A Matter of Perspective

We have a small yard. But in our small yard are four huge trees. The largest of which is an Oak tree that must be 80- to 100-feet high.

As the weather is now changing, and Fall is quickly upon us, the leaves of these four large trees begins to fall. If we did not rake the leaves we would literally have a backyard of leaves a couple of a feet deep. It's rather amazing how many leaves drop from these four large trees. And with a fenced yard, the leaves have no where for the wind to take them. They're ours to deal with, and it's a ton of work. But the shade and beauty the trees offer make the work worthwhile.

One Fall, a couple years back, I was tackling the constant challenge of leaf raking and bagging. I'll first rake up all the leaves in the yard and create a huge pile around the base of the Oak tree. The nearby fence makes it easy to create large piles. Then I'll bag them and get them out to the curb for pick-up by the borough.

One afternoon I had pulled together an especially huge pile, easily taller than myself. I was tired. I was working hard. I was almost done. All of a sudden I heard this small voice say, "Hey Mister!"

I looked around, a little put-off by this distraction so close to being finished.

"Hey Mister!"

I squinted a little, and there at the end of my yard, peering around the fence was a young boy. He was the mischevious looking type, but beaming with a friendly smile.

"Yes?" I yelled to him in acknowledgement.

"Can I ask you something?" the boy called back.

"Ummm. Well sure," I answered.

"When are you going to jump in them?" he asked.

I just stood there stone faced for a moment while I absorbed the question. "When was I going to jump in them."

I started laughing at the difference in our perspectives. For me the leaves meant work that never seemed to end. For him the leaves meant a unique chance to go flying through the air.

Without his parents nearby for consent, and remembering some of the twigs that made it into that pile of leaves, I painstakingly explained to the young boy that the leaves would not be jumped in.

He was so confused. Afterall, to him jumping in them would have to be the only logical reason anyone would rake together a pile of leaves. Why else would you do it?

Thanks Tim

When I first learned of the spread of my kidney cancer to my brain early this year, well it threw me for a bit of a loop.

I jumped online and gathered as much information as I could. I found myself to a forum for cancer patients and caregivers. There I met a couple from Northern California who were in a similar situation to Barb and I.

After a few e-mails they shared an idea with us. Their family had started a blog as a way to keep family and friends in touch with the ongoing battle. They told us that we should try it. We did. Here we are.

Tim had also had his kidney cancer spread to his brain. He also went through gamma knife and then whole brain radiation treatments as I had. He also took Nexavar.

Now it sounds as if Tim and I had a lot in common...and we did. But in this world we are all our own snowflake. And so many possible variables make us all unique amongst even our broad commonalities. I do understand this.

But it's still with a heavy heart that I enter this weekend with news of Tim's passing. I followed his fight on his blog regularly, and came to feel like I came to know him. He was a loving spirit who despite his struggles strove to spread smiles and laughter and love all around him.

For those of faith though, Tim's passing can be a celebration. To all of us who knew him of course we suffer the loss of being without him. But, unselfishly for Tim, we can celebrate his passing to God's side, to salvation, to a better place. And I do.

Thanks Tim. In the short time I've gotten to know you, and follow your fight, I've been inspired by your faith, your courage, and your smiles.

Always Just a Bit Off

The good thing about Nexavar, the chemotherapy drug that I take, is that it's side effects are not as harsh as more traditional IV-based chemo treatments. The bad thing is, unlike IV-based chemo treatments, my treatments never end.

Nexavar is one of the newer pill-based chemotherapy drugs. It limits the growth of new blood vessels and limits blood supply to areas of the body that are showing characteristics of kidney cancer. It, of course, cannot know exactly which areas of the body do have cancer, so it can affect some normal cells as well. Nexavar has also recently been approved for treatment of advanced liver cancer.

