Meandering...One moment please

Where I'm At

2012-01-27T09:59:00.000-05:00

I am continuing to write Small Stones for the month of January at

my new blog...

Something Written

I'd love to have you visit!

Click on the link above to meander over.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

January Blahs (small stone 26)

2012-01-26T12:10:00.002-05:00

My small stone for today can be found here -

by clicking this link - Something Written

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Something Written

2012-01-25T11:33:00.002-05:00

Today I'm posting over at my new blog Something Written

I'd love to have you visit.

Click HERE to meander over.

A big thanks to those who have already clicked over, and are following me there!

Cheers

Back Up (small stone 24)

2012-01-24T11:27:00.001-05:00

prepared for a crash

new shiny black box holds tight

memories cherished

© Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Snuggled (small stone 23)

2012-01-23T09:00:00.003-05:00

pure joy has been found

snuggled within warm laundry

a dogs life content

Text and photo © by Karen @ Meandering One Moment Please/Something Written/Pixel Posts

I am participating in The River Of Stones

My river is meandering to a new blog.

My small stones and other writings have a new home at

SOMETHING WRITTEN

I'd love to have you visit!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Disappointment (small stone 22)

2012-01-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

snack attack

crunchy salty cravings
crowd out the sensibility of healthy consumption
i search the cupboards
for morsels bound to please
not to be found
disappointment reigns

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment

Small Stone 21

2012-01-21T09:30:00.004-05:00

This is the photo I made my current background from

you can click on the pic to enlarge

rocks beneath water

a beautiful abstraction

sparkles like jewels

Text and photo © by Karen @ Meandering One Moment Please/Something Written/Pixel Posts

I am participating in The River Of Stones

Tea Swap and (small stone 20)

2012-01-20T10:07:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Chai Tea

the steam rises in shimmering ribbons
carrying with it...a divine essence

that permeates the air

the fragrant waft...deliciously intoxicating
prompts me to lift the cup to my lips
sip slowly... and relish this delightful indulgence

©Karen

My river is meandering to a new blog.

My small stones and other writings will have a new home at

SOMETHING WRITTEN

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I participated in the tea swap and card exchange again this month. My swap partner was Josie who also lives in Ontario, about 4 hours northeast of me.

This is the card I received from Josie,

along with a chocolate chai teabag and Earl Grey teabag!

Isn't it cute! I just love the little "jewel" teapot and the metallic paper.

And my cup of chocolate chai tea was divine.

Thanks Josie!

This is the card (and envelope), I made and sent to her.

If you are interesting in joining the swap, click on over to Fran's blog

The Little Paper Studio and look for the Open Tea Swap Call for February.

Cheers

Found (small stone 19)

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

a small treasure found

tucked away

among the debris of what once was

shinning brightly...beckoning

longing to be remembered

and loved once again

~Karen

My river will be meandering to a new blog today.

My small stones and other writings will have a new home at

SOMETHING WRITTEN

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In Need Of A Better Disguise (small stone 18)

2012-01-18T09:30:00.009-05:00

- - - - - - - -
preparing for the day
unsteady hands apply the camouflage for the face
though not deftly placed
obvious ailments are masked

if only the makeup could extend the length of the body
concealing the disabilities

that scream...
she
is
a
sick
person

there is no hiding that
~Karen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rain Beat (small stone 17)

2012-01-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

the sound of the rain’s rhythmatic beat

synchronizes my thoughts

orchestrating harmonious activity

from the cacophony in my mind

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.by writing a small stone every day for the month of January. A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Phone Call (small stone 16 )

2012-01-16T09:30:00.004-05:00

>>>>U<<<<

i answered the phone

not expecting to hear YOU

on the other end

imagine my shock

as i listened to a voice

almost forgotten

at a loss for words

i sat silently, waiting

for you to hang up
~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Arrival (small stone 15)

2012-01-15T09:30:00.004-05:00

the promise of winter kept

arriving with a vengeance

snow, winds and a temperature drop

air fresh and crisp

nostrils freeze upon inhalation

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fallacy (small stone 14)

2012-01-14T09:00:00.005-05:00

aisle upon aisle

of once fresh wholesome food

now processed and packaged

in pretty wrappers

choices abundant yet devoid of nutritional value

great quantities do not equal great quality

i detour beyond plastic sustenance

in search of real fare

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Persuasion (small stone 13)

2012-01-13T10:10:00.001-05:00

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

pre planned self indulgence

manuka honey slathered on hot buttered toast

a steaming cup of pomegranate tea

taste sensations guaranteed to warm this winter morn

persuade me to abandon the coziness of my bed

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bouquet (small stone 12)

2012-01-12T09:46:00.000-05:00

**********

a gentle fragrance wafting through the air

a spring like freshness stimulates my senses

reaching deep into my my psyche
rousing slumbering desires
thought to be, a long time dead

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.

A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Togetherness (small stone 11)

2012-01-11T09:30:00.003-05:00

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

sitting side by side

each transfixed

illuminated by the glow of the screen

both lost in a world of our own

I look over at you

sensing my gaze

you glance my way

our eyes meet

we smile

coupled souls

within seeming disconnection

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Helping Hand (small stone 10)

2012-01-10T09:00:00.002-05:00

a tiny hand
slips quickly into mine
a gentle squeeze felt, as she looks up at me
eyes wide, full of concern
her grasp speaks for itself
small yet mighty
she steadies my faltering gait
with her love
~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Crowned (small stone 9)

2012-01-09T09:00:00.003-05:00

the promise of spring
adorned with icy reminders...
there are long days ahead
before bursting forth in leafy glory

~Karen

A photo taken in my backyard this weekend, the mild winter has confused the flora, as our weather is constantly in flux.

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Relapse (small stone 8)

2012-01-08T09:30:00.005-05:00

!!!!Relapse!!!!

I am fearful
that the storm raging inside my body, will wipe out who I am,

and I will be forever stumbling around,

lost in the vastness of obscurity.

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Inferno (small stone 7)

2012-01-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

Heat rises, accelerating from toes to head.

An inferno from within, the body contains it,

before it ignites the air.
~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Whimsy (small stone 6)

2012-01-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

++++++++++++++++++++++

Fuzzy fluffy particles once fallen

now band together desperately

in hope of forming new cloth

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

Flow (small stone 5 )

2012-01-05T09:02:00.001-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~

giggles erupt spontaneously

tears roll down my cheeks

uncontainable laughter spurs a flow of liquid
not
limited
to
the
eyes

~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.

A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My Word for 2012 and (small stone 4)

2012-01-04T09:00:00.004-05:00

Mobility

X X X X X X

the body stiffens upon movement

muscles are tense and unyielding in response

obstinance not welcome on a day when so much needs to be accomplished

~Karen

I do not make New Year's resolutions. What I do instead, is a pick a word that will describe what or how I will try to improve the year ahead. This year my word came slowly, but it has arrived...

