Mood:
hug meNow Playing: Day 2877-Next GP Chapter... Turning Lemons Into Lemonade :)
The holiday season symbolizes a most happiest time of the year. But for many, the holidays symbolize a time of sadness and despair.
During this upcoming holiday season. Most of us will be celebrating far happier times with family, friends and loved ones. Let's face it... Thanksgiving and Christmas generally represent time spent with family. For many people, this is the hardest part of the year. Some family members celebrate the holidays alone, absent from family. While for others, the holidays can be especially tough after suffering the loss of a loved one. Even those whom have suffered the loss of a beloved fur child. This time of year can be especially difficult as we continue to grieve far happier memories of days gone by. The holidays aren't always such a happy, joyous occasion. For some, it represents overwhelming sadness.
For a lot of people. The holidays symbolize a time of overwhelming grief. Far from a time of happiness. Holidays only tend to magnify the loss. Sadness feels sadder and loneliness feels so much deeper than any other time of the year.
Over the past year, myself and my spouse have spent a lot of time grieving from overwhelming loss. Time spent trying to heal from the same overwhelming pain. This is the time of the year that we have dreaded the most. Yet, we are not alone.
The holidays are a time of the year when we all need support. A smile... a simple hug.... kindness from a stranger. A lending hand to let others know who also suffer from grief, loss and overwhelming sadness during the holidays. That they too are not alone. A time to let others know that it is okay to feel all of the emotions that come with the holidays. This is the time where we all need to practice the art of kindness far more now, than any other time of the year. How to treat others. Even the kindness to a stranger who may be standing in line behind you at the register. Let's also not forget those who work during the holidays. They too could use a random act of kindness. A simple smile goes a very long way during the holidays.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what truly matters in our lives. This doesn't mean monetary gains such as with a business. It is sad to see those who have truly lost the meaning of Thanksgiving. What the holidays truly symbolize which means a time to be thankful for the little things in life. A very precious and most memorable time to spend with family. A time to reflect on what is most important. At the end of the day. That business will mean nothing. How you treat loved ones and even strangers is what truly counts at the end. The holidays is a time to be thankful and most importantly, humble. Amen.
During this holiday season. Please remember those who may be suffering from grief and overwhelming sadness. Pray for those who may be suffering from illness. Even those who may not have family to celebrate the love and joy that comes with the holiday season. Give back to those around you, help lend a caring hand and even a simple smile to a stranger.
The act of compassion reminds us of our blessings. The true beauty of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In memory of those we have lost and those who will remain in our hearts for eternity~
bright
Is In The Air...
It might be a good thing that Eric decided to wait a week before raking all the leaves. What hadn't already blown off the trees that surround our property. Those leaves are now long gone after high winds blew the rest of the leaves off our trees and landed them into our neighbors yard. OOPSIE! Our neighbor just had a landscaping company out at their property a few days prior before the storm paid us a visit here in the country. Like I said... OOPSIE!
After several failed attempts at trying to work with the bank on getting this huge issue resolved. It has instead went absolutely... no where. Even the consumers protection agency has gotten no where with the bank. Several failed attempts at trying to have this resolved without needing to go through legal means. Another lawsuit. Let's face it. This entire home purchase has been a complete nightmare. A huge mess in the making. But there is always a silver lining in EVERYTHING. 
Y-U-M-M-Y!
This means a really crazy remainder for the rest of our year. By the looks of our calendar hanging up in the kitchen. It appears that we are going to be mighty busy!
of December. In the meantime, my team of specialists have me finishing up a combination of antibiotics while continuing pain management with my new pain specialist. I am aiming for less-is-more with both surgeries when it comes to a smooth road to recovery. More so the first one lined up in order to get to the root (literally) with another bone tumor that was found after labs showed my body fighting a pretty big infection. That infection halted my surgical procedure for the first attempt at a port. This isn't the first bone tumor that has been surgically removed. The very first one was found by accident, via x-ray, while finishing up a long year of dental work. In all reality, it's really not a huge surprise with tumors, once again, rearing their ugly head. It only takes one cancer cell to run wild and for a long enough period of time to find another home within the human body. 