Nexavar has shown that it has significantly slowed the growth of kidney cancer. So far, studies have also shown that at some point the cancer figures out how to get around the Nexavar effects and continues growing once again. I have met someone who has been successfully on Nexavar for nearly four years. There are certainly others who have not been so fortunate.

To me it's a miracle that such a drug even exists. It does provide me a fighting chance to extend my life.

But at the same time, having to take chemotherapy every day, without end, comes with its never ending side effects. Being on Nexavar is like feeling a little sick everyday.

Nexavar has a host of side effects. The largest one is something called hand and foot syndrome. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet blister and peel and get very sore. For me, I've been lucky, this hasn't been too bad. Every morning we coat my feet with Aquaphor and it seems to have keep things under control. I will get thick scales of skin, unlike anything you've seen before. But only my feet are affected. My hands have been just fine so far. I've read accounts from several people whose feet get so bad that they can barely walk.

The side effect that most affects me is how Nexavar turns your digestive system into a circus. I've woken up in the middle of the night thinking a gorilla had joined us in bed because of all of the growling. I cannnot eat for two hours before taking the Nexavar, or for one hour after. Times when I can eat need to be prepared for, and opportunities when the appetite is at its strongest jumped on and seized. The Nexavar just turns my digestive system upside down.

The other side effect that I've felt is fatique. All chemotherapies wear the body down somewhat and this one is no different. I can count on everyday feeling a little tired.

With that I'm pretty lucky. I seem to be falling in the category of people who experience the most common side effects. As time goes on, long-term effects, like anemia may develop.

So I do fight, I do push on. And I do keep faith that maybe someday I will experience feeling "normal" again. But the realities of the science of fighting this cancer is that everyday I will likely feel just a bit off.

St. Lucia What A Thought.....

Well I certainly hope that Alyssa and Charlie are having a wonderful time on there honeymoon, I can't imagine that they aren't. I have had both on them heavily on my mind.

I am personally considering in 2008 trying to establish a business from home and seeing how that may work out, I still have quite a bit of research to do. I figure it can never hurt to make a little extra cash and I can use my knowledge to my advantage. I also like the thought of doing something that I enjoy doing, so we'll wait and see.

It's been a fairly quiet day in Marietta, so everyone have a good one!!!

Little of This, Little of That

Some exceptional pecan pie showed up at the deli across the street this past week. Barb first came back with one slice and my eyes grew wide. I love pecan pie.

My sister had found the best pecan pie of all time, at a caterer north of Harrisburg who retailed some of their catered goods each Saturday. For awhile I was floating in corn syrup heaven - the world's best pecan pies on demand every Saturday. I was having a pecan pie every week. Then they suddenly stopped retailing and stuck strictly to catering. It was gone. I love pecan pie.

My Dad's pecan butter tarts are also on the top of the list. He makes mini-pecan pies in a tart form about 3 to 4-inches in diameter. They'll make you weak in the knees. You'll find yourself suddenly giving out an audible "mmmmmmmmmmmm," and then catch yourself in a quick blush. I love those pecan butter tarts. (Note to self: Get that recipe!)

And now, hard at work in our kitchen, is Barbara Albert, building what she claims to be the best pecan pie that has graced this Earth. And she's hard at work just because I love pecan pie. (shaking head) You've got to love this girl - and I do.

I'll let 'ya know how it turns out. I'm very excited.

We visited our butcher for the first time since the radiation treatments. Recovering from the radiation treatments life had to be made simple, and meat from the grocery store would serve just fine, without a separate trip to the butcher. But with my fickle tastes wanting fresh, clean, simple flavors - it was time to get back to the butcher shop.

Now my butcher shop is the real deal. I asked them once how long they've been in business - over 120-years - 120-years! That's a long time. Their smokehouse is unbelievable. The ham is the best you've ever tasted. (That's why Easter is held here in Marietta.) You interact with my butcher. You discuss what you're trying to accomplish. You cut down meat to suit. The ground beef is magical, like nothing you've ever seen, so bright red, and after it's cooked not a spot of grease from fat. It's just so lean. And it's ground fresh continuously in 10 to 20-pound spots.

