CEE reads 75 in 2013 ~ Thread 7

DOWN AT THE BEAVER POND.....

JANUARY 2013
#1 Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami (5 stars)
#2 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (4.25 stars)
#3 Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo (4 stars)
#4 Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley (4 stars)
#5 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (5 stars)
#6 Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte (3.75 stars)
#7 The Hidden Life of Deer by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (4 stars)
#8 The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt (4.25 stars)
#9 Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg (4.5 stars)

FEBRUARY 2013
#10 Above All Things by Tanis Rideout (5 stars)
#11 The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (4.5 stars)
#12 Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay (4.5 stars)
#13 War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (4 stars)
#14 The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchet (4 stars)
#15 Graceling by Kristin Cashore (4.5 stars)
#16 Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley Blume (4.5 stars)

MARCH 2013
#17 The Bird Artist by Howard Norman (3.8 stars)
#18 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (4.5 stars)
#19 Fever: A Novel by Mary B Keane (4 stars)
#20 Life After Life; A Novel by Jill McCorkle (4.5 stars)
#21 Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia (3.8 stars)
#22 Bitterbrush Country by Diane J Peavey (4.2 stars)

APRIL 2013
#23 Persepolis I: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (4.5 stars)
#24 Yoga for People Who Can't Be Bothered to Do It by Geoff Dyer (3.5 stars)
#25 Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (3.5 stars)
#26 Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S Grant by Ulysses S. Grant (4.5 stars)
#27 Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich (5 stars)
#28 The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe (4.5 stars)

MAY 2013
#29 Zarafa: A Giraffe's True Story by Michael Allin (3.7 stars)
#30 Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell (5 stars)
#31 A Concise History of Greece by Richard Clogg (3.5 stars)
#32 Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper (4.2 stars)
#33 Packing For Mars by Mary Roach (3 stars - just barely)
#34 The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (5 stars)
#35 Persepolis II by Marjane Satrapi (4.2 stars)

JUNE 2013
#36 Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (3 stars)
#37 Manon Lescaut by Abbe Prevost (3.8 stars)
#38 The Soul of All Living Creatures by Vint Virga (3 stars)
#39 A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story by Anna Dolores Ready (emotional 5 stars)
#40 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (5 stars)
#41 For 91 Days in Idaho by Michael Powell & Jurgen Horn (4.2 stars)
#42 Billy Budd and Other Stories by Herman Melville (4.8 stars)

JULY 2013
#43 Ghosts of Nagasaki by Daniel Clausen (4.2 stars)
#44 Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka (4 stars)
#45 To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (5 stars)
#46 The Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book by Mayo Clinic
#47 Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook by Judy Kneece
#48 Light in August by William Faulkner (4.3 stars)

AUGUST 2013
#49 Ficciones by Jorge Borges (4.5 stars)
#50 The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas (5 stars)
#51 Beloved by Toni Morrison (5 stars)
#52 Disgrace by J M Coetzee (3.5 stars)
#53 The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Dranen (4 stars)
#54 Among Others by Jo Walton (4.25 stars)
#55 Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry (4 stars)

SEPTEMBER 2013
#56 Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel (4.25 stars)

Currently Reading:

Agent of Change by Sharon Lee

Cocktail Time by P.G. Wodehouse

Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides

Beowulf by Seamus Heaney

#51 Beloved by Toni Morrison (5 stars) - yes, again! Another 5 star book :-)



This Pulitzer Prize winning novel (1988) Beloved is in my opinion a masterpiece. What happens when you are not allowed your humanity, family relationships, or love of anything important for fear of losing it all? What pushes a mother to murder her children to "save" them from a deeper loss, and what is the cost? How much can a human heart hold?
Morrison will show you and it will hurt.

This book reveals the darkest chapter of our country's history. Slavery and cruelty. But it is not a sermon or documentary. It's a story about connection and what happens when we deny and tear it all apart. Those horrible scars can never be taken back. The characters are painfully real. Descriptions are visceral and fluid. You are there - inside bodies and souls. The symbolism is so rich - transcending time and space. There is tension, angst, hate, fear, tenderness, mystery, horror, and so much love in this story. It's tremendously moving.

I could not put this book down even though it was a re-read for me.
Highly recommended.

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:-)
Welcome, my friend!

Wow, Claudia, your course is full of good books. I'm so sorry I missed signing up for it. My Nutrition class is good on Coursera but your Literature one seems truly excellent.

Did you take that picture up above? It's beautiful.

Hi Pat -
I don't think I would be enjoying these really excellent books quite so much w/o the lectures. I know I sound over the top about the professor - but he is so good. I'm a whole new reader! I'm sure the class will come up again.

Ron took the picture above. When I can see I'll be needing a new thread, I ask him to take a bunch of pictures for me. He loves doing it. I reject most of them - I'm tough. But he does get some really good ones now and then. I'll tell him you liked this one :-)

Someday.... I will probably take that nutrition course. I'm avoiding it right now as I don't feel like feeling guilty and not ready to commit to any changes. What book are you using for that? Maybe I could just read the book?????

Claudia, the textbook for the Nutrition Class is Nutrition Concepts and Controversies. It sells for something like $125 on Amazon but as a class participant I got it for $60 directly from the publisher. It wasn't required but I figured I could use the information in hard copy. There's no way I could remember everything. It's an excellent book but it's huge and jam packed with information.

One of the things we had to do was pick an online program to track our daily food and exercise on. I picked SparkPeople and I like that website so much I've been spending a lot of time on it. So much that I'm now about a week behind in the class!

Oh Cee, I am so very sorry to hear your news. I haven't the words to express what I am feeling but please know that I am thinking of you and sending throughts of peace, comfort and strength to aid you on your road to recovery.

What? No book sale? But, there will be burgers :) Will there be pie? Hope so.
Enjoy yourself today, and remember all the good stuff so you can share with us... those of us who don't live in fun little towns by the sea who think they are in the 1800's and have all sorts of little socials and good stuff. Sending good thoughts :)

LOVE that thread topper, Cee! Tell Ron he did good! And your literature course is SO tempting me. I did purchase The Ice Palace based on your lovely review - it should be here today, so now I just have to figure out where to bookhorn it in.

Hope you have fun flippin' burgers today! Don't forget to snag one for yourself. And pie. There WILL be pie, won't there?

Are all the burger flipped? What else what there to do? Did you have any kind of nice time during the event, despite the sad lack of books? Curious mind wants to know...

Pat -
Wow - $60 is a bargain price for the nutrition book? I went to the book profile page and the LT oracle said I would not like it. LOL!!!! Now I'm really tempted ;-) Have never been one to keep a journal - not even a food journal. Though I did do it for Weight Watcher's once and it worked well.

Judy -
Thanks for your kind thoughts and words. You are suffering the same stress with your sister and I am sorry to hear that too. Hope we are all celebrating good health soon... also hopes it snows soon! Sorry... just had to sneak snow in while I was in the "hoping mode" ;-)

Kath -
Yup. Burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls, turkey salad, and for sure pie! But. I missed the pie :(
I was so busy flipping and crying (breeze blowing smoke in my eyes) that I missed the pies. They were all sold out. I did however get my burger before we sold out! The grill was tempermental (grrrr) - but it worked out ok eventually. It was a beautiful day - very sunny and sweet breeze. I was in the shade :-)
The performance tent was right next to us so we got to hear all the local singers and various events.
Plenty of artists and crafters - white elephant junk - etc.
The only thing I bought was a jar of local honey. yum

Mamie -
Thanks... I will give Ron your compliment on the picture.
Yeah. Missed the pie. Oh well... there's always next year. Of course you never know... I just might make a blueberry pie of my own now that they are getting plentiful :-) I'd better hurry on that one though.

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Did I mention I'm reading Among Others? So far it's engaging (an over-used word, but fits just right for this book).

omg. i'm exhausted. early to bed...

Hi Claudia- I haven't been by in awhile! Bad Mark. Congrats on the new thread. And good review of Beloved. I haven't read it in many years but do remember it being a dark and challenging read. I NEED to get back into reading more Morrison.
Hope the weekend is going well.
ETA- Hope you continue to enjoy Among Others. It's a little gem.

Agreed. Engaging is a great adjective for that book, as well as magical :)
Sweet Dreams!

Cee - Lovely to come back to KL and find you ensconced in a new thread. Have a lovely weekend dear lady.

#16 Yes, unfortunately $60 is a bargain price for the nutrition textbook. If I hadn't seen how expensive it was to buy it on Amazon first I might not have gotten it but I'm actually glad I did. Nutrition is such a complicated topic to me, partly because it's science which makes my brain seize up. But I always do better with something if I understand it better.

The SparkPeople site keeps saying that people who track what they eat lose twice as much weight and I've also had success with doing that on WW in the past. I like the SP site because they have all these SparkPoints you can earn by reading things like fitness articles or taking their health quizzes. I'm a sucker for all that kind of stuff. I love rewards even if they're only virtual. In WW, I loved getting my 5 pound stars and bravo stickers.

Sounds like you had a very busy day. Hope you sleep like a log tonight!

Hi Mark!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I truly was thinking of you just last night and wondering how you are doing. I have to confess your thread intimidates me so (the number of unread messages no matter when I check). I will get over there soon.
I wanted to do a bunch of reading and LT today.
Among Others really is a fun book (so far) but my eyes were still burning from yesterday's greasy BBQ smoke blowing in them all afternoon at the fair. They are feeling mostly better now. I hate when eyes don't work well.
Beautiful weekend for me - I'm hoping it was for you too!

Hey Kath -
I can't say I got far enough into Among Others to find it magical yet. Except for a few scattered fairies. But, I love how she describes magic in terms of everyday reality that can be used to explain it away. Ha! You either believe it or you don't, I guess. I also loved her excitement over interlibrary loans. So many books she refers to that I have not read - yet.

Hi Paul -
You are another one whose thread intimidates. It's always fun... but sooo lengthy to read. I'll jump in when I get brave to see where it was you went! Good of you to drop by - have a great work week.

Hi Pat,
"The SparkPeople site keeps saying that people who track what they eat lose twice as much weight"
I know. I know. I'm sure it is true. But you have to be very disciplined for that. And right now I surely am not. I'm doing pretty good with relaxation recordings. My cat loves them too. There's something about cats and relaxation. They just go together perfectly!

Beautiful photo, Cee! Ron did good!

Cats do go well with relaxation. They also love Reiki. zWhen I do Reiki in a pet or when I used to do Reiki in my home for someone ...all cats gather round :) Smart kitties. I hope that your eyes clear soon. I try to keep saline around....I sometimes have dry eyes or get stuff in there .. It's a habit I acquired when I wore contacts. I use that. It must have been rough spending the day in the smoke :-/

Among Others not magical yet? huh. Remember to think everyday magic... it's there alright ! :D

Q. What's brown and sticky??
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A. A stick.

Q. How can you tell Ronald McDonald in a nudist colony?
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A. He's the one with the sesame seed buns.

PS

Today sounds like a no fun day... you better make the ending better by going out to dinner or something. And buying a gift for you. Like socks. Or a book. Or both.

Hello Fellow Sheltie Owner:

Of late, Lilly decided to roam the neighborhood. Last week she did something she never did before, she walked from the side or our house and ran across the street to greet the little girls she so loves.

Luckily, no car was approaching.

My question: Does Loki do this? How do you contain her to a specific area? And, do you have any opinions regarding electric fences

Thanks very much. Normally shelties are very territorial and I didn't have this problem with Simon.

I appreciate your opinions. Thanks in advance.

Great review of Beloved, Cee. That one knocked me over, too.

I hope you continue to have a good time with Among Others. I was surprised by how much I liked it. Engaging, as you say - the atmosphere and Mori got me, and all the book talk was an added attraction.

HI Cee!
Glad to see that you loved Beloved! I was really impressed with Tony Morrison!

Giggle for you:
I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down. ;-p

Hi Cee, I'm woefully behind on most threads and am just hearing your news. I will be sending up positive vibes for you as your surgery date draws near but I think your positive attitude will take you far and your sense of humor will get you the rest of the way.

Oh Kath...the jokes! Why am I such a sucker for a silly play on words. It cracks me up. I guess I just love to laugh. I am told off by my friend for encouraging her husband- he loves to have me over as I just laugh and laugh at all the things he says, where his wife is just over it after over 10 years of marriage and 5 years before that.

Cee, I will (of course) now have to red Beloved I will probably cry like a baby throughout. I will have to take a photo of the pile of tissues to prove it as would never let my red-eyed puffy face onto the internet!

Hi Cee! Just swinging by your new thread to see how you're doing. I'm not one who usually remembers or tells jokes, but there is this one.

A three-legged dog walks into a bar and says....
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"I'm lookin' fer the man who shot my paw."

See, Cee ? Arn't you glad I started the joke thing in your thread ? LOL Good one Ellen.
Nothing much happening here. I thought I posted here this morning, but I am not keeping track well today. I have a wretched head... :P and need to find something that will make it go away. I wanna read.

Whatcha doing today?

So sorry I've been scarce lately. Things are summer-busy around here plus so many medical appts. *heavy sigh*

So, yesterday, I went to the hospital and did my pre-op registration. Was told all the details - which I fully expected. Poor Ron. TMI for him. He hates hospitals and everything related. We did decide though that he can drop me off Monday morning, see me settled in my room, then take off for errands/home/whatever.
I will be there for probably 8 hours and most of that time he would be pacing the halls. They said they will call him in plenty of time to greet me back in my room after recovery room.

Then - we were off to PT to get all the info I needed for post-op exercises. Do's and don'ts. I need to take special care not to injure, cut, burn, etc my affected side - and that includes insect bites. Hahaha. It's still summer. What are they thinking? Whatever.

Finally, went to the geneticist. Family cancer history is pretty awful. No surprises there except that it looks even worse on paper. I'm having the BRCA 1 and 2 test to check if I inherited mutated/damaged/defective genes related to cancer. So, my blood is off to Utah! Wish I was going with it.

Visited Mom and joined her listening to live piano music in the parlor. She's doing ok. I pray she keeps that holding pattern for about 3-4 weeks. I know that is a lot to expect... but...

