Finn and I went to bed at 10pm, Claire woke up at 11:30. She was not up too long and slept until 6:30 am.
this morning I took them to Cody's for breakfast. Its a neat little restaurant that I have been taking Finn to since he was four months old. Claire ate a whole kids breakfast, Finn about 1/2.
Than we went to my house so Finn could play some of my computer games. Got back to their house about 11am and Claire slept for two hours. I cleaned up the house a little. Made them lunch, cheeseburgers and applesauce. Than we went for another walk. Carolyn and Dana came home about 3pm., niece Maureen and Aiden came about 4pm. She is 8 months pg. looks great. Dana made tri tip steak for dinner. Both Dana and Maureen had birthdays this week. The boys, Finn and Aiden had a great time. I came home about 8PM and I am going to bed!

I again have had trouble posting to both this Blog and my other on.
I am going to put this one on both Blogs to see if they both come out.
Well, anyway I minded Finn and Claire for a WHOLE 24 HOURS! It was Dana's birthday. They went to a nice resort about two hours away. They said they had a great time. First time away together since Claire's birth.
Here some of the things I did..
Took them to the hospital so I could get my flu shot., left my purse in the room, went back to get it ,got back to the car and Claire was missing a shoe. We went back in hospital to look for it but could not find it, got back to the car and it was under the wheel. Then I took them a long way to the cheap ($3.67 per gallon) gas station, but the line was so long I just went back to their house and took them for a walk around the back. I made dinner of mac and cheese, veggies and fruit. Claire ate everything, Finn not so much. Tried to put Claire to bed at 7PM which is her bedtime. She finally went down at 8:30. Finn and I watched game shows on TV, he loves them. (MORE LATER).

Thought I would use this blog today. I don't know why,but I am going to copy this onto my new blog.
Today I watched Claire while CaCa had a doctor apt. Than we went to K-mart and I am happy to say I did not spend a dime.
Went food shopping too.
I made this delicious sweet potato soup and had soup and salad for dinner.
My life is not very exciting.

The fires continue, but they are far form here. Sky's are sort of brown. Lots of people have called to check on me. Thats a nice feeling.

Yesterday, unemployment called and I told them I was ready to go back to work, but my company had not called me. They said they would talk to Meditech. I sort of want to go back to work there since they laid off the creep who had worked there. I'll wait and see what goes on.
Today I walked over to Carolyn's and we went to pick up Finn at school. He gets out at 1:30 on Weds. We went to Michaeals to buy Halloween makeup for Finn to be a Zombie.
tomorrow Carolyn is working so I will watch the little queen for a few hours.
I have been spending a lot of time playing Word Slinger.

How weird. I can now Blog on this one too.

Oh, I am so happy. I found a way to post from Wes's computer.
I am here in Chicago and I will tell you that Miranda is one of the two cutest one year old girls in the world. Her birthday was yesterday and she took her first steps! She liked all her new toys, but likes my watch the best. As soon as she sees it she takes it and hangs it on this little post on the coffee table. Every once in a while she will go and get it and put it on another post.
We went to a street fair today. It was just down the street. Lots of people and tings to see. We all went, Katy,Wes, Miranda, Jersey (the BIG dog) and me. It was fun, than we all came home and took a nap.
Tonight wI will watch Miranda while they go to dinner.
Later

No time. See you soon.
Call me 805 403-0787

Packing up, my apartment looks great thanks to the cleaning ladies.
Spent the night at Carolyn's so I don't crap up anything.
I won't blog for a day or two.
Call me if you want to know what I am doing. 805 403-0787

Well I must explain the ice cream deal. Yes, I can eat a whole half gallon in one day. I don't eat it at one sitting. It takes me about three sitting. Oh, but I promise not to do it again.
I am feeling much better. Had my car fixed today. It only cost $288.00 too. I found this great little place in the only bad part of Santa Barbara, he is really nice and does a good job.
Later today Carolyn and I took the kids to Shipwreck Park. She met a friend who had two little boys. We all had a nice time. You would think I have nothing to do., but I really have a list a mile long to do before I leave. Tomorrow the cleaning lady is coming and I will mail some extra stuff to your house,Arty.

I did not post last night because I was sick! Ugh, bad abdominal pain and I was sssooo weak I could hardly get up. I have been sleeping all day today. I feel better but not 100%. In the middle of the night I almost went to the ER. Glad I didn't go. The good part is I have no appetite. I think this is my wake-up call that I just can not continue to eat a half gallon of ice cream in a day, nor can I continue to eat everything in sight.
I'm glad to be back in the race.

Barbara and I went to lunch than we went back to her place and sat at her pool.
This morning I watched Claire and Finn for an hour and a half while Carolyn met with her new boss. The were good.
Other than that the only thing I did was to play computer games...oh...and watch TV.

My car is giving me trouble again. The engine light keeps coming on and the car stalls every time I am at a red light. I have had it fixed twice before, this time they are going to replace some thing or other. So I won't have a car on Monday.
Carolyn and I took the kids to Oak Park. Its a nice park where there is a big pool but it is only 1.5 feet deep. It is for little kids. We had a nice time.
I am beginning to really get down to business about my vacation. Packing etc. This time next week I'll be in Chicago.

I could not get on my Blog for the past two days. I don't know why.
I really don't have anything much to report. I went to my primary doctor today. What a waste of time. Obliviously he had not read or seen any of the reports that were right there in the chart. He did not have anything to say . Told me to come back in Nov. I will see what Patrick has to say.
Today I took Norma shopping and to get her hair cut. I had mine cut too. Don't like it much.
The good part is it will grow back. On my head I hope.

Well today the cleaning lady came and she really helped me. Sot some stuff in my storage space. It comes with the apartment. She made space in the kitchen and bedroom. She put my things up high or in my room.
Than I had to take my car to the garage. The engine light has been on. He fixed it a few weeks ago but after two days it came back on and than it started to stall at every stop light. While he was looking at it Carolyn,Finn, Claire and I went to Ruby's for lunch. It's a place like the 50's. They even give out little models of Edsel cars to kids. We waited so long to get our meal that they gave us a discount ($3) we did not even complain about anything. Finn ate a little and Claire ate everything that was put in front of her. Including two whole pieces of bread.
When we got back to the garage he told me that he"found out what was wrong but, he could,"only put a band aid on it. He did not have the part he needed to fix it right. When I asked how much I owed him he said,"nothing, "I am not proud of what I did". Hope it last until I get back from NJ. Than I'll have it fixed right.

This morning Finn and I met my friend Sarah and her granddaughter, Alex and we went to Shipwreck Park. Its a neat park down by the water. Lots of things for the kids to climb,jump,roll,etc. They also have a merry-go -round. They were so cute. Alex is 5 and visiting from Texas. Than we took them to lunch.
This afternoon Carolyn came over and helped me to clean out my storage space here so I can fill it up with stuff from my apartment..eek its a vicious circle.
Tonight I minded the kids while C&D went to a bar where their neighbor was performing. He works for the county and plays guitar on the side. They said it was good.
Now I must got to sleep.

My lawyer was here for over three hours this morning. We are getting ready to file suite against Hospice. He is a neat guy, came on his motorcycle. He is an MD and a lawyer. He just got his law degree last year but has been a doctor for about 20. He also had an IPhone! He showed me a lot of the things it can do. I want one.I did a little more moving of things around here. I have to have room for the tenants to put their stuff. tomorrow I think Carolyn is coming over to help me clean out my storage space so I can put new stuff in there.

Okay. Here is the story of the,"splinters" on my face...
Dana, Robyn and I were sitting on their patio when Finn comes over to me and says,"Nana what is that on your face"? I say,"what do you mean?' He says,"You have splinters on your chin". It is of course, as Robyn calls them,"Hag hairs". Now, Dana gets up and leaves. Finn says,"you need to get them removed". Robyn and I are by this time in hysterics. He asks,"Why are you laughing. Whats so funny"?
I decided to pay a little more attention to my appearance.
The next morning we all went to the mall where I had my whole face waxed.