CONCENTRATE

Since becoming ill and "retiring", I have been floundering around at home, picking up some new hobbies, card making, tea swapping, quilting, beading, and learning and cooking new recipes. I've been writing this blog, reading A LOT of other blogs, writing poetry and prose, keeping a journal, taking photos and posting them on my photo blog, Pixel Posts. Whew...well I can't say I am not keeping busy anyway.

Although I enjoy all of the above, I find that I don't have the time (or energy), to really get into one particular thing in depth. I have half finished projects laying around, and I often feel totally scattered.

So... my focus for 2012 will be to CONCENTRATE;

1.to bring or direct toward a common center or objective; focus
2.to express or exhibit in condensed form
3.to focus one's powers, efforts, or attention
4.to direct one's thoughts or attention to come or cause to come to a single purpose or aim

I am really excited about participating in The River Of Stones, I think it is the perfect way to start my "concentrate" ball rolling!

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Squalls (small stone 3)

2012-01-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

* * * * * *

whirling squalls

all views obscured

a whiteout

even my soul shivers
~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.
A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Glimpse (small stone 2)

2012-01-02T09:36:00.005-05:00

a flash of crimson, glimpsed peripherally.

the direct view concludes...

yet another opportunity missed.
~Karen

I am participating in The River Of Stones.

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.

A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's 2012! (small stone 1)

2012-01-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Starting today, I am joining THE RIVER OF STONES,

by writing a small stone every day for the month of January.

A *small stone is a very short piece of writing that precisely captures a fully-engaged moment.

*Eyes focus in early morning light, scanning the room, resting on the gallery of a child's art, brightening what could otherwise be a dull awakening. ~Karen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's Time To Party!

2011-12-31T10:24:00.001-05:00

Well tonight is New Years Eve!! Time to party! Oh, I love a good party. One with lots of friends, great food, and champagne. Good music, dancing, funny jokes, and interesting conversations.

Oh...wait a minute!! That was before I became chronically ill...ya...before.

Sigh...now, a party for me consists of, Hubbers and I having an early dinner, with delectable food choices from the SWANK diet for MS, and a glass of pure spring water, Perrier will at least make it seem festive.

Then we'll sit in the living room and listen to a few tunes. Maybe reminisce about past New Year's bashes. Laugh a bit about our misspent youth, and try to remember the names of friends from the past.

Merfy will snuggle up beside me on the couch and fall asleep. Sooner than later, I will hear soft snores echoing in the room. Then I will realize that the dog is not the only one sleeping. I will go with the flow, rest my head on Hubber's shoulder, close my eyes and think of the days when life was full of fun, excitement and merriment. I'll be asleep as well before too long.

Wouldn't it be nice if when I woke up, having MS, TM and SLE had all been a dream, and I was a tad hungover from too much champagne, feeling a bit bloated from consuming massive amounts of rich gourmet food, wearing my spiked six inch heels, with blisters on my feet from tearing up the dance floor all night, wrapped in streamers with a silly party hat on!

Okay, so maybe it wouldn't be that nice to wake up in the above condition, but it would sure beat the nightmare I am living in now.

Oh well...Happy New Year everyone!

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rainbow Days - 2

2011-12-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Hubber's got called into work unexpectedly yesterday, so I was on my own with Beep. As I am not very mobile and lacking energy these days, it meant that activities would be quiet and more cerebral than physical. Beep is really good at amusing herself (with a little direction), and she had a great morning painting, pretending, and reading. After lunch though, it was apparent she was getting a bit bored. Not being one to plunk her down in front of the TV, I brought out some cut outs. Remember those...paper dolls.

Now I haven't seen real paper dolls in years, but I did pick up a modern version from the local children's bookstore before Christmas. They are in fact not dolls, but (magical) horses that are beautifully crafted and made from sturdy card stock. No more 'tabs" to keep the clothes on, but rather, reusable sticky dots! Beep is crazy about horses (as was Sweet Pea at that age, she started riding at the age of 8).

Beep asked me if I would help "punch out" some fashions", so she picked her horse and I set about freeing the attire from the pages, attaching the sticky dots. She suggested that I too pick a horse and dress it. Well, why not! It was either that, or try to wash and dry a sink load of dirty dishes.

What a lovely afternoon we had. We sat at the kitchen table with cups of cocoa, munching Christmas cookies, dressing our horses! Conversation flowed freely, we giggled, shared secrets, and told stories. I was taken back to a time when I had no cares or worries, lived in the moment, and enjoyed just "being". I relaxed, feeling no stress, and less pain that I have in weeks. Experiencing life through the eyes of a child seems to be very therapeutic.

Oh, these horses are magical indeed, no matter what your age, if you let your inner child free... to play. Of course, it is all the better if you have a special little someone to have fun with.

Beep and Gramma's horse and fairy gallery.

Lesson learned, take time to smell the roses, or in this case, to play with paper dolls!

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rainbow Days

2011-12-28T11:49:00.001-05:00

Well, the holidays are over, so to speak. We had a terrific Christmas, lots of fun, laughter and love.

Hubbers has the rest of the week off from work, which is good, because Sweet Pea, and Fireman have gone back to work, and Beep is off from school until January 9th, which means she will spend her days here.

She isn't hard to look after, she's a delightful little girl, but her energy level is out of this world! It's a bit difficult for me to keep up with her. Having Hubbers here this week will be a huge benefit. They are playing Snapdragon right now as I write this, and take a breather.

We finally got some snow overnight, and after a snow less December, Beep is chomping at the bit to get out and play in it after lunch. She and Hubbers will build a snowman as I snap pictures from the window. I of course am responsible for making the hot chocolate and setting out cookies for when they come in. That I can handle!

As I slowly came to life this morning with a hot cup of tea, Beep got out her art supplies and painted a picture of one of her favourite things...

Another beautiful piece of art to frame and hang in the gallery, which occupies one whole wall in my bedroom.

Cheers

Handmade Greetings

2011-12-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

I received a lovely surprise in the mail on Friday. A beautiful handmade Christmas card from Anne, at HotchPotch Ehhh?. And along with the card, came some CHRISTMAS TEA from Germany and Dennmark!

Isn't the card awesome!! Anne weaved a traditional Danish Heart and put a maple leaf on it. That's really cool because the Canadian flag is red and white with a maple leaf right in the centre.

The tea was delicious, I made a pot of the German tea after Christmas dinner. Hubber's dad is German, and he loved it!

Another little weaved heart was on the front of the parcel.

Thanks Anne!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I Am Blessed

2011-12-26T10:00:00.003-05:00

Click on the pic to enlarge

*Two very special people,

who touch my heart, and lift my spirit, by the joy of their presence, and the warmth of their love.

They own my heart, and bless my world.

Love IS the best gift of all.

*Beep, my granddaughter and Hubbers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Merry Christmas

2011-12-18T13:08:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a blog break.

I hope everyone enjoys this wonderful festive season!

See you in the new year!

