Hyland's Island

Knowing

2012-01-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

Another day of knowing ...

Terminal

2012-01-14T13:34:00.001-08:00

Terminal... I think of an airport, vacation fun times, adventures awaiting. I don't think of illness or a life ending.

Pretty much my hubby's illness is Terminal. What to do - What to do. How much time ..... ? We know it won't be a year. We are not the first to deal with knowing and we won't be last. Do I blog - journal and capture the moments of love, grace, humbleness - the thought that any memory or sunset could be OUR last together. Is this my place to write thoughts- quirks -uncertainties? Many questions - no answers...

One year ago today...

2011-10-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

One year ago today was the last day I had written on my blog... I had no idea - coincidence - I am not sure that I just clicked on it today and it was exactly one year later... I don't know that I will keep this up or if I want to keep this up... But a quick review for me - for you...

Let me start with today - EXCITING - Eileen and Patty are coming from New Jersey for an unexpected but very WELCOME visit. Bad news it will be a short one, in tonight and leaving Sunday... Oh well not going to think about them leaving before they get here.

Rich is at the City of Hope with Dale - he needs blood and platelets today - he will then be good to spend the weekend having fun with his NJ cousins.

I have an infection and could not play tennis today kind of bummed... and it is HOT but wonderful... Thankful for antibodics.

What else - I am doing dishes in the bathroom sink that is a good one. The kitchen faucet decided it would be a good time to break and send a waterfall out from under the cabinet. Thank GOD we were home. Good News the new part should be here tomorrow and not the 3 weeks we were original told. Oh FYI did you know that they don't make faucets in white anymore. Blame Bush!

Happy Birthday DONNA AND PATTY.

I need to go to Costco and buy some food for my guests. Putting on my BRAVE GIRL Pants and sending myself out into the world. More later maybe.... hugs to anyone reading this

I AM NOT READY

2010-10-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

I am not ready = I am not ready. I am not ready and if I am not ready - Rich really must not be ready... or Kevin true honesty. I AM NOT READY for what is coming up in the next couple of weeks or months. But was Jesus ready when he went to the cross??? Profound... But please keep me sane!!!! AMEN...

SHOCKING a NEW POST

2010-10-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Not even sure if anyone ever checks here or looks to see what is new at the ISLAND. I was going to do a new BLOG with my IMAC - seriously to much work. With Rich getting ready for his second bone marrow transplant and needing to keep people updated... I thought better for now to just update this good ole - good enough for now blog. SHOCKING I know that I blogged.

Rich starts out patient chemo next Monday for 5 days. Checks into the City of Hope on Saturday for heavy chemo and gets the bone marrow transplant on Tuesday or Wednesday. October 26th or 27th.

His brother KEVIN is giving him the gift of a life time. He is a match and will be Rich's donner. Thank God for Kevin and a brother willing to not only give but drive from the central coast, be tested, poked, prodded, and harvested and probably feel like he has the flu for a couple of days.

Love to all or anyone still tuned into this blog. We will be doing updates here and letting everyone know Rich's progress and that the HYLAND'S' ISLAND Blog is back in action....

BIRTHDAY MONTH

2010-03-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Gosh I guess I have been MIA or living life or something. Why now Why this moment. Who knows just feeling somethings and thinking things that I am not sure what to do with and what I can do or where I can go to express myself. So I am putting them out there in the universe in cyber land! CRAZY. Anyway just sitting here at the computer getting ready to head towards my pillow and feeling profound overwhelmed feelings. Squeezed my fingers between my eyes and almost sobbed. In lieu of sobbing I am putting my fingers to work on the keyboard! My heart tells me things are about to get crazy again. Why can we not get away from the CANCER wheel? Hubby does not have cancer but he now has low white counts and not enough platelets. All a direct result of all his cancer treatments. We may be looking at a second bone marrow transplant this year... I just want to scream NO NO NO... I don't want to be a poor me/us, cry baby or be THOSE PEOPLE again... The worst thing right now is the mental part for Rich. I see the wheels turning I see doubt, discomfort and uncertainty - just pop into his brain. He does not even have to say anything. I will deal with this again - I will do what I need to do when I need to do it. This is my cyber land contract with myself. All this has nothing to do with my birthday except to wonder what it will be like next year. Truly, I feel like I have finally come out of the last transplant and the passing of Meghan. Mentally and physical feeling like - yes - life is feeling normal again (whatever that is). Thanks to all my friends and Church family and family.... we will get through this again and now I am crying.... Just sprinkling really. xoxoxo

Still

2009-11-19T14:26:00.001-08:00

Still here on earth in case you wondering. Lots to do and no time to blog... Everyone at the Island is good and wondering where the time has gone with Thanksgiving next week. Big crowds expected here at the Island between 18 and 20. Ordered Mr. Bird today which I woke up thinking about at 5:00 am. don't you love it when some dumb thought wakes you up from a nice warm cozy deep sleep. So I got up early went to Gelsons and ordered my turkey. Now it will have to be some other dumb thought that wakes me up tomorrow. Anyway don't know if I will get back to this before the bird goes in the oven in a WEEK... so happy turkey day to all my friends out there love you all. .... God Bless and may your T-day leave you feeling blessed and bursting like you ate to much.. which we probably will.

KAUAIIAN'S

2009-10-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

I started writing this post weeks ago and never hit the publish button because life got a lot more complicated when my niece Cassie decided to runaway and is still missing! 11 days.. she told her mom in a three way conversation with her boyfriends mom (Cynthia - whom she called first) that she was happy and being taken care of and she was fine. We are off today to hand out more posters and I am going to be with my mom whom is so beside her self I fear for her well being and health. Anyway if you want to read a couple of items from our trip here they are... REALLY PICTURES to follow..

It has been almost a month since last I posted. Another month has slipped away - September! Since two weeks of the month were spent in Kauai and one of those weeks we spent with Jeff and Michael... well let's just say it was truly paradise and a healing opportunity for this family of 4. We have not spent 7 days together as a family since Michael went off to college (just some weekends here and there)! An amazing time with sightseeing, driving, adventures, eating and yes just a couple of Mia tai's. A couple of stories for you.

One night having dinner and after dad (Rich) says hey how about a helicopter ride... sure, I am thinking to myself this is the beer talking. Rich and I both swore this is one event that is not in our top 100 or 1,000,000 for that matter of things to DO. Seems several times over the past years we have been to Kauai one of these man made flying birds runs into some type of flying problem and they don't swim well in the ocean either and the people end up that nights, nightly news headlines (not for me). The next day Rich has the 4 Hylands booked on a helicopter flight - Wednesday 8:00 am. Which nightmare did I just wake up in? Jeff and Michael are thrilled and well I just don't want to do this entire fly thing, I am scared but I don't want to be left out and not have the experience of sharing the memories with my family gathered around the dinner table sometime in the future. Then I think of Meghan and all she went through and if she was on this trip with us she would be on that bird in the sky without hesitation. Okay I will do it. No Yes No... what am I thinking.

Wednesday am (7:30) show up at the airstrip in Port Allen - weigh in (for weight distribution on the copter) thank goodness the reader was behind the counter and I did not have to share that information with the hubby, Mike and Jeff. Sign waivers, strap on some flotation device around our waist, receive further instruction ... and wait and wait and wait. No helicopter.... This must be a sign from God ... not met to be .... CANCELLED. Dodged a bullet. Oh wait the lady is rescheduling us for tomorrow... Really - now I have to think about it some more and stress and miss more sleep? This can not be good. Tomorrow in Lihue at 4:00 pm... don't you know the trade winds blow even harder in the afternoons and it rains. Surely I will be meeting with Jesus tomorrow.

Thursday 5:oo pm... we did it tour of the Kauai from the air over - done. I am- getting off the helicopter and breaking down in tears. All I can say is sometimes God just knows more about what you need than you know yourself. Jeff laughing at me for crying and video tapping it at the same time. A GIANT family hug, lots of emotion and memories to last a lifetime. Conclusion - you only get one chance at a 1st time for everything in your life. Maybe someday I would do this again but chances are it won't be with Mike, Jeff and Rich and it would not be the 1st time. One word summary - Beautiful.

Flying home on the plane on Friday - Hawaiian airlines and I have heard of this happening but never experienced it first hand.... Lady behind me leans forward and says " can you get a flight attendant QUICK".

Rich who is plugged into his head phones gives me the what do you want now look when I tap him on the shoulder (he is on the isle).... The women behind just asked for a flight attendant QUICK. He bounces up gets help and the women says my husband was just breathing fun and the flight attendant is trying to wake up HANK.... Long story short Hank died - EXPIRED on the flight. We left our seats and we were asked to go stand up front. The got Hank out of his seat, found medical people on board the flight and started the process of reviving and defibrillating this gentlemen. They worked on him along time. Very sad! Hank was 65 a diabetic and had heart problems according to his wife who remained very calm while all this was happening to her hubby. Hank ended up in the galley for the rest of the flight and when we arrived at LAX the paramedics had to come on and pronounce Hank. So it was a smooth but stressful flight for all the passengers. While we were standing in first class this irate foreigner jumps out of his seat charges us standing in the galley of first class and tells us to go back to our seats ,quit looking down the row and we are interfering with his move. God always leaves the means ones here longer on earth. OH he was ugly yelling at us. He should have just put his headphones on and watched the stupid movie. The plane was FULL were we supposed to sit on the WING. DUMB BASTARD... just thinking about it now makes me so angry. End of story. Land LAX and LAPD thinks it is a crime scene and no one can leave...! CRIME SCENE??? about 12 LAPD officers are standing around arguing about what to do... Don't they know everything about me from when I booked the flight and a manifest that shows where everyone was sitting..... Finally the captain of the plane and the paramedic who pronounced Hank, said let these people go have they not been through enough - he passed of natural causes. Oh let me tell you I have never looked so forward to a super shuttle ride home....

Much Better Week

2009-09-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a much better week since my last rant and spew session. At least it feels better. Hope everyone had a great Labor day weekend and did something enjoyable. Rich and I went to the beach today.... A beach in Southern California. Seems like the only time we go to the beach anymore is when we are in New Jersey or Hawaii. We have beeeaaautiful beaches here in the O.C. Califia in San Clemente, easy parking if you are early, narrow beach but a FAMILY beach. I didn't have to put blinders on my hubby when the ladies (if you can call some of them ladies) have all their cheeks showing while running down the beach like Bo Derek in 10.

Michael, finally called seems he is a little short in the wallet from not working full time when he was visiting Meghan three times a day or more in the hospital and he did not pay his phone bill. We finally heard from him and it was such a big relief. And yes, I want to go into Mom mood and send him a check.... but he is going to Hawaii with us in two weeks and it will be all expenses paid by Dad. His metal state would best be described as "adjusting". We are hoping a trip to the Islands will be good for his spirit.

Jeff is happy in his new pad in Long Beach. He stopped by tonight and it was good to see him.

Last Wednesday was a good day here on the Island... I had three friends from High School here for Lunch. Nancy, whom lived across the street from me on Garlingford in Costa Mesa. I think I was in the third grade when we moved in across the street from each other. Diane, whom I have known since my first day of middle school and Donna, who went to school with Nancy and I at Killybrook Elementary. I will get the camera card out and put up some pictures in the next day or two. Sometimes it just feel good to catch up. It has been along time since our Annie Green Springs Boons Farm days... Love you ladies we have a history!

Some things just continue to be the way they were and the way they will be. My mom and the mess at her house can still only be described as a big MESS. Is it bad when your own mom thinks of her oldest daughter the way she would think of an x- husband? She does not want to hear what I have to say when it comes to Cassie. She does not want to be accountable or held to any standards and she does not want to be questioned on her crazy ass parenting skills and mental well being of teenagers. And to boot her health stinks but she ignores it.

The scrapbook ladies last Wednesday and Thursday had me rolling in the isles with laughter - which is so good for the body and mind. Julie V, wants to start a magazine called Tired Old Hags. We sit and come up with articles that we think would be beneficial to women, moms, wives. Someone starts with a funny line or article and before long everyone is jumping in and we are laughing at ourselves.... Here is one such article we plan to write immediately and need some extra help - if you think of anything let me know by email or a comment....

FOODS THAT LIE

Smart Water drinking it does not make you smarter

Wheat Thins eating these crackers will not make you thin

Slim Fast the only thing Fast here is how fast your hunger returns after you drink or eat their food

Skinny Cow this is ICE CREAM Skinny NOT

the above funnies were provided by my own observations on the first two.. Julie C, on Slim Fast and Lia on the Skinny Cow. We feel it is our right as consumers to no longer mislead the eating public with these misleading food titles... Be on the look out in your market and if you find any others let us know and we will get the food police and the FDA right on it.

Like a virtual game on the computer right now the TOH magazine is only in theory and the talking stages. Sure is some darn funny stuff.

We are thinking of some possibilities for good t-shirts and bumper slogans as well.

Today sitting on the beach I said to Rich - I feel like I am living a Jimmy Buffett song. If you know his music you know I mean. This happens to be my favorite Jimmy song right now.

Trip Around The Sun

Jimmy Buffett

Trip Around The Sun
By Al Anderson/Steve Bruton/Sharon Vaughn
(with Martina McBride)

Here I’m singin’ happy birthday
Better think about the about the wish I make
This year gone by ain’t been a piece of cake
Everyday’s a revolution
Pull it together and it comes undone
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun

CHORUS

I’m just hangin’ on while this old world keeps spinning
And it’s good to know it’s out of my control
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this livin’
Is that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go

No you never see it comin’
Always wind up wonderin’ where it went
Only time will tell if it was time well spent
It’s another revelation
Celebrating what I should have done
With these souvenirs of my trip around the sun

CHORUS

INSTRUMENTAL

Yes I’ll make a resolution
That I’ll never make another one
Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun
Just enjoy this ride

Revolution, Revelation and my favorite above. RESOLUTION... that I'll never make another one.... Get it my Resolution is not to make a resolution but to just enjoy the trip around the sun. Which I am thinking means you make a trip around the sun everyday as the WORLD turns.... Oh my time for bed this is all getting way to profound for me... Remember to live your dash.

Life goes on...

2009-08-31T16:38:00.001-07:00

Yep, it seems to be going on all around me. July was a difficult month and August - did August even happen? It went by so very fast. Have not felt much like blogging, or sharing. Sad mostly I feel sad. Sad that people have to be selfish and self centered. That as a society most people just don't care about you, your life or much else. Just another dumb human taking up my space. My space at the market, on the freeway, at a restaurant. EXCUSE ME! and accidents are a thing of the past. You just know the person did whatever the offense was on purpose. Don't even try and explain anything to anyone you don't know personally or they look at you like you have antennas' and a third eye in the middle of your forehead. I don't want to be a whiner right now... but then again I want to whine so much and scream at what I feel are little injustices in my life and those around me. We all have them. Truly, I want to bury my head under my pillows and come up for air sometime next year.

Why... Jeff had a little (very little) not even what I would call a fender bender the other day and within 5 days his insurance adjuster calls says the lady (which is really just a whore in another way) is suing you. Here are the facts as I know them. Jeff looked down at the GPS to see what off ramp he needed to get off at, traffic on the 91 by the 605 was stopped. He rolled into the car in front of him breaking a piece of plastic off of his Scion (as you know these Scions are like air and will dent in heavy dew) and her car had no damage..... OH BUT she was Asian with an accent - told Jeff she was FINE, in broken english as she here's the ring of a slot machine paying off in her ears.. (money money money JACKPOT). NOW tells the insurance company Jeff was going 60 MPH when he plowed into her.... UGH.. all the ugly nerve of people like her, it is a good thing I don't know who she is or I would trim her bushes... REALLY... does she not believe in science YOU CAN NOT BE GOING 60 MPH hit a stopped object and not have DAMAGE to the vehicles... where did she go to high school

- YOUNG DUMB DANG!

Maybe I should not be spewing but today is my day to COMPLAIN and SPEW hoping this will all make me feel better.... ! not working yet. Then there is this little issue with my niece CASSIE. The one who stole money from my mom is having sex with a boy who has a man penis and no brain to back it up, killed the cat and basically at 15 does what ever she wants and my mom lets her because she is FRAGILE.... Today I was informed she is cutting her self... SELFISH... of course my mom will not call me back. Oh and next Cassie will be putting my mom in her grave. GOD WHY? I say intervention NOW... I guess this is my way of telling my mom and the world these people need HELP...! Mom call me you are 73 and doing the best any senior citizen can do with teenagers and 5 to 7 other people living in your house. This is what happens when there are no boundaries. Guess who gets to clean up the mess if my mom has a stroke and dies... ME.... is that not selfish my mom would expect me to clean up her mess when she dies but she won't do it herself NOW.