Hi. I have not Blogged in a few days because Dexter and his mother were here. We had a wonderful time. That baby is so sweet, he is almost 8 weeks and he is so cuddly. He loves to be held and snuggles when he is picked up. He also will lay on the table and coo. Oh he is so good and so cute. I was sorry to see them leave.
They got here on Tues. PM and we went to Carolyn' and Dana's for a nice BBQ. We all, Robyn, Carolyn, Dana, Finn and I watched TV we saw, "America's got Talent". We laughed and laughed. Finn loves that program since once when I was babysitting I watched it with him.
When we got home Robyn and I sat up and talked until all hours.
Yesterday we (Robyn,Carolyn,Finn, Claire ,Dexter and I went to the Natural History Museum to see the, Grossology Display. Finn was so excited to show us neat things like: 1. The burp machine 2. the smell area. This is where you push these buttons and the guess the smell. The choices were:
Farts
Armpits
Feet
and
Bad breath.
and many more gross things.
They actually explain the science behind the smells etc.
Can you just imagine how much the kids love this stuff.
Than we went back to Carolyn's and had a nice chicken dinner.
Today I had the ,"splinters " on my face removed. I will explain this tomorrow. It is too long for today.

The friend of the Aug. tenant came over and said she thinks he will love the place. Got an email from him that he is wiring the money to my account tomorrow. Than the Sept. guy emailed me and said he was sending me a check tomorrow too. That's good news.
Claire took her first steps today. She was very proud of herself. Also when you ask to
say," Mama" she says,"Dada" than she laughs.
I did NOT go out for lunch today.

Again Barbara and I went to lunch. today we went to IHOP because there were some coupons......2 meals one price... but after we ordered we realized it was not good on Sundays. We of course ate anyway. It sounds as if we only go to cheap places but that is because we (I) are on an economy kick. After lunch we went to her house and sat on her patio. Than I came home and began to get some of the stuff out of the other bedroom. EEK its a job and a half.

Got an email from nephew Patrick Byrne. He is going to be on Good Morning America on Tuesday.

Barbara and I went to Denny's for lunch because I am on a very tight budget. I got a Boca burger that came with fruit for $5.00. I only got water too because I decided that I go to lunch about 3 times a week and I pay between $2.00 and $3.00 for diet soda. Thats about $6.00 a week and therefore I save $24.00 a month. It cost me $37.00 to fill up my gas tank so I intend to use the, saved money to but gas. This is the first day of my new plan. I don't know if it well be in effect tomorrow.
After lunch we went back to her house . She lives in an over 55 right on a little golf course. We went to the pool. It was fun.
I called Patrick Byrne and he told me to send him the copies of the ct scan and OR report. Said my doctor was most likely correct . He said he would look at them and call my doctor if necessary. I like that idea.

Friend Barbara called because her homeless drug addict brother was at her house and she said he was,"all red", asked if I would come and take his BP. I did, it was fine, but the skin is just a bright red. He just got out of the hospital and was going back to the homeless center where he lives. I told him to see the nurse at the home when he went back. He came here about six months ago and I had not seen him for about two years. He looks really bad. Poor guy.
Talked to Patrick Byrne and he said he and Susan will try to come to NJ when we are there. He wants me to send him copies of my ct scan and the Pathology report. I will do that tomorrow. He said my doctor is probably right. They have to CTA's.
I am starting to get my place ready for the tenants. Anyone who knows me knows I should have started a month ago.

I went to the doctor and the CT scan was really weird. It shows I have ," a mass interposed in between the dome of the liver and the right hemidiaphragm, certainly a suspect in light of clinical history of colon cancer". Also, "Abnormal segmentof small bowel in the lower central abdomen with more proximal levels of distended bowel, question postoperative change versus secondary to inflammation versus infiltrative process of bowel and.. sigmoid diverticulosis".
EEK it sound s so bad. Plus he told me that my last ct scan in Feb showed I have,"bilateral compressive atelectasis"
The weird thing is the Dr. who surgery only, said it was ,"nothing to worry about". I think I will talk to Patrick Byrne who told me he would review what ever I wanted and he could also make me look like Angelina Jolie. I feel fine.

I talked to one of my classmates that I have not spoken to in FIFTY YEARS! Joanne Caroll. We are having our reunion in Sept. and she has never come to any of them. Well she says she will come this year. She moved to Washington State. Margo Connor Gormely had called me and asked me to call Joanne. She had spoken to her too and wanted me to reinforce that we all wanted her to come. It will be fun to see her.

Today Carolyn,Finn,Claire and I went to Alice Keck Park Park. Its a beautiful place with a Japanese's theme . A lady named Alice Keck married a guy named Park and when she died she donated the land to the city, so now it is Alice Keck Park Park. Finn fed the turtles, fish and ducks. Than we went across the street to Kids World. It is a free park with all kinds of neat things for kids. Claire loved the swings and Finn loves the whole place.
Claire got her first tooth today. She is only 6 months behind in the tooth department, just like all of my kids.
Carolyn,Dana and the kids are going to San Francisco tomorrow. Dana has a meeting there and Carolyn will visit with cousin Maureen. They will stay at Francine and Charlie's. So I won't see them for four days.

Last night I decided to list my apartment on Craig's List and lo and behold this morning the first email was from a man in Spain who will be a visiting professor at UCSB for the month of Aug. The second was from a guy from Phila. who will be a student at UCSB he wanted it for Sept. than I had a call fro one of the decorators of Oprah Winfrey place. I would not even let her in my house. Also got several other emails.
Anyway I think I'll take the guy from Spain and the one from Phila.

Went to lunch with a nurse I knew from one of the Nursing Homes. We went to the Wharf and while we looked over the Pacific.

Finn and Carolyn went blueberry picking. Not the same place Larry and Rosemary went.
Claire and I had a great day. First, we went to return a shirt I bought but it didn't fit, than to
Staples , than we stopped in to see Norma. She has three cats ...yes that's THREE. Claire liked them. Than I took her home for a nap while I read the paper. When she woke up a couple hours later we went to two grocery markets. I took her home about 5 pm. She is so cute I mean it people stopped me to say how cute she is. One guy said she had my smile.
Tonight I am playing my new game.

Today I put my apartment on Craig's list for rent for aug. & Sept. I don't know if I'll get anyone but its worth a try. I don't know if I am allowed by the owner but since I never got a lease from them I'll just do it.
Stayed home the rest of the day except for church at 4PM.

Met my friend Sara for lunch in Monitcito today. she is my ex-neighbor and has two Grandchildren who are about the same ages as Finn and Claire. They live in Texas and are coming for two weeks. Every time they come to Ca we get Finn and her granddaughter Alex together.
Than went to the farmers market. There is a farmers market within three miles of my house everyday except Sunday.
When I got home I bought my tickets! LA to Chicago on Aug 2nd, Chicago to Phila on 8th, Phila. to LA on Oct. 2nd. I am looking forward to my travels.

Today was like a summer day in Ventnor.
Carolyn, Finn, Claire and I spent the whole day at the beach. This was the first time Claire ever played on the beach . She loved it, kept crawling into the water. It was fun. I took some pictures that I'll email to you when I get them out of the camera.
The cleaning lady came today so when I got home the place looked great.

Yesterday was a great day in Santa Barbara. It was warm and sunny. I went to lunch with Norma as I did not feel like going to the picnic with C&D and Norma was alone because her son in in Mexico . About 3PM Carolyn called and asked me to come over for the afternoon. I was already scheduled to watch Claire while they went to the fireworks. After I got there Carolyn suggested we go for a walk on the beach. It was beautiful with the mountains and beach and the water was the warmest I have felt in Ca. We walked and talked for about three miles. When we got homr Dana, who had the kids, had made a neat Bar-b-que. Chicken ,corn on the cob, salad, rice.
They went to the fireworks, Claire woke up twice because of the noise while I watched TV.
It was a fun day.