Yes. I still love pecan pie.

And I love my butcher.

I cooked Charlie and Alyssa filet mignon one night, with a red wine sauce from a little pan reduction. Charlie took one bite and turned to me and said, "Man! Your butcher is incredible!" (The cook forgot again....lol)

Time to peak in on the world's best pecan pie in progress.

I'm so lucky to have Barbara fighting by my side through all of this. She is my angel.

Rasta Freckles

Every Spring, and every Fall, Freckles the household cat goes through a shedding process.

We have determined that Freckles is the main mess maker in this house by a long shot. Where Freckles goes messes will follow. He has a regular beat around the house. He has his favorite rooms, his favorite sleeping spots, and a beaten path between them. And all of those rooms, those spots, and those paths get covered in Freckles hair and dander almost faster than we can clean it up.

Now keeping up with Freckles hair and dander is quite a job during normal seasons. During Freckles shedding season...whew...it's darn near impossible.

I dusted and vacummed four rooms the other day, rooms that Freckles frequents. When I finished I sat down to relax for a moment and proudly look over my work. It was amazing, not a sign of Freckles hair or dander in sight.

Then Freckles hopped down the stairs (the vacuum terrifys him) and began to stroll slowly in front of me. As he passed right in front of me a ball of fuzz flew off of him and plopped right behind him.

FRECKLES!!!

(sigh)

When it is shedding season, Freckles develops large clumps of hair, almost like dreadlocks. During shedding season he is the Dreadlocked Rasta Cat.

Freckles' dreadlocks will grow longer and clumpier until eventually they all fall off, some in rather large clumps.

I think I'm going to have to vacuum everyday.

Well if Freckles hair and dander are our biggest problem - we must be doing pretty good! (smile)

A Most Blessed Event

It was the most beautiful sight to behold, my daughter in her wedding gown and her husband to be in his tuxedo. The entire wedding party looked incredible. I am so proud to have such a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son-in-law. I know that they will care for each other for the rest of their lives.

The wedding reception was nothing like I have ever experienced and everyone had a fantastic time. I will be thinking of Charlie and Alyssa during they are on there honeymoon and can't imagine them not having a wonderul time.

During the course of the evening Jim hung around as long as he possibly could, but the time came when he knew it was time to rest. I wish he had been feeling more like himself, but he did his best and that alone was all anyone could ask.

Please know Alyssa and Charlie, that we love you both very much and think of you constantly!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Licatese

I'm tired. I'm really tired.

The rehearsal was Friday night followed by dinner. And the wedding was Saturday followed by the reception. It's the most activity I've had since February of this year. In a way it's great, it's rehab, it's getting myself going. On the other side, I'm tired. I'm really tired.

The wedding was beautiful. Alyssa and Charlie beamed with such natural, uncontrollable smiles. You could see the love shining through and just bubbling over. I'm very happy for them that they've found one another and have bound as one to live their lives together. I hope you guys remember to enjoy all of the experiences, all of the challenges, all of the moments both mudane and unique. And remember please that your abilities to deal with the challenging times will define you as much as how you deal with the good times.

There was a great congregation of family and friends on hand, and everyone had dusted off their fancy clothing for the occasion. Barb's Mom Susan shared her incredible voice, with several songs, including The Lord's Prayer during the service. And just as they are supposed to do, the flower girls stole the show.

I don't think I'll be the only one from the wedding choosing to take today as a bit of a rest day - including Alyssa and Charlie. But tomorrow they're off to St. Lucia in the Carribean.

And tomorrow I'm starting a rigid exercise routine. (blech) It's necessary. I'm learning that as we get older more structured exercises are needed. I can't just call trimming branches in the backyard exercise anymore. Well, it's still exercise, but not enough.

But for today it's rest, Manchester United plays Chelsea at 11 a.m. and I've got a ticket for a front row seat.

CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA AND CHARLIE!!!!

While I Have A Moment.....

This is one of the biggest days of my daughter's life, her wedding day!!! I was unable to sleep soundly last night, which takes me back to a line I've used before, where does the time go. I am know she will be absolutely beautiful, but then again, I am her mother, so what do you expect?

Charlie is a very handsome young man, so they make an absolutely adorable couple. In there marriage today, I won't have to worry because they were made for each other. I will end up being a schmuck and I feel that it is typical for a mother to be one.

One thing I have to say is that I love them both very much and my heart is with them wherever they go and whatever they do.

Quick But Meaningful Thank You

Our internet connection went down for the day today, and has just now gone live again.

I did want to jump on quickly and thank everyone who has contacted me after my recent test results. It means so much to me to have such support around me in this fight.

And a BIG thank you to those who commented on the "R-Word Blog" (you know who you are). Your words and support are very touching and inspiring. With shoulders like that to lean on, how can I ever fall?

The "R" Word

We visited the oncologist this morning. And he used the "R" word - remission.

Now personally I had already thought that I would not utter the "R" word until at least the new year, at the earliest. But that doesn't mean that I don't like to hear the doctor overseeing my cancer fight say the word "remission."

Quite frankly that caught me a little off guard.

But as the oncologist reasoned, the Nexavar chemo drug has shown that it is working. The cancer certainly doesn't seem to be in an aggressive mode. And as long as the MRI of the brain in October shows continued progress, to him this spelled remission.

Then he said it. I couldn't believe it. But, he said it. "Maybe this is on its way to being cured."

Cured? Stage IV Kidney Cancer is incurable, terminal. It's not a matter of if, but of when. And that is what I told him.

With these new drugs, who knows, the doctor responded.

I think he is a very positive doctor and I like his spirit, and follow the voice of his reasoning. But I'm still not going to say the "R" word until at least the new year. And as far as a cure - well WOOHOO! But then I'll be so happy I'll probably forget to look both ways before I cross the street and get hit by a bus.

Butterfly Barb

Since we live so close to a big river, we have our share of flying insects. Mainly the May Flies who hatch in the Spring each year and can be found everywhere. They are nothing more than flying food to all of the creatures who live on insects. It's an annual feast.

But we do have more than our share of flying insects all summer long. And since its all food to the spiders we have our share of spiders. Knocking down the webs outside the house is an ongoing battle.

Barb hates spiders. Barb has made some facial expressions and some body movements upon seeing a spider that I have never seen before. She dances. She winces. Her arms flap up and down like she's trying to fly away.

And then I walk over with a paper towel and smuch the poor spider.

Sunday I was relaxing, watching the Phillies on their way to sweeping the Mets series, when suddenly I heard Barb coming quickly in through the back of the house. I knew she had just been walking in the backyard.

Barb turned the corner and said "Look!" I squinted and focused in on her hand thrust out before me. She was holding a Monarch Butterfly she had just plucked off our Butterfly Bush. "Isn't it beautiful?" she asked.

"Shouldn't we put it back?" I responded.

I couldn't help but smile. I was certainly surprised. The gal who went into wild voodoo dances when she saw a spider thought nothing of just grabbing a butterfly off a bush in the backyard.

But Barb is certainly more of a butterfly herself. She's nothing like a spider. And I guess two of a kind get along. Barb picked out the Butterfly Bush for our backyard in hopes of attracting butterflies. It has worked. And now Buttefly Barb is walking into the house with 'em. (smile)

Brrrrrrrrrr, Where Did Summer Go?

I woke up Saturday morning, my usual time around 5 a.m. to take my first chemo dose of the day. Slipping out of the warmth of the covers I was greeted by bone chilling cold. Slipping down the stairs it was a good 5-degrees colder downstairs.

It was 41-degrees outside. Brrrrrrrrr. Didn't we just have the air conditioner on in the bedroom one night last week?