Then there is our Michael Paul.. the kid at 28 has been through so much and grieving. Tomorrow is Meghans 28th birthday. Going to be a very hard day. We must have 6 to 8 calls into the guy - we just want to hear his voice talk to him and see where is head and heart are at this week. SELFISH! Instead we just get to worry more and wait short of getting in the car and driving up to Ben Lomond.

I keep looking for the silver or bronze (I will even take gray) lining and I am not seeing it right now. Laughing feels wrong when something is funny - watch out here comes another doozie. I can't be creative because it just feels wrong to do something you might enjoy. Thank goodness for Wednesday nights and friends who validate you.

Jeff moved out this past weekend... that is good I guess except he is broke and being sued... No surprise there. I am dog sitting for a friend and the dog soaked the carpet with the biggest doggy pee pee every. Why she didn't use the dog door that she always uses is a mystery to me. And she has a sore doggy paw from skidding on the cement in the backyard while swimming and chasing her tennis ball. Then there is this entire Tennis thing where I was surprised fired my tennis team..... It is just tennis and I keep meaning to post my email response just for entertainment purposes. The worst part is you find out what you thought was friendship after 10 years is not friendship.

I don't believe things come in threes (3). I have heard it said that these trails build characters, that God does not give you more than you can handle. Maybe that is true for God but what if the devil gets in there? He sure seems to be dishing out a lot of UGLY.

as the quiet music plays in the background and we have a happy ending.... NOT... Now you know why I have not been blogging. If you don't have anything positive to say than don't say it. I kept waiting for some really good stuff and I know it is there. I need Dr. Phil or Oprah or just to get it out there... No matter what for anyone who reads these ramblings. Don't be sad, mad or glad for these things. Just be aware - be happy and do the right darn thing. Don't lie, Don't think you can handle it on your own, pick up the phone call your parents, let the dog out at 5 am to go pee pee when she whines, be a true friend.. and just do your best to do the right thing. I know I/we are all works in progress.

Feeling it

2009-08-11T20:13:00.001-07:00

yep, sad, blue a little depressed. As a friend of mine said about Meghan's OB in the paper - 27 years and you get a couple of paragraphs written about you at the end of the day. I guess that is true about all of us no matter when we die. Then it is up to your family to write those couple of paragraphs about you and your life, if they choose to, then again maybe there is no family left. Maybe we should all write our own before we go.

Leaving for Santa Cruz and Ben Lomond EARLY on Thursday. Jeff, is driving up on his own (Mr. environmental) seems he does not want to spend 8 hours in the car with his parents - prefers his own company. Of course I am the DRAMA QUEEN around her since I suggested that we stay the extra day in Ben Lomond to celebrate his 32nd birthday on Saturday. But after living at home for the past 3 years (now there is a big hurry) it seems this weekend is the only weekend left to go look for an apartment and move out by September 1. I am the mama, I gave birth to him, I have the stretch marks to show what 9lbs 6 oz will do to you and I brought him into this world naturally (what in hell was I thinking)! Even Michael, said it would be nice to have Jeff's birthday the next day. I think so too. Let this family spend some time together, make some new memories and start some healing. What do I know? I think even at this age you can go into MOM MODE and the last thing they want is a mom!

Yep, just feeling it. Maybe I will get 2 and 1/2 paragraphs in the end....s

To Be Continued....

2009-08-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

Makes you wonder what is next, how the plot will change if the hero and heroine make it out alive, if everyone lives happily ever after. Life is NOT a 30 or 120 minute TV show or something you see on the big screen, not everyone lives happily ever after and for sure it takes more than TV or the length of a move to figure out life and what is next. AHHHH! Reality bites and hurts. after 2 days at home it feels like New Jersey was a life time ago. The best invention ever made the camera. Memories captured on film or a tiny card saved on a cd.... these are a few of my Jersey Shore memories...

New Jersey Shore

2009-08-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

We are back safe and sound from a great trip to the Jersey Shore - Seaside Park. Home for a few days in my own bed with Gracie by my side. Great pictures to share and stories too. But for now all that has to wait while the laundry gets done and a trip to the market for a little food. Packing our bags again to head up North for Meghan's Celebration of Life this Thursday.

Meghan and Michael Oahu May 2007

Meghan Long Beach Aquarium January 2008.

Back on the Bucket List

2009-07-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Road Trip we leave this afternoon to go see our Michael in Ben Lomond. I don't know if we need to see him more than he needs to see us... but we are going. We just need to all be together for awhile. Jeff, drove up last night about 10 p.m. (another mom worry -driving 8 hours that late at night) but he wanted to be with his brother and didn't want to wait and drive up with us. Niagara Falls has been cancelled and put back on the bucket list for another day and time. We are still going to do the New Jersey week at the shore and leave next Saturday. Continental really gigged us on the pricing to change flights what was reasonable is now OUTRAGEOUS. But the house at the shore was already paid for and Rich really feels he needs the time away - So off we go to TROPICAL New Jersey... it does say that in their state travel brochure right? Right now the thought is that Meghans celebration will be August 14.

Off to pack some clean ones... and prepare for a looonnnnnggg (long) car ride. Love the spousal bonding time...

NOT. Am I to old for car games to keep me occupied? Love - God Bless

Meghan

2009-07-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

For the friends and family that read this blog and send us all the hope, prayers and good wishes for Meghan, our Michael and her family. Our Michael called this morning in gut wrenching tears and repeating over and over how sorry he was.... Meghan took her last breath early this morning July 27th at about 1:30 am. He told me she was no longer in pain and he and her family were with her and that they got to say good bye. Meghan was 27.

At the fair on Saturday I did something I have never done before. I had a henna tattoo of an octopus put on my left ankle to wear to represent Meghan. When Michael and Meghan went to Oahu a few years ago they purchased an amazing little octopus necklace for her. It looks more like a piece of art than jewelry. That octopus had become my symbol for Meghan and Michael to as a couple. Art, Love, Memories, Vacation, Ocean, Fighters

Strength and so much more...

Continued prayers. Thank you to everyone - we know you will carry Meghan, Michael and her family in your hearts today. Hug someone today and do it more than once and let someone hug you too.

Last Week and VBS

2009-07-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sawdust Festival Laguna Beach

...

VBS- Kelly and Cassie with Kelly's group. One set of twins and one set of triplets in her group.

Kelly's handprint t-shirt... So CUTE!

Wow, what a week! It was fun, busy, memorable and GONE... yep, another week of this year, of this month, in the books. Another chapter of life complete. Last Sunday we said good bye to Kevin, Danni and Michael, after visting Crystal Cove and the Sawdust Festival and celebrating those July birthdays. Then it was off to Toms Farms to pick up Kelly and get ready for VBS- Vacation Bible School (Cassie joined us at VBS on Tuesday). It is probably best to put the week in pictures rather than words. So here are a few.

Because Blogger/Apple is so PICKY I am going to do this in stages it won't let me move the pictures around in the proper order once I upload them.

JULY

2009-07-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

July... I wonder if anyone ever named their baby JULY... I have heard of SUMMER but you don't hear JULY to often as some one's name.... I have heard of June and August for girls. July could be male or female!

I have nothing new to report on Meghan since someone and some bodies including our Michael don't feel the need to keep us as informed as we would like to be kept. We don't know but assume she is still in the hospital and it feels awkward calling her family. Michael went to the hospital to see her on Sunday - last report we had. Ended up talking to her parents in the parking lot and never went up to see Meghan. This leaves me baffled since he has never not gone up to see her after her countless treatments and surgeries. Continued Prayers for her parents, and for Meghan's spirit and light, her wisdom, understanding, love, that she be free pain that the medications work. And for her medical team.

Numerous messages have been left for Michael on Meghan's phone and his new phone (we think he got his replacement phone in the mail after the old one was stolen). AHHHH! what is a mom to do I just want to know that he is coping and to hear his voice is always reassuring. Don't they understand MOM thinking?

GOOD NEWS - Rich went for his CT scans last week to the City of Hope and all is good. THANK GOD. As he says he has a pass till late October before he has to go check in with the COH doctors again.

The rest of July looks to be busy! Kevin and the kids come this weekend to celebrate July and August birthdays. They will be here through Sunday. Kelly and Cassie come on Sunday for Vacation Bible School all next week. Saturday July 25th is the HYLANDS ISLAND MILLION DOLLAR DINNER EXPERIENCE. Then it is time for vacation on that tropical moist island of New Jersey.

Stay Cool out there...! Thanks for your continued prayers...

ENJOY.

Hylands Island July

2009-07-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the month of July. Michael's Birthday, Rich's Birthday, his brother Kevin's Birthday, Summer time, the 4th of July. July 2009 is showing itself to be very unsettling and messing with my personal security and freedom (no pun intended). Our Michael had his car broken into up in Santa Cruz, they broke a window stole his wallet with ATM card and drivers license and managed to charge and drain his account of $800.00 before he even knew his truck had been broken into. They also took his cell phone, extra keys for the truck (don't we all leave our extras locked inside the car) and his clothes. Poor guy had to drive home in his wet suit. This is all done days before his birthday. Which brings me to the next update.... Meghan goes into the hospital the same day for pain management and to be drained from her ascites (fluid retention from the liver not working). Meghan remains in the hospital and there is no good news. Her mother is on 24 hour vigil at the hospital and our Michael goes there 3 or more times a day while working to stop in and say hi and give her a kiss and he mostly finds her resting or sleeping. She has been so sick and throwing up constantly that they put some type of pump in her stomach. They have stopped giving her fluids..... July July July! Prayers for peace and that understanding that surpasses all others. I don't understand - I can't give Michael, Meghan's family or myself the words to help us cope. I know many of you continue to pray and we thank you. I need to go now and write a letter to Meghan which I am not sure she will ever read. One thing the Hyland's are absorbing from all this is you have to do WHAT IS IN AND ON YOUR HEART. Love to all, thanks to everyone for their love, support and caring.

Don't cry because it is over - smile because it happened... Dr. Seuss

A mothers/Friend letter to her son

June 17, 2009

Dearest Son:

From the moment you were born it has always been our desire that you know happiness and love. As a child we did our best to keep you from harm and hurt. We would do anything within our power to keep you from suffering the grief and loss you are undoubtedly about to go through with Meghan. Although Michael, this will be a difficult time I just want to share with you a little advise, consider it not from your mom but from an older wiser friend who loves and cares for you very much (as does your mother). We just want to help you through this time and it is very important for you to let us help you. Not only Dad, Jeff and myself, but your friends too.

Meghan has a profound and far reaching effect on us, our family and most certainly our friends. When I see the Bunco ladies the first thing they ask is “how is Meghan –how is Michael”. You both have been in the hearts and countless prayers of our friends both new and old. She has made a difference in there life in more ways than either one of you will ever know. Once she passes and goes to heaven both of you will continue to touch lives by example. WOW! What I am trying to say Michael is you have us, Meghan’s family, and countless people that need to know you are coping and dealing.

We are so proud of the man you are. With the prayers and help of God you will help Meghan in these final days. I know how weak and incapable you must feel and that you don’t want to be strong but you are strong and capable – you know what you are made of and you know what is inside of you. Mike, you need to tell this beautiful soul that you will live the rest of your life to honor her, her love, courage and bravery. She knows in the depth of her being what is happening and yet she probably feels like she is letting everyone who loves her down. It is so important to her and to you that you have all the love and memories locked away in your mind and heart or written down. You will need these last days and conversations to last a lifetime here on earth for you.

There is no right way to go down the road you know you will go down with someone who is dying. In my attempts to be sure you know that although this is tragic, it is also an honor. That at the end of the day, you got everything out of this journey. I have enclosed a couple of pages from a few books. The experts can express themselves much better than your mom/friend.

Quote from the book Final Gifts- Though it can be grief- and stress laden, death can occur in a context of completion and closure. After going through a death this way, many people say This may have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m so glad I did it or The only thing that really helps me now that she’s gone is that she knew, as I do, that I did everything I could for her”

You need to reassure her that you Michael will be all right. Share with her what you maybe thinking and planning, reassure her you will be okay. Part of the process of getting to the next part of the journey for Meghan is the anxiety for those she is leaving behind, their sadness and grief and that she wants to be remembered. I know people remembering her is very important to her.

We will probably never talk to Meghan again – although we would like nothing more than to see her or talk to her again to tell her thank you… Sincerely thanks…. Thanks for loving you our son, the memories and the life lessons she has taught and shared with you. To thank her for growing up with you these last 9 years. Tell her thanks for your favorite “couple” song that 20 years from now when your driving in the car and you hear YOUR song on the radio you will still stop and think of her. Ask her Mike how she wants you to celebrate her birthday this year, so when that day comes you will feel like she is with you – where would she go if she could go anywhere in the world and tell her you will live your life trying to get there.

I am sending this book with Jeff, for you. I am not recommending you read the entire book, but I am recommending that you thumb through the contents and read what applies now. Michael what I have read so far is very powerful that helps some of those questions and curiosities in our mind take on answers and give us reason and purpose of understanding into these final days. Michael, a little information will go along way in insuring that you are listening, enjoying and understanding Meghan these next couple of days or months. Yes, asking God for his spirit, wisdom and endurance will also give you great strength and guidance. Just ask him and you will be amazed.

Dad and I our here to talk with you, listen to you, here your fears and offer whatever wisdom we may have. Michael, when you need us we will be there in a heart beat. Please keep us informed! Again we love you, we love Meghan!

In our prayers and we continue to pray for that miracle – in whatever form that miracle is going to take.

Aloha

Mom

Central Coast weekend

2009-06-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share some pictures from the weekend and say hello to everyone. If weekends had ratings - our weekend at the Central Coast and our niece Danielle's graduation had to be an 8! We saw family enjoyed time with Dani and her brother the other Michael Hyland (we have Michael Paul and he is Michael William, and younger), saw amazing nature acts, went wine tasting and enjoyed time with our MICHAEL.

We felt no relief about Meghan's health after talking to Michael, but it was so good to see him, feel him (hugs) and share tears with him. He told us he has been crying for three years. Meghan was diagnosed three years ago and they have been on a roller coaster ride ever since. Michael only spent about 30 hours with us since he was very anxious to get back to Ben Lomond and be with Meghan. She continues to be such a fighter although the doctors have told her according to Michael there is no more treatment available. How do you prepare for this at 27? I could pour out my heart, soul and thoughts here but everyone in our family is at such a loss as to what to do. We know when we were in Ben Lomond in March we probably saw and spoke to Meghan for the last time. We had the florist send her a big tropical bouquet of flowers on Thursday to brighten her day. Michael said she received them they were fabulous and the best she had ever seen (bright spot). Continued prayers welcomed.

One quote that stuck with all of us at the graduation was from Dr. Seuss - Don't cry because it's over - smile because it happened.

UPDATE: I finally got my love ticket in the mail from DWOPing.... (driving while on phone) I thought maybe $50.00 and I would just pay it... NO!!!! $132.00. UGH... I am thinking I am going to fight it. I have some time and if I can make $132.00 in two days of time... well it would be better than officer motorcycle "good sport " winning. Of course hubby says I AM GUILTY and just pay it... Do hubby's ever think your not guilty.... I call it a love ticket since it still makes me boil when I think about it. I have seen officer motorcycle giving another ticket recently.... To an older WOMEN. He does not stop MEN or TEENS. I would like to see his ticket book and see why he is so biased. He is not out there when it is really busy and people are blowing through the stop sign. No he is there when about 4 cars go bye every couple of minutes. I want a full Katie Couric investigation.

Supposedly it is not a moving violation and the ticket said I can $214.00 up front and go to traffic school. Traffic School I was told was for moving violations only.

Time to get on with the day. Waiting for the sun to come out so I can give Gracie a bath. Her staples are out and her medication is finished and she is pretty much back to her self and she needs a bath. Love to all.... and thank you.

Two Weeks or Two Months

2009-06-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Two weeks or Two months? IF offered a choice which one would you take? What kind of a choice is that two weeks 14 days or two months 60 days? I decided to delete the rest of this post after giving it more thought. Those of you who know - you know and your words and prayers are so deeply appreciated. I will update once I talk to those that are dealing with these issues. But just give everyone in your life more respect, time and LOVE.

