Friday, December 30, 2011

A Timely and True Story..

.

My niece Jennifer and her family today..
This is her story, told by her friend Shannon..


Those of you who know me personally know that I have one child by birth. My lovely daughter Margeaux. Some though, don't know that I have another family. Jennifer Holland came into my life when she was 17 and I was 27. I became the grandmother to her children since she lost her mother to cancer when she was 12. Their names are Farrin, Shaylynn and Billy.

2005 they went to a Christmas parade. On the way home they were hit by a drunk driver. Billy, my five year old grandson will never be the same. He almost lost his life and had to live without his skull cap for almost a year since his brain had swollen do to extensive injuries. My granddaughter Shaylynn's leg was broken and Farrin....well, Farrin is now 16. This Christmas she gave her mother a letter. The letter was about her life. She wrote from the time she could remember until this year. I read the letter and could not stop myself from crying. The drunk driver who hit them has now died from a liver disease. What he left in the wake of his life will forever show its damages to my grandchildren. Billy has half the use of the left side of his body. His ability to learn is much slower than it should be at 11. Shaylynn has healed but will never forget the terror of that night and Farrin.....Farrin wrote in the letter that her reality is she may never be able to carry the weight of a child growing inside her. Her broken hips have given her little ability to live life without constant pain.

Their mother Jennifer.... It is not always easy to get her to tell you what her injuries were. She doesn't focus on what she went through except for the emotional pain of watching her children suffer. I kow though that she lives in a prison of pain that she cannot escape from. Rarely though does she ever complain. Her cup is half full because she knows she has the life of her children and so many mothers have lost their own families to drunk driving.

I have been guilty of driving with a buzz. I was lucky I didn't kill myself or anyone else. Being intelligent, fun, cool...that has nothing to do with stupidity and having the willingness to take someone else's life. You can take someone else's life without stopping their heartbeat. You can do it by marring them for life.

I am making the choice to not be that person.

Remember...
There is no such thing as an accident if you are drinking and driving. You make the decision to drive impaired before you get drunk. You make the decision with a clear head to live with your choice or to die with it.



Wednesday, December 28, 2011

foot surgery update

Hello all..
About the surgery I had this morning..
had to be at hospital at 6am..
no makeup,comfy sweats..
met with all members of the surgical team..
outstanding, one and all..highly efficient!
*7:38.am, cold in surgery room, but had warm blankies covering most of me..
*anesthiologist and i chattered.
I was under the effect of MJ's drug..it felt nice and relaxing..
*Propofol: a prescription sedative-hypnotic drug (brand name Diprivan) that is administered intravenously. Propofol is commonly used in the induction of general anesthesia and can be used both for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. When administration of the drug is discontinued, it wears off rapidly, allowing the patient to awaken within a short time. Like other anesthetic agents, side effects of propofol can include respiratory depression. Propofol should only be administered in controlled settings in which ventilation support and monitoring of cardiovascular function are available.
foot was drugged with Novacaine/lidocaine..didn't feel anything!
actual surgery.. just a bit over 30 minutes!
wheeled out in wheelchair at 9:30
back home by 11..
stopped by Burger King for sausage biscuits..
was famished..had not eaten since 7:30 pm the previous nite!..
FYI:
*incision and removal of Morton Neuroma..
Morton's neuroma
this was the SECOND such surgery in 2 years..
the first was through the top of my foot..
this one through the BOTTOM of my foot
(i am under the effects of heavy duty meds so please excuse any goofy typos..)
Prognosis: 80% chance of no recurrence or problems..
(how I pray i am in this group!!)
Causes:
Experts are not sure what exactly causes Morton's neuroma. It seems to develop as a result of irritation, pressure or injury to one of the digital nerves that lead to the toes, which triggers a body response, resulting in thickened nerve tissue (neuroma).
  • Feet conditions/situations that can cause the bones to rub against a nerve include:
    High-heeled shoes - especially those over 2 inches (5cm), or a pointed or tight toe box which squash the toes together...(spent a good deal of my adult life in HIGH HEELS! Mine developed when working on MARBLE floors for 8 hours at a stretch!!)  This is probably why the condition is much more common in females than in males.
  • High-arched foot - people whose feet have high arches are much more likely to suffer from Morton's neuroma than others. (that's me to a T!)
  • Flat feet - the arch of the foot collapses. The entire sole of the foot comes into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.
  • A bunion - a localized painful swelling at the base of the big toe, which enlarges the joint.
  • Hammer toe - a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent.
  • Some high-impact sporting activities - including running, karate, and court sports. Any sport that places undue pressure on the feet
    • Surgery - if other therapies have not worked it may be necessary to perform surgery. As surgery may result in permanent numbness in the affected toe, doctors ten to use this procedure as a last resort. However, in most cases surgery is extremely effective.
      The patient usually receives a local anesthetic.
      Surgery involves either removing the nerve, or removing the pressure on the nerve. Two surgical approaches are possible: 
    • The dorsal approach - the surgeon makes an incision on the top of the foot, allowing the patient to walk soon after surgery, because the stitches are not on the weight-bearing side of the foot.
    • The plantar approach - the surgeon makes an incision on the sole of the foot. In most cases the patient will be in crutches for about three weeks. The resulting scar may make walking uncomfortable. However, with this approach the neuroma can be reached easily and resected without cutting any structures.
      There is a small risk of infection around the toes after surgery.
    • Okay..have had both now..ready for relief..forget the crutches,,i'm staying in,using a much more stable WALKER! and above all.. FOLLOWING DOCTORS ORDERS!
    • time for pain meds and ice behind my knee..am in a stablizing  boot which comes early to my knee!
    • hugs to all!!




Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Wednesday..

Okay..
the sleigh ride is over..
everyone worked hard..
doing their part..
the goods were delivered..
now we can sit back and relax..
moving right along...
a vacation is in order..
guess where?
yep..til next year...
Ho Ho Ho!!!




The two of us..
Just chillaxin'


So how are you enjoying the final days of 2011?
Big party plans to ring in the New Year?
what are your New Year traditions?

Me?..
low key..
no dancing on the tabletops..
nor swinging from the Chandelier..

having foot surgery in the morning..

ABSOLUTELY NO weight bearing on it..

for three weeks..
no driving..
have to use crutches and/or a walker..
that means..
plenty of computer time!!! 


White Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Rednesday

Monday, December 26, 2011

monday's colors

Happy Monday!
what are your plans for this day AFTER Christmas?
one could explore..
making discoveries such as this abandoned truck...
beautiful against the snowy backdrop..

CHEVY RELIC
Whatever your decision..
dress appropriately..
I LOVE this outfit..
especially the bright yellow coat!
Colorful Winter Wear.
I just love the blueness of this Spruce..
1094814.  Sunlight shines through snowy conifer trees at Nakiska Ski Area.
but would not mind this blue at all!
Pinned Image
Or just toodling around in this!
Pinned Image
(pics courtesy Pinterest)
please visit these blogs for more Monday fun!
Blue Monday
Mellow Yellow Monday

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Saturday, December 24, 2011

a new friend's Giveaway!

What fun we have in Bloggerland!
a perfect example..
(*remember to acknowledge comments left on your posts..
you NEVER know who will stop by..or who you might meet in return!)


I met a new friend today when she left me a comment ..
Cindy  from Art, Books And Tea  ..
and I reciprocated by visiting her in return.
I plan to return for an in depth visit..
she is an accomplished artist..
and books and tea are favorites of mine..
During  that visit, I discovered her friend Mary ..
was having an awesome giveaway!
Direct from Mary at Hope Filled Living.. 
here is the post and how to enter!!!




For many years, one of my favorite artists has been Susan Branch.
I like her art because it is colorful and lighthearted and always lifts my mood. 
Each year before New Years, I purchase a couple of her calendars--
one for the kitchen bulletin board, where I keep track of doctors visits, activities, etc.
and another  for my office. 
If you go visit her blog and decide you really love it, you can sign-up forWillard
her monthly newsletter, which is full of colorful illustrations ..
and a bit about what she's been up to (Always encouraging)!

And.if you look around my blog.at the comments..
you will see  Miss Susan stopped by for a visit ..
when we were posting the holiday traditions from our guest posters!