Summer slipped away on me this year for sure. It is kind of all a blur. The trees in the backyard have already begun dropping some leaves. Soon all the leaves will be changing color and falling. School has started. Football has taken over the television.

It should be a busy Fall. There's so much that I wanted to get done that I haven't been able to. It is a little frustrating. But I do have patience. Unfortunately a lot of my time this summer was spent on the most basic of things, showering, eating, resting. I've had to set meager goals.

And entering Fall I try to set the goal standard higher but still within reason. I try to line myself up with a simple project everyday. It keeps myself active, both body and mind. It can be the simplest little project. But it helps. And it's further steps in the right direction.

And it's a busy week this week. Today we're getting some special guests from Michigan, longtime friends of my Mom's. Afterwords I'll need to head off to the local lab to have more blood drawn for testing. Tuesday we'll need to run some errands in preparation for the big wedding this Saturday. Wednesday I have an appointment with my oncologist. Thursday I'll be working around the house on some of my little projects. And Friday is rehearsal dinner night at the church in Red Lion.

Saturday, the wedding, will be a very long day for me, and a bit of a test. It will be by far the longest amount of time I will have tried to stay active in public. Sunday may necessitate a bit of extra sleep.

Have a great week everyone!

Always Waiting For Good News

When we received the results of the CAT scan, we were ecstatic. We will continue on our positive outlook in this regard. I can't help think at times, about how much we have been through over the past year and a half.

Now with my daughters wedding less than a week away, I can breathe somewhat of a sigh of relief. I really wasn't certain how I was going to manage keeping all these emotions in check, and sometimes it can be difficult.

I definitely look forward to a celebration among families and friends next week and daughter moving forward with her life in the best possible way. I know I've said it before, but where does the time go???

Good News

We received the results of my lung, pelvis and abdomen CT scan late yesterday and everything is stable. Whew. That's good news.

The one existing tumor in the upper lobe of my left lung is unchanged. It has not grown. But it also hasn't shrunk (something the chemo drug is capable of doing). So that one spot is stable.

Everything else is clean. No cancer, or other problems, was spotted elsewhere.

Now we'll close Pandora's Box and get back to living until the brain MRI in October. I really need to get those scans scheduled closer together so I can get it all over with in one week.

Getting Busy

I'm sitting here at sunrise drinking some "Barium Sulfate Suspension" before this morning's 8 a.m. CT scan. This milky stuff will fill up my belly and digestive track so it will show up better on the scan. During the scan they'll set me up with an IV so they can inject the iodine based contrast dye, also to help everything show up better on the scan.

After the scan it will be straight home to drink large amounts of liquid to help wash all of this stuff through and out of my system as quickly as possible. Through all of this I'll try to manage a time for eating, since my appetite has been at its best in the morning. The weight loss has leveled off, but I have to stay very diligent about it. It's hardly like a light switch, and although my eating has improved tremendously, there is still great room for improvement.

The whole adventure this morning will probably wear me down enough to possibly make this afternoon a nap afternoon. My fatigue continues to improve as well. I do have to wake up everyday at 5 a.m. to take my chemo drug treatment. Typically I've been making it through days, as of late, without a nap. But I do wear down about 6 to 7 p.m.

And tomorrow is a necessary grocery trip. We'll have to hit it early so Barb can make her dentist appointment by 11 a.m. I'll have to figure out how to take advantage of the morning appetite while we're running around. And between the grocery trip and the dentist trip, I'll probably be a little run down again tomorrow afternoon, possibly another nap afternoon. It doesn't take a lot to wear me out. I try to plan one 2-hour activity a day. But much more than that - whew - I'm spent.

And the big test will be the upcoming wedding. It's a long day for such a short ceremony. I'm trying to plan out opportunities for rest so I can share as much of this experience as possible with everyone.

OK, too much typing and not enough drinking Barium Sulfate Suspension...mmmmm, banana flavored. (making face)

In Favor Of........