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Angel In Red

2011-12-16T09:58:00.003-05:00

We attended Beep's School Christmas Concert last night. I really wasn't feeling up to going, but she had her heart set on me being there. So I dismissed my pain, loaded up the camera gear, and away we went. We sat in the back so I could wobble out unnoticed after her part of the program ended. It was the best Christmas concert ever, and my discomfort was barely noticeable while I watched my little angel. *Omnia vincit amor.

Click on the pics to enlarge

Entering the "concert hall".

She was so excited, she skipped all the way to the stage.

She spots me in the audience.

How could she not? I'm the one with the GIANT telephoto lens!

Presenting (part of) the Primary Choir

Everyone dressed up in Christmas finery.

Song selection, "I Ain't Getting Nuttin' For Christmas"

She's been practicing this song for weeks!

Song selection, "Jingle Bells"

I was so hoping for, "All I want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth".

*Omnia vincit amor - Love conquers all.

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~

10 Days Before Christmas - Done!

2011-12-15T12:59:00.001-05:00

Well, I did it, got the tree done.! It took 2 days, it isn't quite as perfect as past years, and it really looks better in the dark, but I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Cheers!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Death In Our Blogging Community

2011-12-14T09:38:00.002-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share this news. Michael Halashyn of Another Day With MS has passed away. His daughter informed me yesterday.

Michael and I became friends through our blogs. He was very supportive of me, and always had time to lend and ear. Michael had Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and was confined to a wheelchair. His zest for life, courage and determination was an inspiration to me.

He participated in, and completed the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary relay in Gatineau, Quebec on October 25th of this year. Something he, his family and friends were very proud of.

RIP Michael my friend, you will be missed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

12 Days Before Christmas - Lights

2011-12-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is, 12 days before Christmas and THIS is what I have sitting in my living room!

Now granted, it's not a bad looking tree, but as you may have noticed...it's naked.

It's unadorned because, I am the tree decorator in the family, (I have been for 37 years), but this year, my illness has abruptly curtailed most of the activity that requires me to stand on my feet for more than 10 minutes at a time.

Yes, I am standing, and I can actually totter around, (for which I am very grateful)...but the pain that accompanies any action is nasty.

See that little white piece of paper on the tree? It's a note from Hubbers. It says, "Be careful" with a heart drawn on it. He knows that even if he told me not to do something, or said that he would do it, I would attempt to do it anyway.

So...I have decided that I will tackle the tree decorating over the next few days. Today's mission will be putting on the lights.

The dilemma is how to get the 400 or so Christmas lights on the tree, without it, and me toppling over. I figure I can string all the lights together before attempting to wind them around the tree. Then I can start at the bottom, while sitting on the floor, work my way to the middle, while rolling around the tree on my chair, and finally, stand for a few minutes to finish the top! Gee, how I wish we had of spent the extra money to get a pre-lit tree!

I think the plan is good one, and I am confident that in a few hours the tree will be lit! We shall see.

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Colours of Christmas

2011-12-12T10:32:00.000-05:00

Not feeling much like writing today, so I thought I'd share a photo I took on the weekend. I love the vivid colours in this shot! The flowers of this poinsettia (green buds) are less than 1\8th of an inch in size. I like to get really close to my subject.

From my Photo Blog, Pixel Posts

The brightly coloured petal like parts of a poinsettia are not the plant's flowers. They are actually bracts, or modified leaves surrounding the real flowers, which are the (3-5 mm) greenish-yellow buds in the centre of a bunch.

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Walking in the Air

2011-12-09T11:47:00.000-05:00

As I sit here, tucked in nice and cozy on the sofa, looking out the window, I am reminded of the times during childhood, when I had to spend the first snowy day inside, due to illness.

Back then, I had little to occupy my time. There were no computers or video games, the tv tuned into only one station, my books had been read over and over, and my paper dolls were crumpled after retrieving them from under the blankets. The only entertainment left, was to watch the snow falling and swirling outside the window. It was magical!

Although no longer a child, I find myself in the same predicament this day, even though I have Hubber's laptop, my Kindle, and over 50 channels of s*&t to watch on the tv. As I gaze out the window, observing the tiny flakes of white floating to the ground, I feel the same excitement and wonder I did as a child. It's magical!

A little bit of magic for our first snowfall. We watched this movie every Christmas with *SweetPea, and now with *Beep.

This this song takes me to a place, where all things are possible...and today, because I am not walking, I imagine, that I too, can soar above the clouds.

A clip from "The Snowman", a movie adaptation(1982) from the book by Raymond Briggs. The book is wordless, as is the film except for the song "Walking In The Air" (Howard Blake), which in the film, is sung by St Paul's Cathedral choirboy Peter Auty.

*SweetPea-daughter. Beep-granddaughter

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Face Plant, Peed Pants and The Merry Go Round

2011-12-08T12:49:00.000-05:00

When I got out of bed this morning, I fell flat on my face (thank goodness for carpet). As I lay on the floor face to face with my very tiny dog, I thought...this can't be good. My very tiny dog thought it was wonderful though, he was jumping around and licking my nose...oh great, mom wants to play!

As I flopped around on the floor, I tried to assess the situation. Could I actually feel my legs? Nope not the right one, yep on the left. Could I move my legs? Check, yes on the left, sort of for the right. I could move it from the hip.

Here is where my logic came into play. I can't feel my leg, but I can move it, therefore, my leg is just "asleep". I can wait a few minutes, and my leg will "wake up", as it has before (see pink kayak blues) . When it does, I can stand, and make my way to the bathroom ('cause I really NEED to go to the bathroom). So, I managed to sit up, my very tiny dog jumped into my lap, and we waited for the "pins and needles" to start. Once you feel those, you know - that yes indeedy, the ole leg has been asleep.

There I sat, confident that any minute now, I could stand. The any minute now, turned into 10, then 20, then...I peed myself. As the warm liquid poured from my nether regions, my eyes joined the party, and I started to cry like a baby.

After allowing myself to wail like a banshee for a few minutes, I pulled it together, assured tiny dog that everything was OK, and pondered the next step. I couldn't call Hubbers at work, it was only his second week there, so there was no way I was going to disrupt him, Sweet Pea was at work as well, and it was too early to phone my doc, so my choices were limited.

I was really uncomfortable in wet pants, so, I decided to crawl/drag myself to the dresser, retrieve dry undies etc, and make my way to the bathroom. The difficulty of this task was further hindered by tiny dog jumping onto and off of my back.

I managed to "take care of business", hopped to the kitchen, fed tiny dog, made myself a cup of tea, then ~~sat~~ collapsed on a chair at the table. Feeling pretty pleased with myself that I had made it this far, I relaxed and watched the clock, at 9:30, I could call the doc. Thankfully, I have phones strategically placed in every room, and there was one right on the kitchen table.

The big question in my mind was which doctor to call! Should I call the neurologist, was this MS? Maybe it's Lupus...should I call the rheumatologist? Or, I guess it could be the transverse myelitis, so should I call the other neurologist? Hey, how about a conference call!