With such a small window of opportunity to gain some weight. I have already started to amp things up a bit with my daily nutrition. The best that one can with a limited liquid diet. I don't foresee things to be easy over the next few months. But this gal has proved to be one hell of a fighter! This won't be the first time, nor probably the last to get my game face ON! 
WINK** 
cheeky
Bold is when Eric has to literally run to the garage and get up on the roof with his shorts, t-shirt and gym shoes on. No coat while having to literally wrap the flying tarp around the chimney and then place landscaping rocks around it in order to secure the recent repairs. So...we thought the next round of monsoon rain and high winds were going to hold off a bit. Wrong. I wish I had a video of this mornings crazy roofing event and one huge gray tarp that went flying up in the air like a huge kite! POOF! Almost taking Eric along with it! Hehehehehehe! Sure, we can laugh about it now, along with our clothes that went right into the washing machine after instantly being soaked by the rain.
haha!
This hilarious Saturday didn't stop with mere outdoor events. Oh no! This evening it continued with quite a few indoor chuckles too! Needless to say, I will never make it as a famous makeup artist. HAHAHAHAHA! Why is it so easy to put on your own makeup. Yet so darn impossible to apply it on someone else? Poor Eric became my first and last student in order to try my hand at contouring, blending and eyebrow shaping that were aimed at making him look younger.
Don't Cry For Me Argentinaaaaaa~
special
We didn't rescue Babyblue. Oh no! Babyblue rescued us as our entire little family is over~the~moon with her cuteness! Her sweet kisses and baby howls are the best! I missed hearing that husky howl that used to wake me up from a deep sleep. Looking up to see Littleblue wagging her tail and staring at me. Those were the days and the most treasured moments that I will never forget. It's been tough without having Littleblue here by our side. But now with this little mini version of Littleblue. It's like she was reincarnated again! There are just far too many similarities to list between Littleblue and Babyblue. 
Babyblue is one of the most sweetest, gentlest husky puppies I have ever had the privilege to rescue and welcome as one of our own. Babyblue has been nothing but a blessing for our entire little family. She has brought so much joy and laughter during times when we really need it the most. Snoreo instantly bonded with Babyblue! There are no words to describe their love and companionship for one another. It's amazing how much we see Littleblue in Babyblue! Almost like seeing double! 
quizzical
Back to lots of post-it-notes scattered across the kitchen cabinets. Daily reminders on a little bit of everything that needs to be done. Not just with final repairs inside and outside of our house before the cold winter months. But as well with a pending surgery that needs approved by our insurance company among many other things. I also have a taping that was scheduled by a very reputable production company. That taping was suppose to happen last month. Yet everything still remains on hold after needing to endure another unexpected surgery. And of course... another recovery. 
With not having too many making Santa's nice list this year. At least holiday shopping will be the easiest for me yet! Our fur children are never picky and always enjoy whatever Santa Paws brings them. Little E is at the age now where gift certificates are the way to go when hoping to bring a smile on a 10 years old face. I remember at that age when wrapped presents were the best gift one could receive on Christmas Eve. Cash and gift certificates were the last thing on a child's wish list. Crazy how times have changed. But the old saying is true, 100 percent! I would much rather have a homemade gift than something bought from a store. It just means so much more! Eric said, "Ditto for him! Bring on the baked goods!" Hehehehehehe!
zzzzzzz...
it feels as if they all blend together as one. This is what happens after a good pie! 
Not only have I officially come full circle with my tumors since ending experimental oncology treatments. But now, as of most recently, I am once again dealing with two separate ovaries that have woken up from a deep radiation therapy sleep. One ovary that miraculously grew back and is now it's own entity. Even as much as ovulating on a different cycle than my other ovary. Need not mention the hormone levels that are being fed to already extremely large ovarian tumors. Ovarian cancer is one of the most difficult female cancers to treat, whether alone to even cure. I can't possibly see me enduring a drive up to Cleveland Clinic twice a month. Even with Eric driving and staying overnight at one of their connected hotels for free. It's just not possible nor feasible for me anymore. That window of opportunity has sadly already passed by me. 