What an appropriate title. Anyway, today is the day that we are working on the favors for the wedding reception. I am not even certain what has been chosen, but I will find out soon enough. I know Alyssa and Charlie picked things out.

Only a short time away and still counting, until the day arrives.

I continue to see that Jim continues on a good pace of feeling better each day. Tomorrow there is CAT scan that have done to check the progression of recover and hopefully we'll know no later than Tuesday how things look.

But everyone enjoy there Sunday, it's a beautiful day outside!!!

Quick Update

I'd be lying if I said that I don't think about cancer everyday. But I don't think about cancer all the time. You can't, it will drive you nuts.

Basically between doctor appointments and tests you just have to put it all aside and live your life. Then when it's time you pull out Pandora's Box, take a look inside, and hopefully just close it up and put it back away for awhile.

Monday I have a scheduled CT scan of the lung, abdomen and chest. I've had enough of them now that I think I've become a bit of a pro at it.

I have to drink two "milk shakes" beforehand with a lovely metallic taste. First time was a challenge, now it's no problem. I just time it out and get them down, best refrigerated with a straw.

I'll warn them of taking it easy on the Iodine-based contrast dye since I'm a patient with one kidney.

And I've learned that the best CT scanners exist at either the Health Campus or the facility downtown. So that's where I go.

We should get the results late Tuesday into Wednesday. We won't get the interpretation from the oncologist until the week after when we have a scheduled appointment.

Boob Tube

I have officially seen everything there is on TV. Everything.

And I'm sorry to report - there is nothing worth watching.

I have, unfortunately, spent a lot of quality time on the La-Z-Boy since May when the whole radiation treatments really started to knock me over. And the La-Z-Boy is pointed right at the TV.

I've never been much for the TV. The radiation treatments did have some affect on my eyes and general concentration making reading a bit difficult (something that continues to clear-up). In the past I have often listened to music, but I always listened to music while I was working in my office...and now I'm not working in my office and that is where all the music is. So the TV became the perfect distraction that didn't require a great deal of commitment or concentration.

And now I've seen everything on TV. Everything.

It's terrible.

I always remember my Mom saying when I was young, "I don't want a bunch of kids who just sit in front of the TV all day." Thanks Mom, sincerely. The boob tube is really just one big advertisement.

I rarely watched TV growing up, some sports, and Saturday morning cartoons with my Dad before he left to knock out a couple hours at the office. Cable TV didn't reach Golf Road until I was off to college. We had an antenna and may have had 10 channels.

Now I have over 250-channels, and there's still nothing on. Oh...there are commercials, more and more and more, ever-growing commercials.

And I do understand, there is no one to blame but ourselves. TV could be thoughtful, entertaining, engaging...but they give us what we want. And what we want as a whole is Jerry Springer, Dr. Phil, and everything else that graces our airways. The TV producers are simply in the business of broadcasting content that the largest amount of people will watch, so advertisements can be sold for top-dollar.

A good friend of mine has a son who has just entered the 10th grade. When you walk into his room at home he is nearly always instant messaging a friend or four on the computer, while talking on his cell phone, and playing Madden Football on the PlayStation on his TV.

The most exciting thing in my bedroom growing up was my brother.

Can you still tell a kid today to go to his or her room?

The changes over time make me feel older. But I'm not sure the changes to the boob tube overtime have made us better as a whole.

One great thing about gaining strength and feeling better is the capabilities to do more and get off the La-Z-Boy. And I took advantage of the strength to stream music from the office computer throughout the house.

See 'ya TV.

Wedding Bells

I've always said - the worst thing for a marriage is a wedding.

Please understand, I'm a big, huge, giant supporter of marriage. There's nothing more significant to me than my marriage to Barb and our relationship. The wedding - well the wedding you can have.

And it's really not the basic, bare bones concept of the wedding that offends me. Actually the brief ceremony, the vows, the union before God and family, it's all good, real good.