Lastly, we had a fire department cookout last night and a business meeting. Everything was fun 'til the end of the meeting when the chief and a senior member of the department had hot words over a touchy issue. Yikes... the meeting was quickly adjourned. I think everyone has been too tired and stressed. We need winter!

I've been uplifted by lots of snail mail from all over. I'm so grateful for all the unexpected support from so many. It makes me smile ;-)
My sister sent me an email yesterday for the first time in forever. Surprised to see she wonders if I am still in the land of the living.

Today looks and feels like it is gonna rain. yay! That's a good, cool thing. Getting tired of sunny days in the 75-85 degree range. :ppppppppp
Still yearning for the first frost - though nights have been thankfully cool. Think I'll get back to a little reading :-)

Will respond to individuals soon - my car needs to go in for repair of A/C. Doesn't seem to work quite right.

Good day to all you wonderful LTers!

OK... where was I?

Joanne,
I passed your comment on to Ron re his picture. He grinned :-)
Thanks.

Kath,
Cats - whenever Bridget gave a yoga class, her very shy kitty would come out to join the group.
Eyes - took a couple days, but they finally cleared up and felt better with lots of eye drops. It was frustrating trying to read anything.
Magic - I don't see anything but fairies in this book so far - and those are real. So where's the magic???? There was a fairy wedding in our back woods a few nights ago ;-)
Jokes - where are you getting these winners? lol sticks! buns!
Yes... I am actually happy you started this joke thing. It's fun. Ron said he's heard some of them - but I haven't heard any. Yes. I live a sheltered life.
Heads - hope yours feels all better now. Sorry it was so wretched. I am hoping hard I don't get a migraine this week as I can't have my medicine from now 'til after my surgery. I've been relaxing so much - I think I'm depressing myself :PPPPP

Linda!
Nice to see you here - but yikes! Lilly roaming and running across the street? Oh, no!

When we lived on a cul-de-sac in CT we had a sheltie, Charlee, who quickly learned his boundaries and gladly abided by them all the time. Until - we found him a couple houses down from us one day in the yard of his two sheltie girl friends. We always brought him down to play with them so I guess he thought their yard was his too. Security got strict real quick and we never left him alone for a second after that even though there was hardly ever any traffic near us. We could leave him off leash as long as we were with him - but otherwise, no. He was very well trained and obeyed all our commands - but if those girls called him, he listened!

Now we have Loki who has never been trustworthy from square one. Unfortunately, we never had the chance to train him as well as Charlee. He is always on a lead when he is outdoors. He will not respect yard boundaries - especially since we are in the middle of the woods and it all looks the same. We do have a road out front with crazy/young/old/fast/foreign/you-name-it drivers - also joggers, walkers, bikers, etc. Loki would chase any of them happily. He feels it's his job to keep them all in line and he has a strong work ethic. He has charged recklessly through the woods after anything that moves. So now - he has no such freedom.

I would love to get an electric fence. I'm sure he would be obedient with it. The jolt would only have to scare him once. It's not harmful. But we have no dirt... or at least not enough to bury the fence. We're on a granite ledge. Don't ask me how trees grow around here??? But they do.

I hope you find a way to keep Lilly safe that works for you. They are so precious but they can have a mind of their own. sigh.
Good Luck!

Joe -
I love the conversational tone of the book Among Others. It's entertaining to see the world again through the eyes of a 15 y/o. who is very grown up, feisty, and opinionated. Was lurking on your thread earlier... next time I just might delurk for a bit! Goes pretty fast for me - looks like you're having fun. Thanks for stopping by :-)

Chelle -
Toni Morrison is a powerful writer, that's for sure.
Anti-gravity joke! Hahaha... loved it! Got a laugh out of Ron too.

Bonnie -
Thanks for your kind words. I wish I was as positive as people think I am. I'll be much better when I feel like I can DO something constructive. Worrying and waiting are wearing me down a bit a lot. Thank goodness for LT and books!

Megan -
Hmmmm. I did not cry at all while reading Beloved. Shoot! Was I supposed to? But then, I don't usually cry over books. It's rare. (no heart, you see)
The story of Beloved is so tragic, it's beyond sad. It's not sappy in any way. It's a very important read, imho.

Ellen -
"I'm not one who usually remembers or tells jokes..."
Me neither - but I'm loving these silly jokes a lot.
Three-legged dog is right up there ;-)

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Hope I didn't miss anyone cuz you are all so great to stop by and cheer me up.
Pat gave me a good/funny way to think - especially since my prognosis is very good... taken from a cancer website:
"You're thrilled instead of depressed at the thought of getting older."
Maybe this illness will straighten out my thinking!

Magic is like mercury. Kinda slippery, ever changing and hard to hold onto. ( yes, everyone, I know it's supposed to be dangerous.. but lets get beyond the mundane for a second) IT is a tangible thing, but you have to be willing to feel it, and open to what might happen if you do. Magic does indeed get stronger when more people are involved, or "touch" it. That is why it is harder to find these days, because so many people are skeptical. If you stand still and really see and hear, it is still right there in front of you. I admit that there are times it is harder to see..feel. That's why we need to believe in it in our hearts. So it stays in the world. It's endangered .. and needs special attention. I hope today is a better day.

One day a blonde and brunette were watching a soap opera on television. On the show, there was a girl standing on a bridge. The brunette turned to the blonde and said, "I bet you $5 that she's going to jump off that bridge." The blonde agreed to the bet. The girl in the show jumped off the bridge, and the blonde handed the brunette the $5. Then the brunette felt guilty and said, "This is a re-run I already saw, I knew she was going to jump." Then the blonde replied, "I saw it before too, but I didn't think the girl would be stupid enough to do it again!"

Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.

How much does a pirate pay for corn?

A buccaneer!

I LOVE Kath's description of magic!! And her jokes!

Morning, Cee! I just started reading Light in August the other day, and it makes me think of you because I know that you read it recently. I can't remember - was it part of that course you are taking? I am hoping to like this one better than the last Faulkner I read which I liked not at all. But that was several years ago.

Your burger flipping sounds like a success, but I was saddened by the no pie for you part. Craig makes an awesome blueberry cream pie that I love to have with coffee for breakfast.

All these jokes on your thread remind me of Daniel when he was in second grade. You know how kids that age are about jokes - half the ones they tell don't make any sense, but they laugh at them all anyway. His second grade teacher had a terrific sense of humor, and she loved Daniel because he always got all of her sarcastic comments and jokes. She told us at a teacher conference that when she was telling the class about when she was crowned Miss America, Daniel looked right at her and raised one eyebrow. That's when she knew, she said, that he had a love all things funny and a quick wit. He used to memorize a new joke to tell her everyday, and she loved them all. Several years later, when Birdy had her for second grade, she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She continued to teach through it all because she said for her teaching was like breathing. And when I saw her in teacher conference that year, she asked how Daniel was doing. He always made me laugh, she said, and that is a powerful thing. She came through her journey with cancer, and I am convinced that her humor and her ability to laugh even at the darkest moments were a big part of it.

Wishing for you laughter and a day full of fabulous.

Glad to see you are keeping positive and keeping busy! I'll be thinking of you on your hospital day!

Kath -
Although I didn't have much hope for today being better, I was wrong. Thanks for turning things around for me, my friend. How did I get so lucky that you were home today? Must be magic ;-)
Love the jokes!

Mamie -
I have never been fond of Faulkner. I read three books of his a few years ago and it was no wonderful experience :p He is ridiculously difficult to understand - his style can be atrocious. But I now see what all the hoopla is about. It took an awesome professor to open my eyes/mind. Can't say I will pick up another of Faulkner's books anytime soon though. It's all weird.
I do believe that humor is great medicine. It's just pretty hard sometimes. Doing my best.
Thanks for your story of Daniel and his teacher - and all your kind and thoughtful words. My LT days are always full of fabulous thanks to many like you ;-)

Chelle -
Thanks - I'm hoping to be sleeping a good part of my hospital day and since I will not be able to watch that everyone is doing everything right - I'll have to count on good thoughts, prayers, and all my positive connections to the universe. I think I'm covered in good part by my LT friends!

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Going to the library tomorrow because they would not give Ron the book I ordered - even though they have in the past. No comment :p

Hey Cee - goodness, THAT time already - see, it went faster than you thought! Loving the jokes. Thinking of you - I think you are absolutely amazing. I know that all will be well for you. Take care of yourself.

I've been uplifted by lots of snail mail from all over.
Oh cool. Snail mail is a good thing. :-)

I like the positive outlook you are trying to maintain. Let us know if you need any help at all with it!

Like Mamie, I'm reading Light in August and I'm liking it so far. I understand that it's one of his more accessible novels and I don't know if I'll be willing to work hard enough to read The Sound and the Fury. Maybe Absalom, Absalom!.....

Cee, I can't leave LT for the evening without leaving a lame joke...sorry... :)

What do you get when you cross a cantaloupe with a Border collie?
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Melancholy babies.

Joanne.. it took me a while for that one!

Cee.. I have nothing much planned. Gravel delivery and dinner to cook. Reading. Weird to have not a lot needing done. I have been looking online for ideas on what to do with the sidewalk. Still no ideas...I'm looking for something that will utilize pavers of some sort instead of blocking in and pouring cement. I can't find anything that doesn't look crazy expensive, fancy etc.

So no meetings for you today? I don't even like the word *meeting*. You have my deepest admiration for attending so many, so cheerfully

Q: What is a baby bee?
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A: A little humbug!

What do you call a Bee who is having a bad hair day?
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A FRISBEE!

What's red and invisible?
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No tomatoes.

Good Morning, Cee! That course sounds like something I would love, so I will probably try to track it down. I am using one from iTunes University where a Yale professor has a course on Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Faulkner. One of the novels she discusses is Light in August. It is actually the last novel of the course, but I am such a rebel that I just skipped right to that one. It's a big help because I would have missed most of things that she has pointed out so far.

On the comedy front, I stole something from Morphy's thread for you. Every week she has Wacky Wednesday on her thread where she posts a joke or something funny. Take a look at these puns - I love stuff like this:

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? (He's all right now).

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

OR, about the woman who backed into a plane propeller? (DisAster)

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a number on it.

A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

A backward poet writes inverse.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.

Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.

A calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Take it easy today, and know that I am thinking about you and wishing you a day full of fabulous.

Hi Prue!
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Waiting is not something I do well - especially for things I just want to get over with! Thanks for thinking of me and stopping by :-)

Hi Ellen -
I love snail mail - thanks for being the instigator to much of it ;-)
It's fun.
Turns out having a positive outlook is the hardest thing I do lately. You are all helping in that regard.
I could not understand The Sound and the Fury. I didn't like it. I didn't even want to try. He must have been on drugs when he wrote that one. I somehow feel it is the author's responsibility to communicate a lot better than in that book! I expect poetry to come at me in craziness sometimes - but I want novels to at least TRY to reach me. geesh! I don't have any desire to read any of his other books unless I have someone knowledgeable holding my hand. Strangely though, I did like As I Lay Dying. Call me weird - but I thought it was kinda funny...

Joanne -
That was too funny! LOL I must be a lame joke lover.
Melancholy babies!!!! hahahahaha Does this show our age?

Kath -
I'll ask Ron if he came across any ideas for sidewalks at Lowe's.
I'm thinking pavers would allow grass/weeds to grow in-between? That would give you one more chore :p
No meetings today. I'll admit yesterday's meeting was a tough one as it was a planning meeting for the arts fair next summer. I am concentrating on the next 2 weeks. Don't want to think about next summer :ppppppp Can't say I was real cheerful.

The bee jokes are too cute! And I have direct experience with "no tomatoes". That's not a joke around here - it's reality. We planted 2 tomato plants in containers this year on the back deck. They have been struggling. One plant got one lonely little green tomato and keeled over! Yes, it had a stick. Dunno. The other is still struggling. Leaves are all turning yellow. Do you think it might be loaded with red, invisibles?

Happy Day to all my LT friends!

Hi Cee just stopping by to say Hi. I love all the jokes and puns that are being posted here, I will have to remember them to tell my grandchildren they love jokes!

My husband has decided that even though he was born on a farm, he's definitely no farmer. He planted a row of corn this year and it doesn't look like we are going to get even one ear of corn. He also planted a few potato plants and when he dug them the other day, all he got was two tiny potatoes. At least we are getting a few tomatoes.

Hi Cee, just stopping by to wish you sweet dreams. I read and didn't understand a word of The Sound and the Fury as a college student. I've got Light in August on my shelf so I may give that one a whirl.

I liked Mamie's story about second grade jokes because at one time I taught Second grade and first grade and at that age they LOVE riddles or knock knock jokes. They laugh hysterically at those but when they repeat them, they always add something new or leave something out so that they're unrecognizable. They make adults scratch their heads but the kids can't stop laughing.

Cee

Surgery for you? When? I'm sorry I missed that post....

Praying for you!

Love

I want novels to at least TRY to reach me.
Yep, I hear ya. I feel the same way.

Too much on the wordplay here, I love it. Classic stuff.
Not long now Cee! Counting down and hoping for the best ever outcome for you. Me? I'm just once again looking forward to the break ;)

I hope the snail mail is cheering you up, I always love getting a letter, it's so rare these days. (37 going on 100!)

Goooood Morning Cloud-ia

TGIF and stuff...

Whatcha got planned for the day? It sounds like yesterday was nice, taking mom out and so on..Do you still go out with friends now and then to the pizza place? I don't remember how often you were doing that. It's definitely a weekend to be heavy on the do what Cee wants, methinks.. AND please remember the way to the little cupboard of calming. srsly

Morning Claudia- It feels like I haven't been by in awhile. Hope all is well in your world and that your books are treating you kindly. We are leaving for Michigan in the early afternoon. It's pretty up in the U.P.! Enjoy the weekend!

Hi, Cee. Hope your week-end is full of smooth and interesting, fun things.

Wasn't Beloved a relief after the Faulkner? I'd been avoiding that book for a long time; so glad it was a class text. I absolutely loved it. Amazing writer.

More Crone Mojo headed your way...

Oh! Mamie!
Somehow I missed your long, funny cheery message yesterday. But it all turned out well since I need it even more today! As the time approaches (ever so slowly), I feel like I am going to face a firing squad or something - and Ron is feeling the tension more. So, this morning, I read your puns to him and we both got a chuckle out of them. Thanks for that!