Jimmy Buffett Review

2009-05-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

June is almost here. I thought May was a little busy. However, June is shaping up to be even busier with a few long weekends for business meetings and niece Danielle's high school graduation - which will find us in the central coast. Last week was Jimmy Buffett and my feathers were not flying but they were in a happy spot. Just want to share a couple of photos of the absolute childish times that are had and seen at the parking lot tail gate parties. The top photo with the man (I think it is a man - the beard might be real) in decorated coconuts - I have no clue who this guy is or his name - NOTHING. I was just fascinated by his coconuts and just wanted to take his picture - and now here he is getting blog love on the Hyland's Island Blog. Hubby was also fascinated by many coconuts but they were usually on the women. #2 Old neighborhood friend Bob Render, me drinking tea (sure) and Rich having some fun and the bottom picture is me and our friend of a very long time Betsy.

DISCLAIMER... If some of you have an odd phone message from last Thursday (Julie C) and a few others... it was Jimmy calling you and leaving a message of music that you could barely understand not ME. Not sure who else Rich and I dialed while swaying in the isles and listening to music.

A few Lyrics to one of my favorite profound songs. See if you can find it and actually here Jimmy singing it.

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

TAKE THE WEATHER WITH YOU Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On
(Jimmy Buffett/Matt Betton)

I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man
Floating down Canal
It doesn’t use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And if I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe in breathe out move on

And it rained
It was nothing really new
And it blew
We’ve seen all that before
And it poured
The earth began to strain
Pontchartrain
Leaking through the door
Tides at war

If a hurricane doesn’t leave you dead
It will make you strong
Don’t try to explain just nod your head
Breathe in breathe out move on

And it rained
It was nothing really new
And it blew
We’ve seen all that before
And it poured
The earth began to strain
Ponchartrain
Buried the Ninth Ward
To the second floor

According to my watch the time is now
The past is dead and gone
Don’t try to shake it just nod your head
Breathe in breathe out move on
Don’t try to explain it just bow your head
Breathe in breathe out move on

He didn't sing this at the concert but it a personal favorite... Have a great day and just breath in breath out move on.

Is this in some way WRONG

2009-05-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Tell me is this in some way just the wrong thing to say at the wrong time....

At Trader Joe's today - - you know how they always have some little sample for you to taste in the back. Today's sample was their HOT DOG with 2 mustard's... So I pick up my little sample plate take a bite and one Traders clerk says something to the other Trader clerk who is serving up the Hot Dog sample.... "ewe that makes me want to vomit in my mouth", she says very loudly you guessed it right when I am ready to swallow my HOT DOG sample... Do you think maybe if you are serving food samples you shouldn't be talking about VOMIT out loud for all the customers to here! I must have been 30 feet away from her. How do you teach someone timing?

I am actually laughing about it. A SNL writer could not have scripted the timing any better. I was looking for the camera...

Off to dinner with friends tonight at Newport Landing in Newport Beach. The weather is here and it is beautiful. Had a delightful morning with Cheryl at GlitterFest and seeing my friend Robin. She just gets more talented with each day.

Mail is here better go see if my Lottery check came today. Now that is funny! Aloha God Bless and have a good weekend.

PROMOTED

2009-05-10T21:02:00.001-07:00

I got promoted. This is the front of the card I got from Meghan for Mothers Day. FOR MY MOTHER IN LAW. Yes, I cried. If she were healthy we'd be planning a wedding - maybe I would already be her mother in law. The other card is a card from my Michael. He finally called me to. It had been a month. Thank goodness for mothers day or I would still be waiting for a call.

Like a cock roach my cell phone came back to life except it has no display. Very scary that I could throw it so hard have it make a terrible noise and a few days later it is breathing again. No ticket in the mail yet but, I keep running to the mail box anxiously waiting. Maybe I will chop down the mail box!

We had a good week here at the Island and I am still recovering from that FABULOUS scrapbook weekend last weekend .... REFLECTIONS. Now I have 6 projects to complete. I hope I get to do it again next year.

Mothers day was very low key and besides being MD... It was GRACIE'S 5th birthday. She got extra lovin, and chicken in her food a swim in the spa and a car ride. Oh to be 5! One of the projects at Reflections was to make this really embellished Birthday Party Hat (mine is 10% done) and my scrappy friends and I joke about it and I keep threatening my friend Lia that I am going to finish the hat and she MUST wear it for her birthday in June! Of course this is no way on Gods little green earth going to happen! So Lia this picture is for you. Even Gracie had issues with the hat....
Love to all... See you over on FACE BOOK.

I killed the Cell phone

2009-05-05T16:32:00.001-07:00

Okay I am some what calming down but not much. I am still 5 hours later - so mad at that Irvine motorcycle cop that gave me a cell phone TICKET. He called me a good sport. What the blazes does that mean. Does he call his wife a good sport too - is that some sort of endearment? You know I could have been putting on makeup, shaving my arm pits and hanging my bra out the window to dry and I would not have gotten a ticket. But answer the phone while stopped at my home stop sign where the cop is hiding in the shade and let him see you answer the phone - make your left hand turn and it is a red and blue light show in your rear view mirror. I am frosted and MAD... he did not have to give me a ticket... But being the good sport that I am I guess he figured what the heck - she looks like a good sport and now I can go eat lunch. I pulled 30 seconds later into my garage and felt so much frustration that I threw my cell phone on the ground and needless to say it is not working. So I killed the cell phone. The fact is, I still have a nice pink ticket in my purse which is going to cost some money.

If your asking why does she not have a blue tooth... I do. Since I was 3 blocks and about 1 minute from home I had just finished walking Grace down by the freeway and I did not turn all my equipment (bluetooth) on to go the 3 blocks. The phone rings it is Rich, he has a report from his doctor visit .... went like this pull up to stop sign - STOP - ring - pick up phone - make turn ... light show and a pink slip! Oh happy Day...

Charmed for Reflections

2009-04-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am really going all in for a giant Scrapbook Hangover. Reflections this weekend. Busy charging camera batteries, gathering tools, pictures, adhesive. I am going to participate in a charm swap and this is what I came up. I like them and they are TROPICAL a pineapple stamped shrinky dinky with a hawaiian hula dancer and a little orange ribbon. The month of May is shaping up to be a BUSY one. Starting tomorrow night and ending on Sunday about 3:00 on May 3rd, 7 scrap classes and cropping. I just hope my - to many women in the same hotel - hormone meter does not go NUTS and I get OVER LOADED. What is it about a room full of women that all want to talk at once. GUILTY (I am) it is like being in a large overcrowded Aviary and everyone squawks at once.

I will just take the time now to say HAPPY MAY everyone.

Meghan, update. I talked to her recently and there is really not much of a change in her health. She is still in pain and is only leaving the house for doctors appointments or chemo treatments. I have heard from so many of you that told me you have taken time out of your schedule to drop her a note or send her a card. THANK YOU so much. It really has touched her and her family and every time I think about all the lives she has touched and effected even though so many of you have never met her it brings tears to my eyes and I just say thank you and thank you GOD for such incredible friends.

HAD IT!

2009-04-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had enough of people being down right DUMB? Today was one of those days. There was the lady at the 4 way stop who was in such a hurry she would rather run over the pedestrians and baby strollers, then let me go on my TURN. The man who was backing his car out at COSTCO and hit his shopping cart with his car into the side of my car. I looked and pointed at him, at the cart and he was just looking at me like what is the big deal. Good thing it did not leave any scratches. THEN there is this chewing gum in the heat issue. For the last two days I have managed to put my foot in so much hot sticky gum. I was walking today and my shoe stuck to the pavement so hard I walked right out of my sandal onto the hot asphalt. Hot, sticky gum is such a joy to clean off too. I kept looking around for the cameras that were making people laugh and the guy to come and tell me SMILE your on chewing gum in 102 degree heat cam. Let's face it I will do almost anything to bring humor and laughter to someone's day but this is getting ridiculous. Moral of the story put your darn chewed gum in the trash can, don't run your shopping cart into another persons car and Pedestrians do not make good hood ornaments. I am going to bed I have HAD IT.

SPRING BREAK

2009-04-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Our Sun City nieces are here and we are doing some fun stuff. Shopping, photo day at Balboa Island, a ride on the ferry, Corn Dogs, Pizza, Frozen Bananas and Balboa Bars. It was a little cold but the sand was warm. Of course the girls could not walk past sunglasses without trying out and trying on about 100 different pairs. While shopping the other day we stopped for FUN in Jessica McClintock's and this was the first time they ever tried on Prom dresses. Oh my they were stunning in RED! A little celebration for Cassie's birthday tonight and tomorrow I have to return them back to their homeland. Oh well one more day to enjoy them and have some more FUN.

Ben Lomond - Mike - Meghan

2009-04-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Following is the email I sent last week to friends and family. In case I missed you and anyone who is following this blog- I thought I would post it. If I missed someone and you need Meghan's address please contact me. Sometimes going through that address book on the computer my eyes cross up and I hit wrong buttons - so I apologize. Thank you to everyone who said no problem we will send a note or a card - some form of distraction and to show how someone you don't even know can touch you life just by being themselves and so brave in their battles. My heart is truly humbled. I may be raising my fists and angry at God and questioning "life" on earth... but then I see and hear from people and they say yes, we will drop her a note and I can only say thank you God! Here it is:

If personal WILL were a pill then Meghan would be
Merck or Pfizer. Just want to ask a favor - a moment if I
could! As many of you know our Michael's girlfriend,
Meghan has been battling colon cancer for over 3 years, she
has had two liver resections and recently was in the
hospital for a week with severe complications. She was
jaundice, dehydrated and had intolerable pain and her cancer
numbers were again off the charts. She is extremely weak
and unable to do much that a 27 year old should be doing.
She looks amazingly beautiful in spite of all these
complications.

Rich and I travelled to Northern California this past
week to spend time with Michael, Meghan's wonderful
family and Meghan - if she had the energy to spend time
with us. We spent some quality beach and tourist time with
Michael, had some fun times with Meghan's Mom (Beverly)
and Dad (Brian) and we were blessed to spend some time with
Meghan. On Friday we shared a cup of tea with some laughs,
memories and big tears. All she could tell me was she was
very very sick . She lasted about 2 hours but she gave me
an amazing gift of just her and time. Saturday we spent
time at her parents home for a Bar-B-Q and we all shared
some stories and fun times we have had. There were even a
few tales from Meghan about her and Michael's college
days... She did her best to rally while we were there but
you could see her own private battles with so many side
effects and the pain, that we were glad for anytime spent in
her presences.

Meghan adds so much color and vibrancy to our lives.
Words fail me when I think about the battle she wages
hourly. In her own words (from her pamphlet, last June)
she says "Truthfully, Meghan grows cancer naturally, so
remission in not a very reasonable goal". Many of you
keep this family and our Michael in your prayers and
thoughts daily for which we can never give enough Thanks
(her mother told me she feels the prayers). My feelings are
with these extreme set backs Meghan needs some distraction.
If you could take a moment from your own impossibly busy
lives - would you drop her a note of encouragement a
prayer, something funny, a card (one request please no get
well cards), a picture, a drawing? It does not have to be
fancy use the back of a napkin or your business card, photo
copy paper. I just want her and her family to feel the
love, support and kindness and the DISTRACTION that so many
love her and her family, even if you don't know them
personally. If you can do this it will be greatly
appreciated. She does not use a cell phone or do email so
here's the address. Meghan K (please email me if you would like to have her address if you have seen this information here on the blog.

Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and
prayers... Aloha to everyone and their families who receives
this email...
In his Love Pray for a miracle.

Aloha

Jackie

I am anxious to call her or Michael next week and see what she has to say about all her new found family and friends. God Bless everyone. and Happy Easter - He has risen, he has risen indeed.

May all your eggs be chocolate, or chubby hubby flavored, or whatever your favorite in this life maybe at the moment.

Car Miles

2009-03-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Not exactly frequent flyer miles but CAR MILES. After a long 7 hour slow drive home from Vegas a week ago and lots of miles in the car we have decided to do another car trip. Thursday we are off to the central coast and Ben Lomond to see Michael, Meghan and her family. Mike called last week and Meghan had to be admitted to the hospital since she was in horrific pain (and she has been for sometime now) and needed stronger medical relief. We have not seen this beautiful courageous young women in 9 months and look forward to some small visits. Her colon cancer most likely will never be in remission and what is left of her liver from the various surgeries still has cancer. Rich talked to Meghan's mom last week and she told us what a supporter and how dependable our Michael has been. And she said Mike and Meghan are more in love than ever.... (oh this just twist my heart into knots). I must say for the past several years I have loved seeing them in love - they get that twinkle in their eye when they look at each other and they probably have no idea what they have done for each other in this life. I am going to say it- or write it. God I don't get it- I don't understand it and WHY? These two deserve so much to be in love and do the things young people in love do and to have those life experiences and joys and memories. WE have joy that they found each other but great sorrow too that this "CANCER" has to be part of their relationship. We love Meghan so much and want a miracle. Prayers lots of Prayers for healing, health and love!

Sherry Sherry Baby.....

2009-03-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

You know the Vegas Saying... What happens...

Spa Day

Oasis On Wednesday and the happy hour Ladies from Tuesday

Seeing the Jersey Boys in Vegas had to be the highlight of #54! I am still singing the songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons... SHERRY BAAABBBYYYY. It was a great week with a Happy Hour birthday celebration, Rich having the guys from CDM water polo (1971-1972) and the 80 plus year old coach Hooper, here at the Island (this is an amazing group of guys) the same day - Tuesday. Wednesday scrapping with friends and a chocolate cake at the Oasis, Thursday off to Vegas. Massage with Donna on Friday, spending time with Susan and Deborah, seeing the Jersey Boys and finally Sunday seeing Barry and the girls. Our only complaint 7 hours to get home from VEGAS... UGH. Here is the week in pictures. Love to everyone who gave or sent me a card or called and sang to me on the PHONE... I love those messages - corny but great!

Vegas Baby

2009-03-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Vegas tomorrow for my birthday. They might let me in the city since I had my eyebrows waxed, and a pedi and a mani... Oh the details of growing older and the MAINTENANCE. Time to pack. You know it takes me forever to pack all the Gucci gowns and tiffany diamonds. There are just so many choices in my diamond collection to wear. STOP Laughing everyone who knows me knows this is not true. This year is good since hubby-bubby will be enjoying the fun with me. Last year he was still recovering! New Year - New Day... Can't wait to get there and win the BIG MONEY Jackpot! Actually looking forward to time by the pool and seeing the JERSEY BOYS. Oh what fun it is to play.

Started the birthday celebration last night with the Happy Hour ladies. Tonight more celebration with the Scrappy ladies at the Oasis... I will need to be careful since I don't want to start the day tomorrow with a scrap hangover and have to spend 4 to 5 hours in the car recovering. Kidding - I hope my tummy hurts tomorrow from laughing so hard, like it some times does after a rip roaring time at the Oasis. Not a lot of scrapping gets done but we make the walls shake with all the laughter.

Happy day everyone...

Hibernation

2009-03-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

Out of hibernation. After 5 months of sound (and we will assume) restful sleep. The tortoises have come out of hibernation. Can you imagine sleeping for 5 months? You would have missed so much good and bad and just life in general. You wouldn't know we have a new president or about Octo Mom or stimulus and bailout. Yes, this is a sign at the Island that SPRING has really sprung when Auggie and Baby come out of hibernation. Actually, Baby just came out today and these pic's are of Auggie yesterday. This guy is between 25 and 30 years old and we have owned him for about 8 years. Baby, we have had since she was a hatchling (baby, thus the name- took us 7 years to come up with a name) and we estimate she is about 15 years old now. I guess you could say we have another teenager in the house. How do they measure tortoise years? After a long winter nap (they sleep in a cat igloo house in the backyard during hibernation), they get a good soaking since they have had no water this entire time, a spin around the back yard to get the kinks out, a food offering and a good sniff from Gracie. As you can see from the above leg picture - hibernation does wonders for the skin. They are either endangered or protected and we have a license for them issued by Fish and Game. Oh the pleasures of tortoise ownership.

Yes, it is officially spring time! Wake up and eat the broccoli.

So

2009-03-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

So hello. Interesting times we are living in but yet, they are thankful times. I keep reminding myself how much better this year is so far compared to last. Not that great things didn't happen last year because they did everyday. It was just a very stressful time! Let's see what is new at the island. We celebrated Kelly's 16th birthday here on Sunday with a nice brunch. Just a couple of pictures to share. We also celebrated Ronny's birthday. Kelly had the cupcakes and Ron got the RUM CAKE. The other picture is Kelly and her beau Andrew.