But, for whatever reason, weddings are barely about the ceremony. It's a three ring circus. And everyone's worried about when the juggler arrives, when the lion tamer jumps in, and how we'll fit the equipment in for the trapeze act.

Ugh. To me, all the fanfare just distracts from what's important. Weddings become so big, so wild, so much pressure and stress embodies the bride and groom that their only thoughts can be "Please just get me through this day."

Alyssa, our daughter, and Charlie, our soon to be son-in-law, will be married in a matter of weeks. There has been lots of planning, lots of fanfare, lots to distract from the real meaning of a wedding. My most important gift to them both is simply this...forget about everything except what is most important, your commitment to one another, the love you share, and your coming together as one. It's certainly not all fun or easy...but nothing so valuable and so worthwhile ever is.

This Old House

People who know me well, know that I've always liked old houses - the architectural details, the heavy wood, the plaster.

Don't get me wrong, new houses are pretty darn nice too.

But, it had always been part of my goals to buy an old house and work it into great shape. I finally realized that opportunity in Spring of 2004 when Barb and I moved into a 175-plus year-old home in a small, quiet rivertown along the Susquehanna.

The house is the once home of "The Marietta Times" newspaper and adjoins the town's original post office.

As I look around this old house, I see a whole lot that has to be done yet. As I get stronger I'm looking forward to starting work on the house as part of my physical rehab.

Now...jeesh...where to start.

I Cannot Believe.....

I cannot believe it's Labor Day,
I cannot believe it's only about 2 1/2 weeks until my daughters wedding,
I cannot believe my daughter turned 22 yesterday.

Oh my, where does the time go. This summer has just disappeared. I guess being preoccupied with many things, that would do it.

I am so glad that my husbands appetite is getting back to some normalcy. One thing I can say in regards to Jim is that I know that has been watched from heaven above, but that is something I can believe.

Reaching In-Between

I believe I'm starting to reach an in-between stage in my recovery from the radiation treatments. I'm starting to feel like my old self again, but mind and body isn't always quite ready for everything.

Quite frankly in the months previous I've been satisfied to just relax and take it easy. Feeling like you've literally been run over my a semi-tractor trailer truck will have that affect on you.

But now I'm getting fidgety. I want to do this. I want to do that. I want to jump in FJ Cruiser and go somewhere.

This past week we traveled one day to Myerstown, one day to East York, one day to Red Lion. On the days in between I decided it was time to try to take the pole saw out into our overgrown backyard and begin to trim some branches. One morning I trimmed branches until I tired out, and then came back the next morning to trim some more.

But your body will talk to you, give you hints and reminders. After the second day of trimming branches I stretched out a muscle around my left shoulder and into the left side of my neck. No more trimming branches for a couple days. I'll be back on it into this week though.

It's a continued progression, and it's been a slow progression. But as long as it's progress - that's what we're after.

Really couldn't ask for more beautiful weather for this Labor Day weekend. So stop reading this blog and get out and do something fun outside!

Thanks to everyone again for all your continued help and support.

What It's All About

When you have trouble within your life,
and day seems full of strife.
You must remember that I will always be there,
to give you all of the love and care.

Some things in life aren't always pleasant,
but having been given life is considered a present.
There has already been a plan set in life,
for me, it was the day I became your wife.

I have a beautiful daughter,
and she's number one.
That is one thing that I am thankful that I have done.
She will continue with a life of her own,
and in my heart, she's set in stone.

I Miss You Too

To those of you at Clipper Magazine and you know who you are, I miss you guys too!!! You have been such great friends during some very difficult times. I am so glad that you have stayed in touch as much as possible. My hats off to people such as Robin, Penny, Crystal and all of the rest of you,( I could go on forever) we had become very close within a short period of time. I want you to stay in touch, I always will consider you my closest friends and will always remember the close knit working relationship we had at Clipper.