So, I am having a giveaway on December 26th..
and one lucky person will get the new 


 What do you have to do to enter??? 
Just visit Mary at Hope Filled Living for easy details!
Have a wonderful holiday!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Frantic Friday?

Good Morning/day/world?
thoughts as I perused the Various Worlds of communication via Computer..
with coffee at hand..comfy attire (not yet dressed from nightclothes to dayclothes)..
glancing out the window as the beautiful scene unfolds..
a simple poem magically materializes..:





through my window..the sun is shining..


Through the winter Aspens,My Colorado sky is so very BLUE..

Time to quit dawdling,,
yep..lost in thoughts in my mermaid world

Time to finish the last on the list "TO DO" !
Oops!!!Wrong list!!!!

Now that's more like it..!!
now for a little presto-chango to make Ta Da a reality!!
hope you are enjoying  your Pre-Christmas Eve-Eve!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Good SNOWY morning!




























Good Morning..
the snow started falling yesterday around mid- afternoon..
Luckily, I had just finished everything on my to do list..
was safely at home all snug and toasty..
The snow continued through the night..
is still falling this morning..
so far..6-8 inches..with 8-12 predicted..
guess where and what I'll be doing all day?..
yes! Christmas carols softly playing..
I still in my jammies enjoying second cup..
next ..sweats..presents..final preps under way!
enjoy your day in a Christmas-y way!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Winter Wonderland Wednesday

Just one of the many reasons I LOVE Colorado..
Such tranquil outdoor beauty..
everywhere the eye can see..
The Master Artiste has done his job so beautifully..
Let's do a bit of touring by hopping aboard this red Chevy truck..
1220869.  Holiday Wreath hanging on split-rail fence next to decorated tree w/sunset Anchorage Alaska Winter
Pinned Image
Let's do a bit of touring by hopping aboard this red Chevy truck..
Don't know where he's heading..but I'm sure we'll have some fun!
he's dressed for the holiday!!
below..daywear..
1220743.  Holiday decorated classic 1953 Chevy pickup truck on road Colorado winter
and now..after 5 attire!!

look at the  old red barn! 
what a beautiful snow covered sight!
Pinned Image
Look at these beauties in their winter coats..
1180418.  Horse on Soward Ranch decorated for the holidays Antelope Valley Creede Colorado
Posers for sure..
1180423.  Horse on Soward Ranch decorated for the holidays Antelope Valley Creede Colorado
what a beauty!!
1220860.  Christmas Wreath on Mailbox  Snowcovered Road Digital composite
and out by the main road, a snow covered red barn MAILBOX!
Let's invite the postman in for a bit of warmth..
these are really delightful!!
Pinned Image
Marshmallows dipped in chocolate, rolled in sugar,
and speared with a peppermint stick. 
This would be good to put in hot chocolate!
Pinned Image
what a pretty way to serve hot chocolate,,
in a dainty, delicate white china teacup!
Pinned Image
Now I could go for this wreath..
white spray painted pinecones..
glittery blue leaves.. and a graceful white reindeer!
love the simplicity and elegance!
Pinned Image
My idea of a fireplace. Decoration ...Perfection!!..
but check out the painting above..
looks like a springtime grove of Aspens.
I LOVE Aspens..their white bark intrigues me to no end!!
Pinned Image
what a beautifully decorated Christmas tree!!
White snowflakes..and white lights..so much white..aahhh! love it
Pinned Image
Now this is outdoor beauty in its purest form!
another masterpiece by the Master himself..


Here's wishing each of you..
a beautiful Christmas..
and the Happiest of New Years...
warmest hugs from Colorado!
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Please join these parties for more Wednesday fun
Watery Wednesday
White Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Rednesday

Monday, December 19, 2011

Blue Monday



It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 
Ev'rywhere you go; 
Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again 
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. 
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 
Toys in ev'ry store 
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be 
On your own front door. 
A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots 
Is the wish of Barney and Ben; 
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk 
Is the hope of Janice and Jen; 
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again. 
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 
Ev'rywhere you go; 
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well, 
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow. 
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; 
Soon the bells will start, 
And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing ..
Right within your heart.





