WOW, It's been a long time

Hello,

Wow, it's been a long time since I have posted.  Did not realize how long.  And, it's been a wild time frame as well.

Last year was my year of cancer.  Breast cancer in 2003 was a cake walk compared to this one.  Esophageal Cancer...located in the esophagus and stomach.  Lots of tests, chemo, "major" surgery and radiation.  Needless to say, I basically lived in my recliner and in lots of pain and discomfort.  I had wonderful care.  I was very ill at ease dealing with MD Anderson (after our experience with my husband Ron) but everyone there were wonderful.  There is always that one person or one department but 99% were great.

And, I am very blessed to have so many friends that were there for me.   I feel so badly for those who have no family/friends and are basically all alone in this world or have them that can not or just aren't there for them.  Very lucky I am.  I am still not 100% and I realize that I never will be.  As I age, as others, more aches and pains appear along with the after effects of the cancer.

Jennifer, my daughter, gave up  a year and a half of her life to stay with me here in Arizona from Illinois.  She closed down her house, left her family (making trips back and forth) and took care of me.  I have been so lucky to have her as my daughter.  It has made me sad that she had to do this but very proud that I have a daughter that would do this.

Matt and his family were also there for me as well.  They live here in Arizona, however they have two little ones that have special needs and are stretched thin.  They picked up the slack till Jennifer got here and when she was gone, and whenever asked or needed.

  I am about to take a giant step/adventure in my life this year.  I am selling my house and moving to Illinois, in with Jennifer and her family.  I know!!!  Really big step and an extremely hard one to make.  Not the moving in with family, but giving up my home and friends and leaving my son and family here so far away.  However, I do believe that I am going to become a "Snow Bird" now.  As Ron used to say, the best of both worlds...go where/when the weather is the best.

The magnitude of this decision really hit when the "for sale" sign went up. A new, big adventure at the age of 73! It has been a great feeling thinning out all the extra stuff I have accumulated over the years.  It's like a really big house cleaning only not just the floors and windows.  So much stuff that you don't ever use or need for that matter and most is setting around gathering dust or packed away in cabinets or closets.   You come into this world with nothing and you go out with nothing and you can't take it with you. 

Hopefully I can get back into blogging especially with the changes coming up.

Retail Stealing

This is going to probably end up being a "complain" blog.

As I am working in the retail world now I am "amazed" how often people steal.  In going thru the restocking and alignment of products on shelves I find all sort of things thrown back among the products in opened packages with the product gone.

I am also amazed at how in the world they get these things out of the packages without anyone seeing them do it.  I can't get them out at home with a knife or scissors.  Also to have the nerve to steal let alone it just isn't right. 

Oh and don't think it is just young people stealing.  Thiefs grow up.  Not everyone who has stolen in their youth grows "out of it".  To some it becomes a way of life I believe.

Just had to put this down.  So annoyed when I find those empty packages.

Surprise Visit

I hadn't planned on traveling in 1918.  However, when my oldest grandson, Joseph, is graduating into 9th grade, into Illinois' Stevenson High School,  AND I receive a ticket to go.....Illinois here I come.

I cannot believe Joseph is in high school.  I remember his birth, I remember him following Ron around like a little duckling following his mama. He was my inspiration to fight breast cancer.   So many memories of a little boy.  I have to admit that during and after the ceremony my eyes were not dry and I had lots of thoughts of Ron as well. It was wonderful watching him and his buddies finding each other for photos afterwards.  I can't wait to frame the one of the two of us.  In three years it will be Jocelyn going into high school and plus one more year Joseph graduating from high school!

Next was the preparation of the party.  20 high schoolers!!  The lots of food fortunately was just enough (growing boys).  Lots of energy and very polite.  It was a very fun night and needless to say very tiring.  No problem going to sleep for all of us and we were able to sleep in a little the next day too.

NOW, visiting time.  Always things to do and getting up to date with family.  Second time here in Deerfield and getting back to remembering how to get around.  Enjoying the kids is the icing on the cake.  And of course, it is always great being with Jennifer.

Going down to Indiana to visit with siblings and family for a weekend.  Even though I saw them all last year it is always great to be with them.

Time will fly by and before you know it I will be back in Arizona. 

April 2018

Seems I am blogging year to year versus month to month and especially not day to day.  I thought I would be able to do just that.  However, life does seem to get in the way.  Even in retirement time flies by very fast. 

As for blogging.  I have not decided what blogging is exactly.  Is it a diary....to keep everyone up on my happenings...to just keep in touch...to really put down thoughts, maybe some too personal.

AND keeping up with it.  It would seem that everyone has a few moments each day to type an entry.  However, I am finding there are times I just don't want to.  And, all of a sudden a year has passed by.