Judy,
I know, huh? The best part of some of these jokes is that they can be shared with the grands and we can hear their laughter :-)
I must say, your husband was pretty brave to plant all that hope if he is not too lucky with the farming. Corn and potatoes! wow I would never even bother. We try tomatoes about once every 2 or 3 years. It just never works.

Bonnie,
It took me about half the book of The Sound and the Fury just to figure out how to read with the lack of sentence structure. This was just a few years ago. I was so angry at Faulkner for not following any rules and making it impossible for me to understand that stupid (imho) book! While I was reading it, a man I worked with was extolling the virtues of all things Faulkner. I was astonished and slack-jawed.
"They make adults scratch their heads but the kids can't stop laughing." I know. And their laughter makes us laugh until we just can't take it anymore! Ah... kids ;-)

Hi Linda,
Yup. Surgery for breast cancer. Next Monday.
Thanks for your love and prayers :)
Did you catch my response to you on roaming shelties ^ #34?
Hope Lilly is behaving :-}

Ellen,
Yay. One more on my side!
Communication: The person who sends the message has just as much responsibility as the person who receives the message to make sure there is some kind of understanding, imho. Otherwise, why waste the time? I suppose the argument for art comes in there somewhere - but I'm not that advanced in mind-reading :P

Megan,
"...it's so rare these days. (37 going on 100!)"
I know. Snail mail is a treat now.
And the switch to online communication happened so fast that even younger people like yourself saw the change and miss the old style a bit. You are in my thoughts and I am hoping you are able to take full advantage of your break. 3 more days... maybe 2 1/2 for you?

Hi Kath,
I've been trying to think of somewhere lonely and peaceful to go today. It's another beauty. Like the beach, the mountains, hiking, something outdoors. Unfortunately, it's the wrong season for that in vacationland. Too many people - on the road, on the beach, and on all the quiet lonely parts that would be calming in the winter. So, instead I guess I will get all the laundry in the house done so I don't have to worry about it next week. No crowds in the laundry room!

Only one more public event I have to suffer through before Monday. We are having a birthday party for the 92 y/o ex-fire chief tomorrow night at the pizza place. You would think I would be happy to have something to do to pass the time, but I have used up all my patience for the world. I just have to get this all behind me and get on with life. The party could be interesting though since the current fire chief is totally pissed off at everyone. Oh joy! :ppppp

Hi Mark,
Honestly, I'd rather be in your world than mine. I would love to get lost in the UP right now. Maybe someday. Hope you have a great time :-) I'm liking the books I am reading but it's a struggle to concentrate right now. I feel like I am crawling through them and they are not heavy books! Have a beautiful weekend!

Gail -
I'm soaking up your Crone Mojo big time. Thanks!
I have to say, the books Weinstein picked for this course are perfect for his objectives - but oh so emotionally tough. Or, perhaps it is just me. I would never have picked up another Faulkner if it were not assigned. But I do see now some of what others see in his writing. Beloved was a re-read for me - and I was amazed at all I missed the first time around. I think I said it before, but I still mean it - this course has made me a much better reader. I'm soooo glad you mentioned it way back when and I hopped on this wagon :-)

He is amazing, isn't he?
I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across it and taken the plunge. A real piece of serendipity for me too. Actually downloaded the lectures on B. , I.P., F. Haven't listened to the one on Disgrace yet.

uh-oh, fire station politics! I hope the party goes well and that no one needs the fire hose put on them to calm them down.
What a shame you couldn't think of somewhere peaceful and quiet to get to when you needed some nature. The laundry room isn't quite the same.....but I hope you found at least something you were looking for.

Reading Cheryl Strayed's Wild made me want to go for a looong walk somewhere beautiful (and somewhere sans bears/rattle snakes/coyotes) and just be. It reminded me of the nice long walks I have done in the past.

Good grief woman, that is one of the busiest small towns on the planet. It sounds like Pecan Springs!
( I love those books! ) But it is a way to pass the time, and who knows, maybe something interesting will happen?

Gail -
Aha! So you CAN download those lectures :-) I wondered.
I'm slightly more than half way through Disgrace but have not listened to the lectures yet either. I'll be sad to have this course end... but maybe I'll get a chance to read more of my own picks which have been waiting so patiently on my shelves.

Megan -
I decided to enjoy my own surroundings here at home. I filled the bird feeders and sat back to read. There were a few birds - but the highlight was a family of deer munching in the backyard right near our deck. They knew we were watching but didn't seem too upset since we were quiet. Mama kept a sharp eye on her babies. They have grown quite a lot already.
The tide came in. The tide went out. It was a quiet afternoon.
btw, so glad you were not directly hit with the earthquake. Sounded sizable :(

Kath -
Pecan Springs?
While a pizza party for a 92 y/o might sound exciting to you, I am less than enthused this weekend. However... it could turn interesting with flared tempers and a misguided comment or two ;-)

Phooey!
It's just past 3 am and I don't see anyone around here that wants to start the day off with me - quite yet.
The dog is crashed in the corner, the cat is yawning, DH is snoring contentedly, I... I... I'm not a wee bit sleepy right now. *sigh*

Pecan Springs is where China Bayles lives. Susan Wittig Albert is the author. You really need to read one or two of those cozies... I love those folks at least as much as I love the Three Pines folks. In fact, maybe even a wee bit more.

Did you think to take something to help you relax and sleep? Just saying... 2-4 am is the worst part of the night. I'm sorry you were facing it alone.

It might not be exciting, but it will have pizza... just saying.

I'm so glad I live in a quiet place. Slept in this morning to make up for last night. All's well that ends well.
"Did you think to take something to help you relax and sleep?" Why, yes. I thought about it. Just seemed too close to morning and I didn't want to spend the day groggy.

Actually, I did read Lavender Lies a good bit ago. It was ok. One of the reviews said it wasn't as good as the first one. So maybe I'll try Thyme of Death someday. What I really need to do is catch up on Penny's books.

Well, you do seem to prefer heavier stories than China bales out.. I found a couple more of the early ones that I hadn't read. Lavender Lies is the first one I read ( 'Cause I love lavender) and it sucked me in...

Next time dearie Cee-rie do more than think about it! You are a tough case, ya know?

Almost done waiting. . . .

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! oh crap! What is the MATTER with people????

Oh... this book is too hard!

#52 Disgrace by J M Coetzee (3.5 stars - for now)



I just don't know how to rate this book. I don't even know what I think about this one.

I need to listen to the lectures to figure out why I needed to read this. I keep trying to continue here - but can't.
Later.
*groan*

I can honestly say - the next book I read will be fluffy!!!

Well, it was a drag, wasn't it? Of course any book would suffer from being read immediately after the wonderful Morrison.

Fluff is it for me too, at least for a while.

Hope your weekend is reasonably calm and peaceful.

Hi Claudia. I read Disgrace for a book club years ago and I still think it's one of the hardest, if not the hardest, book I've ever read. You might want to put it aside until after Monday and read something more comforting. I found the ending pretty traumatic.

Your quiet afternoon yesterday sounds lovely. Hopefully, you can have another one tomorrow.

Here's a quote for you: "You can't calm the storm . . . so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass." Timber Hawkeye, Buddhist Boot Camp

Well I really disliked Disgrace when I read it years ago Cee so it looks like you're in good company. I don't know about hard, I just didn't like it at all.

On board with fluff for the near future.... Need any suggestions?
((((Cee))))

Uh oh. I have Disgrace on my TB shelf. It sounds like a challenge.

the next book I read will be fluffy!!!
That is the spirit! Every book with that much heft, worth it or not, should be followed by pure enjoyment!

Yeah, Disgrace is not the sweetest of subject matter.....

Last post Cee, before your procedure so GOOD LUCK. I'll be thinking of you on the day (in the midst of my druggy hospital haze). Take care and keep your spirits up!

Good luck tomorrow!!!! We will have our fingers crossed for you (even some dog paws crossed too!)

So, how was the party?

Kath,
You will be glad to know I totally expect to take Ativan tonight and before I go to the hosp tomorrow morning. I slept great last night and feel good today. I'm losing some of the fear and getting excited for tomorrow to get done.

I've been digging through my books trying to choose something fluffy, magical, paperback, a book I won't mind losing in the shuffle, and not hard to get into. I'm about 1/2 way through Among Others and almost settled on that one. Just tell me... does anyone or any dog die? I could take a Discworld book... those tend to be fun.
Any special suggestions???? I might go buy a heap of magazines and just look at pictures.

The party was ok. There were people there that I liked - the pizza was meh - the wine was the best. I had a piece of cake that I didn't want but gave all the frosting to the lady sitting next to me. That helped. I felt like everyone was looking at me with pity - but I'm sure that was not the case. I was just feeling very self-conscious and had feelings of my own self pity.
I figure in a couple of weeks I might be able to feel good about myself again :-}

Gail,
The subject matter in Disgrace was very, very hard. The ending was awful. There just didn't seem to be any redeeming quality to this book - except for the exploration of another culture and reality. The whole thing attacked my sensitivities. groan.
Weinstein was very brave to use this book to close the course. He certainly takes a wide view of relationships and connection. What a collection of novels he chose!
Even with this last book, I can truly say this has been one of the best courses I have ever taken. So much of it touched me deeply and made me think.

Pat,
I can only think of one other book that rivals Disgrace for hard subject matter and that would be Blindness by Saramago. There was also one movie that was too tough for me - "A Clockwork Orange". Never read the book and never intend to. I have a huge problem with the vulnerable beaten down so savagely and the total disregard for life... and so much hate... and arrogance. yeah, all that stuff :(
I love your quote. It's so true.
I'm feeling pretty calm this morning ;-)

Bonnie,
I see I am in very good company if you didn't like it either. I guess a book that hits me so hard would have to be considered well written to elicit all these emotions. I'm glad I'm not too hardened to feel hurt by it all... perhaps that means there is some softness in my heart. Is that what they call compassion? Or is it just being sentimental? Whatever.
What does it take to write a book like this?

Ellen,
You might like (not enjoy) this book because it certainly gives you a lot to think about... but I don't know when would be the best time to read it. You're on your own with this one :{
So, fluff it is! Magical, funny, or happy ...

Megan,
I'll be with you in spirit and know by the time I am going in, you'll be coming out - all done!!! Maybe we will meet in some kind of ether-world of drugs LOL. Good luck to you too!

Chelle,
Thanks! What a good image - fingers crossed and paws crossed too. Hahaha - I love it. That will become part of my imagery in the hospital. *grin*

*****************
I am SO ready for this. Onward...

Well, if you think that I am going to pity you because they made you eat cake, think again. I would have eaten the icing too, and maybe asked for seconds. I mean... free cake!

Hmm well since you are halfway through you know that there has been a tragedy or two already. But srsly, I read that book and loved it, so animals are pretty safe. There might be something at the end that you don't want to read, so... maybe safe it for a day or three? Just to be safe. And good heavens, you do NOT want to lose that one in the shuffle. I vote for discworld or magazines, although .. these days they are about half ads and half story.... dunno.

48 hours from now... tomorrow will be history!!!! GO TIME ! If I had a time turner I would have loaned it to you weeks ago....

I slept great last night and feel good today. I'm losing some of the fear and getting excited for tomorrow to get done.

Yeah! That's so good to hear. Ativan can be a life safer for your mind. I would go for magazines for reading material too. I find them very relaxing to look through.

I felt like everyone was looking at me with pity - but I'm sure that was not the case. I was just feeling very self-conscious and had feelings of my own self pity.

Been there; done that!

Another quote for you:

"On particularly rough days when I'm sure I can't possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100% and that's pretty good."

Claudia my dear, I took my sweet time getting over here and I see I'm just in time to send you good wishes for a full recovery. I also wish I knew how to tell jokes or funny anecdotes and stories to help lighten your load and give you a bit of a lift, but my brain just doesn't work that way, and I see you've got lots of other friends who are very good at it. Must say I got quite a few chuckles as I made my way through your thread.

I completely agree that the reading material for this Coursera class was extremely emotionally challenging. Certainly the first half of the course was not lighthearted in content, but it felt much less difficult than the second half, which seemed filled wall to wall with one heavy-hitter after another. I found all the books in this second module to be rough going, and while I was determined to finish the course, after reading The Ice Palace, which I found to be equal parts beauty and horror, like on of my more angst-ridden nightmares, I knew I wouldn't be able to handle following up with both Beloved, then Disgrace. That's why I made the choice NOT to reread Beloved, which I'd also found to be nightmarish the first time round and instead keep myself updated on it with SparkNotes, which gave a quite accurate chapter by chapter recap and vividly brought to mind the whole horrific poetry of Morrison's brilliant writing on this most difficult topic, so that I might as well have read the book again. But not quite, as it was at a remove, and I think that spared me just enough emotionally to be able to handle Disgrace. I completely agree with you that the latter rivals Blindness in terms of harsh and horrifying subject-matters and treatments. I dreaded reading both books equally, and put both off for many year. But strangely enough, by the time I got to them, I was in a similar low point and these readings could have resulted in plunging me to a point of dangerous despair, but instead, somehow helped me to intimately relate to the aspects of life we usually want to turn away from... making my personal pain easier to face somehow. It's very hard to convey all this, and I'm not sure I'm doing a good job of it, but that's the best I can do at the moment. I can say that I feel like a stronger person for having gotten through those works without having been brought down to my knees, and instead feeling like I have a better understanding of the full range of human experiences. Too heavy? Well then, read Pat's last quote above again, because basically she said it all right there.

I send you my tenderest expression of love Claudia, and please do know you are always in my thoughts.

cEEEEeEe! It's been such a long time since my last visit!
Are the leaves turning by you? They've started here and it makes me sad to think that our chilly and damp summer is over. Yet, part of me is ready to be snowed in for 6 months that way I can read The Game of Thrones series without guilt. Hope you're well.

Cee, stopping by to let you know that all of us here in Mamieland will be thinking about you and praying for you tomorrow. I love that quote that Pat posted up there - so very true. If I were picking reading material for the hospital, I would choose an old favorite - one that you really love. Those kinds of books are like old friends and always feel comforting to me. Please know that we will be with you in thought and spirit, dear.