Today I took Claire to the bank and drugstore. We had such a good time. I was walking down the toy aisle and all of a sudden she said,"doll'. There was this cheerleader soft doll on the shelf, so of course I had to buy it for her. She kisses it and carries it around with her. Tonight I watched she and Finn while D&C went to dinner. It's been along time since they got out alone. Claire fell and hit her head but I picked her up and gave her yogurt. She eats ANYTHING that is given to her.
( Isn't that what they taught us in nursing school Pat?) after she went to sleep Finn and I watched, Americas got Talent. He had never seen it before and got a kick out of giving the contestants X's.
My surgeon's nurse called to see how I was she did not have the results of the CT scan but said she would call me as soon as they came in. She said a virus was going around.

I am so bad with writing in everyday and I know thousands are waiting for my every word.
Well anyway, today I had a CT scan. It was no big deal except they had to schedule it again after I went at the time they told me. That's life.
Dana called me this am to tell me Carolyn was sick. Same as I was last week. I watched the kids until I had to leave so Dana could go to work for a little while. Just talked to Caca and she is feeling better.
I weaken and bought another computer game. It is called," Little Shop of Treasures". You have to find things in all kinds of junk shops. Right down my alley. You can try it for an hour free at Game House Games. It's fun.

I am better.
Today my friend Norma ( she the one who is always sick) and I went to,"The Club", for lunch.
the" club" is part of the Santa Barbara Golf Club, It sounds ritzy, Oh but its not! I had a cheese sandwich for $6.99. She does not drive anymore so I have to pick her up. Well, when we got back to her house she had locked herself out. It's a good thing I did not just drop her off or I think she would still be out there. I finally made a tiny cut in the screen back door and the key to the door worked. than I went to church and prayed for patience's.
So far I am still feeling fine.

I feel better today, not 100% but better. Carolyn came over last evening and brought me some great soup she had made and some ice pops. Both were good and stayed down. I still have the pain in my side so I am glad they are doing the CT scan. GOD I sound like an old lady! Oh thats right I AM an old lady. EEEK! Today I will pretend I am fine. I plan on playing lots of games.

I won't go in to the gross detail s,but I have been sick. I could not even hold my head up yesterday. Carolyn took me to Urgent Care where it took 3 hours to see the doctor and get some x- rays. I almost laid down on the floor lid the lady in LA did. Anyway the upshot is I have either, a bowel obstruction, a virus or food poison. Today I am better but still have a bad headache. Good does come out of everything-I lost 3.5 lbs. Thats more than I lost when I was operated on. Today I am laying low and having only clear liquids.
Monday I will have a CT scan.

This evening I went to the Lemon Tree Inn for dinner with three friends from Hospice. Two of them still work there and the other works for the Cancer Center. The Lemon Tree is the Motel where the kid that was killed by Jesse James Hollywood was held. The movie, "Alpha Dog " was based on the kid's being killed. We had a great time talking about when we all worked together.
Other than that I did not do much.

I'M BACK!

The reason I have not Blogged in so long is because I have been busy . Here is a little bit of what I have been up to.
Sat: I went over to Carolyn's in the morning to help her get ready for Claire's birthday party. The sumer Solstice Parade was downtown and she took Finn and Claire while Dana and I got the party ready.
Steve, Robyn and little Dex arrived about 12 noon. He is so cute. I can't decide who he looks like, he has Robyn's big blue eyes and Steve's mouth and nose. He is a very very good baby.
The party was fun about 12 people including 5 children. Claire slept through lots of the party.
Sat. night we all, except Claire who stayed with a neighbor , went to see John Williams in concert. It was wonderful except Dexter only liked the first number before he wanted to go home. It was his first concert. and he was one day short of being a month old.

Steve, Robyn and Dexter stayed at my house. On Sunday Steve had to leave early because he was writing with his partner. I asked Robyn if she would stay for a few days and I am happy to say she agreed. We had sooooo much fun. Stayed up and talked until midnight like two school girls. I got to spend time holding and hugging my new baby too. He is very cuddly. Robyn and Carolyn took all three children to ,"Shipwreck Park" yesterday and today I got to mind Dexter while Robyn went shopping.
She and Dex left about 2 o'clock today but she promised to bring him back soon. I am so thankful.

Oh darn, I forgot to post again.
Yesterday I had Finn all day. It was Carolyn's last day at work. Hooray.
Finn came over and played the computer for about an hour. Than he read me a book,than we went to Barbara's house. She lives right on a golf course (for over 55) but, Finn got to play a little right outside her patio. Than we went to Zodo's for lunch. Zodo's has a bowling allay and lots of games . He had a ball. You play the games and win,"tickets" that you cash in for prizes. He had 77 tickets and got lots of crappy toys. Than I watched Claire while Dana took Finn to see that Fabulous Four movie. Than I went home a collapsed.
Today , is Claire's birthday party. It will have an ice cream theme. Steve, Robyn and Dexter are coming and staying overnight with me. This will be the baby's first trip. The day is going to be long. First I have to make sure my house is clean. It is. Than I have to go to Albertson's to pick up the cake I ordered and the ice cream. At noon is the Summer Soultice parade downtown, than the party. Dana will grill , than tonight we are suppose to go to a concert by John Williams. I think I will skip the parade and the concert.

Today was another busy day.
This morning I took Sally to Ross-Dress-For-Less. She had to look for tops she can get into with her right arm strapped to her side. Than we had lunch at a neat salad place. I had Greek and brought half home. After I dropped her off at her beautiful home, I went to a neighbors to pick up Finn. The neighbors have two little boys and he was there most of the day. We got home and when Ca and Da came home we had a little 1st birthday dinner and party. She was so cute, got a new doll and picked it up and kissed it. On Sat. they are having a party with some friends and hopefully little Dexter and his mom and dad will come too.
Also had a nice chat with Katy's mother. I invited them to come to NJ when we are all there in Sept. I hope they will come. They are really nice people. Robyn's mom is coming too.

Had to be at Carolyn's this morning at 7:30 because Carolyn had jury duty! She forgot to call to be excused. She had to go but, than they let her off. I had to take Finn to school for his last day in Kindergarten . Than I went lunch with Barbara when Carolyn called to say she had to go back to work and could I come over! This is her last week of work. Of course I went and watched them until almost 6PM. Now I am tired.
Tomorrow is Claire's birthday and I was going to do nothing when my friend Sally called. She fell into an elevator at DisneyLand a month ago and broke her right shoulder and left hand and had a concussion. She asked if I could take her shopping tomorrow as she can't drive and neither can her husband. He has some kind of eye problem. I'll take her shopping and then we will go to lunch, than I will go visit my baby Claire on her first birthday.

Oops! I forgot to post yesterday. I spent the day with Carolyn and Claire. Than watched them (Claire and Finn) for awhile . Today we went to a used store store (my idea) to buy Claire some birthday presents. I showed Claire a toy and she looked up and said," duck", which it was.
I got talking to another customer and the owner about old Fischer-Price toys and when I told them that I have LOTS of them from the 60's & 70's they both wanted to buy them. Of course some of them are in the storage space and others are in the house in NJ.
So when We are all in NJ in Sept. my kids are going to have to take them or I will sell them.

Clarie's birthday is Thurs. They are having a bar-b-que lunch on Sat. I will get the cake. I want it to have ice cream cones on it, as we are having sundaes too.

I didn't post yesterday because I didn't have any thing to tell you.
Today I am not doing anything either.
I will think of my Father and the Father of my children.

I took care of Claire from 8:15 am to 5:00 pm! The babysitter could not come today. It's a good thing that next week is Carolyn's last week.
I forgot to tell you last night after dinner, Finn made,"Bad Guy Soup". He mixes all kinds of kitchen stuff ie. milk, juice, tomatoes,any leftovers etc. mixes it up and says it is for the bad guys. He has been making this once in a while since he was three years old. I think it is so cute.

Today Claire and I hung out for a while before the babysitter got to Carolyn's. Than I went home and did not much of anything. Carolyn invited me for dinner so, of course I went and guess what she had. SLYMPHIE STEW!!! It was very good too.
We are going to LA for Father's day. Dana's dad is starting on dialysis. He has really been sick since the operation for aortic aneurlysms two months ago. I hope to mind Dexter while Steve and Robyn go out to eat.

