. I am actually on vacation from work until September 19.

Thank you, everyone. Please know that I am a very positive person and I am keeping my chin up. Bye for now.

Tara

I cannot wait for Saturday!!

2005-09-07T15:14:00.000-04:00

Why you ask??? Well, my husband informed me that he is taking me north of Fulton - why you ask? Well, to see the Lawnmower races, of course!!! I cannot stand it - I won't be able to sleep!!! And don't worry, I will be posting pictures!

adding Tara

2005-09-06T21:29:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited! I talked to Tara tonight, and she wants to contribute to the blog, so I've sent her the invitation - I think that' s what I'm supposed to do... Anyway, she is doing so good spiritually. She is going to healing masses, using holy water, essential oils, drinking teas to cleanse her liver. She will be coming in to Syracuse for a core biopsy on Thursday, which is about the same time the doctors in MD will be meeting to discuss the game plan. She also told me a friend of hers is putting together a benefit - it will be cool - it's going to be a biker's benefit and she will be a biker mama on the back of the hog riding around town raising money for gas, hotels, etc. - stuff the insurance company won't pay for. Hopefully I've added her correctly, so she can keep everyone informed!!!!

Let's say goodbye to fair

2005-09-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

So, it's time to say goodbye to the carnies, the toothless people, the drunk people. Mike and I went Sunday and had so much fun - we hit almost all the buildings. Once again I didn't see the horse barn. Back in 1995 Mike and I went to the fair, and actually saw a five legged horse. He thinks it was a goat, but goats' fifth leg is not a big as their four. Only on a horse.

Today sucks at work, but I'm playing on my blog, and working on designing our new kitchen. Not to mention trying to find unfinished bedside tables. Haven't heard from my best friend in a week now. Hmm. Too busy playing with yarn, are we?

Hope you all liked the reunion pics. I'm also planning on buying a scanner, as I have a ton of old reinion pics - which would be fun to view.

Straight out of Baltimore...

2005-09-02T08:36:00.000-04:00

Comes some real good news! Tara went to Johns Hopkins yesterday and they feel they can treat her! She needs to get a bigger biopsy done, here in Syracuse. Apparently what they do is inject the tumor with alcohol and/or chemo, to shrink it, so they can then operate. I will know more today after I talk to her... Thanks for all the praying - a miracle may be in the works!!!!

Unfair

2005-08-27T14:52:00.000-04:00

Ok, I had all intentions of creating this blog for fun. To keep in touch with all my cousins, since we are the "next generation" in line... And since I created it, I've had really no good news to post.

Once again, I have bad news. Tara has Hepatocellular Carcinoma. It is a malignant tumor inside her liver, that has affected the blood vessels coming in to the liver, as well as the ducts within the liver. She has been through a battery of tests, and so far any hope for a transplant is limited. She is going to Johns Hopkins on Thursday, to meet with liver cancer specialists there, and has been in touch with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. If she decides to, the treatment center will fly her to Tulsa Oklahoma, to be seen.

First off, she does not have it anywhere else, which is good news, since adult primary liver cancer is somewhat rare. But I should mention that she is the third Rome, NY resident to have this. One person is a 19 year old boy, who is undergoing chemo, and the other is a girl in her early thirties, who has had a successful resection, without chemo or radiation.

I did a little research using my medical knowledge (this too, is limited, but resourceful), and there are basically two underlying causes for this type of cancer - Hepatitis, or a mycotoxin called Aflatoxin. This is a mold/fungus that is found in corn and peanuts just after harvest.

She is in good spirits, and has a positive mindset. She asks that all pray for a miracle, and if anyone knows of anything - holistic, medical, spiritual, to please do research so she can be cured.

I hope all is well with everyone, and may this family get through this.

One out of four ain't bad

2005-08-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

My husband took my key. God knows why, because he doesn't.

Where's Waldo?