Question - in the picture of Rich with the girls you see Cassie on the left she is 14 and will be 15 in April... (still she is 14). She came to my house with those large pokey things that are about 3 inches long sticking out of her ears down the back of her neck. I guess these are used to enlarge your ear lobe... WHY does anyone want to do this to their body. TO have ear lobes like some tribal person. What next a saucer in her mouth! I just don't get it! My thoughts are when your 18 and no longer on the payroll of grandma or someone else do what you want to your body. I am just ponding my head against the computer when it comes to this beautiful girl. This is the least of the problems. The biggest would be LOVE... she thinks she is in LOVE.... Oh I wish someone would have told me when I thought I was in love years ago that it is so much more than your body and sex, possible unwanted pregnancy and sexual diseases. It is about your head, heart, soul and very being.... Praying and Praying... I keep praying for wisdom and guidance to interfere more and make the gap between my mother and I larger or let it go and trust. You see my mom supports 5 grandchildren and 2 adult children on a fixed income and she hardly has time to go to the bathroom let alone parent two teenage girls. Rich may have had his bone marrow transplant last year - there was a plan a goal! Things at my mom's just seem a drift with no plan, no goal. FRUSTRATING..

So how is everyone doing out there in cyber land? How has your mood been? I wish I could put a finger on my latest mood. I seem to be living in worryville and not getting much done - SO here I sit thinking this blogging will work like a therapists and help me to get it out there and DEAL with it.

Only 9 days to go and the calendar will officially add another year to my age. We are going to use some of those Marriott points and head off to the JW in Las Vegas. We rolled the loose coin last night and had over $400.00 in change (I now have gambling money). Susan (the other sista) will be meeting up with us there and we (drum roll) are going to see the JERSEY BOYS. Susan and I went to LV last year and stayed with Aunt Liz and had a wonderful fun time filled with laughter. She will be there in spirit with us this year and she will be missed - you can be sure we will be raising more than one glass of spirits to her and enjoying her town.

SO have a good one!

Pisces

2009-03-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Seems like good advise for the day.Horescope

Anything that you dream up you can make happen -- if you perservere and stay positive! Banish those clouds of doubt that you feel edging towards your brain right now. Yes, there is uncertainty ahead -- but there always will be. Why not choose to think the best and just keep moving forward? Stick with the people who always see the bright side of life and stay away from those who tell you that the things you want you can't have. That's nonsense, and you know it. Now you have to prove it to them.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

2009-03-01T12:49:00.001-08:00

Welcome March. Recovering from another Scrapbook hangover. WOW how does 16 hours plus go by so fast. Had a great time at Scrapbook Oasis at their CHA crop yesterday. The dumb laughs about nothing - where your sides hurt the next day, prizes, giveaways and CUPCAKES, from SPRINKLES. Oh what fun. Rich just called and he is on his way home from a men's retreat with the guys from Church. Can not wait to see hear the stories and find out if he was inspired and moved by the spirit. This week will be spent preparing for Kelly's 16th Birthday Brunch here on Sunday. It will be our family and her beau's family we are (on her request) keeping it small. She did Disneyland on her actual birthday Friday, with Andrew and Grandma and apparently had a great time. Cheers here is to a wonderful week filled with SPRING coming. I actual heard A (just one) bird singing through the closed window the other day. I love to wake up with the windows open and birds singing in the morning, instead of the closed windows with the heater on. Just makes me feel closer to God - fresh air. This is the part on my blog where I leave you with some great quote or words or wisdom ....... BLANK! anybody got anything?

ICK I am scared

2009-02-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Do you feel safer, better, healthier, richer, wiser and all around down right fuzzy listening to President "O"? I don't! I can't wait to have a GITMO released terrorist living in my hood. Polosi makes me want to PUKE... is there a throw up tax? Is this America? Does money grow on trees? Do you remember when you were young or when you read to your children the CHICKEN LITTLE fairy tale, fable? It feels like our government has a very BAD case of CHICKEN LITTLE. The sky is falling the sky is falling. NO ear marks in this weeks spending program... WRONG look it up - over 9,000 ear marks and that is this weeks plan... I will now step down from my political soap box before they decide to tax opinions. Prayers for our nation and its leaders and its people ... God Bless us all.

Really

2009-02-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

Really I do want to blog and say how wonderful life is and how much fun I have had in the past two weeks.. But really I am dealing with some anger and emotional issues involving a family member or two and STUPID decisions they are making and I can't seem to get pass it for right now. My head hurts just thinking about it and so does my heart. I am going back to my knees for now and ask the Lord for guidance. Maybe once I give it all to him and give up the control I really can try to blog some good stuff. Aloha

Party Pics

2009-02-03T14:52:00.001-08:00

Party Star.... Yes, Rich was the PARTY STAR.... It was a good time, with food, friends and wine. We had beautiful warm weather in which to eat our soups and deer valley chili. Corn Bread, homemade crackers.... Brownies, German Chocolate Cake, Cookies, Lemon Bunt Cake... It was a FOODIE FESTIVAL. Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us. We are truly blessed in so many ways...AMEN. More pics of the guests and party star to follow.

1st Birthday Hyland's Island Style

2009-01-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

Party central.... the soups and chili are made. Deer Valley Chili - Roasted Leek and Potato with some little home made crackers and fresh Parmesan (new recipe) and Barb's Butternut Squash soup (they should all make for a very colorful display). 3 different salads, cookies and home made German chocolate cake... The beer is already cold and the wine is in the bottle ready... I want this to be the celebration it is planned to be for the one year anniversary of Rich's transplant last year but I also want it to be a foodie experience. Pictures and updates to follow... Happy birthday to Rich.... starting over... happy birthday to you... he is so cute! Cooked today with Barb and she already made the Butternut squash soup and we made the Leek together. Darn it is just fun to get in the Kitchen and cook with a friend. We got done and cleaned up so fast. Can't wait to try all this goodness tomorrow.

OUCH My feet Hurt

2009-01-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

My poor feet are screaming at me right now... SIT DOWN ... give me a breather you should try carrying this load all day - or in this case all morning.... So I find myself sitting for awhile and my feet taking a deep foot breath... ahhhh.... that is all I need talking feet. Been in the kitchen playing all morning with this rainy wet weather. Making Chocolate white chocolate cookies (Ian Garten ).... and they are really good. Also found an old cookbook and it had a Red Velvet cake recipe (very trendy right now) so I made that and I really am feeling like Betty Cracker this morning - the only thing not 100% happy my feet... Rich is out playing golf in the rain, which is funny since he thinks sugar melts and he thinks he is sugar.. dumb I know but something he has been saying in the rain for 34 plus years. Maybe someday I will scrap that richism... My friend Donna is back at the hospital seeing her dad, Jeff is working and well it was just me, Gracie, the kitchen and CMT on the TV (love looking at those sexy belt buckles and boots) this morning. Anxious for someone to come home and try the cookies. I always need a second opinion. Went to the Oasis last night and had some great laughs with the ladies in case I have not told you and you read this I LOVE YOU GUYS! I do think all that Laughter releases some joyful hormone that carries you through the next day (no wonder someone calls it her HAPPY SPOT). Time to get back up on my feet and clean up the baking mess my feet are starting to get a little to relaxed! Joy, laughter and something tasteful to everyone today and all week. Party on Friday.... 1st birthday celebration for Rich (it's been a year since the transplant)

Good News & Liven Life

2009-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Good News from the City of Hope last Tuesday. Rich is clear and good to go for 3 months till he has to have blood work done again. Scans were clear bone marrow aspiration was good... AHHH such wonderful news! He has come so far in the past year. January 30th is his new Birthday and we will be celebrating this 1st birthday Island style with a little PPPPAAAARRRTTTYYY, here at Hyland's Island. As you can see from this post last January, we have come along way... Deep breath-release enjoy.

Other News this week. I had my one year protest anniversary of avoiding TARGET. Yes, it has been a year and it feels good to know I actually held tight to my beliefs and did not spend ONE (Lincoln) cent in that place. I did walk through twice and things pretty much looked the same. I am still in no hurry to go there and buy their goods but funny story, we got some coupon in the mail from them this week, which we have not gotten in along time (unless Rich tosses them) but I happened to grab this one and it was like they were trying to call my name... JACKIE come back.... come save $5.00, with this coupon....funny.

A week ago last Sunday charming Susan (one of the SISTAS of Aunt Liz and Susan ) came to visit and spend the night- oh my gosh it was so joyful and fun to see her and talk about Aunt Liz. We were reminiscing about how we celebrated our birthdays last year together in Las Vegas, with Liz and maybe we should go again this year. To my amazement my gracious hubby went upstairs used the fabulous Marriott points and we are booked for our March birthdays at the Summerlin in Las Vegas for March 19 to the 21st.... Relax and Spa time and a little gambling here I come... Oh and a birthday. They have amazing spa treatments and a women's spas area that you could spend a week luxuriating in.

What else what else what else.... Been scrapbooking at the Oasis and did this class and even had my picture posted on their blog. If that is not total hollyscrappin (like hollywood) I don't know what could be better. Very fun and cute project.

Crystal Cove - Life

2009-01-08T20:10:00.001-08:00

Crystal Cove Pictures... It seems like the mac- goggle i photo burp maybe over. We will see how these post. Photos are from our walk with Gracie on Sunday at Crystal Cove. Gotta love where we live and love here in Irvine. Only 20 minutes to the coast. We may not have a budget in this state but we have the PACIFIC OCEAN... which is priceless!

A Little FYI for next week. On Tuesday we are off to the City of Hope for some of Rich's quarterly Poking and Prodding.... blood work and to see the Doctor's. On the right side of the City of Hope web site you see this really cute lady with curly hair.. That is Rich's doctor and the person you barely see in the pic with their back to you that is ME... I almost feel like a CELEB. We expect all to be perfect but some good thoughts and prayers are always appreciated. Love, joy, aloha and health to everyone.

LIFE - Wow

2009-01-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the New Year. I hear Oprah talk about having more JOY in your life and in the new year... PONDERING QUESTION.... Don't we always have JOY in our life? It's not about having more JOY it is about being AWARE of the JOY that is already in our lives and around us everyday, every second. So what exactly does she mean... give more joy - have more joy.... does joy move into your house and live in the downstairs guest room, so you know she is physically there?? All I want to say is - LOOK and FEEL - the JOY is already there it all depends on how you choose to see it and if you express the JOY by letting someone know, telling the flowers, or telling GOD thank you that brings me JOY... I FIND JOY IN THE ORDINARY ho hum of life... there is JOY in the ordinary.... OPRAH.... Does this mean ABC will be calling me to have my own talk show... I do have some interesting friends and family that would love to put in an appearance and besides that I could use a little makeover and I have been hoarding scrap book stuff, oh let's see what else, I need to lose a few pounds, I need some organization. These are just some of the joys in my life.

Yes, I had another scrappy hang over on Saturday am... I think I am now officially addicted to Fun Fridays at the Oasis. One of the big topics of discussion at the Oasis was the Creating Keepsakes, Becky Higgins feeding frenzy over the 365 kits. Definitely not helping the industry with those kind of mess ups. I must admit I was reading the SCRAP SMACK blog and I could feel the anger and frustration of the people who had a giant run around (it would seem Julie V, more people got the run around and screwed on their billings than those that will actually receive the kits). Once CK deleted my messages from the message boards after CKU- master in Anaheim, my review was not all roses - I was done with them, they can not take any constructive criticism or words of advise on how to improve. They have been at the top of the scrapping QUEENDOM and this may just knock them off their adhesive. Oh I feel like such a snitch... Bottom line is I love scrapping and most of all the new friendships and thanks to Karen for providing a place for Friday night therapy . NOTE to manufactures, designers, bloggers .... we are going to discuss you and your products , just like we discuss those LSS (local Scrap Stores) that feel the need to overcharge for product.

AHHHH I was going to end with some nice pictures of our walk at Crystal Cove Sunday... but mac must be having an attack or else goggle is goggled up and having a hot flash since the little picture loader thing at the top will now work... OH HOW BORING just a bunch of words... LIFE.... !!!

Will try and post the pictures later. Off to see if Joy is living down stairs in the guest room... I better let "O" know if I find her...... I hope she comes to stay at your house too! Joy not Oprah.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.....No hangover yet....

2009-01-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2009.... wow. Glad to close the books on 2008. Feels like I have a clean slate and you get to do so many things again. Fresh Start! This year I want to do a bucket list sort of thing with at least 3 to 5 things I really want to accomplish. Nothing to daring here- mostly organization. I guess you could call it a resolution. Resolutions somehow only seem (for me) to make it a week into the new year and a list is something that keeps going.

Spent New Years at Crystal Cove celebrating with friends. Oh what a place and what fun. I can not even remember what we did last New Years.... I know it was probably a quiet night at home since Rich was recovering from a chemo treatment and Michael and Meghan were here for a visit. Already this year is so much better - PARTY.....

Oasis Hangover coming up again tonight - off to have some fun times with the ladies tonight!... for now it is off to start that New Year's list...

Another Scrapbook HANGOVER!

2008-12-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

My paper cuts are few and the pages I finished last night while scraping at the Scrapbook Oasis even fewer. I do feel like I did about 100 sit ups my tummy muscles (not sure I have muscles in that area) hurt today from the laughter. Oh my.... after a couple of hours of just talk it gets down right funny and nothing is off limits. The Julie's V & C , the A- group Amy and Annette a cameo appearance from Ms. Flicker and Lia and myself (and our SO hostess for the evening Rebecca). I hear the improv will be calling us soon for our adhesive humor. Crazy stories about life, love, Christmas, gifts, body functions and growths, kids, hubby, work, self check out and dummies hogging up the isle in the market. The list goes on... And JV had this fabulous idea to start our own magazine and she gave out work assignments (not ready to revel just yet the title of the new mag or my assignment). I would not give up reading National Enquire - but watch for our first edition on news stands sometime around 2011 - we are still in the concept discussion stages and these things take time. So I have a scrapbook hangover and it is the best type of hangover. What a great hobby and thanks Oasis (link on left) for a great place to play on Wednesdays and Fridays and sometimes Saturday too.....

Collage from Walmart Photo Center

2008-12-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

http://photos.walmart.com/collageit/prd=prints/ This link should take you to the Walmart site which shows how to get the collage pictures for .09 Yes NINE cent these are the prints we used in our Christmas cards card on the left and then just playing around with pictures from T-day picture on the right. What a deal. You do have to upload your photos first and for me it was very slow since the Walmart up load software is for PC users and not MAC....

Merry Happy Seasons Holiday Christmas Greetings!

2008-12-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

I used them all... Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings and most importantly MERRY CHRISTMAS (above). Try painting that on the windows of your local business or getting Macy's to use it as a slogan next year. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve and a warm Merry Christmas tomorrow. Make sure your camera batteries are charged, take lots of pictures and most of all make memories. This is the only Christmas we get in 2008. God Bless everyone! HO HO HO..... MERRY CHRISTMAS.

The Greeting Cards have all been sent.

2008-12-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, they are gone... LOVE to get them too! We sent out over 100 Christmas Cards and have received about 20 so far. Well at least the post office should be plump and happy with all we spent in postage. WARNING do not buy the big Christmas cards at the 50 to 70% off sale and think that is good and you are going to send a big card for the same price as a small card! Walked one into the post office weighed it (I already had the .42 cent stamp on the envelope) and it was going to cost .59 to send it since it was so big. We had to stand there and work the postal slot machines to buy more stamps and they only had .27 stamps so the .42 card cost .69 to mail... Hope that postmaster general gets his bonus thanks to us. The nuts have been made (candied pecans), the packages have been sent! Those are all good things checked off the list... But someone needs to figure out the shopping... I don't want to go - I don't want to do it... I don't want to wrap em, tape em or label them.... I am feeling like this time of year you really do figure out how much you don't know about people- your family. You think you know someone till you ask your self what would they like for Christmas... what are their interest - hobbies, what size are they, what do they like to eat. Who ever thought of the gift card was a total genius. Time to get busy. Leaving you with a few other pics... The blue Santa arrived yesterday from our good friends the Skillman's and the Santa is from RUSSIA... Love it. Kind of like a gift card you can't go wrong with a Santa. Picture of the wordy tree. Reminds me of a scrap book page. Lots of BELIEVE, JOY, FAITH and PEACE

glittery words all over it. AND the candied pecans waiting for the Hyland Island Sleigh to appear and make deliveries. Next week... MERRY HAPPY CHRISTMAS by this time next week it will all just be lots of Festive Paper heading for the recycle bin... and memories - don't forget to take lots of pictures and try a different angle...!