I had a wonderful two days with my brother, Larry. He had never been to SB before so I had a great time showing him around. Some of the sights we saw were: The Santa Barbara Mission, The Courthouse-It is a magnificent building with beautiful art work and a tower with a view of the city.
Than we went to Starns Wharf -a pier with all kinds of boats, shops etc. We ended the tour with the Maritime Museum. I than made dinner for Carolyn, the kids, Larry and Me. Dana is at a conference in Washington DC for the week.
Larry left at 6:30 AM today.
I want to get his deal next year. Take a car from Fl to some other state for $19.99 a WEEK!
Hertz wants the cars that people leave during the winter to go to other places.

Quick Note:
Took Claire out to lunch with Barbara. That kid can really eat. She just kept eating and eating until I had to stop her. she is so cute.
Brother Larry arrived today about 4PM! We went to dinner at the waterfront and than just sat around talking. He has never been to Santa Barbara so tomorrow I will give him the,"tour".

Carolyn, Claire and I went to Nordstrom's this afternoon. She wanted to return a gift that Dana had given her for their anniversary. Than we went to a store that was closing, everything was 50% off . It was a gift shop so we bought some things. Mostly weird lamps.
Than I came home.
My brother Larry is coming to visit on Tuesday. He has not been out here since I moved here six years ago. I am looking forward to his visit. I'll show him around town and take him to a Mexican restaurant.

There is a neat new (I think it is new) Web site for people over 50! Someone told me that included me and a few of my readers. The site is eon.com .
Today Carolyn , Claire and I are going out, I am not sure what we are doing.
I'll check in later.

I forgot to Post yesterday. Sorry.

Steve just emailed me a neat place. cinematreasures.org/theater
Look it up. It is all about the old movie theaters in AC.
Today I did not do too much other than puzzles and Feeding Frenzy.
I did go to church at the Santa Barbara Mission. It is really beautiful up there.
Later

Went to lunch and had salad.. Good for me.
This afternoon I went to Finn's,"Spring Recital" , at his school. His class did a cute little song and dance. Finn kept saying he was ;not going to do it, but in the end he did very well. Each class (k-8) did a number. Than servers came around with trays of goodies. Crab cakes, shrimp, cheeses,watermelon and chocolate covered strawberries. Just like HSHS.
Claire lives watermelon so she had a ball.
Nothing else happened.

Today I went off my diet big time. first I went to lunch with Sarah. She was my neighbor until last year. Now she lives about 15 miles away. We went to Taffy's which is a nice pizza place , so I had to had pizza. Than I watched Claire and Finn for awhile because Carolyn had to work late. Dana invited me for dinner and guess what we had. PIZZA!. So my diet went to hell but, I had a nice day.

I spent the whole day in Retail Therapy. Here is where I went and what I bought.
1. Staples-----------Ink and photo paper for the computer.
2. Costco----------- Only bought a," I Can Read " book for Finn.
3. KMart-----------All kinds of diet drinks. Peach Snapple, diet 7Up and Arizona Iced Tea. Oh, and I returned some ugly clothes.
4. Oriental Market--Hot and Spicy Kung Pao Chicken Mix, Spicy Orange Beef Mix and Cantonese Beef and Broccoli Mix.
5. Albertson's-------Salad, and Beef Jerky
6. The Front Page----A little store where I can buy Crossword Puzzle books that are ALL Cryptograms. I bought two books with 300 puzzles each.

I was all by myself and had a really good day and the best part was I did not spend much money.

Today, Carolyn and I took Finn and Claire to the Santa Barbara Court House. We went up in the tower where you can see the whole beautiful city. A worker there let Finn pull the rope and ring the bell. He was so excited. Than we went and played on the lawn at the Court House.
A fun day.

Today is Carolyn and Dana's 12th. wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been that long. I took care of Finn and Claire while they went for a walk on the beach and than to dinner.
Claire slept for over two hours and Finn was good. He has three new pets! Three snails!! He took them out for a,' walk" and ,"fed " them.
Oh..big.. news--I got a score of over a MILLION in Feeding Frenzy. I am very proud of myself.

Today I actually cleaned my house. Ugh! Than I went to lunch with Norma. She is the one who is
somewhat confused. After lunch I took her to the bank and she did not know her account number or her SS #. The bank was able to find her account and she could deposit her check. Her son is a friend of C and D. She likes to be sick.

Today I minded Claire all day and Finn when he came home from school. The babysitter had something to do and I told Carolyn I would watch them a few weeks ago, but I forgot until she called me last night. It was a long day, but they were very good. This morning Claire slept for almost three hours and this afternoon Finn slept for about two hours. He is the only six year old kid I know who likes to take a nap! Claire is in love with my watch. She must have it the minute she sees me. She gets all over the place and is beginning to do lots of other cute things. She seems to be over her colic and is on track for her age. I am so relieved.
Dexter is doing fine. His father reports having a baby is,"easy". He is of course only five days old.

DEXTER WILLIAM JOHNSON
He was born on Sunday. Robyn is doing great. She was in hard labor for a few hours but, she had the epidural early on and she only ,"pushed" about eight times and there he was.
I was amazed how she seemed so relaxed when she was just about to give birth.
Steve was elated. He said it was the most wonderful day of his life. I was so happy I could be with them.
I am home now but, I'll go back to LA in about two weeks when Steve goes back to work.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The engine light on my car went on when I was in LA. I had it serviced today and
luckily there is nothing big wrong . The guy said it will not cause me any problems. Had it serviced too. Now I am good for another 3000 miles.

Just talked to Wes . He said Miranda is now crawling and pulling herself up. Claire is beginning to get into everything. She is so cute. Finn is great.
I am so blessed to have these wonderful grandchildren.

Carolyn and I are leaving for Los Angeles in an hour or two. Dana will bring the kids tomorrow but, we want to be with Robyn and Steve. she is pretty sure she will have the baby tonight. If not
we will visit. I am so excited for them. I expect to come home on Monday but, I may stay longer. Whatever they want I'll do.
Later.

Had a wonderful day with Finn. Carolyn called me this morning and asked me to watch him today because he had a sore throat. He came over and played Feeding Frenzy and by lunch time he felt fine so we went out to lunch with my friend Barbara. She has no grandchildren and just loves Finn and Claire. After lunch Finn read me a whole book! It was an, "I can read book" but I had no idea he could read so well. He only missed two words in the whole book. He is such a doll.
Robyn is ready to have the baby at anytime. She was to the MD yesterday and was told she was 2 fingers dilated and the baby's head is in place. So it could be anytime now.
We, Carolyn, Dana, the kids and I are planning to go to LA for this weekend . I'll stay at Steve and Robyn's and they will stay at Dana's brother's house.
I'll keep you informed about Dexter. (the baby)

REPORTING AN ERROR!
Yesterday I said I weighed 186.4. I rechecked it today and I really weigh 168.4. But remember I was down to 150 just three months ago!
So Art, now we are really in a race . so far you have lost about 11lbs and I have gained 24.

Today I felt really good. Took care of Claire in the morning. She was suppose to sleep the whole time I was there but, guess what, She did not sleep AT ALL. She is so cute though. I took her for a long walk which was good for both of us.
Don't tell anyone but, I went back on my diet today. I had a low cal taco for lunch and will have salad for dinner. I am counting points again too. I weigh 186.4 that means I have gained 24 lbs since I have been sick. Something is wrong here, I should be down 24 lbs.

Here are my tentative travel plans . I will go to Chicago for Miranda's first birthday than I will come to NJ sometime around the 4or5th of Aug. My house is rented until the day after Labor Day so I hope to stay at family and friends for the first month. Rosemary and Muckie have already offered and of course I have already accepted their offers.
All of my kids and their families will be coming in Sept. Also Katy's parents and Robyn's mom may come too. I am really looking forward to going, "home" for awhile.

I forgot to post yesterday. It was Sunday the Day of Rest. I did not even get dressed. I just stayed in and played computer games, or I should say I played Feeding Frenzy. I am hooked on that crazy game. Also I have a new hobby---- doing cryptograms---I found books of just cryptograms so I can do them all day. Yeah.
Today the carpet cleaners are coming, I hope. Later I'll post my plans for my trip East.