Deciding on none of the above, I dialed my family doctor's number. After ten minutes of discussing my symptoms, then arguing with the receptionist as to which doctor I should be calling, she transferred me to the nurse. Why is it, that receptionists think they are doctors? Last time I looked, it wasn't her name on the shingle with MD behind it. Besides that, my GP has told her many times over the years, that if Karen wants to talk me, Karen gets to talk to me! One of the "perks" of being his patient for almost 30 years, and a frequent sickie, I'm sure. I do wish they'd give points for that, like they do for frequent flyer's, or air miles points...but I digress.

So, after talking to the nurse, who btw, is a sweetheart...she said she would relay the info to the doc and he would call me back. As I sat waiting, I contemplated the issue and causes. If it's MS, then it's a relapse- treatment, steroids. If it's Lupus, then it's a flare- treatment, steroids. If it's TM, then it's a relapse- treatment, steroids. I don't do steroids. I have many reasons for refusing steroids, which I will not go into at this time, other than to say that they will not change the outcome of disability, and I have a couple of family members that have been totally f*&^%d by them.

An hour later, I heard from my doc, who had conferenced with the other docs, and they all agreed that yes, something was relapsing. A course of IV steroids was in order, along with another brain and full spine MRI, with and without contrast, and a series of blood tests. Since I won't do the steroids, there is a prescription for NSAID's, and pain meds (for the stabbing pain in my lower back), being sent to me from the pharmacy, and I should hear from the imaging centre by tomorrow, pertaining to an MRI appointment.

Well, there you have it, the never-ending cycle of symptoms, events, and tests. Once again I am on the merry go round. If only my leg worked...I would jump off!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A New Twist

2011-12-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Sixteen-year-old Canadian Sean Quigley, a grade-11 student at Winnipeg's Oak Park High School, produced, directed and edited the video of his going-viral rock-heavy rendition of "Little Drummer Boy." Quigley arranged, composed, recorded, mixed and mastered the song, in addition to playing all the instruments on the track.

"Drummer Boy speaks to me so much," Sean told CBC News. "The whole song is a story. It's about this boy who gets word of Jesus being born and he goes to see him and he doesn't have anything to give him; he's like 'I don't have money, I don't have gifts to give you. But I can play my drum and that's more than enough.'"

Many of his YouTube fans are praising the young drummer boy for encouraging a little Canadian pride with his stunning cinematography.

CHEERS

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Trounced

2011-12-05T09:38:00.001-05:00

broken and shattered

the body lies motionless

cold and defeated

injuries abound

but not only in the flesh

the essence seems trounced

the suffering soul

beset by devastation

pleads to be set free

~Karen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's The Weekend!

2011-12-02T16:12:00.000-05:00

Cheers!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Soul Sounds

2011-11-29T08:59:00.001-05:00

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and Missy Higgins -

Live at the 2011 ARIA's Sunday Nov 27/2011

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is an Indigenous Australian musician, who sings in the Yolngu language. His CD "Rrakala" was nominated for this years ARIA Awards, and was Winner of Best World Music Album at the 2011 ARIA Artisian Awards.

Day Journal -November 28

2011-11-28T09:47:00.001-05:00

Outside my window...The sun is trying very hard to shine. The temperature has dropped considerably, and we are expecting snow by Friday.

I am thinking...about all the things I have to get done today. I am also thinking that I may not do one darn thing, just enjoy the day as it unfolds.

I am thankful...for Hubber's new job, for all the obvious reasons, but also for the fact that he is happier than he has been in years. This new job is so GOOD for him.

In the kitchen...it's very still, and there is nothing cooking. I would like someone to cook for me for a change.

Around the house...it's free from any festive decorations. I am liking the minimalist look, and dusting is a lot easier!

I am creating...handmade Christmas cards...still.

I am reading...well, studying actually, Lonely Planet's phrasebook -Moroccan Arabic. I still plan to go to Morocco one day...ensha'llah.

I am wondering...how the world got to be so crazy. All the news about Black Friday, shootings, pepper spray...then the news that North Americans spent approximately 52 billion dollars in one day!

I am hoping...to lose ~~a few~~ twenty pounds before the holidays, so I can pig out, and not feel guilty about gaining ~~a few~~ twenty more pounds.

I am looking forward to...having lunch with Beep on Wednesday. I am picking her up from school for our first lunch date of the year.

I am listening to...Symphony Fantastique by Berliotz, one of my favourite composers.

One of my favourite things...cady cane scented hand soap! It smells good enough to eat!

A few plans for the rest of the week...cooking something, not eating anything.

Here are some pictures I am sharing...from my photo blog

Click on them to enlarge, if you dare!

A bit creepy...

...but what an intricate beautiful pattern on it's back.

Cheers

Make Me A Rainbow?

2011-11-25T10:27:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's not easy being a gramma. I asked Beep last week, what she would like for Christmas from me this year. She listed a couple of things, and then she said, "But I really want, you to make me rainbow". Okay, I was stumped. The following is our conversation. Pay attention to the commas in her sentences, it was the pauses in her speech that caused my confusion...or maybe it's the MS that caused the confusion!

Beep - I really want, you to make me a rainbow.
Me - Oh, what's that sweetheart?
Beep - You know, I want, you to make me a rainbow!
I thought, hmmmm, I haven't seen that anywhere.
Me- What's that honey? Is it a board game or a movie or a video game or something?
Beep - No grammy, it's a rainbow.
Me- You want a rainbow? Like a rainbow pillow, or something?
Beep - No silly, I want, you to make me a rainbow.
Me - Is it a doll?
Beep- No, it's a rainbow, in the sky.
Me - Oh, you want me to make you a picture of a rainbow in the sky?
Beep - No, I want you to make me one, a real one!
Me - A real rainbow?!
Beep - Yes!
Me - Oh dear, I can't make a real rainbow sweetie, the light and the sun and the rain make a rainbow.
Beep - But grammy, lots of times when we are together we see a rainbow, and you say, that rainbow came out just for you. Can't you make me one?
Me - Speechless....
Beep - Can't you?
Me - Well, no darling, I can't make you a real rainbow... nobody can make a real one! (then I explain how rainbows come to be, again).
Beep - Oh...ya, I knew that.
Me - But you know, I could paint you a picture of one, or maybe take a picture of one!
Beep - Okay grammy, that would be nice.

So, all this week, I have been trying to come up with an idea of how to make a rainbow, that she can have. I thought, stained glass sun catcher, a prism, a pillow, sand art, ribbon candy....ackkkkkkk.

Last night I was so desperate, I turned to google, and typed in "how make a rainbow". It came up with a number of optical illusion sites, and a book or two on Amazondotcom. I went to Amazon and typed "rainbow" in books, then toys and games....