Giving the perfect gift

2008-12-14T22:45:00.001-08:00

DUMB but a tradition none the less... We have this really old 70's style Christmas door hanger that the DOG (not even sure which dog now) ate years ago. It is ugly colored and chewed up and can no longer hang on a door. Each year we take this dumb chewed up mess -wrap it in beautiful packaging and watch as the newly elected gift getter unwraps the package- oh and ahhhing the entire time.... and everyone is watching the beautiful gift being unwrapped....carefully laying back the tissue paper and there it is the UGLY gift... (bad scary music plays in the background) when the gift getter lays eyes upon it and starts laughing lots of belly laughing by others occurs at this point along with lots of picture taking. The person feels completely ridiculous.. since all of us but the one who wrapped it (which would have been the one that received it last year) forgot about this DUMB funny tradition... This year my hubby is getting it. He is the one who says don't buy me anything yet, he is the first to want to open a present. I wonder what he will like better - the nose trimmer or the bad ugly chewed door hanger thing! The pictures are from 2006, sorry but they are a little out of order since my mac is being moody... but you get the idea... Merry almost Christmas - Aloha

QUICKIE POST

2008-12-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here there and everywhere.. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas or in some cases feeling like HAPPY HOLIDAYS! What is a HAPPY HOLIDAY? We celebrate Christmas here at Hyland's Island and not "HAPPY"... I mean we are happy and that is most of the time... but during the birth of Christ season we celebrate CHRISTMAS in lieu of HAPPY HOLIDAYS. If you are not celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or whatever this time of year represents to you and yours is it just a paid day off of work? Is it a Happy Holiday because you have a day off in the middle of the week? If you are celebrating "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" why don't you buy gifts for Martin Lutheran King or President's HOLIDAY? If I were in a foreign country wouldn't I be expected to honor their holy day? Oh wait I am in a foreign country my own.... I still have not spent one cent in a Target store since our incident last January... But I want to say to them YIPPPPEEEE... you used the word CHRISTMAS in your TV commercial. That earned a few points for Target in my book. Lately, life is giving me more questions than answers... in case you couldn't tell from this quickie post. Off to think of more things to put on the to do list, Christmas Cards, call me old fashioned but, I love to send them and get them. Might not be the green thing to do but nothing is anymore. Tennis Party tomorrow with the tennis ladies here at the Island, need to finish the decorations. About 1/3 of the decorations remain packed this year... easier to put them away in January. Need to do some shopping and make our famous pecans. Oh life is good and full but that does not mean I don't have questions. God Bless everyone!

Best to SAY it with PICTURES

2008-11-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

Pictures of HEN ree EAT-A... BEFORE & AFTER.... The bird who did not get the presidential pardon since she ended up in my oven.... As you can see in the first picture I gave her a nice herb with butter massage (not just any rub- a William Sonoma rub, only the best for our Turkey) and I stuffed her before she went into the oven. What girl does not like a good massage followed by being stuffed... Personally I will skip the oven part. Unless it is Hawaii and I am baking in the sun. She was a beauty. AND I almost forgot she had such a happy life before she ended up in my oven... SHE WAS A FREE RANGE TURKEY... ahhh.... let me tell you that turkey really did have some bruising on her thighs - I don't think free range is all it is cracked up to be - a girl can get hurt in the open out of a cage when the Tom's are chasing you down or you are crying because one of the other hens made some rude remark about your waddle ....

The table looked festive. Done by Cassie and Sarah and fresh flowers from Ray and Ron. Of course this is also a before picture since after would show all the gravy stains and crumbs and the dirty dishes..
This would also be a picture before Hen ree EATA was done ... nothing like a little festive marinate for ones own body, mind and soul. Just in case HEN ree EAT-A didn't make it to the table and turned into TURKEY JERKY... a little relax JUICE (Cosmo) for me and Barb.... Can I have one now... Oh wait it is SUNDAY and I am blogging.... Made myself thirsty... crisis avoided for now, maybe later.

Hope every one's bird was delightful... Love to all

more fun good stuff to share later... Today is #34 for Rich and Jackie... I think I will go down stairs and we can fall asleep in our comfy chairs and drool together.

NICETIES

2008-11-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

NICETIES - that is when someone does something unexpected and takes extra time out of their day to do something and you just think wow - that was so nice. It makes me want to do do something nice in return. Niceties are becoming something rare and maybe it is just me but I try to be on the look out for them when they happen to me (and say thank-you) and I do try and be nice to others - but okay I admit it - sometimes I am just annoyed and just try and get out of the persons way.

Last Saturday I could be found at my usual (this month) hangout Scrapbook Oasis. Lia and I were taking the Flip-Book class and Nora's tag class. WOW what niceties. Karen had a fab lasagna dinner and salad for us between classes and the classes themselves were so fun and the kits generous and the last thing I expected was dinner... THEN her husband had to get in on the niceties act and he drove the dinner over piping hot from their home. I just want to say, the classes, the instructors (and in Nora's case instructor and hubby), along with the other scrappy ladies, the dinner.... It was such an unexpected fun night filled with NICETIES... ahhhh just escapes my lips when I think about it.... THANK YOU..... THANK YOU..... THANKS....

To all our family and friends out there who read this blog but don't leave comments... Just know we love you all so much and wish you and yours a BLESSED, STUFFED and happy Thanksgiving.

OUT OF TOUCH

2008-11-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

is an understatement... Samantha Bee is a comedian with the Jon Daily show... and she is Canadian. So I am concluding that her comment that was quoted about Christmas in the Readers Digest was met to be funny (previous post)? SO she has a job and a life but, I don't know what her real thoughts are about Christmas and I am DEFINITELY out of touch with the who's who of who I should know. OH by the way with the current financial retail crises I am willing to design for K-mart and they can pay me a lot less money than they pay Martha and if NBC needs another day time hostess/talk show person in addition to Rosie O and Ellen - I have some good stories and interesting friends too, my friends just don't live in Hollywood. AND I would do the talk show thing for FREE. Do you think any one would buy the HYLAND'S ISLAND pineapple bed sheets at K-mart? or watch the who in the heck is that talk show host on NBC? Could be fun then I might be more in touch... Be sure to Laugh at something today and if there is nothing Laugh at your self.

Things

2008-11-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Things in Life are good. And some things really bug me. First the good stuff, before Halloween we had Happy Hour here at the Island complete with Kona Beer, Hawaiian Martini's and my personal favorite Cosmo's. Robin was here visiting from Colorado - not that we needed an excuse to have a Happy Hour since we try to have one every week. You know my other new motto is I won't be needing my liver for another 53 years... (I am thinking 35 years max) SO drink up! Thanks Lia for taking the pictures.

Gracie does not drink unless you count water. But in this picture she sure looks like she has been drinking. She knows how to blink and keep her eyes closed before the flash goes off. She is one funny party dog.

Going to the Dentist is not all bad (I had to go today for that wonderful scratch and buff - also known as a cleaning) but when your dentist is in Laguna Beach and it is a beautiful day at the beach - well park the car and go for a little walk. That is what Gracie and I did. It was only 9:30 in the am and the temperature was perfect, we even saw dolphin swimming off shore. Love having the camera in the purse with a little self timer.

Something that bugs me today.... Don't know what to think or make of this but here goes. While in the reading room today (bathroom) I picked up the latest Readers Digest (is the bathroom not where everyone keeps their Readers Digest? I think they should rename it the Urinal Paper Reader).. anyway came across this little diddy on page 203 of QUOTES (they were about the up coming holidays - sometimes I even know the people they are quoting)

Christmas: It's the only religious holiday that's also a federal holiday. That way, Christians can go to their services, and everyone else can sit at home and reflect on the true meaning of the separation of church and state. Samantha Bee

QUESTIONS... is this the best quote RD could come up with?

How exactly are you supposed to interpret this. We don't know if she is a Christians or not or some whacko who will now be trying to do away with Christmas as a federal holiday. Will Readers Digest be suing me for using something with out permission...? AND if this lady uses a paid from work holiday to reflect on things like separations... does she not need to get a life. When I am done here I am going to google her name and see what comes up.

Check out Jeff's Web site for his latest most recent, green up date on a school that no longer uses foam trays... Southern-tier . This could be an entire new blog about school lunch trays. I think back in the 60' they were made out of some now outlawed chemicals. I remember they actually washed them in a dishwasher and we used real flatware... Convenience is not always a good thing. Oh and lunch was really expensive at school for .35.

BIG PRAISE GOD to my best friend Donna who became a Grandmother yesterday, to baby Jackson. He showed up over 8 weeks early - lots of prayers for this new family.

November is in the Air

2008-11-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Over 1000 pieces of candy given out last night from our driveway... My arm hurts from dropping candy in all those bags... Truly, there were so many kids trick or treating in our neighborhood last night. No parking any place - people drive here, do their treating with the kids and drive away. I must say some of the kids were creative (or their parents) and some did nothing but stop home pick up a grocery bag and say they were dressed. I asked this one kid who looked like he just came from school what are you dressed as? and he told me an Abercrombie and Fitch model... we were just rolling from laughing, it was very quick thinking on his part. With all the trick or treating October officially comes to an end and it is into November we go.

Looking forward to November and Thanksgiving this year Rich, was beginning his treatments last year and we had a really small T-day celebration. I am really looking forward to more family and a healthier time this year. Oh we have come so Far... thank you Lord. Another big item we will have our 34th wedding anniversary at the end of the month. We've now been married so long, we like to tell people we were both married before.... we take a nice pause and follow it up with TO EACH OTHER. it usually generates a small laugh from the newcomer.

Michael is home for the weekend - such great joy in seeing our baby. Meghan is not feeling well enough to travel and I love to see and visit with her. She is my scrap book buddy, we make such a lovely mess when she comes and we hang out all day just playing with adhesive and embellishments. Michael is off surfing and spending time with his high school friends. He brought some of his wine home for us to try last night. Really good for his first attempt. The wine certainly didn't hurt with all those trick or treaters last night.... Time to go get some real stuff done. It was a blissfully busy week last week and it went by so fast..... ahhh deep breath. Life challenging but Love it.

Love Busy

2008-10-27T13:10:00.001-07:00

I just figured out I can not post any pictures under my name... UGH... OH MAC (new computer) I am not totally sold on you yet.. I liked it better when I knew what I was doing. Off to the other computer Land and try this again. Beautiful weather here in Southern California today.... AHHHHH even the air smells good. Hey, did I just fall down a rabbit hole?

Better?

2008-10-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

The flat pancake tire I found on my car this am is fixed (sort of the triple A man put the spare on) and my kitchen sink is again working. Better right? Lots of tension in the family air here tonight, dinner was lacking in any conversation... but it is better right? When is it going to be better? Reading the bible study ONE MONTH TO LIVE and I have not picked it up in days.... after the wonderful stimulating dinner tonight and bible study next Monday, I thought I better pick it up and start reading a little more.... SMACK, Smack, Smack in the face... How would you live your life differently if you only had one month to live.... Or are you living that way now? Big questions... Failure is never fatal... love that line only it should say minor inconvenience are not fatal... So having the flat tire fixed and the sink back... better right? Other inspiring words.... We don't have control over many things in life. We don't get to decide the dates on our gravestone. We don't know when our time on earth will be up. Only God knows.... BUT there is one thing we have a vast amount of control over. We get to decide how we're going to use our DASH (the dash is that little line between the year when we were born and when we die.... it's our life in between). Then they ask the question are you living the dash? Or dashing to live? ahhhh I am better...

RECAP: Rich is home from his mancation (love this word from Lia), I would like to say he had a great time but to quote him he said sometimes the golf got in the way of a really good time, because it was GOLF.... probably something only real golf players understand.

I spent the weekend up in Big Bear with my friend Donna. The sky is always so blue up in the mountains and the peace, quiet and solitude is so refreshing. No constant hum of freeway noise like here at home. We didn't get much scapbooking done but we did go down the hill to Temecula for the Susan G. Komen Breast cancer walk. Very festive and motivating to see all those people walking for "HEALTH OF HOOTERS" (this was a little song diddy I heard one of the team singing). Little kids walking, a girl on crutches, wheel chairs being pushed... lots of people in pink shirts. You just can't help but get emotional! Walked with niece Cassie Donna, had a couple of her nieces there and I am just glad we did it. Sometimes it is so easy to talk your self out of something... even if it is something you want to do.

Robin Kelso, is doing a huge craft show in Clairmont this weekend.... 450 vendors according to the web page. Robin designs for DEMDACO. You can go to Demdaco put her name in search and see her line. At the show she will only be selling originals. Yes, I plan to get there early since she never has as much product as she can sell.

I started this blog post on Tuesday and it is now Wednesday. Life just keeps happening. Off to live and love in my dash moment. A little happy hour with the hotties and then a trip to Scrap Nation.... or Scrapbook Oasis for a little fun with Lia and the ladies. LOVE YA. Tomorrow I am going to post a picture of the HUGE screw that was in my tire. They pulled it out today, plugged the tire and put the spare away. IT WAS HUGE and I am thankful I did not have a flat on the way down from Big Bear Mountain on Monday. Yeah, things are better.

testing 2,3,4

2008-10-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

The new IMac is home and sort of up and running, with the exception of our local cable email provider. So I thought lets give this a try with the new Mac and google and see what happens. So hello this is me on the new mac... Now I will attempt to add a picture from Iphoto... Not as smooth or as fast as I would like but I am still on the learning curve with the new puter...

This is where I made Rich sit on his bottom for about 2 hours on hard black lava rock while we waited for night fall to see the glow of the volcano. It was so worth it. Or so I thought till we had to hike back with our flashlights in the dark, back over the lumpy bumpy lava rocks with other tourist who see better than you breathing like hot lava down your neck so they can pass you ... IN THE DARK, driving back to our hotel in the darkest dark, no street lights on a two lane road we didn't know, in the rain, just enough rain to keep the wipers wiping... with the ocean on one side... we think we could not actual see the ocean and one car in front of us, bright lights bearing down on the other side of the road. At one point Rich had the opportunity to pass the car in front and I said I don't think we want to be the lead DOG here. Rich slowly letting the circulation back into his fingers from grabbing and holding the steering wheel so tightly... that is when you are scared and say God, I really liked seeing the volcano but now I am questioning my wisdom in this decision so please see us back safely... He did. Now it is safe to say I really like it. You can check out the local flow and volcano update here. I will add more photo's later. Have to go check for FIRE update. Rich just called and said there is one burning here in Irvine... ALOHA

Aunt Liz

2008-10-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

While we were in Hawaii, Kauai to be exact, the services were held in Las Vegas for Aunt Liz. We were sad we were not there to say Aloha and be with her sister Susan and her family during this time and to say our final earthly good bye to a beautiful woman. I did want to share with you a letter we had written to express some of the emotions that courageous Aunt Liz brought to our lives.

Aloha - to everyone gathered here today to honor the memory and joyfulness that Aunt Liz brought to our lives. We wish a special Aloha to Susan, Jerry, Deborah, Elizabeth, Jerry and to the rest of your family. Even though we are not there today with you – we are there in spirit and holding you all close in our hearts and prayers today.

Richard, myself and the rest of our family wanted to express our love, emotion, gratitude and admiration for this amazingly brave and courageous women we called Aunt Liz. It is very hard to find the right words to convey to others what a true treasure she was in our lives. After writing and rewriting words in trying to describe the meaning of what Liz met to us I think God stepped in and said here it is - this is what Liz showed you - this is how she lived her life. I am going to use parts of a daily devotional from an email that was written by Jim Liebeit from March 30, 2008, that best describe our Aunt and Friend Elizabeth Fix

The bible verse is from James 1:2-4

Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.

Jim Liebeit, goes on to say… an elderly blind women was being moved to a nursing home. When she arrived, she was taken to her room. She entered and told the attendant enthusiastically, “I love it” the attendant questioned the women…. “how can you say you love it, when you’ve never been in it before – and you can’t see what it looks like?’ The woman spoke up “seeing the room dosen’t have anything to do with it. Happiness is my choice. I have decided to love my room. Every morning, I have a choice on whether I focus on what I don’t like about my life or what I do like about it. I’m choosing right now to love the new room where I’m going to live”.

Liz had more than her share of trials, being windowed much to young, two time breast cancer survivor and many other life challenges….. Pastor Liebeit goes on to say “so much about the quality of our lives is determined not by the situation itself, but rather how we respond to it and one thing we all can count on for sure: Our lives will not be lived without trail, struggle and pain”.

Liz demonstrated that she lived with grace, she choose joy and even happiness, in the face of difficult life situations. I am not sure many of us could find it within ourselves to choose joy during the difficult seasons in our lives. She showed us joy in her relationships: being married to Uncle Bob, being a fabulous sister to Susan, a friend and companion to Charles. She showed us joy in this crazy place called Las Vegas. If you were in her presence you were in her JOY.