Had a very slow day. Carpet cleaners were suppose to come today but, when they were 45 mins. late I called and asked them to come on Monday. They said they would but?????
Wes spent about two hours fixing my computer. He does it with " Go To My PC". He can run my computer from his house in Chicago. He is my hero! I can now print again. Yeah.
Talked to Muckie today for about an hour. She just had some basal cell ca removed from her ear.
Went to church this evening so I can stay in bed and read the paper tomorrow.
Pat, did you know that Patty Ferrari? She went to HSHS. Anyway she died. Her sister Jerri, was my brother Frank's girlfriend in 8th grade.

EEEK! I am so weak! I went out to lunch AGAIN! This time with Barbara.
I picked Finn up from school and than came home and I expect to do nothing for the rest of the day. Oh, I will play Feeding Frenzy .
Hay Art, have fun at the wedding. Kiss the bride for me.

Had a nice lunch with the nurse who still works for Meditech. She paid so I am only one down on my promise not to eat out until Friday.
On Weds. from 2PM until %PM I watch Claire and Finn. Took them for a walk and than they both took a nap and so did I. Finn is amazing , he actually asks to take naps. He is the only 6 year old I know who likes to sleep.
Claire continues to improve. Today when Dana came in I said, "where is Daddy", she looked right at him and began it wave like crazy.
Just talked to Robyn who is feeling good, baby's head is in place. Just time now.

Busy Day.
first I took Norma, my ,"dizzy" friend to the doctors, than she wanted to go to the bank. She was talking to a bank officer for over 45mins. After that she had to go to a Feed store to get some special cat food for her three cats! She took me to lunch which was good.
This afternoon I picked up my friend and her husband after their colonscopys . They were fine.
Thank I went to, "My gym". with Carolyn. It is a gym place for kids in different age groups. Finn's being 6-7 yr olds. It was very loud in there.
Now I am home and again I am tired.

This morning I took care of Claire while Carolyn went to her doctor. (check up). Then we went to lunch. Claire is getting so cute, she loves to eat. she had hamburger, roll, fruit etc. All this and she has no teeth! Than we went to pick up Finn, Next they went to a park and I watched Claire . She was suppose to be napping but, no such luck.
I came home and now I am tired. Again.
Tomorrow I am taking a friend to her doctor. She is dizzy and can not drive. In the afternoon I will pick up my friend, Sally and her husband after they both have Colonoscopys. The doctor said it was fine if they have it done at the same time as long as they have more than one bathroom ,for before the tests.
Today the cleaning lady came so my place looks pretty nice.
Nothing else is going on.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Last night I babysat for Finn and Claire (who else?). They were good and as cute as ever. Claire woke up twice, the first time I just gave her a little water and she went back to sleep but, the second time that did not work ,so I got her up and we watched TV until they came home about midnight.
Today I will go to D &C's. We were going to go to LA to see Robyn, Steve and Dana's family but, the plans changed and we will go there in two weeks. ( I just go with the flow).

Well today I went out for breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast with my ex neighbor Sarah. She was a teacher for 30 years. Now retired and lives with her gentleman friend . She went with him in high school and both got married and unmarried than, they met again at a reunion and have been together for several years. Her daughter who lives in Texas has two kids just the same ages as Finn and Claire.
Went to the Brown Pelican Restaurant for lunch. It's a really nice place right on the beach. We had a window table, too windy to sit outside". During lunch a large school of dolphins went by and a guy who was para-gliding landed right in front of our window. Neat.
I took Judy Smith. She is the Discharge Planner on the floor in which I was a patient. I worked with her at Hospice.
I now vow to not go out to eat for a week. I will depend on you my lady friends and family to keep me honest.

Today was a better day. Went to lunch with my friend Barbara. We went to a All-you-can -eat Mexican . It is great if you like Mexican.
Aside from that I am taking it easy.
Boring huh?

Today, I took Claire and Finn to a kid's 6th birthday party at Alice Keck Park. A beautiful Japanese -like park. It was fun but, I spent a lot of time looking after five little boys. They were running all over the place and the parents that were there were pretty relaxed . It is one thing to let your own kids run all over and quite another when it is your Grandchild. The upshot is : it is 6PM and I am exhausted!
I will be in bed early tonight.

I went to the Surgeon today and got all good news.
The Pathology Report shows they removed 11 nodes and they were all benign. The right hemicolectomy also removed the base of the node that was cancer showed ,"Adenoma without malignant transformation". An Adenoma is a pre-cancerous condition.
He said I can eat anything, drive, lift Claire (20lbs) and I don't have to see him again for two years.
Had blood work done and my hbg. is up to 12. It was 9.5 when I left the hospital.
I am a new person.
It is really hot here 88. I spent the afternoon with my friend, Barbara. She lives in an over 55 wit a pool.
Another day for me to be grateful.

PS. Our nephew Patrick Byrne brother Frank's son, will be on Anderson Cooper's show on CNN next Monday at 10pm (East Coast time). The segment is about a GI who was very disfigured and how Patrick is helping him.

GOOD NEWS!
My Internet connection is fixed!!!! I was on the phone with them for an hour this morning but, now it does not take three minutes to pull up a page.
so now I hope I will keep up my Blog.

I am feeling well. Today it is 80 degrees and Carolyn, Claire and I went to the beach. Claire is beginning to crawl and is all over the place. She said her first word today too. "Mama' and looked right at Carolyn.
It is 2PM and I just got home and I admit to being very tired. I am going to take a nap. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with the surgeon. I hope I will be able to eat everything and be back to normal.

I can't believe I have not Blogged since Monday. What a slacker I am.
My doctor apt. on Tues. went really well. Pathology showed another pos. node. but it was contained. I will need another colonoscopy in two years.
Also discussed the blood problem. He, the doctor, said it might be useful for other members of my family to find out if any body else has excessive bruising, bleeding etc. So I spent some time yesterday calling relatives and I have found 10 members who have some problem. All minor but, so were mine until now. I have asked some of them to send me any blood work they may have at home.
Than I looked up Van Willerbrand's and found out it is the most common blood disorder, and not well known even by the medical community. There are some new treatments, mainly to be done before surgery etc.
ENOUGHT!
Today I am waiting for my brother Frank. He is coming for a few days. I have a few chores lined up for him. Mainly things like taking out the trash. I can not lift that much , yet.

Hello all,
I am home again after a very nice time at my friend's house. She made me a nice dinner of chicken,potato, cottage cheese and NO veggies or fruit, because I can't eat that. She said it was hard to cook such bland food. But it was good to me.
I slept well, have been on no pain meds. Last night we took a small walk around her neighborhood.
I got home at noon today and have been taking it easy. Carolyn ,Finn and Claire stopped in for a short time.
I am going to do nothing more today except watch TV. I have a doctor's apt. tomorrow at 9:15.

The GOOD news is that I am home and I POOPED B R O W N! Brown is such a nice color. I like it so much better than RED!.

I came home last evening. It is nice to be out of the hospital. I really have no complaints. AI am eating well and have had very little pain.

Carolyn and Finn stayed over last night and today I am going to my friend, Cathrine's. We worked together for Hospice and she has be so nice, taking care of me in the hospital and pampering me . She will bring me home tomorrow.
On Tuesday I meet with Dr. Woliver a Hematologist/Oncologist . My blood count is still crazy. (ie. Hemoglobin is 9.5 ,Hematocrit 27.2 Platelets 110.) It might be an Aplastic Anemia.

I want to thanks all who thought of me and prayed for me. I know that is what got me to where I am now. On the mend.
I still think the best advice is to not get sick.

Please know I think with all your thoughts and prayers I WILL be fine.

WHAT WILL MATTER

By Michael Josephson

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.

All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustration and jealousies will finally disappear.

So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do list will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.

It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave,.

What will matter is not your success but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged other to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.

What will matter is how long will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matter doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

I think I am ready for the big day.
Since last midnight I have been only on clear liquids.
At noon I had to take 4 delayed release shit tablets . After they begin to work I had to drink this disgusting drink.8 oz every 15mins for two hours. It was really ugh and now the loose crap is pouring out of me.
After midnight tonight I am NPO (nothing by mouth).
Carolyn is going with me. Dana will take off work to mind the kids.
I am going to write ,"What Will Matter" . It has meant alot to me.