Well, blow me away! Here's what came up...Uncle Milton Rainbow In My Room. Rainbow In My Room, amazing rainbow projector. Project a beautiful rainbow across your walls and ceiling! Includes bonus window prism disk for real daytime rainbows!

I saw a demonstration on YouTube, and wow, it's going to be PERFECT!!!

Thank you Uncle Milton, the Internet, and Amazon!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Can You Beleive This?

2011-11-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

In the news:

*Researchers at Harvard have found that the biggest demons behind weight gain are potato chips and soda.

Now here's a revelation! I wonder how many thousands of dollars were spent figuring this out! It's like spending money to prove that if you poke your eyes out with a stick, it will cause blindness.

* More alleged victims are coming forward in the case of a Florida resident accused of injecting "super glue" cement, and flat-tire repair materials into the buttocks of a woman for enlargement .
I have no idea why anyone would want a huge butt, but if you do, why not just eat more potato chips and drink more soda.

*A two million dollar Gold Christmas tree went on display at Tokyo's Ginza Tanaka jewellery store on Tuesday.
The true spirit of Christmas for sure.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Old Guy

2011-11-22T11:46:00.000-05:00

Hubber's started his new job yesterday. He was pretty anxious about the whole thing. It's a brand new company that started up in April of this year, and it's run by...a *YOUNG guy! The other employees are all *YOUNG as well.

Now, there is nothing wrong with being young of course, unless...you are not!

Hubber's has 37 years of experience in his field, and is an unbelievable craftsman, but when faced with youth, and all the new high tech machinery, his confidence wavers.

He spent a lot of his time on the weekend worrying about how he would be received by his fellow workers, and if he could adapt to the new techniques, machinery and pace of work. Sunday night found him wide awake, in anticipation of Monday morning.

Somewhat like a child being sent off to a new school, Hubber's hesitantly walked out the door Monday morning, in brand spanking new clothes, a fresh haircut (we decided against dyeing the grey beard) and his tool/lunch box.

And somewhat like a concerned parent, I spent the day wondering, and worrying if he would fit in, be comfortable, and have a good day.

At 5 o'clock I heard the keys in the door, and went to greet him, trying to gauge by the expression on his face if the day went well or not. With a smile on my face, I popped the question..."So, how did it go". With bated breath I waited to hear the answer.

"I had a great first day" was the reply! "The guys are all really nice, the shop atmosphere is pretty laid back, the boss asked for my advice on setting up some of the equipment, and I was complimented on the work I did!"

I let out a huge sigh of relief...the old guy did good! But of course, I knew he would.

*YOUNG = under 40

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Two Front Teeth

2011-11-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Poor little Beep has been sick all week. The pinkeye reoccurred, and she also got mom's (Sweet Pea's) strep throat. The two of them have been home from school and work since Wednesday.

Beep and I had made plans to go shopping for her Christmas dress on Friday. We have gone every year since she was 2, and she picks it out herself. Quite the little fashionista (takes after grammy, not mom)!

She couldn't go because of the strep, and was a tad disappointed. Hubber's and I were out and about on Saturday, so I decided to take a look at the dresses, sort of a preview, so I would know where to shop with her when she got better.

Well, I found what I thought would be the perfect dress, and it was on sale for half price (marked down from $50), but the sale ended Saturday night! I took the chance that Beep would like it, and brought it home.

I called her on the phone and asked her what colour dress she thought she might like this year...she said RED! Yay, it's red! Whew...I did good.

On Sunday she was well enough to come over for the afternoon, and I had the dress hanging up in the dinning room. When she walked in she spotted it right away!

She had it on in about 30 seconds...and she LOVES it!

Now all she needs to go with it are some shoes...

...and her two front teeth!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friday Funnies

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Have a great weekend!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Dancing

2011-11-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

Hubbers landed a job today!

Doing the happy dance, (well, sort of)!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Got The Grumps

2011-11-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

Today I woke up...

for no apparent reason.

I don't know why I feel so discontent, irritable, grouchy, petulant and tetchy, but I do. I hate it when this happens! It's like an alien has taken over my body and mind, and transformed me into a grouchy blob.

Guess I'll just go curl up in my sock drawer for a while and sleep it off.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Princess Beep

2011-11-11T23:56:00.009-05:00

Beep spent a day with me during the week, she was sick. Well, not really "sick", but she had pinkeye, and the school won't let them back until they have been on the eye drops for 24 hours.

We had a very busy day! She arrived at 9am. We had breakfast, then got her dressed (she came in jammies), then she wanted to dance to Christmas music, and play my harp. She is at the age where pretending is a BIG thing...so for about 2 hours we role played, teacher- favourite student, (in French of course), Queen (me)- Princess (Beep), (Merfy was the Prince), doggy (Beep) being bought by a nice old lady (me!), and for sure- restaurant.

Then it was outside to play in the leaves, and draw pictures with sidewalk chalk, some quality time being pushed on the swing, oh and making stew (for George the Monkey) from grass and leaves. That was BEFORE lunch.

I don't even remember what we did after lunch, but eventually I persuaded her to engage in some quiet time activities, the only chance I had to take pics!

Nice crown don't ya think!

Winding down time before going home.

When we picked up mom from work, she asked Beep if she had a good day. Beep answered "Yes, but it was exhausting!" You can say that again!!!! I am still recuperating...but I had a blast...and, umm...guess who now has pinkeye?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Weather Woes

2011-11-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

It's getting colder! Winter is on the way. I really love winter...

but it wreaks havoc on the spasticity!

I'm highly thermosensitive, and temperature has a huge effect on my MS symptoms. Cold weather increases my difficulty in walking. It increases my numbness, stiffness, and rigidity, and I am more likely to experience bladder and bowel incontinence.

So, why do I like winter so much you may ask. Well, first of all, I live in Canada, (so like it or lump it), and because, in the hot weather, I have symptoms that are more disturbing to me. I get blurry vision (Uhthoff’s), I have more headaches and dizziness, my sensory symptoms worsen, I get fatigued quickly, and I often suffer from such severe weakness that I can't stand or walk at all.

So it's a trade off, temperature changes produce a temporary improvement of some symptoms and, at the same time, a temporary worsening of other symptoms, aka a dual response to temperature.

At least in the cold weather, I can get warm and stay warm (but not hot). I can layer clothing, so going outside is possible. That is not possible in hot weather when the only layer I can tolerate is skin (and I still get overheated)!

Gee...one season is too hot, one is too cold, unlike Goldilocks with the porridge, I can't seem to find one that's just right!

Ah well...bring on winter, it's the lesser of two evils.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jingle Bells

2011-11-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

Is it too early to start preparations for Christmas? Not at my house! I love Christmas! I am not one of those people that puts up the tree in early November, I actually wait until 10 days before Christmas to do that. But I do like to get into the spirit earlier with decorating, baking and this year...

I am making my own Christmas cards! I've been a scrapper (srapbooking) for years, and I have heaps of tools, paper, embellishments etc, that I can't possible use up on scrap book pages. So, when I joined a tea/card making swap last month, I came up with the idea to make all my Christmas cards.