Ack! What's this Mamie speaks of, hospital? Hang on whilst I scroll up........oh my goodness, Cee, I've missed the news of your approaching hospital stay. I have a joke deficit problem so I'll just send you healing karma and my good wishes for a speedy recovery. hugs Cee!

Cee, just dropping by to say I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Just a friendly reminder:

Kath -
OK. I started a YA book that Greg (grandson) pushed on me with hearty recommendation... The Running Dream It'll work. If it gets lost, I'll buy him another. or whatever.

Had my lobster dinner - entirely satisfactory :) Topped it off with blueberry cake and strawberry ice cream. I hope they ask me what I last had to eat, but I guess that's just for having babies. Heh?

Pat -
Great quote! Never thought of it that way. You come up with great stuff ;-)

Ilana -
Glad you stopped by... You timed that message well :-)
Thanks for the good wishes and loving thoughts. Hope all is well with you and you find some lighter reading this week that makes you smile.

Lynda -
"...part of me is ready to be snowed in for 6 months "
Me too! Me too!
Healing karma and good wishes gratefully accepted. By this time tomorrow, the healing will have begun :-) By the time the snow flies... I'll be ready to play in it!

Mamie -
It means a lot to me that you-all will be thinking of me in Georgia. The support of all my LT friends is amazing to me.
Hope it is a nice sunny day so you can pray in the pool - LOL

Claudia, since I'm not sure what time you go into the hospital tomorrow or when you'll last check LT today, I just wanted to say that we'll all be surrounding you with love and positive healing energy tomorrow and that is a very powerful force. Tomorrow at this time, I trust you'll be back home and feeling well both mentally and physically and thinking the surgery wasn't bad at all. Sleep well tonight with the confidence that all will go well tomorrow.

Hi Rhian!
Thanks so much. I have a beautiful image of wonderful people scattered over the world - thinking of me and wishing me well.

That's beautiful, Pat. I will remember. But just in case, I printed it off an am using it for a bookmark tomorrow ;-)

Thanks to everyone for all your helpful and kind words over the past few weeks.

My surgery is around 2 pm - with lots of prep in radiology in the morning. The expectation is that I will be able to leave about 6pm.

"All is well."

(((((CEE)))))
You know I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. I'm confident it will go well and I think it's great that you're in the "okay, let's do this! mental space. Before you know it, you'll be on the other side of this event and moving onward into the next, recovery phase.

Consider yourself seriously hugged.

Thanks for that serious hug, Ellen, BEFORE my surgery - lol
I do keep thinking... this time tomorrow ________, etc.

Lobster dinner today. Clean sheets & Ativan tonight. Ahhhhhhhhh...
Can't complain :-)

Be back soon and cancer free ...
;-)

Wait, wait Cee, I am wishing you well too. I know everything will work out for you and tomorrow at this time you will be on your way to a sweet recovery. Hugs.

You know you're in our hearts, Cee, and I'm sure you can feel all the love
and caring we're sending your way.
(((((Cee))))

Stopping by to say I'm thinking of you and will be all day tomorrow.

And I am impressed you read the Coetzee at such a time - I found it a hard hard read. Don't know what I think either.

wafting gentle seabreezes of wicked good thoughts that all goes well tomorrow. Thinking of you.....
Tina Tutu

Thinking of you, Cee, and wishing you the best.

Sweet dreams tonight, Claudia, and best of luck tomorrow. Oh no, not luck....those doctors really do know what they're doing. I'll just wish you more sweet dreams tomorrow. Hopefully, you will be drifting along in a good place while they take care of Mr. C.!

Claudia- Prayers and good luck vibes heading your way! Hope all goes well, my friend! Keep us updated.

Cee - Will be thinking about you often today (it is Monday here) as I am sure many of us will be around the world (wow how's that?).
Here's hoping everything turns out just fine for the lady with the big heart and the peek-a-boo bathroom. xx

Cee, I know where you are right now and I'm thinking of you!

UPDATE: Cee is home.. all went well. She is sleeping it off and Ron promised to take good care of her..

Thanks for the update, Kath. I was wondering how she was doing. So glad to hear all went well.

Sleep well, Claudia!

I was sitting here with the phone in my hand waiting for his call.... big relief to know all is well :)

Good news -thanks Kath!

Thanks for the update, Kath.
Sweet dreams and a comfortable day tomorrow.

Thanks, Kath, for the update.

Cee, you've been in my thoughts all day and so glad to hear you are home and sleeping. Wishing you a night of comfort.

Good morning, Claudia! Hope you got a good night's sleep and you're feeling well today. Take it easy and let the healing begin.

Glad you're at home and it went well, Cee. Rest up and take good care of yourself.

Hugs to Cee and Ron and to sweet, sweet Kath with phone still in hand (please put it back on the hook my dear the lottery guys may want to call you with good news).

Cee. I'm sorry I was away for such a long time, but I'm all caught up.. just in time to wish you a big welcome home, and plenty of rest.

I'm just getting back Cee and although I've been away from my own thread for the last week, I have been praying for you steadily. I am praying now for a speedy recovery and as pain free as those docs can make it... May they give you all the good drugs they have available!!!!

We love you, dear Claudia!

Hope you are starting to bounce back Cee:)

^Gentle Hug!

Thanks for the update Kath!

Cee I hope everything went as well a possible and hope you are resting and being spoiled by Ron!
xoxo

Sending good thoughts your way, Cee, and keeping you in our prayers. So good to know that you are back home. Take good care of you.

*Thanks for the update, Kathleen!

Wishing you a beautiful Maine day! Hope you're doing well.

Cee, sending healing mojo and a cheerful "cool" flower to perk you up! So glad this part of the ordeal is over for you.

Haven't forgotten you, Cee; wishing you the best recovery possible.

>115 Donna828:: Donna, that's amazing.

Thinking of you my dear and hope all is as well as can be!

UPDATE: Cee is doing okay... sleeping a lot, which is of course the best possible thing right now.
I miss you Cee!

Thanks for your updates, Kath. I agree rest is just what she needs.

We'll be here for you Cee when you're ready and able.
Thinking of you and praying for a smooth recovery.

Thanks for the update, Kath!

Sleep well, Claudia.

Thinking of you and hope you're doing well, Cee.

Hope you're doing well! The first few days after surgery can be rough, so I'm leaving gentle hugs.

I'm a 4 year BC survivor. And, at 57, I'm thinking of getting one of these:

http://www.babble.com/mom/in-celebration-of-a-scar-25-amazing-mastectomy-tattoos...

Oh My! So many friends for someone who has no friends! (That would be me). I may have to revise my thinking.

I LOVE all the messages and GIFs! Thanks so very, very much for thinking of me and actually coming over to visit.

I have been receiving so much love - and let me tell you, it has all come at needful times and been ever so helpful getting me over the bumps. I wish I could hug each and every one of you ;-)

Surgery was a little more aggressive than they expected. Even with radioactive injection plus blue dye injection, the sentinel node did not want to identify itself clearly. So the surgeon had to take out a cluster of lymph nodes instead of one or two :(
That means I now have a drain that is driving me nuts - due to come out next Monday. Surgical sites are clean and dry - no huge pain :)

My hopes and plans for internal radiation (1 week of treatments) have been nixed. I will need to do 6 weeks of external radiation - but I'm ok with that. It's closer to home and I get to recover from the surgery a few weeks first. Kinda glad I don't have a balloon imbedded in me now and no long trips to Portland every day.
Sorry if this is tmi.

Waiting for the pathology report. Maybe today.
Please forgive me for not getting to each of you with responses. I will eventually. I am so thankful for ALL of you! More than I can express...

Caring about you and so glad you feel well enough to be on LT even if for just a moment. Thrilled that the pain level is good. All crossables are crossed and a boat load of positive energy on its way to you.

So lovely of you to post, Cee! And it's not too much information - we care about you and want to know how you're doing and what you're dealing with. So glad that you are okay with the change in plans for the radiation. No long trips every day is a definite upside. Please know that we continue to pray for you and are sending good thoughts and healing mojo your way. Remember to take good care of yourself and not to do too much. Gentle hugs to you, dear.

Lovely to see you back here, Cee. I second Mamie, it not TMI, we want to know and understand what's happening. I have had some of those thoughts about sharing information about my sister, but sometimes it really helps to just let it all come out in writing. Another gentle hug from me to you.

quietly adding a gentle hug to the pile. Definitely glad you get to forego the long trips to Portland -- even with the upcoming fall foliage show that gets to be a drag very quickly. Please take it easy, and don't feel like you have to give each of us an individual bullet. Just hearing from you enmasse is good enough for me.

Hi Claudia! It's so good to hear from you. Sorry about the drain; they're a major PIA but luckily a short-lived PIA.

The longer radiation isn't bad; it's just long. I'm someone who rebels at having things I have to do so there were some days, I just didn't want to go but of course I went. I remember when I was going through it, someone on LT (or several people) recommended that I treat myself during that time. It was so easy I didn't feel like I deserved a treat but in retrospect that would have been a good idea--to give myself something to look forward to rather than feeling like I had an obligation to attend to.

Anyway, enough of that! I've got all my fingers and toes crossed that you get a good pathology report.

Take care!

*scroll*
*scroll*
*looking for news of Cee*
*scroll*
*scroll*

found it!!

Yay, you are like me with the sleepiness then. Sleep is a great healer, really. Do it as much as you can, I am about to go back to sleep right now. (its nearly 10am) Glad to see you out of hospital and that it has gone OK, if not exactly what was expected. *fingers crossed*

((((hugs))))

It's wonderful to hear from you Cee and I'm glad you felt up to it. Also glad that you can get your treatment locally. It sounds like that was a concern for you. Thanks for giving us just enough information to allow us to understand. Gentle hugs.

So happy to hear from you Cee! Sorry to see things didn't go as planned but your positive attitude is amazing! Keep it up!

xoxo and sloppy kisses from the dogs!

.

Ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !

Sorry about the plan B, but still, all is well... I am so happy that you felt well enough to come by and post

Claudia

Stopping by to add my heartfelt wishes to those above.

You are very much in my mind. Kath, thanks for your up date posts and Cee, thanks for taking time to let us know how you are.

Thinking of you!


glitter-graphics.com

So glad you came through the surgery OK!

Sending you my best wishes for your treatment over the next six weeks.

Yah, Claudia reported in! Good to hear from you, my friend. Get plenty of rest!

Hi Cee

Nice to hear from you. Take care and rest. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way. I think the suggestion to teat yourself is a good one!

Goooooood Morning to you! I hope you feel a wee bit better today? They say day 3 is the worst ( no idea why,) but here it is day 4! So that is a good thing, doncha think? I hope Ron's cooking is holding up? I also hope that you have been able to eat a bit? You need to regain strength. And rest, and good mojo, which clearly you have .

It was so good to hear from you, Cee. Please don't wear yourself out with writing to us individually. You can start that again when you have all your strength back. Just rest and let Ron pamper you! Sending more healing vibes to you, strength to Ron, and thanks to Kath for the updates.

Yeah... What Donna siad :)

Cee! How good it is to know that the healing process has begun! Please take it slow, follow drs orders and do treat yourself during your "treat"ments. Always nice to look forward to something you enjoy. Gentle cyber hugs.

Just stopping by to wish you well!

Glad for the updates and the positive outlook. I hope your recovery is SMOOTH as you prep for the six weeks.
Sending more hugs!!!!

Bonnie -
Sorry I couldn't wait - but I did see your message of good wishes (#89). My recovery in the hosp was slow - I didn't want to wake up. I think I was starting to "nest" in my little room and the nurse was probably getting nervous I wouldn't go home.
I'm not "bouncing" quite yet - but doin' fine.
Thanks for the beautiful flowers :-)
I am glad to have treatments more locally so we don't have to make arrangements for Loki that he would not have liked. One less worry!

Gail,
I did (and do still) feel the love from my LT friends. It got me through a lot of long days and shaky emotions. Thanks for the shower of good wishes, hugs, and energy!

Lucy -
Thanks for stopping by ;-) The flowers are a nice choice - reminds me of our vacation in Nova Scotia. Not sure why.
I think reading Disgrace was so uneasy that it made me forget my own worries some. So, maybe it was a good time to read it.
I'm taking another course in Oct on Science Fiction and Fantasy. Looking forward to it!

Tina Tutu -
Thanks for the gentle hugs and breezes! Isn't it just gorgeous this month??? I'd rather go to Portland when I want to - rather than under duress. So, Bath will work out just fine.

Joanne -
Thanks for thinking of me and checking in.
The blossoms (#121) are beautiful - though I don't really know what they are???

Donna -
I do thank you for the sweet dreams (was getting tired of nightmares). They seem to come in cycles.
Oh how I love that snowy rose! I thought of snow a LOT in the past week. I don't know if I will be successful getting to everyone, but I'd like to try. We'll see how that works out :-/

Mark -
Yup! It's me! It's me! I made it. That must call for a lovely crisp cold one ;-)
Thanks so much for the teddybear hugs and flowers. Your prayers and good luck vibes were much appreciated. They worked!

Paul -
Thanks for the thoughts from across the world. I thought of that world-wide conglomeration of good wishes often. It's amazing!
Thanks for the hugs :-) Did Kath win the lottery????? COOL!

Lynda -
Thanks for the lobster and flowers! cute ;-)
Also, thanks for the healing thoughts and prayers... I know they have helped the healing process.
"...do treat yourself during your "treat"ments"
LOL - that's a good way to remember that! Will do my best :-)

Kath -
Thanks, my friend, for putting out the updates for me. Wish they could have been more exciting - then again, no. I don't.
Can't think of anything exciting that happened in the hosp. Well, I did have some long booties on my legs that pumped up alternately to simulate walking. Supposed to keep blood clots from forming. That was kinda cool.
"... phone in my hand waiting for his call..."
Methinks you worry too much! Sorry the call came later than I thought. Just wanted to sleep-in and go home in the morning. But, they closed at 9. ah well... my bed was more comfy.
Day 2 was the worst. Guess I was a little ahead of the curve. I was very cranky. Poor Ron. Frankly, his cooking sucks. But we survived. I am about to reclaim the kitchen.