I have not blogged for days because my computer was down. I have no idea what was wrong but, I could not get on the internet and today I can.
I am getting ready to have my operation on Monday. After midnight tonight I can have nothing but bowel prep and clear liquids. Ugh.
I spoke to the admitting dept. yesterday and the operation will take about two hours than I'll be in two different places ( can't remember what they are), and than to my room. Said I'll be in for five days but, I hope to be out sooner. I have heard from lots of family and friends. I am so thankful.
If anyone wants to find out about me please call Carolyn at 805 569-9460. She will be with me at the hospital on Monday. I am worried about her being by herself. Dana will take off work to mind the kids.
I will trly to send more later.

My wonderful niece and her husband, Mike and Alison Baker, actually FINISHED the Boston Marathon !... I can not imagine even running one block let alone 26 + miles.
I added a good luck message for them on, BostonSports.com . It is greeting #1852-1. When I tried to bring it up I could not find it.
Will write more later.

Sunday was a slow day. Didn't do much at all. Oh, I did go to lunch with my friend Barbara and did some shopping.
Today I went to breakfast with Sara. We had a great time discussing clutter etc. We than went to the book store and each bought, "The Clutter Cure". It is very funny. Some of the chapters are:
"But It's Still Perfectly good!".
"I'm Getting Sentimental Over You...and You...and You".
and Rosemary, this one reminds me of you and Santa. Oh, I mean Santas.
"It's Part of My collection".
Some points are
Collections Try to Take Over Your Life
"They don't mean anything by it". and "I"m Not That Interested in Santa Anymore, but People Won't stop Giving Them to Me".
Here are the "Dangerous Phrases " for this chapter.

1. "I'm saving my string collection for my grandchildren".
2. "So many of these were gifts from dear friends."
3. I could never replace it all if it were stolen".
etc.
You did a great job in the last few months , Mimi.

Had a wonderful time at the baby shower for Robyn. They have really neat friends, most of them are very creative. They painted on oneies (I don't think that is how you spell it) and bibs. When those women got finished they looked like they could be in a museum . Some of the sayings were,"May the Force be with You" and " I spent 9 months in solitary". etc.
In the week since I last saw Robyn she has gotten lots bigger in the baby department.
Operation update:
My friend Judy Smith , the Discharge Planner who suggested a private room has offered to stay with me until about 9PM the night of the operation. I will most likely be on her floor too. She use to work at a Cancer Center.
Two other friends one a LVN and one a CNA have also offered to stay while I am in the hospital and two others said they will stay when I am home. Also brother Frank offered to come back.
I plan on taking these friends and family up on this if I need to. I hope I won't need all this help.
Also, one of my classmates from Nursing school ,Bobbi Murphy, called me from Florida to tell me she was sending me Lourdes Water. When I told Carolyn she had no idea what it was, and she went all through Catholic school.
I am so blessed with wonderful family and friends.

OOPS! The 23rd is NOT Robyn"s Birthday. Her day is the 25th. I'm glad my op will be over by the 25th.
I spoke to my friend who is a Discharge Planner at Cottage Hospital, (where I will be). She said for me to call today and get a private room . I called the hospital and they said I have to talk to the, Case Manager. Lo and behold it is the same person, my friend Judy Smith. I have a call into her. I think the extra cost will be $100.00 per day. If that is all I will have to pay I think I will go for it.l

Here is the bottom line.
I am having a Right Hemicollectomy ( removal of right side of my colon). On Monday April 23rd. at 12noon. Sorry Robyn, I know it is your Bday. but, I want to be better for Dexter.
I went to the surgeon's office where they have a scheduler. Than the Oncologist called to say he thought it was a good idea. My blood work still came back neg. for Von Willerbrands syndrome and sometimes it has to be drawn 6-7 times to come up positive.
I will be on clear liquids on Sun. so until than I will eat everything I can find that is good and fattening.

I just talked with another Oncologist and he said in no uncertain terms that I should have to bowel resection ASAP. I know deep down that he is right. Tomorrow I will call the surgeon. Ugh.

Here's what a link to Mimi's blog might look like:

First I take the full web address:
http://mimi249.blogspot.com/

Then I put the little code letters around it and name it:
http://mimi249.blogspot.com/">Mimi's Musings

Then I put that in the paragraph I'm writing:
One of the blogs I read every day is my sister Mimi's blog called http://mimi249.blogspot.com/">Mimi's Musings. She writes about what she's going through with Weight Watchers, taking care of her husband Pat, and her friends and family.

Give it another try!
This is how I did it Robyn. Hope it worksBJ

Robyn

"http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/bindex.php">

here is the link from Children of hoarders. This along with instructions was sent to me by my darling DIL Robyn. Ruth Gordan did show up on Easter but, I told her to let Robyn and Steve have Dexter.
I am going to try to use this set up for other links.
I may be nuts.




It is a joke about Ruth Gordan. I think she is already dead. Also, I do not have a rick BF. YET.

Neither one lives near a cemetery.
I don't know where it came from but, they had a great time. Finn could not wait to tell me about ,"someone buried who''s name was,Warning". Isn't that funny Nana"? Also they saw a dead bee on a grave.
Finn: "Look a dead bee".
Aidan: " I guess now we have to say..A..C..D....E..ect."
Those kids are so smart.

We had a wonderful Easter.
Maureen, Francine, Charlie and the two boys, Aidan and Dylan arrived on Friday evening. They are staying at the home of Carolyn's neighbors who are out of town. The neighbors that is... Maureen and Francine are brother Frank's daughters. Charlie is Francine's husband and the boys who are 5 and 19 months belong to them.
Yesterday Robyn and Steve came up. they were going to stay until today but, decided to leave last evening. Robyn had a show tonight and was tired. Aidan And Finn ge along so well. They are so cute together. Steve and Robyn dyed eggs with them and than watched Finn's favorite DVD, "land of the Lost".
Today Ellen, Rosemary's daughter came up from Ventura. She is always so sweet. Ellen and Maureen are both teachers so they compared school notes. We had brunch. My baked eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, buns etc. Than there was the Easter egg hunt etc. Only the little boys found eggs this year.
for some unknown reason Finn and Aidan want to go to a cemetery. I think Aunt Mimi is working some magic over them. Anyway, Ellen, Maureen, Francine and the two boys went to the Santa Barbara cemetery. They all said they had a good time.
Ellen went home from there. We played hearts tonight and I lost.

OMG!!! Last night I went to a," Clutter Support Group". Yes, me a person who has been in need of clutter help for about 50 years .
It was really quite interesting. About 8 people all with the same problem. The leader said it is a "disorder" along the lines of ADD, ADHD and Asperbergers . Carolyn came with me. Actually she asked me to go with her. They said it often runs in families. Carolyn asked if you can ,"get over it". They said it is like alcoholism in that you can learn to control clutter. I want to believe this because it will make me not continue to think I am such a mess.
They mentioned a web-site, Children of Hoarders.com . Check it out.

Today I finished shopping for food for the weekend and toys for the little kiddies.
I have the pasta sauce cooking and will make the egg dish later today or in the morning.
Oh, I forgot to mention that Ruth Gordon is coming and will have a wonderful gift for me.
Can't wait to see Robyn and Steve.

Today was shopping day. I got most of the food for Easter Friday,Sat, and part of Sunday.
I will have Italian one night and Chicken on one. I think Dana is making BarBQ on Sunday.
Sunday brunch will be big because some will be leaving early.
I will make my famous baked eggs (made with 3 different cheeses, eggs, bacon, etc. I will put some hot peppers in one of them.
There will be 13 people.

Well I went to see the surgeon yesterday. The Path. report said,"severe dysplasia/carcinoma in-situ with focal severe dysplasia suspicious for invasion". He would like to do a surgery in a couple of weeks. The other option is to have another colonoscopy than I ,"will most likely need surgery anyway. I will talk to my other doctors etc before I make the decision. But, I want to be better when Robyn and Steve's baby is born at the end of May. Not too good of a report but, it is what I expected. Had another blood test done for Von Willerbrand. The results have to be sent to an outside lab so I won't get the results until next week.