From a trip to the Shore of New Jersey years ago to the shores of Kauai in September 2006, celebrating a birthday with Liz and Susan this past March, here in Las Vegas…. These are a few memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Her lively personality and fiestness…. Her adorable LIZ ISMS – “housework is bad for your finger nails” and money in your pocket book in the casino is called LETTUCE. The time in Kauai she looked out the window of the car at all the vegetation and plant growth along the side of the road and said “you know it would look a lot neater if they would trim it up”.

We have a huge empty spot in our heart knowing Aunt Liz is no longer there to show us the joy that she so generously gave away to everyone.

We don’t want to think of today as saying Good Bye to Aunt Liz, rather we want to think of it as ALOHA. Thank you Liz, for spreading the joy and letting us be part of it…

All our Love
Hugs, Prayers, Aloha and Kisses

Rich and Jackie

Rich and I had our own goodbye in Kauai at the Waiohai on Friday morning at about the same time as the service in Las Vegas. We found this great place in Las Vegas aloha 2 go, from the Internet and there is a man their named Joe who took care of us and made sure the lei's were delivered where they need to be and were at the Church on Friday. We along with Rich's brother Kevin and family sent special lei's for Aunt Liz and Susan, and had the purple orchid lei's sent for the rest of the family. We felt at least that way we could all be their in spirit with all of them. Susan, later told us that they were beautiful and plentiful lei's (since you never know sight unseen over the Internet what you might get - we were happy to hear her review, we have since called JOE to thank him for all his help and assistance and we have threatened to stop in his store next time we are in Vegas and say hello, bye the way he lived on Oahu til he moved to Vegas 10 years ago, we enjoyed a few conversations about his Islands).

Here is a picture from Friday September 26 at 6:00 am in the morning, the sun had not yet risen over the horizon so it is a little dark but you can see some of the Orchid flowers on the rocks waiting for the tides to take them out to sea. We shared a few memories of 2006 out loud with each other and we could see Liz standing their putting her flowers in that same spot only two short years ago on a Friday Morning. We cried, remembered and prayed asking for that peace and understanding only the Lord can provide. I think we felt some peace but as a human I don't think I will ever understand it all til I am one day standing in heaven.

Some of my friends call me a romantic (notice Friends not spouse call me that) and I have this beautiful picture in my mind of Jesus at this colorful garden gate all covered in lovely flowers of all Liz's favorites - welcoming and saying hello to Aunt Liz. And then through the gate she see Uncle Bob, no words are exchanged he just takes her hand and walks her back through the gates into heaven and they just smile at each other so much in love and the only thing he says is "I have been waiting for you".

They now get to spend eternity together!

I know they had a true love and I want to thank them both for being a "married relationship example" for Rich and I.

In the previous post STUFF, a couple below you can see the three of standing at the same spot by the green railing in 2006 and the flowers from Liz and Susan's lei on some of the same rocks. Oh thank heaven for pictures!

Time to turn the computers off and get them into the computer store for their BRAIN merge. We had to buy that new computer and we did go MAC.... and they will transfer the information from the old one to the new one and it will take about three days. We have great pictures from our trip and lots to tell about the Islands - but it will have to wait for now.

God Bless you all with a wonderful day and week... Interesting side note my bible study group is reading ONE MONTH TO LIVE this fall. I will keep you posted on the insights... Find your happiness Aloha

Tropical Vacation

2008-10-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

oh my - am I really home from that fabulous tropical vacation?. Two weeks of fun, a little adventure, sun, fish, food and about 500 plus pictures. OH MY digital is great but 500 pictures. Still on major re-entry after the red eye last night... I mean this morning. Lots to share later...The tropical music in the background is fading slowly.... So happy to be home love to travel love to come home. Love to all of you.

Tropical Hawaiian Music

2008-09-18T08:31:00.001-07:00

is definitely getting louder and playing in the background. Gone Surfing or Snorkelling or something like that .... Be back in a few weeks. Prayers for a safe Journey... Sunsets awaiting.

ALOHA

2008-09-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

The vacation process is almost complete. Tomorrow we are off for some fun, sun, surf (I don't surf but it always sounds good to say) and what ever other adventure might come our way. Our friends are in Maui now and tell us the weather is good and the water is warm. Which is what you would expect from HAWAII.... we will meet up with them tomorrow afternoon if our plane gets out of LAX on time and all the other stuff goes correctly. I must admit I do get ant's in my pants now when I have to sit for that long and the movie always seems to be some kiddie flick about a mouse in a restaurant or some dancing penguin so having that is a distraction for a couple of hours does not work. The Bose's headphones are a lifesaver, they help almost as much as drinking adult beverages.... Time to go do some more items on the DO be FOUR YOU GO list.... I think I am starting to hear Hawaiian music playing in the background.... Happy Sunsets

STUFF

2008-09-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Lots and Lots of Stuff... to say, to do, to enjoy! Besides being a wife, mom, daughter, friend, aunty, and several other titles (titles other's call me may not be appropriate to mention here, I am sure they are always said in LOVE by others), I am a consumer. Mostly I have disappointing consumer stories - one such story was about my TARGET experience last January. Good News, I have still not shopped in a Target since January (my original goal was only 3 months). I did go in the door of one back in April, turned around and left.... Good for me! But there are some brands and places I remain very loyal too and for good reason so here are my stories from yesterday......

The good consumer story (ies).... took my Canon Rebel into the Canon center here in Irvine yesterday and they clean them for FREE... yes, FREE. I thought it was going to cost about $200.00. The attendant said if your camera is working fine it probably only needs to be cleaned. So I dropped it off and picked it up four hours later.... The test will be taking pictures next week on vacation. But the pesky spots I was seeing looking through the view finder are all gone. Now that is nice.... Second Story.... I had a camera lens which for some reason decided to act more like a quacking duck beak than a solid camera lens. I purchased it in February 2007 at Ritz camera at the Market Place in Tustin.... I returned it to them sometime this past June with the date of purchase and they were able to come up with my original receipt for the return and warranty information.... Amazing. To make a long story short, somehow the lens was lost and I never got a repair estimate for the lens..... Due to the long delay they found another lens just like the one I had and replaced it .... No more questions asked. I have always used Ritz camera and really like them. They do great film/digital developing of pictures. The prints may cost a penny or more but they have the best vibrant true colors on prints and I have always been happy with their processing..... Just like the other places you can upload from your home computer. Now aren't those nice consumer stories....

Vacation stuff is slowing getting done and Rich and I are looking forward to our trip. The emotional part is that they are having Aunt Liz's services when we are gone in Kauai. We will be there in spirit to hold sister Susan and her family close in our hearts and Rich and I are planning our own little "aloha", for Liz and Susan's family. There is this one BEAUTIFUL spot by the resort where the ocean, sky and land all come together. It is where we stood with Liz (and sister Susan) in September 2006 when we placed the flowers from our lei's in the water... You will find us in that spiritual spot at 7am Kauai time on the 26th not to say good bye but to say THANK YOU and ALOHA to a wonderful, brave courageous lady. We were so proud to call her AUNT but even prouder to call her FRIEND. Knowing she is not there any longer really leaves us with a big vacancy in our hearts.
Top of the blog - Rich Liz, and myself the day they were flying back home from Kauai. Beautiful Liz, tossing her flowers into the Pacific, her and sister Susan and finally - just the flowers floating in the rocks on the ocean tide. Life is so precious.
My prayer this week has simply been for the Lord to open my heart to how precious life here on earth can be and to know he is in control. It has been hard and there are lots of times I just want to sit and be sad. However, if there is one thing (actually there were several and they were all good) I learned from Aunt Liz it was to keep going, keep moving forward. She had been through very rough and emotional times and most people would have given up but she always quietly endured and kept going forward. Amazing example!

Liz, thank you for setting the bar so high on how to live this precious life.
xoxox Aloha GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!

POWERFUL STUFF

2008-09-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HpRO8g9Qds

Get a cup of tea, coffee, or your favorite beverage and give your self 9 minutes to watch this clip of Patsy Clairmont. She was just one of the speakers I did see this past weekend at Women of Faith in Anaheim. After watching this clip this morning I do feel renewed and ready... The good news is I am not in charge. On this same You Tube page there are some other good clips and be sure to check out Anita Renfro for some laughs... ALOHA

COUNT DOWN

2008-09-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Liz.If my life were a reality show... which it feels like it is lately or a bad country western song. So much going on in the past month. Too many things and issues to deal with this year, this week! Yet, I pray and try my best to remain positive and maintain good humor (not the ice cream man... for those who can remember the GOOD HUMOR ice cream man). I guess you could call this LIFE, with all it's bumps, grinds, laughs, smiles and tears. The vacation count down has begun and in 7 days we are off to Kauai and the big Island of Hawaii. I should be excited, happy and anxious ready and willing (right) to do laundry so we can pack. Instead..... I have nothing to say no words of wisdom to "SELF". Something I do know ... this trip is different than last year. Last September we knew Rich would be going into City of Hope for his bone marrow transplant... we gave ourselves permission to have an outstanding vacation since their would be a long road and recovery. We did there was. In 2006 we went to Kauai and stayed at the Waiohai Beach Club, with Aunt Liz and her sister Susan. This year the trip will have lots of sweet memories of Liz and our trip there with her. I will never forget her comment about how much neater the place would look if they would only trim some of the vegetation. We still laugh about that one. Liz, we will have pineapple drink for you and picture you there with us just like it was September 2006....
The famous only to us "SISTAS" in Kauai

My head keeps arguing with my heart about isn't this terrible... could that be better. Could the 5 1/2 year old computer not need to be replaced (at least I have a computer).... Could the 17 year old washer and dryer not need to be replaced since they are on their last load... well at least I can have clean clothes. Could my car seat not have broken yesterday and need a bucket of money to fix. At least I have a car to fix... yeah- yeah... another head and heart argument... what a crock of ^%@#... says the head and the heart says no it's true you are blessed... To be Continued. The head -heart argument. Oh well the sun will come up tomorrow - tomorrow. I hope the heart wins the argument. It will...

Sadness and Great Joy

2008-09-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Some things happen in life and you just can not put them into words. You need to absorb, let it sink in and then try and figure it out. Which in talking to "SELF", I know I will never figure out on my own. So I pray and ask the great one (GOD), for some understanding in my heart and in my head. Maybe in a day, Maybe in a week, Maybe in an hour and then again maybe NEVER, will this earthly person have answers from "SELF" but the Lord will be not only my strength but I know he will heal my head and leave love in my heart where this amazing person once took up a living section here on earth. I pray not only my great sadness but that everyone elses sadness, in days to come be replaced with the great JOY in our hearts that she gave to all of us, unconditionally, every time we heard her voice or we were in her presents. Thank you, Thank God for you ... miss you... Aloha, tears and smiles.....

Labor Day

2008-09-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

What a great day Labor day turned out to be.... It was supposed to be a day of staying home doing nothing getting ready for the week. We told ourselves this would be the case after spending Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Lake Arrowhead with our wonderful, gracious, friends Hardy and Phyllis. Their home in Lake Arrowhead is beautiful. They are the best host and hostess and they invited us to play in the Country Club golf scramble Friday. I thought I was just going to ride in the cart and Phyllis would say... Jackie get out - and hit the ball..... RIGHT... it has been at least 8 years since I was officially on a golf course and tried using those funny little sticks to hit the smallest dimpled ball in the world... (like shooting those sporting clays in Colorado - why not give it a try, you might actually like it) I actually managed to mostly make forward progress and I had one putt all day that went in the hole. DISCLAIMER... don't worry hubby GOLF can remain your sport not something I am ready to take up. Although, I do like the smell of a freshly mowed lawn in the morning. Rich and Hardy managed to play 64 holes of golf, Phyllis and I actually played tennis on Sunday and we took that funky little boat tour of the lake on the Arrowhead Queen... You know the one, where they point out where the movie stars lived or live and my favorite the big giant house with lots of acres around it.... a California LOTTERY winner... Life observation all those little tour boats are QUEEN something (Tahoe Queen, River Queen...)

Where oh Where is all this going .... to MONDAY of course. PHONE CALL.... Rich, says we have just been invited to go with Karen and Scott on their boat for the day. DECISION time, stay home (which is not a bad place to spend the day) or go enjoy some really fresh air, on a boat in the ocean??? Just like Jimmy Buffett says ... I'll take the deck of a boat any day. OH MY LORD (and he did not disappoint) ... the weather cleared up, the sun came out, the water turned blue, we were with great friends, on a fabulous boat.. then mother nature put on her show. Pilot Whales, BLUE WHALES and Dolphin.... I think we should have stayed home in our back yard.... yeah, right.

Pilot Whale... their must have been 30 or more.

Picture of "one" Dolphin riding under the bow of the boat. What you don't see is 8 of his or her other friends also under the bow. Jumping up so close you could hear them making noise and you could almost touch them they were so close. Amazing!

The BLUES

Sunset

and now it is Wednesday already. Life just moves a little to fast - so capture it. Take a picture or journal something about it... OR BLOG... !

ALOHA LOVE to ALL.

Pondering Questions

2008-08-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Could it be that the airline industry - besides charging for your second bag of luggage and keeping you under 50 lbs.... could be a direct link to the sluggish economy? Does anyone know a CEO or president of an airline industry they could ask for me? When I go someplace I want to buy souvenirs and take local food items, t-shirts and whatever else home with me to California. I again noticed on this most recent trip that I couldn't spend money or pack anything in my luggage since when we left home we were already at 48 lbs on the luggage (yes, we weigh it at home we don't like surprises).... I kept my wallet in my purse a lot more than I wanted to. I know you can buy it, pack it mail it.... which brings up another point who wants to spend their 5 day trip running around doing those errands (find the box, buy tape, pack it, address it, go to post office... you get the scene)? And don't you want what you purchased with you when you arrive home in lieu of waiting for the post man to deliver it? I guess you could keep the new stuff and mail home the dirties... ICK.....

Next question - all the airlines (that I know of) have gone to a "CASHLESS CABIN meaning you need to have your credit card with you to purchase anything and these days the airlines have lots of stuff to sell besides an adult beverage (pillows, headsets, snacks, movies). What brings this up? A recent article in some newspaper about Jet Blue or other airlines charging to go to the bathroom? ..... Well not yet, but could it be coming? Which leads me to my biggest Pondering Question.... if you had to pay on the plane to go to the bathroom ... would #1 cost more than #2 and where or where would we slide our credit card... would toilet paper cost more if you are a female? Or here is a suggestion if this really happens... perhaps when we check in you could have us buy a pre-paid potty pass and the flight attendant after storing all those ridicules carry ons that weigh more than 50lbs could punch our potty pass... Somethings are just meant to be FREE or INCLUDED or a NICEITY.... George Carlin where are you when we need you to make this all very funny for us...? Be sure to laugh out loud today it is good for the body - good for the soul.

Home Again Home Again

2008-08-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Southern California is a great place to live! Our weather is definitely different than what we experienced n Colorado.... See that picture that is SNOW on the windshield.... yes SNOW in AUGUST? Thunder, Lighting and an occasional glimpse of the sun!

Still - I am ready to go back again. We had lots of fun and adventures some planned, some not planned, we made lots of new memories. A few highlights... Oh there were so many - and so many laughs, visiting with our friends Deb and Larry (Deb works for Frontier and got us the buddy passes which worked out just fine once WE worked out a bug or two and made a second trip to the airport for Rich's golf clubs that didn't make it on the plane the first time, this was securities fault not Frontier's), having my first beer in two years at TOMMY KNOCKERS, in Idaho Springs on the way to Vail. They had the best Garlic - Parmesan French Fires. It was a bit rainy and I couldn't have the camera out much but I would love to go back to this picturesque town and shoot about 100 pictures... We spent 3 days in Vail and between the thunder and rain, the guys even got out for a little golf. Larry, took us sport clay shooting on Sunday - Rich and I both learned how to shoot a gun for the first time and it was the last thing on earth I would ever imagine myself doing but it was a real kick. I hit 3 of about 70 round orange clay disc somehow and I haven't a clue how I hit them. At one point being the expert marksman/women that I am - I asked Larry can these bullets hurt you.... He assured me they were real and you could take someones head off with them. Suddenly this was not as much fun as it was 10 minutes ago..... #1 rule SAFETY FIRST - and it will remain fun. Yes, I would do this again. Like I mentioned these are just some highlights. Monday it was time for our 3rd trip to the Denver airport - Rich was flying home and I was staying to have lunch with Laurie, my friend Donna's daughter who lives in Aurora (friends since we were 10), visit Archivers (baby mecca of scrapping) and see some of the sights of Denver with Debbie. Back to Laurie she is having her first baby and since I am the always adopted auntie and I was in her town I just had to see the baby bump.