Pat -
It has been so wonderful to receive all the great support you have sent my way. Apparently, we have many of the same reactions, thoughts, etc for this cancer thing. You have always said just the right thing to make me so much more comfortable with my experience and feelings. Thanks so very much.
The sleep advice I took to heart ;-) The kitty in #120 looks just like Woolly - and sooooo comfy. Love it!
NICE picture of Portland Head. We have had some awesome Maine weather with sunshine and seabreezes.
"I'm someone who rebels at having things I have to do..."
omg, that sounds exactly like me. You poor dear! I will definitely be looking to include some treats along the way ;-)
gif in #142 - beautiful sentiments... thanks!

Judy -
Thank you for the hugs and thinking of me. Home and sleeping is what I've been! Surprisingly the nights have been filled with comfortable rest. I guess I have LT to thank for that.
I think you are right. "sometimes it really helps to just let it all come out in writing" - even though I am no writer, it does help.

Joe -
Thanks for the flowers and good wishes. Lots of great color on this thread :-) Love the dragonfly vase. Dragonflies eat mosquitos - so I love them!

Caro -
So nice to see you. Thanks for the warm welcome home and the hugs ;-) Always love your gifs!

Tina -
Thanks for the prayers and thoughts. Turns out there was very little pain and I did not even need narcotics! The Ativan came in handy pre-op though, I admit. Thanks for stopping by... I know how busy you've been! keep smiling :D

Chelle -
yes, getting plenty of rest. Spoiled by Ron???? Maybe a wee bit - but he's not overdoing it. I think I wore him out with the broken shoulder - lol. He does a nice job of letting me be me :-)
oooooo - I love those sloppy kisses from the dogs!
The drain I have for my wound is called a "Jackson-Pratt". When I heard that, I immediately thought of your Jackson and it helped me remember the name of this thing. Dang thiing follows me everywhere!

Mamie -
Thanks for the beautiful tulips, hugs, and prayers. You have sent me so much beautiful support and I appreciate it ever so much. If anyone's mojo can lift one's spirits - it's yours!

Ilana -
Thank you my dear - and I hope you are doing as well as can be, too. Have not had the time to get around to threads but I will soon.
Hugs.

Hi Janet (?)! Welcome.
Congrats to you with 4 good years under your belt!
Those tattoos are something else! A few are really quite lovely. I'll keep this in mind if I ever need something like that - but - the pain???!!! really??? yikes. And who really gets to see it? On me - practically no one! You must be very brave :-}

Megan!
You made it too :-) I so hope you are feeling as little pain as I am. But then, drugs are fun too!
"Sleep is a great healer" My mantra for life.
Many hugs back to you - thanks for your support even when you need it yourself! Peace.

Linda -
Thanks to you for stopping by. I know you are having a tough time of it - especially with work starting up again and being in pain. I sure hope something starts working big time for you. You deserve a break!
The flower basket is so sweet - and it doesn't even need water! *grin* Maybe I won't kill it. Hugs to you!

Terri -
Awwww. Kitty :-) Pansies, right? Is that what Joanne's picture was? Hmmm. I think so. The anesthesia just cleared for a moment and I had a small clear thought! Cool!
Mee too! I'm glad I came through the surgery ok, too! LOL At least I think I did. Starting to get a bit tired and punchy! But, I'm almost there...

Rhian -
Thanks so much. I'm not exactly sure yet when the treatments start. I need to talk to my oncologist on Monday - so I hope things get sorted then. I hate not knowing the details of "the plan"! I am starting to understand it is what it is... whatever the plan.

Jess -
I agree with the treat thing! I'll take all the positive thoughts I can get... trying to be a more positive person (after 64 years of being a professional worrier!) Good luck, huh?

Ellen -
I am truly experiencing a SMOOTH recovery - and I think it's because of all the great LT support, hugs, vibes, mojo, prayers, positive thoughts, jokes, and well wishes. Thanks for your kind attention and the time spent to keep up my spirits. Unbelievable...

So, I think I got everyone... please let me know if I missed anyone.

Big, big hugs and thanks to everyone for helping me get through this. I know it's not over - but I know where to come to whine when I need to. (I'll try to keep that at a minimum.) And I know where to celebrate when this is over. I DO expect this to be over!

Hope you ALL have a great weekend!

Super impressed with your rapid fire responses Cee! I'm too tired to spend too much time on here, typing is as much the delete key as it is anything else.....drug-addled brain!?

Whine away....its a good release, Ill be doing my whinging later on once my lovely other goes back to work.

Yes, it's Janet.

I think depending on the placement, a tattoo would be less painful than you think since nerves that are cut don't recover.

That's not always a bad thing. I was one of the unlucky ones to burn during xray treatments which sounds awful. But I couldn't feel the burns at all, so for me, the burns and the treatments of them were only a nuisance. Except for the fact that I had to keep the burns completely uncovered to the air, I could have gone to work.

Nor did I feel the small guide tats they placed before the xray treatments began.

I'm single and it may be well be that no one but me will ever see a tatoo.

But it will be my own little secret smile and that is worth quite a bit.

Glad you're doing well!

>147 -Cee-:: I think you got us all answered, Cee. Well done! I know we are all looking forward to celebrating with you when this nightmare is over. I hope you are having a restful week end.

Hi Claudia. I'm so glad I can help you with some of the knowledge I gained during my breast cancer experience. (Of course, ideally I wouldn't have this knowledge and you wouldn't need it.)

It sounds like you're doing well and I know you'll be happy to lose that drain on Monday. When I found out I would be going home with two drains, I thought "you've got to be kidding me" but it's amazing what you can deal with when you have to. And with a lot of this cancer stuff, it's more of a mental hurdle than a physical one.

Hope you have your feet up relaxing with a nice cool breeze wafting in!

Just a fly by hug. Glad to know the furkids are taking good care of you :)

No friends?!! Yeah, right.

Have a lovely weekend dear Cee.

Megan -
You are doing well - really well! I'm so glad. I know what you mean about typing - correcting - typing - correcting. I just don't think I want everyone to know how imperfect my mind is during recovery. Who would I be fooling? Myself? lol
You have done some decent reading :-) I did manage to read 2 YA books and now I'm on Family Matters - about 1/4 through and liking it a lot. Not as much reading as I'd hoped. Can only sit still so long before I start getting uncomfy... I NEED to get this drain outta here! Can't wait for tomorrow!

Janet -
You make some good points about the tattoos. And having your "own little secret" is fun. It's definitely an option for the bold and beautiful ;-) I'm basically a big wimp! It's all the thinking about it that gets me in trouble.
Sorry to hear you had trouble with the radiation burns... but no pain? Huh. It all does sound like a nuisance - but then, this whole experience is a big nuisance :p How arrogant of me to take a healthy and miraculous body for granted and consider disorders "inconvenient" and bothersome. We think we are so strong and forget how vulnerable sometimes.

Donna -
This is turning out to be a wonderfully restful weekend - with perfect weather. Cool at night for sleeping and sunny/pleasant during the day. I would be happy to be a bit more active as I am feeling great... but ... not quite yet. Every night I go to bed wondering if I will sleep and rest comfortably - and thankfully that has been the case :)

Pat -
"with a lot of this cancer stuff, it's more of a mental hurdle than a physical one."
So VERY true. I can see the medical profession recognizes this and encourages patients to get emotional/mental support. However, that is easier said than done for some people. It's not just having the support available - it's also accepting it. Hard for me to do without feeling guilty. This has all been a new experience for me.
I am realizing how very lucky I am to have people like you, other LTers, RL friends (new and stronger), and family. I very much want to be available to others in the future if there is anything I can contribute. I've been thinking a lot about that.
Lots and lots of hugs for you - perfectly understanding and helping so much!

Kath -
Glad to see you flying by - at least it keeps you off your feet a little ;-)

Paul -
I know. I may have to revise that "friend-thing" thinking. I need to give people much more credit. I'm learning slowly and surely.
I know your weekend is winding down now - hope it was a good one!

**********************

Have finished 2 very good YA books:
The Running Dream - overcoming tough obstacles and hoping through the dark times were dominant themes - well written for youngsters/teens - inspiring

Among Others - again, a book about coming to terms with handicaps and fitting in with friends - magical throughout - LOVE the dramatic ending! I'm a sucker for strong magic overcoming evil ;-) Ha!

I am now well into Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry and finding it a great read! (Thanks, Megan)

((((CEEEEEEEE))))

So glad to see you back and reporting on your progress!!!

Dear one, you must learn to accept the help of those that love you!! It is the only way they can "help" right now and you need the support and extra attention.

I'm sorry you're onto the backup plan but you've got the right attitude to kick this in the butt!

We love you. There is never too much info you can share when you are going through a journey like this.

Blessings & prayers to you, dear Claudia! Sending you love through the Internet!

I'm glad you liked Among others, and felt the magic.. I need to read it again.. or strap it to my chest or something....

Cee, I'm glad you're enjoying Family Matters. I very much liked A Fine Balance but have not yet gotten to this one. It sounds worthwhile.

Keep taking good care of you. (((Cee)))

Hope you're enjoying a pleasant and restful Sunday evening, Cee.

By this time tomorrow that ole drain will be history.
Sleep tight and I'll stop by tomorrow to see how you're doing.

#154 Claudia, I felt the same way you do about all the support I got when I had breast cancer. I knew I needed it because I was scared to death so I was pretty shameless in seeking it out but I was still surprised by how much it helped. I had always prided myself on being self-reliant but was really comforted knowing that people were thinking of me and wishing me well. In the past, people had thanked me for being there for them when they were going through tough times but I thought they were being polite because I couldn't see where just expressing concern about someone and checking in with them would help much when something bad happened. Now I know differently and it was the best thing that happened to me as a result of my diagnosis. I sometimes thought I shared too much about what was going on with me but I occasionally go back to my LT thread at that time and am still comforted by all the supportive comments I got. It makes me feel good about the universe. :-)

Just checking in to say hello. Hi Cee! You're not far from my thoughts.

And yes, they are pansies!

Ditto what Joanne said. I'm simply checking in early this morning to say I'm thinking of you.

Gentle hugs. And, Pat's message is so heartwarming. Please allow yourself to bask in the warmth and love of this group.

I also was so appreciative of the support during my multiple neck fusion surgeries. This is an amazing group--and you are an amazing part of it.

Claudia- Hope you are feeling better and had a nice R & R weekend. Thinking of you. Suddenly, Mistry is one of my favorite authors and I will forward to Family Matters.

Today is Monday! I hope that it is a happy monday filled with good things...
feel hugged as soon as you are in the mood for a hug, okay?

((((((((((((((CEE))))))))))))))) x a lot

Just use as needed

Just checking on you, Cee. I know that you get the drain out today, and that should be a boost to your spirits. Sending you my thoughts and prayers.

It's lovely here in Georgia today - the sun is out, there is a nice breeze and the temps are mild (only 84F). I plan on reading outside. Wishing for you that same kind of lovely lazy day - after your doctor's appointment, of course. Make sure you take it easy, dear.

Hi Cee, just cruising through to see how your Monday is going. I should be out running errands but I can't seem to tear myself away from the computer this morning. Have a nice Monday and be extra good to yourself!

Hi All -
Drain is out - and that is a very good thing!
Feels better there - but I am now having numbness and burning under my upper arm which I'm told is common and will go away in about 6 months :p

My news today was a mixed bag.
Pathology shows lymph nodes are clear - excellent result there.
The margins were NOT clear in three directions. I am not yet cancer free.
More surgery will be required - not sure yet how extensive. May wind up being a mastectomy. Research and decisions to make... need to talk further with my surgeon.
I am disappointed and discouraged right now.

Claudia, I'm so sorry you have to have more surgery! Hopefully, you'll have an option besides the mastectomy although having had one, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I've adjusted quite well. I hope you can see your surgeon soon and get some more answers.

But that is fantastic news about the clear lymph nodes. :-)

The numbness and burning under your upper arm are normal from my experience and slowly fade away although even now I think I have a tiny bit of numbness.

I don't blame you for feeling disappointed and discouraged. Too many ups and downs--it's like a physical and emotional roller coaster.

Oh, Sweetie...I'm so sorry that you may have additional surgery. This is a rough road. Hang in there knowing there are many passengers in the vehicle with you and we are driving down the path with you....wind blowing in our face and hope in our hearts!

You can do it. You are woman! I prescribe wine and rice krispie treats for both you and the giraffe. Save one for me. Guts are important..... remember, I'm right here *

Hugs to you Claudia. Can't be easy to go through, but you've got lots of friends wishing you well. xx

Cee, although the news is discouraging know we are here for you for every step of the healing process. Pat hit the nail on the head, this is an emotional roller coaster but You can do this!

#166 So sorry that you will need additional surgery, but thank goodness that your lymph nodes were clear. Look after yourself.

Well sometimes you'll feel big and brave, and sometimes not, but you're tougher than you think!

CEE-ee-ee-ee-ee! ! ! where are you? Are you making rice krispie treats? Have you gone to the zoo? I miss you being here ... feel hugged, okay?

Good news about the lymph nodes Cee. I'm sorry you might need more surgery but in the end you will be cancer free and that's what really matters. Sending up healing thoughts. {{{Cee}}}

Ditto what Bonnie said.

Glad the drain is out for you now....scary that you might feel it for up to 6 months. Burning? yikes. And very disconcerting that you will have to have more surgery. Im really sorry to hear that, what a pain and a worry for you. Pish. (((((Hugs)))))

Cee, I don't have the words, but please know you are in my thoughts, and Pat has it right - Cancer Sucks!

Dropping by to say good night and send a hug!

You are all so kind to pop in on my pity party. The grand finale is a trip into Portland today to see my surgeon. I am told he is double/triple booked and must see about 52 patients today! gak!
What does this say about the availability of good doctors in Maine???? Hmmmm. I should have been a surgeon... maybe next time. Good thing I like to read and have a good book going.

Special thanks to those who dropped by:
Tina, Kath, Ellen, Lynda, Pat, Joanne, Linda, Mark, Mamie, Judy, Ilana, Rhian, Lucy, Bonnie, Megan, and lurkers! Many of you checking in numerous times. I feel like I've had more than my share of attention and every word has been a source of strength to me. I wish this was over so I could think and talk about better, happier things. I know it will come and I am sorry about how shameless (good word, Pat) I have been - greedily absorbing all your good wishes - looking for hope; feeling the love.