Note to Pat R: Yes, G4TV is the same company as Steve's. If you Google G4TV than go to The Feed. His is under sjohnson. He also got a job for another HSHS grad. Mike Dilanzo. They went to college together too. Let me know if you get in to it.

I am back in town.
I had the most most wonderful weekend with my wonderful son and his equally wonderful wife.
Arrived about 2pm. Carolyn and Dana dropped me off. They came in for a short time and Steve and Finn played some wii golf. Than of course I had to try it. I played golf and baseball. It is so remarkable, You hold the little thingy (joy sticks?) just as if you were really bowling or golfing . There are all kinds of sports you can play. Football, bowling , basketball and a lot more.
We went to lunch at a nice place on Sunset Blvd no less. They live near there in fact, we walked.
Sat night we just sat around and talked about life in general and my new soon-to-be born Grandson. Robyn looks great and feels good. She certainly has not let being PG slow her down.
Sunday morning I went to church. Everything was in Spanish. It was truly beautiful. There were at least 1000 people, lots of pomp as it was Palm Sunday.
After church Robyn made us French toast and fruit for breakfast. Umm.
We were going to go to a movie but instead we took naps.
Robyn had to be at the theater two hours before us so Steve and I played Uno on the X-Box. It is soooooooooo much fun.
We went to the show . It is so fascinating. All impove ( I don't know how to spell it and it won't correct-you know what I mean). The audience draws pictures that are scanned into a computer that than puts it up on a big screen. The actors are on stage and using joysticks can move all parts of the people the audience drew.
You will soon be able to see what I mean because Stephen is having it put on his company Web Site. G4TV-The Feed. More later.

Oh, I forgot....I am really going away for the weekend with, "THE GUY".

Went to lunch at ,"The Club" with Norma.
Then I watched Claire while Carolyn took Finn to a birthday party. She slept the whole time.
Tomorrow I am going to LA to see Robyn and Steve. Carolyn, Dana and children are going down to see his father and mother so I will ride down with them and come home on the train on Monday.Robyn is in an improve show on Sunday night and Steve's company is taping the show.
It is the first time since Thanksgiving that I have been to LA.
I will not be adding to my blog until Monday night.

Had Mexican for lunch today. It was good. I did not do much else. had a nice chat with Katy, son Wes's wife. She is a sweetheart. she is having her third interview for a new job but, she is not sure she wants it. More money but also more work.
Oh and I met this really nice. rich guy today!





(joke)

Went to lunch at a neat Chinese Restaurant. I had, Orange Peel Chicken....very good. I went with Judy Cook, I met her when I took care of her mother in Hospice. A few months after her mother died her husband died. She now works at a school and as a Nurse Aide.
I minded Claire while C,D and Finn went to a pizza place. They were celebrating a great teacher's conference. Claire was pretty for me.
I swear I am going to stop spending so much money on lunch....but...tomorrow I am going with Barbara. We will go to Pepee's. They have a all you can eat Mexican menu. I love it.
Went to my primary MD today. He had nothing to add. It was a big waste of time. Next week I see the surgeon. I don't want to wait until May to have everything redone.

Mimosa was great. I had salmon salad and a French desert . So good , so expensive .
Other than that I did not do much.
Dana's (son-in-law) father did not get out of the hospital today because his BP went sky high.
He is now set to come home tomorrow. Dana will stay in La until Thursday.
Ok, I have to get back to my game.

Went to lunch with Norma. We always go the Mulligans. It's a neat little place on the grounds of the municipal gulf course. I always call it ,"the club". It sounds so much more refined than Mulligans.
I played some Frenzy and that's all I am doing today.
Tomorrow, I am going to a really nice French Restaurant called, "Mimosa" I have not been there before but, Judy Smith a person I worked with at Hospice called and asked it I wanted to meet. Of course I would because I would like to go out to lunch everyday.

Now you know my inner life. Lunch.

Today I played " Feeding Frenzy", my new computer game, all day. You eat the fish that are bigger than you.
This evening I minded Finn and Claire so Carolyn and Dana could go to dinner. Finn, as usual was no problem except that I had to watch, "Land of the Lost" with him. It is a show from the 70's and he is sooooooooooo in love with it.
Claire was good from 6:30 to 8pm than she woke up and I could not do anything with her. She would be ok while I rocked her than as so as I stopped she would scream. She was still awake when they got home.

ETC...
I forgot to mention that my lunch with the Cost Caregiver Social Workers was fun. They made some really nice comments about how they had only used Meditech because of me. They don't refer to Meditech now. Too bad huh?

Update on the, "Shark". The F...thing does not even turn on! I charged the battery for 20 hrs and was all set to do some heavy cleaning (lie) when it would not work. Of course Now I will not have to clean for several more months.
Went to see Finn in his first school play. A Doctor Seuss musical. His class was only in the very beginning They sang a little song. After it was over I asked him who he liked best and he said he liked himself the best. Me too.

Yesterday I went to Costco and KMart. I bought all kinds of stuff I don't really need. Like a "Shark" cordless sweeper. I think I will use it more than the vacuum because I won't have to plug it in. Makes sense ...right? Anyway it was fun for a change.
Today I am going to lunch with my friend Norma. She is the one who is obsessed with cats. She had three cats...Thats 1,2,3! Her house is filled with all things cats.
She thinks I'm kidding when I tell her to ,"get the needle " for them.
Tomorrow I go to lunch with the ladies from Coast Caregivers. One of the Social Workers is going to donate blood in my name. They are so nice. I only know them through work.
As for my work, I am still waiting for a get well card from Meditech. Oh, I should say ,"where I used to work". Ho, ho.

I am feeling much better today. Slept well last night.
This morning Carolyn, Finn, Claire and I went to Finn's school for breakfast for his birthday. He was so excited. Than we went to his class room and the teacher had made him a great crown of all things Old Egypt.
I will watch Claire while Carolyn takes cookies to the class at noon time.
Thanks for the pics. I got them on BettyJ21@msn.com.

Sorry for the delay! I have been helping Carolyn with Finn's 6th Birthday party yesterday. His real birthday is tomorrow, so we will enjoy another one tomorrow.
Today is Carolyn's 39th Birthday. I can't believe she is only one year away from being 40....eek I must be 70.
Claire, Carolyn and I went to lunch. Carolyn and I had salads and Claire had ice.

Dana is at his parents house because tomorrow his father is having a very serious operation. He has three aortic aneuryisms (sp).

I have to have more blood work done the first week in April and still have to see the surgeon soon.
I feel okay but, I am tired more than before.

Arty , please send me the pictures again at BettyJ21@msn.com AND BettyJ21@gmail.com.
Thanks.

I didn't post yesterday because I had a very long doctor appointment with the Hematologist who is also an Oncologist . He was really nice. He seem more worried about the blood disorder than the Cancer. Not me! He said it is very hard to diagnose because it can be normal at one time and all messed up another. It's not too bad unless of course ,you begin to bleed at the wrong time!
I had to have more blood work drawn. Only three vials.
Frank came last evening and He, Carolyn, Dana, Finn, Claire and I went to an Italian Restaurant to eat. Claire was so cute, She ate tons of carrots. All of the waiters were coming over to see her. She still looks like the Gerber baby.
Today Frank and I are going to lunch with my friend, Barbara.

Today I feel better than I have since I got sick. Hooray . I went to lunch with my friend, Kitty and had a great Chicken/ Lemon salad. This was the first salad I have eaten since 2/22.
Got my blood work back and it does not look too bad. I hope ,"Bob's" blood is gone by this time.
Not another thing is going on in Ca.

Today, I did nothing except play computer games. Jewel Quest and Feeding Frenzy.
It was 80 out today and I did not even get dressed!
Tomorrow I am having lunch with my friend, Kitty. I worked with her at Hospice.

Glad to hear your Quints report went do well, Arty.

Today I did not do much. Went to lunch with a friend, Norma. Than came home and slept all afternoon.
I went to church and again was thankful to be alive.
Brother Frank is coming to visit next week . That will be fun.
Nothing else. I'm feeling okay.