We don't know yet if it is a Boy or Girl Sprout....

Tuesday it was back to the airport for our 4th trip... I was meeting our friends Robin and Jim, who were flying back from 10 days in Kauai. After a nice car ride to pick up their new puppy Max (14 weeks) it was back on the road to Morrison.... where they have now lived for a year (since leaving Irvine last August, this has not been easy for Robin who is beach loving native of California) in a beautiful mountain home with panoramic views of the mountains. Jim told me not to go out alone at night since the week before they had seen a mountain lion in their backyard. Yeap, that is a little different than Irvine when you look out your window and see someone driveway. They also have moose, deer, bear and fox that travel through the yard... YIKES... I did see the fox and deer and that was quite enough wild life, thank you. My friend Robin is in my opinion one of the best folk art designers ever. I can scrap book but she can do amazing things with Styrofoam, paint and wires. She designs for DEMDACO and if you click on the link it should take you to her Mistletoe Manor Collection. She has several other lines as well and if you are a snowman lover..... Check it out or buy some of her collections at your local (hopefully, they carry her line) gift store. A few more pics to share and time to move on... Happy Day... God Bless...!!!! Max the puppy .... like you couldn't tell..... view from Robins's deck in her back yard.

Stopping for refreshment at the Wilcott Yacht Club after clay shooting with Larry & Deb. This is very funny since there are no Yachts or Lakes nearby....

View from Larry and Deb's place in Vail. I guess you could call this white water view....

Thank you, Debbie and Larry for some memories that will last forever. In case you want to run for public office I left out some of our finer moments and no I didn't take pictures so you won't see your self on the front of NE....

Robin and Jim, thanks to the two of you too.... Water is like friendship it should never be taken for granted. xxoxoxo

Rocky Mountain High

2008-08-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

COLORADO.... yep, time to pack up the undies, clean the camera cards and recharge the batteries. We are officially going to "TRY" to get to Colorado Thursday evening. Our friend Debbie works for Frontier Airlines and she sent us buddy passes and since just like every other Airlines they are having problems and layoffs and she has low seniority she told us "YOU BETTER USE THOSE PASSES ASAP"... So off we go on a little adventure. The first part of the adventure will be getting on the plane. You have to fly stand bye. At least we are close to JWA so if we don't get out of Dodge (I mean Irvine) we are close to home.

Have you become an Olympic Junkie...? I was not going to get caught up in the Olympics. I told myself I am not going to be an Olympic junkie for 16 days.... Never say Never.... there are a couple of events I can not keep myself from watching... BEACH VOLLEYBALL and since we have old swimmers and water polo players in the house (Rich and Jeff) - we love the swimming and water polo. Is it not amazing that so many of these athletes have a connection to California and Orange County... GO USA! LOVED the gold in the 400 meter relay... Now those guys are what an American male role model should be.... Jeff actually swam with the old guy (not my words but used by the commentators) Jason Lezak here in Irvine and Long Beach.

Went to the Oasis the other day and purchased some of the new Scenic Route line and put a lay out together of Beautiful Meghan at her Luau party. I sometimes amaze myself by doing a 12 x12 layout. Because I still have problems putting only one or two picture on a page, it just feels like alot of money in paper and embellies (new word for embellishments). This is all scenic route with the exception of the Bazzill cardstock and old Lil Davis letters... 3 SR papers, rub-ons 2-different sets, the cardstock, the letters, some of the new SR stickers and I used one of the new label stamps from SR.... add that all up.... NO I DON'T WANT to.... it's not like I don't have the supplies so why am I whining? Don't know that answer either. I just remember the good ole days where you did a two page spread with about 5 to 8 pictures. You would die-cut your letters and the entire layout probably cost about $2.00. Of course the price of gas was also under $2.00 a gallon. Time ot go get something done.... Maybe I will just scrap some more... Oh I need to finish that darned baby book... Have a great summer day. xoxo

Surprise

2008-08-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

How can you be married to someone for over 33 years and they do something totally out of character and unexpected? Well this man did last night.... Maybe it was the company, maybe it was the wine, maybe he was just letting his hair down, maybe it was in honor of the Olympics.... He was attempting a cannon ball off of one of the water falls in the spa into about 3 feet of water and tyring to avoid the step.... And he didn't do it once he did it twice. I know this picture looks like he is sitting on the rock... He wasn't - he was in mid air - my sides still hurt from laughing.... So after 33 years plus they can still surprise you. Good job Diana capturing the moment on film... Oh the judges only gave him a 7.8 for degree of difficulty... Only received a bronze.

AUGUST

2008-08-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

what happened to July? Is it really the 7th already? Five weeks to go til VACATION. We have had such a great summer so far with visitors to Hyland's Island both near and far. A week ago we had the group from Church for the HYLAND'S ISLAND dinner from the valentine auction. I think all the guests would agree we retained our 5 (five)Pineapple rating. TIPS: Smart and Final has the best Filet Mignon (spell it 3 times fast) going... It was like budder (butter). Giant Scallops from Costco marinated in that famous rare marinade... Wish Bone Italian- Trader Joes Mushroom Risotto, grilled fresh vegies, Salad and of course the fruit tart. I love a good meal that has taste and your tongue gets involved....! Of course the Nikki Pina Coladas and Caribbean Martini's weren't bad either... All in moderation of COURSE. Saturday was the Brisley- Ross wedding in Laguna Beach. It was beautiful. I took my camera (for fun) and I like to take what I would call the forgotten wedding pictures. I love the details of the things ... I do love to take pictures of the people too but some times the things cooperate so much more than the people.... case in point below...

I even managed to get a little scrapbooking done between all the guests and visitors. I need to take some pics and post them.... ahhh more pictures just what my computer memory is begging to have added to the already bulging "MY PICTURE'S" section.

GSLC group before dinner on left.

a couple of wedding photo's.... see that pineapple smiling?

Below my right foot in an actual tennis shoe... YIPPPEEEE.... PAULA BUNION is gone. Can't wait to get back to tennis. Doc says another couple of weeks.... You see that dog squinting in this picture? I dont' know how she know but she knows when the flash is going to flash and she squints... darndest thing. Time to go prepare for Happy Hour tonight at Hyland's Island. There maybe some blackmail pictures tomorrow!

HAPPY SUMMER.... ALOHA... GOD BLESS....

HAPPY ADHESIVE....STAY COOL.....

A Life in Pictures

2008-07-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Tom & Paula Skillman were here last week for a visit. Tom would be Rich's oldest (in time not years) friend. They have known each other since boyhood and grew up in New Jersey. I think we determined it has been about 23 to 25 years since we last saw them in person. One of my sayings was "this is why you send a Christmas Card once a year". Although when Rich was dealing with his cancer stuff Tom, was always calling and checking in on him and his progress. You can not buy friendship like that. We are just praying it is not another 25 years until we get together again in person.... Walkers and wheelchairs would be the talk of the day.

Does this not picture not look so refreshing and inviting.....?

Drinks before the Pageant of the Masters at the

Hotel Laguna followed by dinner at CLAES also in the hotel. Everything was so good. Did you know they only charge a $15.00 corkage fee which is so reasonable (don't tell to many people but they are also in the ENTERTAINMENT book). After our first bottle of wine we had one from Claes extensive wine list and it was a Joseph Phelps Cab, it was some of the best wine I have had in sometime (thank goodness for those Laguna Beach shuttles after the drinks, wine and a great meal). Again it was reasonable priced and the view from Claes is priceless. I would definitely give Claes a 5 pineapple rating. After a fabulous meal we were off to the Pageant of the Masters (someone, you know who you are - asked if this was a golf tournament). Our friend Margot got us the best tickets for the show. She has volunteered at the Pageant for over 15 years. After seeing the Pageant for years she took us back stage for a tour. Let me just say I have never seen such organization for such a huge beautiful event put together in such a small space.

As a scrapper I could take a lesson.

Appetizer anyone?

Pictures of us on the Duffy in Newport Harbor we took a 3 hour tour and looked at all the big houses and boats, ate guacamole and soaked up some sun

Gotta take a foot picture....

And this week neice Cassie is here after completing her summer school stint. We have been to the Sawdust Festival Laguna Beach were we went to the TOE BOOTH and got new toe rings.... My feet look so much better now.....(like that would work), shopping and she has been scrapbooking.

Ahhh aren't they cute waiting for their

new toe rings?

Finally a picture of Cassie with the accordion scrapbook she made for her friend. She has done the front and she left the back blank for her friend to finish. What a good "friend" idea. I must say she was very creative and used a couple of techniques I would never have thought up. They are tiny details you can barely see on the pictures but they were clever.

One of Cassie's girlfriend sayings is
"be yourself".... So just be yourself this week.... xoxox God Bless and Happy Adhesive to all my scrappy friends.

BLAH.....

2008-07-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

that is what I personally am feeling today. It has been a wonderful blessed busy life since last I blogged and I have tons of pictures to share. Could be the sore throat and body aches have something to do with it. Good news is they are on their way out (do you ever feel like a giant germ?) I know I need to get busy and make one of these for tomorrow a fabulous colorful fruit tart (like you couldn't tell it was fruit). This will be my offering for our dinner we have planned for tomorrow with our friends the Terwiske's. My scrappy friend Lia is coming over for some therapy scrap time tonight so that should help the mood. Have a wonderful great weekend everyone and make some memories.

HAS ANYONE SEEN...

2008-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last Week? Where did it go? Was the 4th of July really 10 days ago? Pondering questions for minds who lose track of time! Or entire weeks. Actually the last 10 days were great except for the fact they went by entirely to fast. Good thing I had my trusty camera to take pictures so I could document some of the fast times. Another thing I love about being a scrapper is knowing I need to capture these times that seem so ordinary. Left to my own abilities with no camera things would be more of a fast blur, my mind would forget and a simple pictures can provoke so many thoughts and feelings of a moment... Heck, it can even bring the weather back when you look into those inks on the print that capture the moment (wow it was really hot that day or cold or the wind was blowing so fierce). You get the PICTURE.....?

Quick recap, Michael was here for the 4th and his 27th birthday on the 5th. We had a great time at our neighborhood party, visiting with friends, eating and watching fireworks. Monday was the start of Vacation Bible School and Rich went to the City of Hope for a scan (which came back great... another 3 month recess and in remission, thank you Jesus). I had 3 of my 4 neices for a WAKE OVER on Thursday (when I mentioned to my pasters wife I was having a sleep over at VBS and was not sure if I was mentally ready... she said sleep over - they never sleep it's a wake over, I thought that was funny... so sleep overs should officially be renamed)! Friday I took neice Kelly to the Oasis for a crop... She is 15, has a boyfriend and spends most of her time on the phone sending text messages. Not sure how she would take this CROP thing.... She loved it! Annie Adams was there and printed these amazing pictures on her Canon printer. Kelly had one done of her and her sister for their bedroom wall. Thank you, Oasis, Annie and Canon... You made an Aunty and a 15 year old very happy.

This week life should be a little slower.... A few highlights my wonderful hubby has a birthday on Friday... AND AND AND...... I get my left arm cast off on Thursday at 11:15... I am counting the seconds on this one... It has been 5 weeks of wearing a wet sponge on my arm... ICK.... I can not wait for the freedom... I will be having my own freedom celebration.... I may even go get a mainicure to celebrate.

Happy week to all! watch out the hurridness syndrom... and if it happens to you and your week goes by to fast take pictures.... Speaking of pictures ... here are a few from the last 10 days.

Sarah with her prize from the cake walk on the 4th... Kids love a cake walk...

The girls watching fireworks in the back of the golf cart outside.... The next picture is the boys watching fireworks all with head phones on in the back of the SUV... They did not like the noise

....

The Boys

VBS Church Wrap Up. Kelly and Cassie with our Paster below picture... Can you tell it was a wild week.

Finally a picture of the July Birthday Boys... Well 2 of them anyway... My Rich on the left and My Michael in the middle with our Neighbor Steel on the 4th. Happy Birthday to you both... Love you...

How was your week & 4th of July

2008-07-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday... is it really Wednesday already? The week is flying by. Where did last weekend go? Let's see last Friday was a Dodger game in one of those amazing suites. Our once a year Dodger game (and they were playing the Angel's) with some of Rich's clients from work. We were looking up the first base side a little left of home place... I feel so Hollywood hanging out in that suite. If you have never been they must have 7 TV's (this is not a big area), a computer with Internet access, amazing food and a leather DODGER BLUE couch (until this trip I had not noticed the color of the couch. I should have taken my camera to take pic's). It was hard to decide if we were Dodger fans or Angel fans. One thing for sure we LOVED it when Andre Ether hit a home run off the bench. He was one of the young, personable players who came to see Rich when he was at the City of Hope. We call him OUR boy...

Saturday was our friends son wine release Party... RENDARIO wines. He has been making wine since 2003 and this release was a SYRAH... Very tasty... Some of us may have tasted a little to much. Let's just say I had to drive home with my gimp leg.

Sunday we went to this darling babies baptism. Can not wait to scrap this picture. Look at those amazing blue eyes. Being a scrapper I see all these cute baby and kid layouts and I get a little jealous since my life is no longer in that season and I don't think there has ever been a scrap magazine published without a baby section. When are they going to publish more "empty nest" layouts.... NEVER... Now I get to do a cute baby page...

Back to today... Monday and Tuesday just evaporated like water in the heat. Taking my great neighbor Barb to Paris in a Cup for her birthday which was June 18th. I am so glad I got to go and discover this place with all my scrappin pals back in May. Cheryl, Kim, Lia and Rebbecca (see blog Monday, June 2, 2008 Find your Fabulous). Barb and I love our tea and she appreciates good food and things that are different. When Barb needs therapy she cooks or bakes.

Happy 4th of July to everyone near and far here are a few pics from prior years. No they are not scrapped but they are still good pictures.

Jonathan, Kelly, Cassie, their friend, Veronica and Sarah. I love the freedom of being carefree on their face and just having FUN. As adults we don't let loose and dance like kids... Maybe we should?

Last year's Frisbee golf team. Paul Brown, Pastor Competitive Mike, Rich, Jeff and Jonathan. I think they lost over $75.00 in Frisbees last year on roof tops and stuck in trees. I do hope for a better showing this year MEN.

A picture of Our Michael (who will be here this weekend, we really hope we have a sighting or two... He will be 27th on July 5th... WOW) Jonathan and Grace... Grace loves to ride in the golf cart. We live in amazing neighborhood that has a huge 4th of July event. This year thanks to the cast and leg boot we are getting a cart again.

Time to go have that birthday lunch with Barb. Have a wonderful Wednesday and 4th of July Holiday.

UPDATE: Meghan is home. She came home a week ago last Tuesday. I talked to her mom last night and she is doing amazingly better than last time. Mike even told me the two of them have gone for small walks around the park next door to her house. PRAYERS are working. Thanks everyone and God Bless you and yours. Celebrate Freedom!
Finally A picture of Mike & Meghan on the 4th of July I think in 05.

Note to Self: properly label your pictures with the year on computer... The older I get the more I forget....!

That is the new ME...!!!!

2008-06-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Not much to say except PAULA BUNION (aka: the bitch since she was a real pain in the foot) has been properly removed (yesterday)...My bottom is getting sore from sitting in all these weird positions with my foot propped up wearing this ski book like device - can't drive for about 2 weeks (how will I ever get to my Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for my daily fix). My wrist will still be in a cast for three weeks.... I feel a mess. Time to stop I feel like I am wining...

On a much much happier note Meghan called us Friday night and sounded pretty good. Her pain management is much better this time than when she had her other liver resection in 11-06. We are going to call them tonight since rumor has it she might get released today or tomorrow. ONE WEEK later.... She is so brave, loving and courageous. Her mother Beverly should be mom of the year. I so admire this women. Please everyone keep them in your prayers.

Oh my what a great weekend. Friday the neighbors came over and we enjoyed a new Martini recipe (we were the Guinea pigs for the Bridal luncheon new martini recipe... we had to take one for the team) It is called a Caribbean Martini, made with Vanilla vodka, Malibu rum and a SPLASH of pineapple (I need a couple of splashes)... OH MY SUCH delight like a mai tai without all the bulk and extra sweet. You can GOGGLE Caribbean martini and it will come up... I would link it but I don't' remember which site I ended up using.