Yes, indeed. Cancer sucks... but there are so many in this world way worse off than I. Just wasn't prepared for this. But then, who ever is? I hope I get some good answers and support from my over-worked surgeon today.

LUCY - LOVE that gif! I mostly relate to that little guy right now.

PAT - All your comments are so "spot on" for me. Thanks for sharing. It's so helpful.

**************
Maybe I will finish Family Matters today!

Too many patients for one poor doc. Although I doubt poor is in his repertoire of adjectives. Just saying.

HEYYYY my friend Jo is coming to Portland. Her sister is getting married there. AND. If her mom decides to move here ( she is thinking about it ) Then I will come up there with Jo to help and ............ VISIT CEE!!!!

This all hinges on the whims of an elderly woman, so... but it is under serious consideration. Double double bonus for me. This came up as we talked for 3 hours yesterday... oh my dear Jo... she is good. She is considering retirement. Her daughters twins are due in February.... possible bedrest looms for Brandy ( daughter ) so...

I hope your wait isn't too long, and I hope you jave a nice meal out and I hope the book is good enough to carry you away ~ ~ ( just not too far )

WooHoo! Come on up!

Hope it goes well today!

Yay on the getting rid of the gross drain!

Yay on the lymph nodes! That is the best present you could have possibly received. Doing a happy dance for you!

Happy Dance! Happy Dance!

Hoping along with Kathleen that you don't have to wait around forever to see the doctor today. Sending you good thoughts and healing mojo. I was sorry to hear that you will need to have another surgery. Have they given you any indication when that second surgery would be scheduled? The excellent news is that the lymph nodes are clear - that's big, Cee. Hooray for that.

Gentle hugs for you, dear.

Good luck today, Cee!

Cee! You're up early! Oh, a drive to Portland is why, poo! Hope your appt is productive and comforting.

Fantastic news about the clear lymph nodes and getting the drain out, Cee. I'm sorry to hear more surgery may be on the horizon, but if that means they will get it all out, then I hope they are kept to the minimum and will be as easy as possible. I'm glad that you have local options though so you don't need to travel to Portland each time.

In the meantime, rest, watch DVDs, read and allow Ron to take care of you. I'd offer you bags of Cheetos but I know you don't like them, .... so I'll eat them on your behalf. :-)

{{{hugs}}}

Hope your appointment with the surgeon goes well and that you can immerse yourself in Family Matters while you wait to see him.

Turned out to be a GOOD day!
We only had to wait 1/2 hour - though I did have to fill out more forms :P
The doctor was great - took his time, answered all our questions with confidence and knowledge. It feels so good when you can believe what you hear and not feel you are getting the run around. This guy is perfect! I am usually probing, insistent, and suspicious.... but I was won over to a high level of trusting. This guy is one of 12 siblings! He knows how to listen and he knows how to get to the point - clearly and with sensitivity.

So - I have to wait for the results of the genetic testing I sent to Utah. If BRAC gene is normal, looks like we can go with expanding the lumpectomy. If BRAC shows inherited mutated gene, we need to talk again about mastectomy x2. Now I wait another several days. Am I being taught patience or being driven crazy???

Anywho, next surgery should be within the next month. I am not upset. Today's visit was "productive and comforting". All my choices lead to living a good long life. Just have to get over this bump in the road ;-)
Thanks for all your caring - no thanks on the Cheetos (all yours Caro!)

Took a HUGE nap when we got home as I did not get much sleep last night.
Doesn't look like I will finish Family Matters today.

A huge nap sounds good... I think that's what Cory is doing !

I'm so glad it worked out well today... if you are lucky enough to nap, have a good dream if you can.
Twelve siblings, huh? yikes!
The mere thought makes my head hurt :P

Sorry your news wasn't the best but you seem to be in great spirits! Glad to see your doctor turned out to be so awesome!
Hope your next news is what you are hoping for! Feel free to take all the naps that you need lady! You deserve to relax when you want to!
hugs from NS!

Yay for getting past bumps in the road Cee. A good comfortable fit with your surgeon means everything.

Sounds like a good appt Cee. Confidence in your surgeon is so important and I like that he spent quality time with you despite his busy schedule. Rest well tonight and sweet dreams.

Nothing like a great doc you can trust! Have a good night.

Breezy and I are moving to Three Pines, I'm thinking that you might want to join us?

Happy day to you, today! Now, all you have to do is wait for a phone call and show up, right?
Sountil then, you might as well spend time doing things you want to do. Whatcha got in mind?

So happy to hear that your doctor's visit went well, Cee! And a nap was an excellent choice. " Am I being taught patience or being driven crazy???" Um...YES! I have learned never to pray for patience anymore. I don't think I could handle learning any more of it!

Sshhhh.......

Napping, we has it.

Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry (4 stars)



A poignant portrayal of family life in difficult circumstances, this story covers issues of aging and disability, cross generational acceptance, honesty, responsibility, religion, and forbidden love... among others. This book is well written - exploring universal emotions within the dynamics of families. It is so hard to keep in focus a whole lifetime of love and sacrifice when death is approaching and the body is slowly failing. Caring for an aging loved one is a delicate task of preserving dignity, comfort, and safety... made harder in cramped quarters with small children and insufficient income.

I didn't care for the ending. Though it was not unrealistic, it seemed inconsistent with the rest of the book. To say any more about that, I would probably be risking a spoiler or two.

Really good book - Thanks, Megan!

Hi Cee

We are heading up the coast of Maine to go camping in Cobscook Bay this weekend. I'm excited because we haven't gone further than Acadia before (in that direction). I will wave to you along the way!

Hope you are feeling well. Glad the Portland appointment went well. If you are ever stuck in town for awhile, Longfellow is a great local bookstore.

Kath -
Haven't seen you around much (or at all) today. Busy with work and Cory?
Don't despair - YOUR vacation is coming!
The next step is meeting with the oncologist on the 9th and getting the results of the genetic tests - which will go a long way in determining what type of surgery will be needed. So for now, I go back to waiting.
And YES! I will gladly go to Three Pines with you two awesome ladies!

Chelle -
Ah, NS hugs! Thanks so much - and gentle ones back to you. We are both on a roller coaster of sorts. I wish you all the comfort possible with Nate's and furkids' love and attention. I believe time passing will bring us both what we hope for. Thanks for stopping by.

Bonnie -
It's amazing how a good, informative talk with someone who has the experience to put things in perspective - like my surgeon - can make a world of difference in my thinking. I was too distracted by the fact I still have cancer in me and kinda missed the importance of the clear nodes.

Lynda -
I was shocked to tell you the truth... that I would not be rushed and actually not let go til I was entirely comfortable and satisfied. It makes all the difference in my attitude.

Joanne -
I had a great night of sleep last night, thanks. It seems when I do, not only am I rested, but my whole upper left quadrant feels way better. It's all healing much easier than I figured. The hard part has been to keep my mind under control. Now that it's somewhat exhausted, that's getting easier too ;-)

Mamie -
Sometimes when you pray, you get what you want (or not). And sometimes you get stuff even without praying. I know better than to pray for patience - gack! But I'm getting the lessons anyway.
All I have to say is you must have a gazillion tons of patience! I could not handle a fraction of your life - lol. But I can see there are rewards ;-)

Caro -
Awwwwwwwwww - that is soooo precious! My Woolly has taken to snuggling up with me at night and wraps herself around my arm - much like that kitty's teddy. I think she could hold that position all night... but eventually she remembers her post on my feet ;-)

Lucy -
A GIF-OFF! This one rivals Caro's. I love that the mommy cat has a tiny slit of eye open - guarding her kitten... and such typical relaxed but uncomfortable-looking postures! Woolly will get into any necessary contortion to lay on my arm and fall asleep....
**************************
A kitty get-well gift from a special friend - LOL!



It plays a tune:

Soft kitty, warm kitty,
Little ball of fur...
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty,
purr, purr, purr!

Hi Jess!
How exciting! A road trip north!
I'll be waving back.

Thanks for the tip. I do know about Longfellow Bookstore. It's great. I used to work in the building right across the street from there. I've spent much time poking around in that store in the past ;-) I miss it... and many other shops in Portland. I don't get much chance to go anymore where I used to spend almost every day. *sigh*

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Oh, and Janet -
Just wanted to say:
"Yay on the lymph nodes! That is the best present you could have possibly received."
I finally got it! I am finally joining in on the Happy Dance and understanding what a gift that is!
Happiness creeping back in...

checking in to see how you are feeling today.

I'm ever so glad that you came away from the appointment trusting and that the doc. listened. That is a large part of the battle...having people who treat you as an intelligent being and you care.

Gentle hugs

So right, Linda. Trust of doctor and respect for patient - makes a big difference. Somehow this guy hits the right balance when he interacts with both Ron and me.

Hugs back to you - hope you can relax this nice long weekend coming up.

Cee, it is wonderful that you have found a doctor that you can trust. Just the fact that he took his time to answer all your questions on a busy day shows that he's a caring person. If he survived being part of a tribe of 12, I doubt if anything can rattle him.

I'm so glad that happiness is creeping back into your life. Keep that positive attitude and enjoy your week end.

Donna -
"If he survived being part of a tribe of 12, I doubt if anything can rattle him."
We never know what skills we will learn in childhood that will serve us well in adulthood, right?

Wishing you an enjoyable weekend, too!

Cee, I thought I would sneak in with my own kitty hug gif. I'm glad the drain is out and sorry you're not yet cancer free. Not YET. I continue to have faith and optimism.

Know that we're all pulling for you. I also like the advice to "Keep calm and read on." I might take some of that for myownself!

Cee - What a difference a sympathetic, and empathetic doctor can make! Your positivity and the positivity of those around you and those rooting for you (no friends?, yeah right!) is a large part of what you need to harness to your benefit and which will see you through this.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

Yay for great doctors!

More hugs to you doll. xx

awwww, huggy kitties!

So the weekend is here, what sort of festivity is happening in your neighborhood today? Any picnics or covered dish parties? Nothing going on here. Labor day means business as usual in this area, work and a sale at Levin's furniture store.. maybe Lowe's. meh. However, now that summer is ending, it has arrived here.. high eighties last couple of days, and expected until Tuesday.

I hope that you are sleeping well, and having good dreams :) Have you stocked up on Krispies? I am thinking of making some... lol. I always sleep so well when Dan's away. No one going in and out to smoke until all hours and no tv blasting on the other side of my bedroom wall. Just quiet.....

Just checking in to see how you're faring today, Cee. I hope you have a restful and also enjoyable weekend.

*peers behind the trees*
* looks under the dust ruffle*

I'm with others in saying a big phew for a trustworthy doc- worth double their weight in gold, those ones are :) Isn't it weird how the experience can be made that mush easier with a good match on the doc front.
You are more than welcome to suck up all and every last ion of good wishes....there is heaps more where they came from, I am sure of that!

Super glad you loved your book, bar the ending. I haven't read it but loved his other popular one.

Hmm, haven't seen RD around here much lately....must be those guard-cats!

Good Morning To YOU! I hope that you are relaxing, reading and enjoying some down time.
Miss ya though.....hope the reading is good :)

I am still alive - but am about to kill myself!
I had a super long message all done and LOST it!!!!!!
Waaaaaaaaahhh! So sorry... I can't remember a fraction of what I wrote. *heavy sigh* WTF? Does my new computer hate me now?
Be back later - gotta get something to eat...

I hate when that happens, Cee. Grrr. Sometimes when I am writing a review or long message.. not all the time because I just don't think to.. but sometimes, I remember to copy it at a certain point, and then I would have it should i "lose" it. Of course, I only lose my text when I have NOT done so. Such is life :( Whatcha eatin' ?

Why must that happen!!?? It is so so so annoying when that happens.
GGgr. Dont worry, we know you had a hundred clever witticisms all lined up, and a wealth of intelligent banter. *sigh*
It is our loss.

I hate when that happens, too, Cee! I hope that you are having a lovely lazy weekend.

Hmmm. Didn't come back huh? I understand, it must have been irritating. I have been doing so little posting lately, it hasn't happened lately. I hate it when it does, though. Hope today is a good one for you. Picnic?

Cee - After the testing times of the last few weeks it would be beyond irony for a faulty lap-top to send you scooting over the edge! Happy Monday!

Morning Claudia- I hope you had a nice weekend. Things are cooling off here and it looks to be a perfect summer day. Sun, mid-70s. Glad you enjoyed Family Matters. I hope to get to that one too! Hugs!

Hi! *saved*
Does anyone have an Ark? *saved*
I think we will need one today... *saved*
It poured rain ALL night - 6 waves of thunder storms moved through last night. *saved* More to come today - all day long. *saved*

How am I doing? Haven't lost anything yet :-) *saved*

Ellen -
I need to re-acknowledge that cute kitty hug gif... love it ;-)
Trying to hold on to good advice and optimism -plenty of it coming my way! Maybe if I get po'd over the little things (like computer snafus) I'll forget about being nervous and confused over cancer. Waiting for the day when I don't think even once about my cells and wonder what they are doing.

Paul -
The good news is - there are no cliffs around here. The whole island is pretty much at sea level. No edges. However - I do have a cove out back in which to throw the laptop - should it act up again!
My Monday will def be a happy one as it will be raining and cool all day. Hope you don't work too hard this week and you find a great cup of coffee every day :)

Ilana -
Thanks for the hugs - back at ya!
Yes, indeed. Thank goodness for good docs. Now if the researchers could just come up with a few good cures for what ails us all. Ah... life is complicated. Hope you are well today :-)

Kath -
The only festivities/picnics around here are at the bird feeders and in the woods. Now with the rain, it's a restful reading day indoors.
We took Mom out for dinner yesterday so she could get lobster - then we brought her back here for blueberry pie and ice cream. She doesn't even remember the house anymore. The rooms she stayed in for 3+ years were all new to her... as well as the rest of the house. I'll have to say - that was quite unexpected. I didn't realize her memory was that much worse. yikes.
Glad you are getting some good sleep. My dreams have been all nightmares and sadness for the past couple of weeks. Can't seem to break out of that cycle.
omg - don't look under my dust ruffles! It's too scary! Anything interesting under there? No. Don't tell me. eeeekkk!
The thing that bothers me the most about losing my messages is I don't even know what happens. Suddenly I'm in a new window and everything I was working on is gone! I am not aware of hitting another key to take me into cyberspace - but I must be doing something wrong :p

Caro -
Thanks for stopping in... rest is all that happens around here lately. I'm wishing for a bit more excitement - but not the surgical kind. Would love to make an apple pie... and finish the painting I started around here... I guess I need to start thinking about the painting as a winter project now. I do feel the need to do some kind of physical exercise though.