2005-08-19T13:54:00.000-04:00

Ok, so we have a ghost in our house. Things are missing that don't really seem to be of any relevance, but when we look for them, they are gone. The biggest thing missing is my car key.

It all started when Mike purchased tickets to the wine festival thing downtown. They grew legs and walked away. Nowhere to be found. I was to blame because I was the last one to "pick them up". Not like he never went into the dining room. I bought a new door knob for our linen closet. Gone. Had to buy another one. Then the pruning shears disappeared. Now my car key. I think someone is having a party - drinking wine, opening doors, cutting things, and driving my car - all behind our backs.

Can someone suggest performing a ritual to get these things back before they take my husband?

This really sucks

2005-08-17T07:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I go back to work Monday, and yesterday I find out that 4 days are unpaid. I have 3 days bereavement, and one floating holiday, and no vacation days. How dumb was I to have signed the agreement to that?! And Mike wants to take me to NC for our one year anniversary. Whatever.

Tara's biopsy has been sent to the Mayo clinic - just for a second opinion. So she's on pins and needles over that, since they won't have the results until next week! I told her maybe that thing is a medical marvel, and she'll be famous - you know, to cheer her up!!

Aunt Kate and I chatted on the phone the night before last - for 90 minutes!!!! We both had some doozy stories to share!!

And, I'm so happy - some of us cousins are going to get together - outside of a funeral and a reunion - it's a banner day for the Hahn's!!!! Mike and I go on a wine tour with the Salt City Brew Club (which we are going to join) every year, and hang out with his brother in law, who brews, and all the people in the club - most importantly the head brewmeister at Middle Ages - Tim - what a guy. Anyway, it's this September, and would you believe that I got an email from Becky - that 10 of them want to go!!!! I emailed the prez of the club, and he said that they were all welcome - if they were anything like me - hmmm - there's a compliment for sure!!! Ladies, just be prepared for the skinny girls to take their tops off - pretty bras are in tact - at the end of the ride, and dance in the aisle of the bus... hopefully we won't have the old man driving again, as we almost wrecked - if you know what I mean!!!!!

Gotta go tend to my locks for work. TTFN.

Here's my version of why I go to the family reunion!

2005-08-14T12:58:00.000-04:00

Becky - I still need help!

2005-08-13T13:18:00.000-04:00

with downloading pictures. I feel like an idiot, but I really think it's the help topics here at blogger.com.... any thoughts?

Finally some good news!!!!

2005-08-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

Got good news - great news - about Tara!!! That thing that is inside her liver is benign!!!!! They still don't know what it is, but she is now being tested for Hepatitis. Not from the blood transfusion she had in 1996, but from 1975 when she was born!!! Apparently the blood from '75 was never "cleaned" or prepped, tested - whatever they do, and if it is Hep, it could have laid dormant all these years.

But she is doing great - she goes back to the doctor at the end of the month to see what the next step is... WOOHOO!!!

Also to let you all know that we will be having a burial of Mom's ashes at 3 pm on Tuesday August 30th, up at St. Francis Cemetery in Marcellus. We will then go to Red Lobster to celebrate their 47th anniversary (it is the 30th). Father Champlin, who married Mike and I will be saying the prayers at the gravesite, since he converted mom, and married them in the Catholic church 17 years ago.... He said he would be honored since he had such a connection with mom and dad. So, anyone that wishes to attend, let me know if you need directions. Let's celebrate her life, and their marriage, and try not to mourn her death too much.

It's getting better over time...

2005-08-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

Well, it is getting better, sometimes. Then I'll see butterflies in my garden, and think of mom and dad, and cry. I am sad, but I'm glad they are together, and that I now have two angels watching over me, so that has doubled my good fortune!

Thanks to all the Hahns. You have opened up your hearts and arms, and welcomed my mom like no other family could - even her own. She thought of Grandma as her own mother, and all of Dad's sisters like hers. You never know what kind of impression you have on someone until you pass, and boy did mom make an impression. We all feel blessed to have known her, and us kids are truly blessed to be able to call her mom. She and dad taught us such good values and morals, and that is because of their upbringing.