Hello friends..
By this time NEXT week..
Christmas will be past..
and we will be gearing up to welcome in a brand 
new year!
In the meantime, I'm savoring these last few days by  listening to carols sung by childhood favorites..
these transport me back into the time of simple pleasures..
family.. 
that magical childlike feeling of awed anticipation..
and remembering the reason for the celebration of this most beautiful holiday of them all..
from my home to you and yours..
my wish..

Please visit Sally and all the gang for more 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Seasonal Sundays

Good Morning!!
as I sit in the quiet of my office..
enjoying the first  of what I call "Yummy cups of inspiration"..

my thoughts turn to the tasks at hand..
finish wrapping presents tops the list..
Just-cant-wait-ii-7_large_large
as well as the everyday mundane chores..
shall I venture out later this afternoon or not?..
still lost in  my thoughts of chaos from yesterday..
trying to shop..
only to be overcome by rudeness in many forms..
shoving, snatching, growling..
by adults..
and not their screaming unruly children..
that's the time I'd had enough..
back in the NOW.. 
movement outside my window catches my eye..
it is birds....many birds..
Pinned Image
flitting to the evergreen tree on the other side of Ernies' house..
glancing around his snow covered roof..
I see his bare-limbed Maple glistening in the early morning sunlight..
seemingly bathed in diamonds..
Pinned Image
the birds are very actively swooping in and out between our rooftops..
perhaps they've been sampling the dried fruit  in the Crabapple tree out front?
Pinned Image

Geez! one almost hit my window just now!!
wow!! brought me right back to reality!
time to get a move on..
coffee is over and done..
time to get out of this wonderfully relaxed mode of jammies..
and fuzzy slippers..
all wrapped in a warm fuzzy robe..
on a cold wintery Sunday morning..
one last glance  out the window...
Pinned Image
As I watch these beautiful moments unfold..
I'm thinking..
Our Creator  sure knew what he was doing..
did't He?
with a smile on my face..
and a song in my heart..
I'm off to enjoy yet another joyful day..
Thankful..for this present from my Maker..
what a beautiful Gift I've received and opened!!!
(All images coutesy of Pinterest)


Please join The Tablescaper for More Seasonal Sundays

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday..updates


About those Lost Photos..
after trying every technique known to me..

and all those from well-wishing friends and unknowns..

especially after weighing the VALUE of the photos to me..
I bit the bullet and went to a local computer service..
for HELP in possible retrieval/recovery.
the cost in $$..$30.00 per half hour.

As I waited in agony, they finally called..
Sorry, they could not find my missing Photos..
Could I come down and SHOW them exactly what I did?
and Oh Yes, please bring the memory card..
I did all the above..
finally got a techie/geek to come out from behind the scenes..
he did a bunch of stuff..
but talking DOWN to me as if I'm an idiot..
which I assured him in no uncertain terms I was NOT!
still could not find the pics..
nonchalantly in my best Blondeness,

 I said:"I thought you folks were like Techies  at work..
where a particular computer user could be followed.. 
by every site visited..
each particular day..
why are you not doing that in this instance?"
his response.."I have no idea what I'm looking for!!"
absolutely floored me!!
I pointed to the service order and said: 
"You are to be retrieving my lost photos, 
which I downloaded from a memory card..
(imported into Picasa program) on a specific date! 
Seems like to me that should be an easy task ..
as I only downloaded one huge batch of photos..
on that particular date in time!"
To which..he immediately typed a bunch of codes..
and up popped files..
date and time stamped!
which when opened:
were my missing PHOTOS!!!!
I have no idea the sequence he used to open up the files..
and he would not tell me slowly what he did..
(this could be from the service program which their company uses)..
I just don't know..
but this I do KNOW..
I will NOT download/import any future photos into the laptop!
I WILL carry an abundant supply of memory cards from now on..
I will NOT deal with Best Buy Geek Squad or Dell Service ever again..
final cost?  $60.00..
for my sanity: Priceless!!
Bottom line..when in doubt about any problem..
weigh your options..
compare..
pray..
consult with the experts..
and PRAY both for those solvers of the problem..
as well as for the problem to be solved..
then give a prayer of thanks..
this is the season of miracles!!
and NOW ..
Back to your regularly scheduled Friday ___________!!!!