The truth will set you free. As I once again listened to my gut instincts. Myself and Eric both agree when it comes to having closure with family. The latest denied, dismissed court filings are very puzzling. I feel as if with some family members. I am getting mixed information. I sure hope it doesn't end up with mixed information that turns out to be mere lying. This afternoon, I began the process of finding answers. Seeking final closure on some quite bizarre filings. I should have all transcripts within the next few weeks. Once again, all I can hope and pray is that we don't end up reading about more lying. The truth may set you free. But I tend to believe more so on gut instincts. We even agree to so much as to give a few the chance to come clean with anything that hasn't been truthfully told to us with both court filings. But as such, they must had decided to plead the fifth. "Mum," was the response for the remainder of the day. Time will only tell who is finally being honest and who is once again, lying. I anticipate for a huge shock once we are finally able to read all court transcripts regarding both filings. Knowledge is... bliss~
hehehe!
What I have learned from reacting towards such comments is that it has nothing to do with me. But everything to do with the person who can not be happy for others. 
I have yet to run into a patient that has told me they want to look as bad as they feel while going out in public. Especially when the good Lord gives you a good day. I have yet to meet a woman or young lady that did not want to look their absolute best during special occasions. If that means using whatever beauty aids and accessories that are available in this day and age. Then 
so be it! If that's what makes you feel good about yourself. If that's what makes you smile. If that's what makes you happy. Then this gal is all for it!
fullest!
As I mentioned just a few blogs ago...it's amazing what a year can do to ones life. It's also amazing to literally see how much we have both changed over the past year. Of course, like fine wine, I like to think that I get better with age. Eric...he begs to differ as he decided to plead the fifth on how well he ages. Hehehehehehe! Hey, I am trying with making sure he uses daily facial and body lotion. Someone's gotta help him to preserve his youth! Hehehehehehe! I chalk up my graceful aging to genetics. 
Possibly even the fact that I don't get outdoors very much in the sun. I stay well preserved! Hahahahaha! Too funny! I still get carded to this very day. BAH! Sometimes that can be a good thing or a really annoying thing. I earned every single year of celebrating another birthday. This year was no exception to the rule of getting out to enjoy life. When a good moment hits...SEIZE IT! 
But on my best days...
happy
YAYYYY!
Thankfully, the rain held off for a bit longer than the forecast predicted here in the country. Although, we ended up closing our weekend sale a bit early. It was still a huge success and most relaxing too! Not having to go back and forth, outside to the garage when a customer arrived was not missed this year. Having our sale in the basement, indoors, was the best decision at the last second when we noticed rain forecasted for this weekend. We may not have made a whole lot of money. However, we did end up selling a good majority of excess stuff. What's that ole saying again?... Hmmmmm... What is junk to one. Is a treasure to another?. Or something along those lines. It's totally true, however we really didn't have any junk. Not in the least bit due to my OCD habits of being such an organized neat freak. HA! I always was one to take care of everything that I own as well making sure to keep things super clean, neat and tidy! We were beyond relieved to not see one customer leave empty handed through out the weekend. It's good to see that folks can use what we no longer need or no longer can use. Lots of various items that have been stored within a huge pile of cardboard moving boxes in our basement. Boxes that are now officially empty, broken down and now stored in our very clean and vacant basement! YAYYYY!
Think of a really super tart piece of candy and this is exactly how TART this triple berry cobbler tastes! Trust me by saying, "It's GOOD!" But 'OH' is it mighty TART! I can't remember the last time making any type of cobbler. So it should really be no big surprise that I under baked it which led to the crust falling into the cobbler. BAH! Eric...well he ate it anyways and did so with a smile. As well with a huge spoon in hand! Hahahahaha! 
I was going to try my hand, literally, with making my own crust for this super spicy sweet potato pie. However since this is the first for me making any type of sweet potato pie. I opted for a pre-made crust. I did go a bit over-the-top with a few spices, but that is really what made it turn out sooooo DELICIOUS! Eric loves anything with sweet potatoes. I am fortunate that me and sweet potatoes don't really mix. I can live without them, but even a few small spoonful's really has me revisiting my relationship with these amazing golden holiday potatoes! This super spicy sweet potato pie really turned out to be a super tasty dish! 