Megan -
Sorry - not as intelligent and witty as I was yesterday! Wow! I was hot! But it's all gone now - lol.
I've never been high on doctors in general - probably cuz every time I see one, my health is in question and I don't want to go there. I'm so susceptible to having an attitude towards people who try to tell me what to do or think they know more about my body than I do. (I finally have to admit, in this case, they might be right.) And if they have a pleasant demeanor - all the better. I think we all get a sense of when a doctor knows and cares about what is going on. The days of worshiping all doctors as demi-gods is fading. Now we can get down to the business of doctors and patients working together as partners.
Oh - I did mention yesterday - the ending to Family Matters was not a bad one. Just disappointing and sad... to me. That's life, I guess. Somewhat predictable. Don't know how it could have ended any differently and still reflect reality. I've been wanting to read that book for so long now. Glad I finally did!

Mamie -
I finally got my pie! Blueberry. yay. I was beginning to fear I would miss it this year. It was chock-full of little Maine blueberries - heaven!
I'm approaching the end of Bring Up the Bodies. I can't get over how readable Mantel makes English history (1500s). otoh, I can't seem to figure out how she settles on the titles for her books.
I'm thinking Pecan Paradisio must be hopping this weekend. Hope your weather has turned to the good. I haven't watched any weather in so long - not even my own. Since I haven't been able to do much, it really doesn't matter. Still waiting for the first frost *grin*

Mark -
YAY! for your perfect summer day. So glad you've had some really enjoyable time off too. I keep trying to think of a really nice vacation to plan so I will have something special to look forward to ;-) There are so many possibilities. Just have to find something that suits Ron too.
Thanks for the hugs - full of good energy!
************************

I have not been posting on other threads much, but you all should know I have been selfishly lurking and enjoying. Really, this is a funny and fun group. I admire the thoughtfulness and openness, and love the comedy. All the food talk is drool-worthy. All the shared everydayness of life is comforting and uplifting.
Hugs to everyone!

HI Ceeeee! I love your sense of humor. I think all of us have lost a post at one time or another but you captured it perfectly *saved*

A rainy day sounds delightful knowing that snow is not too far off. Your rain today must be our torrential downpours of yesterday. Hugs back at cha :0)

Ah, Lynda!
You are such a tease ;-) Snow! Come on down!
Hard to believe THIS much rain was leftover from your downpours! Where did it all come from???? We've had about 5 inches of rain in the past 24 hours. We did need it - but all at once??? I feel bad for vacationers (especially campers) who had to pack up to go home today. yuck.

#56 Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel (4.25 stars)


This book was easier to read than Wolf Hall, I thought. Maybe because I know the major players this time. An interesting (never dry) look at the time of Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn from Thomas Cromwell's point of view... filled with vibrant characters.
It's true. IF you have read the first book, you must not skip this one. It all comes together. And if it has been a while since you read WH, Mantel perfectly recaps in a subtle way the important details in this story.

I finally know what the title means! But I can't tell you. Muuahhahaha!

>227 -Cee-: I can't seem to figure out how she settles on the titles for her books. Well you know how she got the title for Bring Up the Bodies though, right Cee? I mean, you know, they had to bring up the bodies in order to remove the heads.

Hmmm rain....we haven't had too much but we finally were able to turn off the ac, hopefully until next summer. It's been awfully hot here for late August. OTOH when I was working, at school you could almost set your watch to a brutal heat wave soon after the start of a new school year.

Hi Bonnie -
"...at school you could almost set your watch to a brutal heat wave soon after the start of a new school year."
I think I can remember that as a kid. In Sept it was either hot or rainy - or both. Of course all our new school clothes were heavy - meant for the winter. But we wore them and suffered the heat anyway. Now kids are allowed to wear shorts. I think that's great!

Yup. I know now that title came from the Tower ;-)

I agree with the school brings heat thing. I remember my own days, and the kids having to endure the heat . ugh. I agree that allowing kids to wear shorts to school is a good thing. I have to say, though... some shorts I see on kids, including very small girls.. could stand to have another 2-3 inches on them. I may be a prude, but I think that as a general rule of thumb, shorts should be longer than underpants.

And while I'm on the topic, I wonder who decided that bras are for showing off? I mean, even pretty bras used to be under clothing. Now, it seems that bras are hanging out all over. Interesting. I wonder if these folks will look back at photos of themselves one day and say WTH was I thinking? You know, like hair styles.

Anyway... hope today is dryer and unhumid and pleasant :)

xo

Waiting for the day when I don't think even once about my cells and wonder what they are doing.
Amen, sister.
(((((Cee)))))

>233 mckait: "I think that as a general rule of thumb, shorts should be longer than underpants. " LOL! Agreed, sis!

Hooray for blueberry pie, Cee! So glad that you finally got a piece! We had blueberry pie this weekend, too. Craig made his delicious blueberry creme pies that are so very yummy! And today Abby is making Chex mix - I LOVE that stuff when it is homemade.

I am ready for Fall. But I think it doesn't get here until next month, and that's if we're lucky. It's still in the 90s and very huuuuumiddd. Hoping that today goes smoothly for you, and that it is full of small delights. Those are my favorite kinds of days - when all the little things go right. Hugs from Georgia, dear.

You've convinced me to read Bring Up the Bodies at some point, Cee. I liked WH all right, but wasn't sure I'd continue.

LOL.. loved your 'saved's in #224, Cee.

Want some excitement - turn on your TV to ESPN2 and watch the US Open tennis. Some incredible matches in this final run up to the quarterfinals, semis and final. I'm working from home this week so I can watch the tennis while I work ... my widescreen tv is way better than watching it from my second monitor at the office. Plus, I can have the sound up to listen to the commentary. :-)

So glad to hear you had your pie at last. I love summer pies .. cherry, blueberry and strawberry rhubarb. In the fall, I tend to want apple and pear pies, but I don't like pumpkin...my in-laws keep trying to push slices of pumpkin pie on me at Thanksgiving and I keep gently declining. I have told them I don't like pumpkin pies .. so I don't know why they keep trying to make me eat the darn things.

Waiting for the day when I don't think even once about my cells and wonder what they are doing.

That day will come but it takes awhile to get over the feeling that your body betrayed you. It's very disconcerting to think you wouldn't be aware that something was wrong but unfortunately it happens. It made me realize how much I live in my head and not my body. After treatment, it becomes a balancing act as to how much attention you give every ache and pain. I feel like I need to be more vigilant than I was but on the other hand I don't want to turn into a complete hypochondriac.

Maybe if I get po'd over the little things (like computer snafus) I'll forget about being nervous and confused over cancer.

Cancer unfortunately is very confusing so that's something you eventually get used to as well. I think it's interesting so I continue to read about it but sometimes I feel like what I'm learning is how much they really don't know for sure rather than any hard facts. I remember the counselor at my Cancer Center telling me that I was going to have to develop "a relationship with uncertainty." That was the last thing I wanted to hear but it turned out to be true. In one sense, no one's future is certain but with a cancer diagnosis you have to give up the illusion of control which is not so easy to do.

I think we all get a sense of when a doctor knows and cares about what is going on. The days of worshiping all doctors as demi-gods is fading. Now we can get down to the business of doctors and patients working together as partners.

I just saw a blog post on this issue called "Choosing a doctor is like choosing a spouse" (http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2013/08/choosing-doctor-choosing-spouse.html). I think it makes a huge difference if you have a good relationship with your oncologist. This is the first doctor/patient relationship I've really been proactive with. I keep a running list of questions to ask for each appointment. In the beginning, I would always ask my husband if he had any questions to add and his response was always that I should ask "Why me?". Too bad there's no definite answer to that question.

-----------------

In other news, I'm so glad you're reading some good books and enjoying some pie and still have your sense of humor!

I liked but did not love Wolf Hall. I mean, I did like it a lot. I own Bring Up the Bodies, but I'm aware of some resistance.... Perhaps I need to get over that.

Goooooood morning to you Ceeee! Whatcha been up to? I read a fluffy book yesterday and plan to read an LTER today, but I also plan to try to get Dunkers an appt. for a pedi pedi. My week has been so crazy, it has not allowed me a jammy day. Boo hiss. Have you managed to squeak one in?

I borrowed the audio version of Bring Up the Bodies but I need to read it. Audio doesn't work well with me at times, like when the plot's to thick or there are a number of characters. With that said, I missed a lot.

Oh yeah and Amen to the high temps and muggy conditions at the start of the school year. I always wore a wool uniform, talk about ick!

Hi friends! Beautiful, breezy, cool day today :-)

Kath -
" shorts should be longer than underpants"
LOL - at least they have underpants on! I don't think I ever saw shorts shorter than undies. Let's hope that trend continues.
bras - for the price of them, I can understand why they would want to show off... I think, in general, people are not as careful about how they dress. A strap here, a crack there... doesn't phase me one way or the other anymore.
I push jammies to the max every day I can. So much more comfy. If I am voted president, I will declare jammies mandatory 24/7 - with frequent changes, of course. Ha!

Ellen -
Thanks for the hugs... I always need them lately.
If you never read Bring Up the Bodies, life will go on. But I do rec it as a well-written good story - and I think there is another (Book 3) coming.

Mamie -
Thanks for your GA hugs ;-)
If FL is any indication of GA weather, your fall won't come for awhile. The southern states have much longer growing seasons and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. That's what I love best about traveling south... the fresh produce. YUM. It's just not the same in ME.

Joe -
I want you to know, I've read your current and last thread - much to my enjoyment. It took a long time, but it was like reading a good book :-D Thanks for stopping by!

Caro -
Really? Tennis, exciting? hmmm I used to like to play - but I'm not much of a spectator. Nice you can work at home though. Hope your top choice wins!
I can't believe with all the weird stuff you eat - and enjoy - that you are not fond of pumpkin pie. How in the world can you celebrate Thanksgiving w/o it? It's... it's... history! New England tradition. Poor Caro.

Pat -
My body betrayed me all right! I live in my head a lot - but I know my body too. Well, at least, I thought I did.
"a relationship with uncertainty." Good way to put it. In reality, we all need to realize on some level that security and good health are illusive and fleeting. The older you get, the more that becomes obvious. We are all vulnerable - and yet, paradoxically, so strong. Having so much deadly cancer in my family history has always made me a bit uncertain. Now that the "axe has fallen" (hmmm, that's a vivid image after reading Bring Up the Bodies), I almost feel like I can deal with it.
I'll say one thing... I need a break. At least for a day or so. I want a day of a clear brain - thinking about something else. Thank goodness for reading. It's a good escape.
Thanks for the blog site - will check that out ;-)

Lynda -
I just don't do well with audiobooks. Can't imagine something like WH or BUtB making much sense to me that way. I think it must be a learned skill ??? I don't care to learn it right now since I have my eyesight and I love real words in books - even ebooks. Hate to think I'm missing anything lol.
I was always glad I didn't have to wear uniforms - but then, I think jeans and t-shirts became almost uniforms when you get right down to it :-) More comfortable and individual though.

Hope everyone has a great day! Acorns are falling in the woods and on the deck. Time to snag a few for Woolly to play with ;-)

Yeah for jammies.....one of the greatest things about living in Maine. Never once has anyone batted an eye when I appear in jams at the Post office or the village store. In fact, the other day I ran down to the library (it was closed) to drop off some books I had been cataloging at home, and of course, since I was in my Angry Birds, wouldn't you know the parking lot was full of vacationers using our WIFI to check their email? I'm sure I gave them something to talk about when they returned home! I often wear them to and from the pool...they're perfect for wadding up in a locker.

Jammies are the ultimate clothes...they're comfy, easy to launder, warm (or cool), cozy, and one needn't worry about spilling, cat hair, snagging, matching, or other such fashion statements. Jeans and flannel shirts are almost as good, but often (if you're my size and shape) far too constricting. In my town, we save them for going out to dinner and church! LOL. I have a closet full of "office" clothes from my previous high powered life in DC -- haven't worn most of them since we moved here almost 10 years ago, and can't imagine where I'd ever wear them here again. Maybe a concert in Portland?

Anyhow.......This is a glorious day today...hope you have a chance to sit outside, breath in the sea breezes, listen to the birdies chirp, and read a good book. Hugs.

I never said they were wearing panties.. that's the problem. Bums hanging out of shorts. Coincidentally, this topic came up this morning on Kelly & Michael... A NYC newspaper printed photos of bums hanging out of shorts ( Like I see at bus stops and stores, etc. ) and I dunno. I just find it odd that a 14 year old would be allowed to dress that way. Alas, I also have a problem with said 14 year olds wearing tight pants or sweats that say juicy across the rear. But I'm just an old prude, I guess.

I am trying once again to not give a sh*t about anything. Including my job... and let chaos reign. That seems to be the general approach nowadays. I want on the bandwagon.

Hi Claudia! I so know that frustration of losing a long message, has happened to me TOO often. *save*

Glad you enjoyed Bring Up the Bodies. I remember wondering about the title till almost the very end too. I actually did listen to this one as an audiobook. Not sure how, but it worked for me. Wolf Hall would not have, with too many unknown factors. I think when the third book in the trilogy comes out, I'll reread the first two (in print) before moving onto it, if only because I think they bear rereading more than once since she filled them with so much information and humour that doesn't jump at you and hit you in the face with cream pie. Speaking of pie... Blueberry... Yum! With vanilla ice cream though, right! Maybe I should run to the market and get me one of those.

Oy yeah: *save*

Think of you often and wishing you well. I don't know what it's like living with cancer, but I know what it's like feeling like your body (and mind) is betraying you. Still, it's not cancer.

And yes, thank heavens for good books.

Hugs to you lovely woman. xx

I can't do audio books either Cee. I've tried but it just doesn't sink in. When it's over I couldn't tell you one thing about the book. Must read actual words.

And yes there is definitely a third book after Bring Up the Bodies called The Mirror and the Light; don't know when it will be released. Soon I hope.