I am also grateful to my friends and my husband. Without his strength of having gone through this as well, I don't think I could be as strong as I am. He is truly my hero.

I now see things differently - figuratively, and literally. Colors are more vivid. Things are slower than before, and things don't bother me as much as before. I don't know if it's because I watched a woman who fought pain for 11 years take her last breath, knowing dad was there to guide her, or just knowing they are together, and she is whole again. I do know that life and death have taken on a new meaning for me - not so much religously, but very spiritual. It's not that I would recommend witnessing a peaceful death, but I'm more at ease about her passing than I was with dad - maybe it's because they are together, or maybe it's because I was with her. I don't know. But even though I'm sad for myself, I'm smiling under the pain and grief, I truly am.

I want my mommy

2005-08-04T12:05:00.000-04:00

Ok, not sure what happened, but I just created a post, saved it and now it's gone, so I have to do it again.

Mom passed away at 2:45 this morning, from a massive kidney infection. We were all there by her side, and Dad came to greet her at the curtain, jingling change in his pocket. At that precise moment, Val and I both knew she was ready.

She is now pain free, and will probably never sit again, after being stuck in a wheelchair for 11 years. She and dad are dancing, hugging, and kissing, and she is playing pinochle with her dad.

It sucks, but I'm at peace. For the 2nd and 3rd cousins, I hope you don't have to go through it any time soon, but take comfort in knowing they are in a better place regardless of the pain. Our hearts are broken, but she is happy, and that is all that matters.

TTFN my mommy... I love you.

Oh mylanta

2005-08-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I did the corporate challenge. I got cramps in my calves which turned into shin splints, and then my feet fell asleep. Then I saw little Rachel fly by me - heading back that is, and I hadn't even gotten to the 1 mile mark!! Dang that girl can run!! I did finish in less than one hour - 52 minutes to be exact.... so that equates to a 15 minute mile. Not bad for an old lady....

I got a call about Tara, she has some thing growing inside her liver, that she is going to be tested for on Friday - apparently it is the size of a softball. It could be Hemangioma - Sara(h) you are a nurse... what the hell is that?

I'm going to take a shower, and have a martini - since I don't have any bloody mary mix, I'll drink it straight up like Frank used to.

Nighty night!!!!

No time to waste!

2005-08-02T11:34:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm at work, very busy, supposed to keep track of every 15 minutes of my day, and I'm playing with my blog... whatever...

I changed the view of it, and I like this one better - kind of reminds me of wine, don't ask why, but it does.

I'm running in the corporate challenge today - or should I say jog/walking - it's supposed to oppressive - my husband's favorite way to describe our weather.

Since I don't have plans this weekend, I definitely will download the pics from our reunion, and will try and gather info for the family tree. I want to buy a scanner, since we already have a docking station/printer, but do they even come separate anymore????? That way, I can scan all the old pics from our reunions of yore, etc...

Summer Cabbage Salad recipe

2005-08-01T20:54:00.000-04:00

Ok, here it is...

1 lb. cole slaw
2 pkg. ramen noodles, uncooked, crunched
1 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1 cup shave almonds
2 bunches scallions - green ends - cut up

Mix together.

dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
both flavor packets from the ramen noodles

Mix together, and pour over salad.

Yum yum - as Mike says, it tastes like candy!!!!

I'm getting there!

2005-08-01T20:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I've added rb's blog site, and just added my best friend's knitting blog site. She's the coolest.

welcome!

2005-08-01T20:09:00.000-04:00

This is my new blog - I'm new at this, so all of you be patient. I'm linking my cousin's blog site (actually, they are cousin's twice removed), so that I can get a feel for this. I hope not to be too boring, and will hope to have some funny stories and pictures to share...

So, thanks and welcome!