I love checking in on Jennifer's blog.  She is such a good writer...putting down thoughts in a way that everyone can relate.  I keep telling her she should write...I hope she does down the road.

Lots of changes over the past few years.  I am still working part-time.  My grand babies aren't babies any more.  Still at the same home. (Note:  after checking selling and renting I would be paying the same if not more monies...so why sell and move!)

Have had family visiting this year and really enjoyed that.  Arizona is so very different from Indiana and I love to show it off, especially to those who have never been here.

I do feel that this is the year that I NEED:  need to become more involved and join in other activities.  (I just learned how to play pickle ball and need to now just go and play it)...need to get back in my studio and work on being creative...definitely get out and walk/hike the mornings.  So many others.

It is hard to realize that I am now over 70 years old.  I look in the mirror and yep it's me, but when I look out my eyes I do not feel old.  I think that is a good thing.  I am truly blessed with good health, especially with the family genes I have.  All of a sudden you realize that most of your lifetime is gone.  And whether you lived it or not, now is the time to really live.  I have seen many postings about "eat that cake...take that dare...live, live, live" and I now understand what they mean.  It is definitely hard to stop the worrying about others, especially your love ones...almost impossible.  But it is true, worrying gets you nowhere.  Always look up, at the bright things and know that tomorrow is another day and is always a new beginning.

Wow, I think I started preaching there.  See what I mean about blogs?

Well, I believe I have started 2018 out pretty good and look forward to the rest of the year.  Maybe I won't wait until 2019 to post again.

WOW...you know (or rather hope) it is coming.  After all, every year you have a birthday.  But, today I am 70 years old,  I probably do look it but I sure don't feel it.  I have my aches and pains, but when I look around I realize how fortunate I am.  I don't have the best family genes, health wise, but also don't have the health issues others have.

Birthdays were always considered "your" special day.  Ron made sure the kids and I had that special day.  So today, I got up a little late, had breakfast and my morning coffee on the patio.  Thanked God for such a beautiful day and worked in the garden, yard and with my plants.

I intend to Skype with Jen and kids in Illinois and Matt's are here for the day and dinner.  So many Happy Birthdays on facebook to me makes me feel very humbled.

Just wanted to post a little something not just for my "big" birthday but also wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy Easter as well.

Okay...it's been a while, however I have decided that I need a little more income to play.  I have been employed by Tractor Supply.  It is not even 10 minutes walking from my home.  YEAH.  I am working partime...15 hours a week.  I started on  March 7th.  Lots of on line training.  I actually started March 11th on the cash register.  I have NEVER worked on a cash register.  AND on a Saturday.  Wow, was it busy.  Lots of questions, but, after 6 hours on it I think I did pretty darn good.  This is play money.  The only think I kind of am leary of is that the store is VERY busy and it is easy to work overtime with the staff they have.  I was a bit scared that I have never worked retail and maybe I could not handle it.  However, a lot of retail is plain ole customer service.  Take care of the customer and everything else falls into place.  I am a very outgoing person and that will be to my advantage.  I can do this!

Thirteen days into January 2017.  Gizmo (my little dog) and I have been walking at least 6 or more miles a week.  There's something about walking...you go at your own pace, you go where ever you want  and for as long as you want.  I have thought about getting back into running but I remember the feet, knees and hips pain.  I am older and walking fits fine.

 I also am into hiking with my bestie Ellen.  We enjoy the Usery Pass area.  There is a trail, that by our mile keepers says it is over 10 miles.  I think it depends where you go in.  However, we have completed this a few times and always feel so good (and tired) when we finish.  Of course it does not hurt that the views are beyond outstanding.  No picture can capture what we see.  We have a friend that lives right next to the Pass and takes wonderful photos with his phone's camera.  I love seeing those.

My garden(s) are doing great.  I have peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, peas, sun flowers, etc. all growing.  I can't wait to start eating from it.  I have tried the summer gardens and it is just too hot.  Very proud of this accomplishment, as Ron was the green thumb in our family.  Jennifer also has the gift.

Gizmo...he is a Carin Terrier.  I adopted him when his owner died.  He about 2 years old and I got him on October 25th.  So have decided that that is his birthday and he will be 3 October 2017.  He is a little guy and does shed a little but by keeping his hair trimmed and brushed it is not bad at all.  He is fiesty and loves to run and play and especially cuddle.  Ron would have loved him.  I had to think a long time before getting a dog.  For a while I was gone a lot and that is just would not have been fair to him.  He gets along great with the grand boys and the grands in Chicago have not really met him but are in love with him when they see him on skype.

Well,  that is all for now...till next check in!