Haha...Cee, Thanksgiving is best celebrated with a big slice of home made apple pie and clotted cream, IMO. I'm the only one at the family table who shuns punkin pie and that's fine with me... I consider it my gift to the family.. more for them. :-)

I can't do audio books either ... my mind wanders and then I have no idea where I last paid attention and rewinding (rescanning? after all, one doesn't really rewind a CD) to the exact spot is impossible. And I hate people reading to me too ... I would not be a good patient if I coudln't read my own books. I need to read the words myself.

Hey Cee!!! Been a minute since my last visit. I'm thrilled to hear about the clear nodes. That is an answer to directed prayers! We're just going to have to do the same now for the test results. Tell us how we should pray and I'M ON IT!

By the way, will you PM me your address please? I'd like to send you something.

So... another day another stranger coming in to tell me how much things will cost.
What's happening in your neck of the woods? Jo is back from her sister's wedding. Her mom is deciding whether to move or not.. and not sure when she will know. But if she decides to come here.. Jo wants me to go up with her ... I am counting no chickens. Jo sent me pictures of some of the places she and her dh hiked and visited. Amazing. Gorgeous. Wonderful! Actually I'm wondering if she won't be trying to move up there! She loved it that much.

What are you doing to distract yourself? Movies? TV? Books? Cake? Dancing? Photography? Your reading has been impressive lately, all kidding aside. I think I would be immersed in fluff, but I do that anyway... so?

Ok. Miss seeing you here.. hope you have time for a visit. I am outta here to do the yard cleanup and feed the birds. I have nothing worth typing as my brain is non-functional again today :P

Just checking in to say hello to you, Claudia. I hope today is being a good day.

I've never mastered the skill of listening to books, either. I love the idea but the practice just doesn't seem to work in my life. I think I'm too distractible.

Sending you a Thursday hug.

LOL - Tutu Tina!
You take jammies a healthy step farther than I. I will go out on my front porch in them, but not past the end of my driveway! You certainly hit all the positive qualities of jammies - now I know you are a true lover as I am. Thanks for the hugs - I am certainly enjoying the great weather lately. Won't complain ;-)

Kath -
Shorts and bums are no issue in Georgetown. Age, chilliness, and the prevalence of mosquitoes discourage 99.9% of us from wearing ANY length of shorts - at least outside. We mostly do jeans around here.
I'm a bit stumped. Why are you not giving a sh*t about what??? Did I miss something? I used to have a sign tacked up on my wall at work that said "Why do you care?" - trying to convince myself I didn't. Ha! Didn't work for me.
Have been reading some... strangely though I have picked up and put back several books. I finally got started on a really good one. As luck would have it Ron finally finished Doc (grumbling all the while how small the print was) and needed a new book. So I offered him Ghost Soldiers (the one I was reading) cuz I figured he would really like it. Now I need to pick another. That's ok... I love picking new books to read.

Ilana -
For sure! I DID have vanilla ice cream with the blueberry pie! How else? Well, last year for a while I was topping the pie and ice cream with a generous scoop of blueberry sauce, too. That was yum!

Any betrayal of body or mind is a tough challenge. We don't always appreciate when things are working well - kind of taking it all for granted. Makes it all the harder to deal with abnormalities and/or set backs. I guess there is a lesson in here - somewhere :ppppp
Thanks for thinking of me and wishing me well. Hugs back to you and the furkids! xo

Bonnie -
"When it's over I couldn't tell you one thing about the book."
ha - that goes for me too. I'm just not the best listener unless I have eyes looking at me and drawing me in...

Caro -
No one in your house would ever be disappointed in holiday fare. Apple pie w/clotted cream works for me!
audio: " my mind wanders...I need to read the words myself. "
YUP - me too!

Hi Tina!
I was thinking how the power of prayers and good wishes, etc seemed to work well for my lymph nodes. I chastised myself for not including clear margins. I don't know what to pray for anymore.
Clear margins this time would be good - but first I need a negative BRCA gene report. I think from there I can handle it - but maybe that is where I am going wrong, ie., to think I can handle any of this on my own.
So - thanks for the node prayers :-)
Take your pick for future prayers. Lots of choices. And if this is confusing to you - join the club. Time for me to forget about being in control and finding something more powerful than I to believe in.

Ellen -
Yesterday I took a break from communicating as I hate that it always seems to focus on me, cancer, and frustration. I got my wish that the phone would not ring for one whole day. I avoided thinking/worrying about what will be coming in the next several weeks. Then last night - POW! Nightmares, angry dreams, sweating, pain, gritting teeth, lack of calm, and no sleep. There's a cost for not consciously thinking during the day, I see.
Today was a good day overall. Gonna take an anti-anxiety pill (which I have not had to resort to since surgery) and hopefully get a good night's rest tonight. The other option would be to go for a run - LOL! That would no doubt be a very short run before I couldn't breathe and certainly not enough to work out all this emotional stress.
How is it I always get back to whining? Sheesh!
Thanks for the hug!!! Hope you are not working too hard.

>238 phebj: This is the first doctor/patient relationship I've really been proactive with.
That is a lesson to all of us I think. You really do have to be proactive I think, if you want to get anything out of your relationship with your Doc.

Jammies (Pajamas right?)- I wont wear them anywhere outside of the 4 walls of our house! Now it is actually the case that I dont own any, so I wear short johns (you know, like polyprop long johns, only short) and a singlet. So its not 100% obvious to anyone what they are. Thank goodness. I cant bear to see PJs worn in public.

I hope like heck you get some peace tonight, Cee. Your night sounded horrendous.

Oh, and btw...we have some magnetic scrabble tiles on our fridge, a rondom collection of letters which I change all the time.
For the last few days they have read CEES HAIR!! Just because :) ((((((HUGS)))))

I'm thinking about you!

Sending love

I could just copy Linda's note above... :)

Sending happy thoughts and love your way!

((hugs))

Me too!
Miss you CeeWoman!

(((you)))

Just checking in to see how you're doing.

Thinking of you!

Bad day, today.
I slept so peacefully last night. Ron let me sleep til 9!
Just as I was opening my eyes to a beautiful cold day - the phone rang. Doctor's office. Cancelling my appt this next Mon since they have no test results from BRCA. Pushed the appt to the next Monday - the day I was hoping to actually get this second surgery underway.
This shit has been going on for 4 months... tests - biopsies - delays - more tests - wait, wait, wait - surgery - more tests - more delay... etc. So haddit. I'm getting nowhere. I was (and still am) incensed - angry - crazy.

Called the lab in Utah - where are the results? Oh... um... yes they are taking longer than usual. In process... no problems... maybe next week for results. Will send asap. yeah. right.

Called the doctor's office. Got an answering machine. Cancel my oncologist apt and make me one for surgery - the 16th. No call back.

Called surgeon's office - left same message. Call back hours later - will check with doctor next week... really? Emphatically stated I WANT SURGERY NOW. No more crap. Have made up my mind. give me the first avail appt in the OR. Don't care about test results. Waiting for tests is gonna kill me. My mental health is very fragile right now. Get this cancer outta me!
No more Mrs Niceguy!

Today I cried for the first time in years :(

Bridget is coming to see us this weekend :-) YAY!
Got a late start cuz she had to "walk the turtles" at the nature preserve where she volunteers. Due to arrive about 11p.
I think she's bringing at least one of the kids. I'll get a ton of love. Hope it's enough.

Waiting for tests is gonna kill me.

I hear you on that. I'm so sorry there is another delay. The waiting truly is the worst part of this whole thing and the only thing I can think to recommend is Xanax. You're already being very proactive in having called Utah and your doctors and making your wishes crystal clear. It's too bad this had to happen on Friday but hopefully Bridget and the kids will be a great distraction.

This is very frustrating and unfortunately isn't completely under your control. Crying was a good thing. It helps to release some of the stress.

I'm not sure how helpful it is to know that what you're going through is quite common. From my experience there seems to be some disconnect in that medical people don't appear to get how stressful it is to wait for test results. I'm pretty sure in a couple of days you'll feel better about this but for now I know it's crazy making.

Oh Cee, I'm sitting here feeling so sad and upset for your delay and the run around.

I swear that at times doctors simply don't understand the emotional part of the journey.

I wish I lived nearby, I would sit and listen to you...

Crying is a good thing. It is good to let the tears flow.

Gentle hugs.

The thought of Cee crying for the first time in years had me gulping back a bit of a lump in my own throat (better get that checked too). Shit when you're brave enough to face the first and they won't bloody pull their fingers out so that you know where you're really at. Hugs, albeit frustrated hugs, are proffered from these warm climes for you as always this weekend.

Put the crap to one side for the weekend Cee, you can't do anything about it anyhows, and enjoy some Ron time. xx

“Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to hide the bodies of those people I had to kill because they pissed me off!”

― Sarah Ferguson

Curve ball: Your insurance may not pay for the surgery or reconstruction if they deem it 'elective'. -ie removing healthy tissue (the second side) if you don't have the gene.

It's something to nail down before you make your decision.

But it will all wait until Monday.

I love Pat's quote. I'll help hide bodies here in the wild of Montana if you can figure out how to ship them to me.

From my experience there seems to be some disconnect in that medical people don't appear to get how stressful it is to wait for test results.

Agreed. Believe me, I know someone who used to run those tests for a hospital. She would routinely allow things to sit for days, long weekends.. etc

I'b glad your daughter came.. that will help a bit. I am sorry things are stumbling along instead of speeding along...

I'm so glad your daughter is there with you Cee. I think that is probably the best medicine at this point. I think, unfortunately, doctors get immune to the needs and feelings of patients. I don't think they mean any harm, they're just going through the motions on a daily basis and it gets to be routine. It's certainly not routine for you. I hope your girl helps you get over this hump. I know that's who I'd want with me:)

Hopefully Bridget is making you something lovely for breakfast and is reminding you that you are loved...

>259 -Cee-:: {{{Cee}}}... I am frequently dismayed with the lack of concern of the medical profession for delays, postponements, etc. Crying is good and helpful but promptly returned phone calls and getting things done on time is even better! I'm glad Bridget and grandchild were able to come for a visit. Right now you need distractions to help you deal with your understandable frustration.

Hi Cee-
Has your tonne of love been delivered yet!??! I hope so and I hope you can handle the amount that is coming your way via your internet connection.

((((((.))))))
(that dot is Cee squeezed tight from all the hugs)

Hi Cee, so sorry that you are having such a hard time. We, as a family, are learning the yo-yo nature of this disease with good days, bad days - steps forward then steps back. I wanted to rush over to be with my sister when I got back from this trip but I managed to pick up a cold and for now I have to stay away. I hope you get the answers that you need soon, I'm thinking of you and glad that you are surrounded by family. Cee.

Good Morning Cee! I am imagining that Bridget is gone for now? Was it a great weekend? I hope so. And I hope it gave you a little bit of strength and positivity to face the next week. Not much to say, as it has been sort of dull around here. I am reading lightweight books, and at the minute, enjoying Cory being home. I think he will be leaving for home today :( bummer. Angus just popped up and wanted to say hello
(((((C)))))

later?

I've been saved from myself!
Thanks for all the heartfelt responses and hugs. I thought maybe I would have scared you all away - but I see you're tougher than that.
I'll catch up with you individually sooner than later. Busy day today.

Bridget's timing couldn't have been better. She brought both grands with her and we actually had a good weekend. I got tackled by love and compassion. The weather was perfect for the beach. We sat in the sun and breeze - listening to the waves and gulls - and built a fairy beach house and a fortress. The simple pleasure of watching the kids chase sea gulls was balm for my soul.

Bridget has her official baker's license now (YAY!) and her own official company. She already has one employee. Business is 'exploding' in her own words. They are about to start work on a commercial kitchen on the lower level of their home (which is HUGE) so she doesn't have to lug everything (equipment and ingredients) around to do her baking 30 min away.

So.... today I hope to hear from the doctor's office and I hope they got the message and I hope they act on it. I'm calmed down - but have not changed my mind about anything. I want this DONE!

Looks like today might be the last sunny day for awhile... things to do.
Lots of hugs back to ALL ;-)

Dear sweet Cee! Sending you lots of love from Georgia! And praying for test results to come quickly!

I got tackled by love and compassion. Best kind of tackling there is!

Glad to hear the world's looking a bit brighter. I hope the lab and the doctor's office come through for you. Sending you positive thoughts from the Midwest.

Three cheers for the love of grands! I love sitting about on the banks of a river, or by the sea or lake and watching the (my) kids just pottering about. They just love it don't they? It seems to be endless fun for them.
So glad you have your mojo back and are still fighting to have your medical needs met.

(((hugs)))

So happy to read that your weekend was a good one. I can't imagine anything better than sitting on the beach with your daughter and watching your grandchildren chase sea gulls. Good for the soul. And I love those breezes and the smell of salt in the air that the beach always brings - what a thoughtful daughter to understand just what you needed.

I am thinking of you, Cee, and hoping that this week brings results for you. You are in our hearts and in our prayers, and we are sending every ounce of good mojo that we can muster your way. Hugs to you, dear one.

IT sounds like just what you needed Cee.. a bit of a recharge, and soaking up the love. I'm very glad they came. I see that Brigit is bringing out a new muffin this week? She seems to be doing great! You must be VERY proud! Good on her...for the way she lives her life, among other things.

I hope today works out well and things fall into place and they do it EARLY! Then I hope you can relax and have a good day, week, etc. There are one or two folks sending mojo ( ahem...) so remember to soak it up :)

Greetings, Cee! I like the fight I hear in your "voice"! Your weekend sounds fabulous and certainly good for your mind and soul. Congrats to Bridget and may her business continue to Explode!
Hope the docs are working for you and moving things along on a timely basis! (((C)))

HI Cee
So sorry to hear of your current frustrations! Doctor's and all things medical can be so annoying! Glad to see that you got a weekend of family love to make you feel better!

Hope this week goes better for you!

PS
I would vote for you as president and your mandatory pajamas! (Although I'm Canadian so my vote wouldn't count for anything other than moral support ;)

Checking in, love your spirit. Lots of great humor here! I'm like Ellen delaying reading the second Mantel and I cannot figure out why since I hugely enjoyed the first one.