It's fun. I'm really enjoying it, and it is great therapy, for mind and fingers. But with shaky hands and wonky vision, I can't say it's not challenging.

My goal is to complete one card every two days. Of course that number depends on the design of the card. I am designing them all, off the cuff so to speak. I take a look at my supplies and go from there.

I've completed 4 so far...gee I'm glad it's only early November!

Cheers!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hee Hee Hee...I Can Relate!

2011-11-04T23:11:00.000-04:00

Tea Swap Card for November

2011-11-02T10:50:00.001-04:00

Well, I got my tea swap card for November made and mailed.

The pneumonia seems to have aggravated some of my MS symptoms, and I found it a challenge to complete the card while having intention tremors, but I am pretty happy with the way it turned out.

Here's the finished product.

The theme was Thanksgiving, Autumn, or red, orange and brown.

The tucked in teabags are wild raspberry hibiscus, and cinnamon apple chamomile.

If you are interested in card making and tea swapping you can sign up at,

Fran's Blog, The Little Paper Studio

The next swap will be for December and the open call goes out around

the 21st of November.

Cheers

Halloweeny

2011-10-31T09:56:00.003-04:00

We had our little Halloween party last night. A few photos...

Fireman (Robber), Sweet Pea (Witch), and Beep(Glitter Witch)

I was really pleased that Fireman got into the spirit of things this year and dressed up!

Beep is trying to look scary!

Me (Belly Dancer), Hubbers (Mad Scientist)

I didn't have a chance to get a "real" costume. I was into belly dancing a few years ago, and had some outfits hanging around. Now, I have a belly hanging around too! Hubbers allowed me to display his photo this year, but only because he is wearing a wig, so no one will see he's bald ;)

Beep is trying to look scary...

Beep casting a spell

She is still trying to look scary...I love this little sweetie, she fills my heart with joy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Dynamic View - Or - Ball Of Confusion

2011-10-28T21:15:00.000-04:00

I looked into using dynamic view on my photo blog. It really is designed for blogs with lots of pictures. It is just too cluttered and hard to view the most recent post, so I decided not to change. I think it is good for someone who wants to showcase all of their last 50 or so posts on one page!

Anyway, I have figured out how to view a dynamic view blog. I upgraded my browser to ie9, which I should have done a while ago. But just doing that alone did not fix the problem.

When you get onto a Dynamic View blog front page, you have to go up to the address bar. In that bar you will see a little icon that looks like a page torn in half. It's called- Compatibility view. You click on that little icon and you should be able to view the page and leave a comment.

Here's a little advertisement that is meant to persuade you to use Dynamic View. Take note that what you are seeing is what your reader will see when they reach your blog page. You can of course choose the "classic view". But if you are going to choose that, why the heck would you go Dynamic View at all!

When I go to a Dynamic view blog that uses one of the new 5 views, I am so confused, that I leave without seeing much of anything.

Maybe it's just the MS...or maybe I am getting old, but I am not going to switch any time soon, nor will I visit too many of the blogs that have gone Dynamic!

Cheers

DYNAMIC VIEW IN BLOGGER

2011-10-28T11:10:00.002-04:00

If you have changed your blogger template and are now using

DYNAMIC VIEW IN BLOGGER

I can't comment on your blog!

I upgraded my browser as suggested, but I still can't.

I can't even view some blogs!

So far this is mostly apparent on the photo blogs I follow, but there is one MS blogger that I follow that has implemented the change.

If anyone has a solution to this issue, would you please let me know.

Day Journal- Oct.27

2011-10-27T09:30:00.009-04:00

Outside my window...it's grey and cold and about to rain. Hmmm, I see a pattern here. Every time I write a day journal post, it's raining.

I am thinking...I've just about had it with this pneumonia! Enough already...get healing body!

I am thankful...oh, this is going to be a hard one today. There is so much negative stuff happening in our life right now. Okay, I am thankful that I have the strength (mentally) to deal with all the problems, and (hopefully) come up with some solutions .

In the kitchen...there is a heap of dishes in the sink waiting to be washed. I made muffins this morning, and it is quite unbelievable to see how many bowls and kitchen utensils I used to make 12 little muffins.

Around the house...it's looking very Halloweeny.

I am creating...a glitter witch Halloween card for Beep.

I am wondering...why Sweet Pea's kidney infection is not getting any better, even though she has been off and on antibiotics for almost 3 months now. It's a worry, frequent kidney infections can be an early symptom of Lupus.

I am reading...nothing at the moment.

I am hoping...that Hubber's will find another job before too long. His company is folding for good this week, and Friday is his last day of work. Jobs in these parts are scarce, we have one of the highest job loss rates in the country.

I am looking forward to...seeing Beep all dressed up as a glitter witch at our little Halloween party this weekend.

I am hearing...my neighbour vacuuming his yard...well okay it's a leaf blower, but it's just as annoying. He too is out of work, and from what I hear, is driving his wife crazy...which is probably why he is outside blowing leaves all over the lawn, in the rain.

One of my favourite things...is snuggling with my tiny dog Merfy on the sofa, while listening to classical music.

A few plans for the rest of the week...rest, drink plenty of fluids, get another chest X-ray, and hope for the best!

Here is a picture I am sharing...from my photo blog

The Ausable River, Pinery Provincial Park
Click on the pic to enlarge

Cheers

Tea Swapping and Card Making

2011-10-25T11:23:00.002-04:00

So, I participated in my first "tea swap and handmade card" exchange this month. I found out about it over at Anne's blog. She is always making the most beautiful, creative cards, and showcasing cards she gets from her tea swap partners. I have just started making cards and I love tea, so I thought I'd join in!

I was assigned my swap partner and the theme of the card for October was Halloween, or Halloween colours of black, orange & purple. You have to include two bags of tea in the card.

I set about making my card, and I must say, it was more difficult than I anticipated. I have been a scrapbooker for years, so I am not new to papercraft. But making a card to SEND to someone is a lot different than pasting together some stuff that only you (or family) will be viewing.

My first effort was not wonderful, but I was pleased enough and sent it along to my swap partner in Hawaii. (I forgot to take a photo of it).

I received my card from her, and it is so cute, I wanted to share it.

Thanks Dori!

My partner for this month lives in Massachusetts, and the theme is;

Fall/Thanksgiving Colors: orange, red, brown.

If you are interested in card making and tea swapping you can sign up at

Fran's Blog, The Little Paper Studio

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Probably Too Much Information

2011-10-22T01:05:00.001-04:00

So, the antibiotics seem to making a dent in the pneumonia. I can actually breathe a lot better, I am not hacking up my lungs when I cough, and my appetite is back!

We all know its very important to get plenty of rest when fighting an infection, and sleep is crucial for the body to heal.

Thing is, one of the side effects from the medicine is....

INSOMNIA!!

Another is...diarrhea...(don't worry, I have no picture for that!)