Today I am taking it easy. It is a little cool out (66) and I don't fell like doing anything.
I will tell you that I am still eating w a y too much.

Today I had 8 vials of blood drawn for all kinds of tests. I will see the Hematologist next Wed.
Above is because I have joined the ranks of people who only have their health to talk about.

Also------I went to breakfast with my old neighbor, Sara I only had two eggs, lox's with cream cheese, fruit, toast and butter and coffee. All low-cal.
Picked up Finn at school and to my house for awhile today. He is so cute, plays on the computer and does jigsaw puzzles.
Tonight I am going to watch the new show, " Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader ". I failed Ellen's third grade math test so I won't expect too much of myself.

I am thankful for another day on earth.

Today I had 8 vials of blood drawn for all kinds of tests. I will see the Hematologist next Wed.
Above is because I have joined the ranks of people who only have their health to talk about.

Also------I went to breakfast with my old neighbor, Sara I only had two eggs, lox's with cream cheese, fruit, toast and butter and coffee. All low-cal.
Picked up Finn at school and to my house for awhile today. He is so cute, plays on the computer and does jigsaw puzzles.
Tonight I am going to watch the new show, " Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader ". I failed Ellen's third grade math test so I won't expect too much of myself.

I am thankful for another day on earth.

The Cardiologist was surprised to hear about my brush with the grim reaper. I had not been on my BP meds. because I had lost so much blood but, today my BP was 180/90. Thats high! So now I am back on meds.
Than my family doctors office called to tell me he had added two new blood tests for tomorrow. I forget what they are suppose to do.
Took care of Finn and Claire for 2 hours today. They are so cute. Finn had "pajama day" at school. He wore Spiderman PJs. Just like we used to do at St. James.
My old neighbor Sara called and asked me to go to breakfast tomorrow. Thats good, I'll get my blood work done and than go to eat.
Good Luck tomorrow, Arty.

Today, I went to see my family doctor. He ordered more blood work including a blood panel for Von Wellheims Sysdrome. Tomorrow it is Dr. Watson (neat name huh?) He is the heart guy.
I can not believe this but since I have been sick I gained 4lbs. I am not going to eat like a 18 year old anymore.
I read in the AC Press that Mort Leach died. He is the person from whom we bought 6101 Atlantic.
Do you remember him, Pat from ACH? He was a surgeon.
Later.

Today I am going over to Carolyn's because the cleaning lady is coming here and I can't stand to be around when they are in my house. I will rest and eat at her house.
Pm doctors apt. My friend Barbara is going with us and when Carolyn and I are in the office seh will mind Finn and Claire. She is not a baby person so it is really nice of her to do this.
Nothing else to report.

HI everybody!
I am back among the living! I think.
I will not go into the horror of last Friday, except to tell you it was awful.
I am doing better. Today I am just laying low. Resting and eating lots of food with lots of fat. Dr's orders. That is the only good part of this whole mess. Nest week I will see 3 or 4 MDs. Ugh.
I'll try to write more later.
B

I am still sleepy from the colonoscopy this AM. It was very uncomfortable . He removed a large polyp and took forever to stop the bleeding. I have to be on antibiotics for 5 days. I also have a rare form of colitis that lowers the esinophilis in the blood.
Enough of my ailments, I am sounding like an old lady.
I am doing nothing the rest of the day. So good-bye

Hi, I have not "blogged" for a few days because my keyboard was broken. It just would not let me print anything. I now have a wireless keyboard and mouse. It is pretty neat. I still can't get all the extra buttons working right.
Had an interview for the Outcome Coordinator at the Rehab. Center. It is a 26 bed rehab center where the patient stay is about 13 days. Sounds like a pretty good job but, the office is in the basement and has no window. It is mostly computer work which will be good. I don't know how much it pays yet.
Tomorrow I am having a colonoscopy ! Ugh. In another hour I have to drink the Fleets stuff. I'll be sh---ing all over the place. I am already hungry too.
Jewel Quest is calling.

Hello,
Today, I went to breakfast with all of the Gamble family. It was nice. I ate too much. Bagel with cream cheese and capers.
After breakfast I came home and played my video game. I still play it every day. Jewel Quest. I am on the last level. This is the same game I have been playing for two and a half years. Nuts huh?
I am going to try to get the pictures from yesterday onto the computer.
Later

Missed yesterday.
Today our little baby Claire was baptized. In a beautiful park overlooking the Pacific .
There were about 20 people there. The minister had gone to college with Dana. Cal. Lutheran.
He brought his wife who is a Methodist minister, and their three kids. Dana's parents and brother and their two kids and Robyn . Stephen was off to a Bachelor weekend.
There were 9 kids under 6 years old. All three of the girls were 8 mos. old. So cute.
there was some talk of my Blog. All the women around my age could not understand why anyone should have a Blog. It was funny.
Bye

I am so happy. TWO people read my Blog. Now I am in the big time. Hi Pat.
My Bl sugar was only 121. I don't think that warrants Me going to some class.
I have taken BP meds for years. Still not under control. I don't worry about it.

Today I got a call back about a new job. It is at the Rehab Center. I would be the Outcome Coordinator , 24 hrs. per week. I will need to learn excel . Something I have never used. I hope to have a interview next week. I have no idea how much it pays. If it is anywhere near what I make now, and I am offered the job, I will take it.

Today I watched Claire for a little while. She is getting better and is really cute. She is beginning to push Finn away when he gets in her face. It's so cute.

It's late and I am ready for bed. Good night.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
I will go to Carolyn and Dana's for dinner and to give my babies some little gifts .
Okay, so I got some of them at the .99 store.. So what?
I did get Finn marble game like the one I played 60 years ago with my friend Hazel.
I'll play it again tonight.

Went to the Doctor today. I still have high BP 158/90 and now he says I am"pre- diabetic" what ever that is. He wants me to go to some class. Chances are not good that I'll go. He thinks the pain in my side is gall bladder. Maybe. He ordered a bunch of tests that I may or may not have done.

Hi.

Today I went to Ventura for a managers meeting and guess what? They changed it to the 20th.. This is the third time I have gone down there for a meeting only to find the date was changed. They think a lot about the Santa Barbara office.
All was not lost because I went to the great 99 cent store and bought a lot of junk I do not need.

Nothing else is going on in Ca.

I am late today. It is already 9:30 PM .
I had a busy day. I went to the ear doctor and all is well in my ears. No more staph. Than, since I was in the building with lots of MD's I stopped in at some that work with Meditch . Than I went to Goleta Valley Hospital to see the staffing office people, stopped at a nursing home on my way to return the WW scale I bought yesterday. I got another simply scale.
Than I minded Claire while Carolyn took Finn to Karate . When they got home I asked if she wanted to go to dinner with Dana and of course they did go to dinner. Finn was fine and Claire was pretty good too. She is beginning to pull herself up.
Now I am home and must get ready for bed. Tomorrow I have to go to Ventura for a managers meeting. The best part of that is, I also go to the 99 cent store.
See you all tomorrow.

Boy, I am not sure I am ready for this blog stuff. It took me about 2 hrs. to find out how to get to this page!
Now that I am here I'll tell you a little about whats going on in SB.
Yesterday, Carolyn my daughter, and I went shopping for a Baptism dress for Claire. She will be baptized next Sat. in a park. A friend of Dana who is a minister will pour the water. It is going to be a very small group. Dana's father, who is having very serious open heart surgery in March, asked if the baby could be baptised before he has the operation.
We found a cute long white dress.
Claire is feeling better. She has been sick with RIV for a week.
Finn is wonderful . He can read lots of words and is great at dancing.

I am still on a diet. I bought a WW's scale yesterday and it is so complicated that I am taking it back today. I have lost 20 lbs but only two people have noticed. I'll keep it up as long as I can still go out to eat. I now get a box to go with my meal, put half away before I start to eat. Than I only eat what I see.
When I learn how to add pictures I will add some.

How do I do this?

Okay, now I have a Blog but, I have no idea how to let other people see it.
Help!

Page one

Today I have entered the 21 Century!! I go me a Blog... Now all I have to do is learn how to use it so you will read what I have to say. Wish me luck.