Great... I finally get to sleep, and I am abruptly woken up by turbulent lower region rumblings that are signalling me to get to the toilet immediately or else...well, you know! And of course getting to the toilet immediately is not often possible when you have mobility problems.

Just another ~~day~~ night in paradise!

I bet you're all really glad I shared this with you....

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Paused

2011-10-18T22:31:00.001-04:00

I'm battling pneumonia, (still) and have been put on a new (stronger, better) antibiotic that has knocked the stuffing out of me, so...I won't be too active in the blog sphere for a while.

BBL

Cheers

Encumbered

2011-10-17T09:58:00.000-04:00

i cried out loud

my sobs echoing distress

no one can hear me

the sounds are muffled

caught between shadows and light

suspended in time

hanging in the air

the sorrow lingers above

encumbering me

~Karen

Twilight is My Favourite Time

2011-10-14T09:00:00.006-04:00

Heavenly shades of night are falling

It's twilight time.

~The Platters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jumping The Wave

2011-10-12T09:00:00.003-04:00

Oh how I wish I could stand at water's edge and wait to jump a wave. The anticipation rising as it comes towards you, then you time the leap just right! The exhilaration felt as you soar slightly above the crest. The sense of freedom as you splash down behind it, and wait for the next to come.

Beep shares my love of water and the beach. We started taking her there when she was only months old. Over the years it has become our special place, where we spend many hours together laughing, playing...and just being.

Click on the pics to enlarge

I can no longer jump the waves, with her tiny hand in mine, but as I sat photographing her, she ran to the shore and yelled "This jump's for you gramma!"

And what a marvellous jump it was!

I love to see the joy on this little girl's face. She fills my life with happiness.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Wonderment

2011-10-10T09:30:00.022-04:00

Click on the pic to enlarge

viewed in wonderment

this day drawing to a close

my soul replenished

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

photo and haiku by ~Karen

Thanksgiving

2011-10-07T16:27:00.002-04:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. No big dinner for us this year, instead...

Click on the pic to enlarge

a trip to the beach

this beauty awaits me there

and i will give thanks

~Karen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's One Of THOSE Days

2011-10-05T09:00:00.012-04:00

I am feeling totally...

To be confused, befuddled, perplexed or in a state of disarray.

I must learn to...

To bring something out of a state of confusion, befuddlement, perplexion or disarray.

It can be achieved if you...

What you need to do in order to become combobulated after becoming discombobulated.

I understand that there is a specific area to accomplish the above...

Does anyone know where the hell it is!!!

Cheers

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Day Journal - October 3

2011-10-03T09:00:00.005-04:00

Outside my window...the wind is blowing, the sky is grey, and it's starting to rain.

I am thinking...that it's just about time to decide what I am dressing up as for Halloween. We have a little party every year with *Beep. I am feeling so fat, I think I will be a pumpkin.

I am thankful...when I woke up this morning, I was still able to get out of bed and walk. One of my big fears is, that one day, I will be paralyzed below the *TM lesion on my spine. (at T11-T12).

In the kitchen...I have steak thawing for dinner. I haven't eaten red meat for so long, I forget what it tastes like. I will probably regret eating it tomorrow, but I usually have to learn the hard way. So, I am going to bbq it, medium rare, and serve it with mushrooms sauteed in red wine, a twice baked potato, complete with butter, sour cream and real bacon bits, and a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. I am having a big bowl of Hagen Das vanilla bean ice cream for dessert! Yes...I will definitely be a PUMPKIN for Halloween!

Around the house...the dust bunnies are multiplying like rabbits!

I am creating...a hand made card for my tea swap partner in Hawaii.

I am going...to start Christmas shopping soon. I plan to do most of it online this year. Amazon has EVERYTHING.

I am wondering...how a blogging buddy that has "disappeared" from the blog sphere is doing.

I am reading..."The End Of Food" by Paul Roberts, It's an investigation into the startling truth about the modern food system: the way we make food, market and consume it, and even think about it, and how it is no longer compatible or safe for the billions of consumers the system was built to serve.

I am hoping...that this darn chest infection hasn't turned into pneumonia. It tastes like pneumonia. Those of you who have had pneumonia, will know exactly what I mean.

I am looking forward to...Thanksgiving dinner at *Sweet Pea's house next weekend. Here in Canada, Thanksgiving is in October.

I am hearing...the annoying - loud - constant barking of the dog next door.

One of my favorite things...is warm laundry right out of the dryer.

A few plans for the rest of the week...go to the hairdresser (time for the dye job), vote in the Provincial election, and finish and mail my tea swap card.

Here is a picture I am sharing...

He's cute enough to kiss. I really think he may be a PRINCE!

Cheers

Beep- my granddaughter

Sweet Pea- my daughter

TM- Transverse Myelitis

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friday Funnies

2011-09-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

As if having MS, SLE and TM isn't enough...now there's menopause!

Cheers

Icky Sicky

2011-09-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

It's autumn...Hurray! It's flu season...BOO!

Poor little Beep came down with a nasty cough and cold last week. She couldn't go to school, so I babysat her. After a couple of days on the couch with some TLC, a lot of Kleenex, some Tylenol and cough medicine, she was as good as new, and went merrily on her way back to school on Friday.

So, guess who has her cold now? Yep, that would be me. I rarely get "sick", but when I do...it's nasty. I have a chest infection and a sinus infection, and I am on antibiotics...again. I just got over a 10 day course of them for a UTI.

I am not really a whiner, but that's about to change. I feel like crap, and I can't do much other than lay around. I am keeping myself occupied with Hubber's laptop as I drift in and out of sick slumber.

Colds and flues aren't devastating. I mean they are not comfortable, but they usually disappear in a week or so. I can handle that...what I can't handle is the fact that having infections, and being on antibiotics are often triggers for MS and Lupus relapses. Now that...could be devastating.

I'm laying low for a few days, with fingers crossed - in hopes that I will be as good as new, and be merrily on my way by the weekend.

Cheers

Wolves

2011-09-27T09:00:00.005-04:00

The Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve Wolf Centre, is just up the road from the cottage. I love spending an afternoon there, watching and photographing these beautiful creatures. A few pics I took of the pack (grey timber wolves).

Mom

Dad

Pups

"We have doomed the Wolf not for what it is, but for what we have deliberately and mistakenly perceived it to be..the mythologized epitome of a savage, ruthless killer..which is, in reality no more than a reflected image of ourself."

~Farley Mowat

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A Sense Of Calm

2011-09-24T17:51:00.001-04:00

The Pinery Provincial Park, Lake Huron

A trip to the lake is just what I needed. I love the beach in early fall, it's totally deserted.

Cheers

Day Journal - September 21

2011-09-21T13:20:00.002-04:00

Outside my window...it's as dark as night and pouring rain.

I am thinking...that having so many physical problems is a real bitch.

I am thankful...for having a loving partner, who still thinks I am a beautiful woman.

In the kitchen...I just made Hummingbird cake with cream cheese icing. No birds were hurt in the process ;)

I am creating...not a darn thing at the moment.

I am going...to rip out the trigeminal nerve on the left side of my face any moment now.

I am wondering... when things will get better.

I am hoping...soon.

I am looking forward to...less pain.

I am hearing...the clock on the wall ticking.

One of my favorite things...is my snuggly fleece blanket.

A few plans for the rest of the week...( after I rip the trigeminal nerve out) FIL for dinner tonight, a birthday party on Friday, a trip to the beach on the weekend.

Here is a picture I am sharing...

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Memories and Photographs

2011-09-20T12:20:00.002-04:00

An almost sunset at the cottage

We do not remember days; we remember moments.

~Cesare Pavese

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Welcome To Hell

2011-09-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

Trigeminal neuralgia

Is Hell

the lightning bolt struck

staggering to gain balance

i fell to my knees

unrelenting pain

it struck over and over

excruciating

dazed and confused

i'm struggling to make sense

of the agony
~Karen

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), AKA tic douloureux, prosopalgia, the Suicide Disease or Fothergill's disease is a neuropathic disorder characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face/ head, originating from the trigeminal nerve, (5th cranial nerve).

The nerve has three branches that conduct sensations from the upper, middle, and lower portions of the face, as well as the oral cavity, to the brain. The ophthalmic, or upper, branch supplies sensation to most of the scalp, forehead, and front of the head. The maxillary, or middle, branch passes through the cheek, upper jaw, top lip, teeth and gums, and to the side of the nose. The nerve’s mandibular, or lower, branch passes through the lower jaw, teeth, gums, and bottom lip.

The disorder causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like face pain that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as 2 minutes per episode. These attacks can occur in quick succession and come and go throughout the day. These episodes can last for days, weeks, or months at a time and then disappear for months or years.TN is considered by the medical community to be the "most terrible pain known to man."

The intense flashes of pain can be triggered by vibration or contact with the cheek, such as when shaving, washing the face, or applying makeup, brushing teeth, eating, chewing, yawning, drinking, talking, or being exposed to the wind or cold air.

The presumed cause of TN is a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem. This compression causes the wearing away of the protective coating around the nerve (the myelin sheath). TN can also occur in people with multiple sclerosis, caused by lesions on the trigeminal nerve (demyelination). Two to four percent of patients with TN have evidence of multiple sclerosis and about 1% of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis develop TN.

Well...I'm included in that 1%, and let me tell ya, TN is the most horrific pain I have ever felt in my life! I am beginning to understand why it is also known as The Suicide Disease.

Opiate/ narcotic pain medications do not work for neuropathic pain.The recommended treatment for TN is a drug known as Tegretol, which of course I cannot take, as it is contraindicated if you have Lupus. Just my luck...ah well...something else to add to the WEIITWWM list .

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Whistler

2011-09-16T10:54:00.000-04:00

Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons.

~Author Unknown

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Doctor Day and Poor Arthur

2011-09-15T09:42:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was "doctor day". I dreaded it. I knew almost half the day would be taken up with this appointment, and I had so many other better things to do.

As I entered the massive waiting/reception room of the office, I almost cried. There were at least 20 people sitting there in various poses of lost patience and frustration. Yep, it was going to be a long wait today.

Resigned to my fate, I ambled up to the receptionists behind the glass window, to check in, and receive my forms. I always wonder why the receptionists are behind that glass, which has a small opening to talk through, and a slit at the bottom to pass forms back and forth. Do you think it's bullet proof, or is it just there to ward off the germs that could fly out of a patient's body and hit one of them smack dab in the eye? If they are that afraid of catching something, working in a doc's office may not have been their best career choice...anyway...I digress.

I felt pretty lucky as I started to fill in my "how much worse are you today than last visit" forms, and was called in to see the doctor before I finished them. Wow, it was like I had just won the lottery or first prize on a game show...no wait today! Oh, but the nasty looks I got from the other contestants were scary!

I was quickly ushered onto the scales, my blood pressure was swiftly taken, and I was shown to the examining room in a flash! I was almost giddy with delight...or maybe I was just dizzy from trying to walk fast enough to keep up with the nurse. Gee, this is a Rheumatology specialist, most people are using a cane, a walker, or are in a wheelchair...slow down will ya!

So, there I sat in the examining room in quiet anticipation of a quick check up and release. I thumbed through a doctor's quarterly magazine, keeping an ear out for the coming footsteps of the doc. Intrigued by an article on "Psychosis in lupus, drugs or disease?", I didn't notice how much time had passed. While shifting position in the chair, I was stunned by the stabbing pain radiating down my leg, which means I have sat too long in the position I am currently shifting from. Checking my watch, I realised I had been sitting there for over 40 minutes.

Having read most of the magazine, boredom set in over the next 20 or so minutes, so I took out my point and shoot camera (which I carry with me at all times), and snapped off a couple. Ya, I know...but I was BORED!

As the minutes ticked on towards an hour and a half of waiting, my attention turned to poor old Arthur. Just how long had he been there! I must admit, he wasn't much of a conversationalist, but his presence spoke volumes.

I surmised that Arthur may have been in his latter years when he arrived for his appointment, because he definitely had lost a lot of his height. It was pretty obvious that Arthur had suffered from some kind of rare and horrific disease...his joints had all been replaced by metal!

I expect he too got bored while waiting, and decided to take a little stroll around the room, to ward off stiffness. Was he aware that he was lost to all in the labyrinth of hallways leading to these small rooms. I think not by the smile on his face. He too probably thought that if he could just be patient for a few more minutes, the doctor would appear, with her most heartfelt apologies and give him his ticket to ride.

Poor Arthur...well, at least the staff was respectful enough to memorialize his presence by writing his name on his chest!

As I sat gazing around the room contemplating my fate, while eating an at least 6 month old cookie I found in the bottom of my purse, I heard the distinct sound of hurried footsteps outside the closed door. Oh happy days, I hadn't been forgotten after all! Brushing the crumbs from my lips, I sat up straight, adjusted my glasses, and made ready for the doc's entrance.

Imagine my dismay when I heard the words from the other side of the door..." Oh thank gawd, I never thought we'd get through all those patients before lunch!"

With this vision in my mind...

I abruptly stood up, tottered over to the door, flung it open and yelled...

"YOU DIDN'T!!"

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At The Cottage With Beep - Part 2

2011-09-14T09:00:00.002-04:00

Photos courtesy of Sweet Pea, Hubbers and Fireman

Click on the pic to enlarge

View of the cottage from the lake, well you can't really see the cottage

and that's what I like about it!

It's a long way down to the dock.

Cuddles on the ski lift

No matter hot it gets in Canada, the water is always freezing.

Gathering fallen birch bark for the campfire

Look Merf, it's a beaver...he remains unimpressed

Beeps first fish!!!

Sweet Pea and Beep, my two favorite girls

Cheers