Saturday my NBSF (Lia) and I drove down to Ever After Scrapbooks in Carlsbad and took a quick fun scrap class from Alison Kraft of Hambly. What a neat company Hambly is and I must say the kit was very generous. A quick ride home and my hubby was in the car waiting for me as we pulled up so I could hop from one car to the other and head for our next event a free concert on the lake here in Woodbridge by an A cappella group called the Alley Cats, doing great doo wap music from the 50's and 60's. We joined our friends the Clarke's and the Frick's and then afterwards we invited them back to try the new Martini recipe (more Guinea pigs) and we told them we were renaming it the "Hawaiian Martini". Lee spilled a little on his shirt and we could not stop laughing since the joke was he spilled it on his shirt in such a way it made a MAP of the Hawaiian Islands... Is that Lanai they are pointing at?

Sunday Church and the bridal lunch for Julie Ross soon to be Julie Brisley. Neiman Marcus Curry Chicken salad, popovers with strawberry butter and a wonderful fruit tart. The guys ended up going to the new bowling alley STRIKE in the district while we did lady luncheon stuff. Everyone ended up back here at the Island for some more fun "couple time" Oh don't forget the new MARTINI'S... they were well received but it was so darn HOT outside no one wanted to mix to much alcohol and HEAT...

I really should not be wining life is GOOD and even better with a MARTINI.... Love, Hugs and Prayers. I will leave you with a few more pic's of a fun filled, weekend.

Don't you just love orange and green.. I DO - I Do. Love the Bird of Paradise too.

The Fruit Tart... beautiful arranged fruit by my great neighbor Barb

Julie and Dr. Mark... So cute.

UPDATE

2008-06-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU - THANK YOU. God is listening and heard all those prayers everyone was sending up on behalf of Meghan and her family. Just heard from our Michael and you could hear a little relief in his voice and wanted to share with all of you since you were all praying and holding them close in your hearts today... Meghan was out of surgery and in recovery, the actually surgery took a little less time than expected, the surgeon said it went smoothly and he removed 3 to 5 tumors. Not sure how much more of the liver they took (just the tumor parts we hope) if any but the surgeon was pleased and everyone waiting there for Meghan felt some relief since this first big step is over... Thanks again and keep those prayers coming this was a huge step but now recovery and healing begins.

God Bless you all.... We are so humbled by all of your kind words. I didn't cry writing the email about Meghan but I have to grab the tissue box when I read all of your responses. Thanks again..

Love

Jackie, Rich, Jeff, Michael and Meghan

Meghan's Party Today's Email

2008-06-16T13:58:00.001-07:00

I really did well composing the following email to family and friends today and now it is time to put it on the blog for all our other friends and family that keep us in their prayers. Already the responses make me humble and they bring tears to my eyes, to know in times of uncertainty how much we really do love and care for each other and how much the spirit moves in us for one another.

It seems like every couple of months you here from the HYLAND"S requesting some prayers. Today is no exception.... we are again in need of some heavy duty prayers.
We flew up to Ben Lomand, Ca., Saturday to attend a pre-surgery Luau party for our son Michael's girlfriend Meghan Knuntson. On Tuesday she is scheduled for her SECOND liver resection surgery at UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Francisco. Her first liver resection was November 28, 2006 and since her liver was riddled with tumors, a surgeon cut off one half of her liver entirely and then burned or cut the rest of the tumors off the other side. These surgeries take about 10 hours plus and a 4 to 6 month recovery time.
Meghan has continued on different chemo treatments since she was first diagnosed with her colon cancer at the age of 24. Unfortunately, Meghan's body did not respond well and she formed allergic reactions to the drugs. Meghan, her family and her medical team have determined the second liver resection is the most reasonable course of action since chemo is not an option. One step at a time but later in the year she is scheduled to also have tumors removed from her lungs where the cancer had metastasized.

In Meghan's own word she says she grows cancer naturally so remission is not a very reasonable goal. But trying to control it is her plan. After her operation she will do some chemo which is not as harmful and one that is FDA approved that she knows she is not allergic to.

Meghan is a beautiful young women, in love with our son (after 3 years together they still make goggle eyes at each other). We feel she is amazingly strong and brave beyond her years. Her family is surrounding her with lots of love and distraction, and they need prayers too for what they are about to endure. Please include Meghan, her mom Beverly (my top pick for mom of the year), her father, Brian, our Michael, Sarah and Brody her sister and brother in your prayers. Please pray for the Lord's healing and peace to surround this family and Meghan's medical team and what ever other needs you might feel they need at this crucial time. I know God will be listening and Meghan and her family will feel the power, peace and healing that is needed.

Thank you, below is a picture of Meghan and us at her party...
If you received this email you know how important you all are to Rich and our family and we would not be where we are today without all of you - your prayers, support, love and in some cases platelets and blood.... Thank you, we love you.

God Bless
Aloha
Jackie

UGH.... What I can't DO

2008-06-13T15:04:00.001-07:00

I can play tennis, played today and won. Can type on the keyboard just a little slower. Can't open a tea bag or fold laundry, there's allot more I can't do and every time I can't do them or have trouble doing something, I remind myself this is only temporary. Don't know how I am going to wash my hair with my new embellishment on my arm, since I am not supposed to get it wet. It's only been on for 2 days now and I HATE IT (yes, I have showered since then with the newspaper plastic bag over the cast, just have not had to wash my hair yet. till today).... it is more of an inconvenience than anything else. Cuts down on mobility and scrapping... Only 5 weeks and 5 days to go. Any bets if I will be able to keep it on that long? Baby, Baby, suck your thumb - I feel like the biggest baby ever because I have some inconvenience in my life. Let's see Jeff rode his bike from Newport Beach, Ca. to Key West Florida, Rich had a bone marrow transplant in January, Meghan is having her second liver surgery next week and I have a little cast on my arm... This blogging is very therapeutic for me!!! Life is good and full of blessings and richness.... Time to go clean up the memory cards for the camera's so I can take lots of pictures in Ben Lomand at Meghan's party tomorrow. I hear they have made a volcano and brought in sand...

I REALLY WANT TO....

2008-06-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

I really, really, really, want to scrap.... Hubby watching the Lakers and I can scrap to my hearts content, I have projects to finish... But the scrap table is piled high and unorganized with my latest scrap project stuff and my brain is not feeling any organizational skills to walk over there and just get busy... UGH....!

I know how about a picture or two from Monterey this past weekend.

Meghan and I took a little (very little) cruise on the glass bottom boat the LITTLE MERMAID around the harbor... That is a picture of our feet on the boat and that green in the picture that was the color of the water... (not that Hawaiian blue color, we really love) We saw nothing through the glass bottom, well we did see some seaweed. We did see lots of sea lions hanging out and an otter. Check out Meghan's flip flops with the little crown on them... SO CUTE.. I think I need a pair. The 4 of us went to the Crown and Anchor a British pub across the street from the Marriott and enjoyed some bitters, Stella beer and food. Rich and I were bad.... We didn't go to the big GALA dinner at the end of his business meeting since we really just wanted to spend time with Mike and Meghan. The last picture is a picture of the two little LOVE BIRDS... it is so cute they make goggle eyes at each other even though they sometimes act like an old married couple after only three years of dating.... We are going back to Monterey this weekend only flying.... When you look at the picture of my little love birds - does that sweet girl look sick to you.... ? She is and she is also one of the bravest people I know. Our Meghan will be having her second liver re-section surgery on June 17,2008. At 24 she was diagnosed with colon cancer and it had already spread to her liver. Her mom Beverly decided to have a big Hawaiian luau this coming Saturday for her before her surgery. Wow what a mom and what a great idea. So off we go again to Northern California, up Saturday home Sunday.

PRAYERS we need lots of prayers for Meggie....
I am going to walk over to the scrappy table now and try for inspiration....

What do you think?

2008-06-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

I just returned home from shopping at a scrapbook store in South Orange County.... very established, decent inventory..... I don't want to name names but you can probably figure it out. Here is my story.... I called on the phone at 11:05 to see if they had some SR paper and rub-ons I was looking to add to my collection. The phone was BUSY... BUSY.... BUSY.... so I thought what the heck at $4.20 a gallon shouldn't take much more than that (a gallon) to drive there so I did. I called them from the parking lot 20 to 25 minutes later and the phone is still busy.... DHUA, might it be off the hook? I told the employee behind the desk and she looked at me and said well it shows the line is in use..... could an extension be off the hook...? So she goes and finds the extension and guess what it was off the hook... I am still standing at the front of the store by the register and she says - were you calling for anything in particular (you think)... I told her I was looking for the SR stock - she takes me down a row and said it should be here and the phone which she is holding in her hand rings (imagine that) she said look in here I will be back I have to help this person on the phone.... HELLO the phone wouldn't have rung if I would not have told you it was off the hook. Needless to say the paper was not in the row she took me in which I completely figured out on my own after carefully reading the rows of paper about three times (I was figuring I was the dumb one that could not find it). Tried another row and found it.... So I am willing to forgive and forget until I looked at some of the prices they are charging on their scrapbook supplies. Everything I touched was .50 to $3.00 higher than another local store which I frequent. Three other items I was looking for they didn't have, the Liberty Line by SR and the SR rub-ons (if I could have reached them by phone I would have known this and not driven down there and paid a toll on the toll road) and no one had an answer as to whether or not they would be getting or carried these items. So what do you think when you go into your LSS (local scrapbook store) and find things to be marked up for no apparent reason? We are not talking food or gas prices here, we are talking scrap book supplies. I guess I just had to vent because scrap book stores are usually my happy place and it did not feel happy today. I can tell you I will not be going back there anytime soon....

Happier News... Off to Monterey tomorrow morning EARLY. Hubby's business meeting. We get to have dinner in the Aquarium (big Tuna swimming by looking at you while you are eating .... no don't say FISH) and see Mike and Meghan, they are actually spending the night in the hotel with us on Saturday, YIPPEE. I am so excited to see them and deliver Suzy's P kit to Meghan. I hope putting the kit together will be something she can do easily enough once she has her next surgery. She is scheduled for her second liver re-section June 18. Last time it took her about 9 months to a year to fully recover. I am just about in tears blogging about it now. To much for someone so young. I hope scrapping is her happy place.

I better go pack my swim suit so I can swim with those TUNA...... Now that would be a great funny picture. Is that what they mean when they say she drinks like a fish then swims with them too..... Have a mighty great weekend and HAPPY ADHESIVE.

Find your Fabulous

2008-06-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I found my fabulous on Saturday - TEA and a SCRAPBOOK class at the Oasis. That's me looking very hollywoodish on the left, Cheryl, looking very Patty Labelle, the every fun, smiling and caring Lia (birthday girl today) next, the always artistic Kim next to Lia and the always stylish Rebecca. I was dragging my feet about going to meet these ladies at Paris in a Cup at the Orange Circle on Saturday thinking (like women do) .... Oh I should stay home I am already taking a scrap class tonight I have spent enough money... blah blah blah.... You know how we are and sometimes we can talk ourselves out of something FABULOUS! As in my case I didn't know exactly how fabulous it was til I experienced it. We shared stories, tea, scones and laughs. Did I already use the word fabulous. THANK YOU, for sharing ladies a truly Fabulous day....

Suzy P' s class Saturday at the Oasis was (again) a fabulous way to end the day. She is a great teacher and puts an enormous amount of time, creativity and energy into her projects and directions.... She is my poster child for why I never want to teach a class.... EXAMPLE:

take out white paint, sponge, paintbrush, SR chipboard circles, MR chipboard letters and MR travel chipboard keychain (in baggie) - she even tells you where the item is located in your kit. The papers are stacked in the order you need them and Suzy's motto is "I just want everyone to be Happy" and she truly means it. Thanks again Oasis and Suzy.

TODAY, more of the same Fabulous, Monday Moms bible study brunch, here at Hyland's Island. Our group picture and then some pictures of those wonderful helping hands as we made chicken salad sandwich's for the ALPHA group tonight.... Oh who is that with the Knife....

Susan's idea of a chicken salad mixer...

Knife happy ladies.... good thing that cupboard behind them was clean and organized since it showed up in the picture. I think that is my only kitchen cupboard that is organized... Not so fabulous... oh well...

Oh my time to run and serve the ALPHA dinner... Have to load the car.... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! No more blogging today... Oh and Rich's team won the Church golf tournament on Saturday for the THIRD year in row... My stud... GOD BLESS. FIND YOUR FABULOUS... Hugs, Prayers, Aloha

Good Week and Midnight at the Oasis

2008-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Don't you love packages that are unexpected. We got some mighty fine souvenirs from our St. Thomas travelers, this week. A lot of booty came in the box and the picture shows some of our goodies - Caribbean rum (can't wait to jump into that bottle), cookbook, candy, shells, golf ball, really cute bag with the pineapple on the front, t-shirts for Jeff and Rich.... and my favorite a little scrapbook with pictures of them having a wonderful "vacation of a lifetime". The second package was from Me and My Big Ideas... aka: or for short MAMBI. They were giving these away on Terri Gick's Blog,
and I won! Imagine my surprise when I saw my name as a WINNER. I would just like to say thanks to MAMBI... Your products have come so far from the little stick figure stickers that I still have in my old scrapbooking stash. LOVE the new stuff and the BLING. I even used some of the 6x6 paper last night in my niece Cassies 8th grade graduation book...

Okay let's talk about last night.... We didn't quite make it to MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS (Scrapbook Oasis) but we came close. Scrappin with Lia and Cheryl last night was great. You know if you are a crop groupie when you giggle, laugh and everything is funny... your like high from the smell of adhesive and gitty from using your paper cutter (if you are not a scrapper DO NOT BE ALARMED you really don't get HIGH from scrap adhesive, we just get stupid and we like to blame it on something besides our need only to LAUGH). I swear I was close to having a croppin hangover this am. Oh but those creative juices are flowing... only 23 more trips up and down the stairs as I empty my car of all the stuff I just had to have for a 5 hour crop and I can get cropping at home (only thing missing two scrapping friends and LAUGHTER). One more funny! Jeff comes in yesterday through the garage sees my car full to the brim with scrap stuff and said to me " Looks like SCRAP NATION, tonight".

I bet you are wondering who is that handsome Blondie male with the great red boots and NASCAR socks? That is Gracie's tender footed brother Bunker. You can see her and her other brother T-Bone in the background. Seems Bunker maybe big but that doesn't mean he is a male without a soft spot... seems to be his paws... I am still laughing. The picture is not nearly as funny as seeing him actually walk, jump and run in those silly things. The last picture I snapped while driving... slowly down the street in the side mirror of Grace in the car just enjoying life. Have a great weekend and GOD bless to everyone on Memorial Day for the freedom to laugh and play with adhesive...

Playing with Pictures

2008-05-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Kodakgallery.com Preview Collage

Let's see what happens here... To bad I can not figure out how to print this on my printer. Kodak wants the cash... Oh well push buttons and learn... I thought maybe it would just show up on the blog without all the redirect stuff. UGH... Oh the pictures are more of Lanai.

I Tried

2008-05-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

when I look at the previous post all the letter next to the pictures are mixed up and falling down the side, so everyone else probably sees it the same way - messed up.. Looks like an eye test - anyway I have tried to fix it about 10 times with no success... So I guess it is an eye test. It says "is this what they mean by eye candy". Well you get the picture anyway... tee heee....Have a great blessed day.... Still working on the other photo's.

Is this what they MEAN

2008-05-14T12:01:00.001-07:00

Is this what they mean by eye candy.... WOW what a trip. We saw parts of the island of Lanai Hawaii that some people may never see. 4 wheel driving - hiking. Rich and I were with Betsy and Brain hiking to a place called STONE SHACK on Lanai over lava rocks, coral, junk, sand and whatever else the tide brought in, along the coast line
(no sidewalks or beach in most areas)thirsty, wet tennis shoes, sand in our pants, sweaty and I looked at him and said.... I am so ready for that umbrella drink with a waitress... But as you can see from a few of these pictures it was so beautiful and worth the sandy pants.... Yes, those piled up stones are STONE SHACK. Me with Molokai in the background and a picture of all of us hiking down to the beach. I still have about 100 plus pictures to upload and go through, so guess what I am doing this afternoon... More later... ALOHA

BUSY before Vacation

2008-04-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Why is it you always come up with about 60 new projects and 72 old projects you need to complete before you go away on vacation - with only 4 days to get it all done? Jeff will come home on Friday we leave Thursday night (for Lanai and Oahu), so we won't see him still for another 10 days and since he is going to "officially" be our room mate we need to make some room for him and his stuff! Since last time he was here was supposed to be temporary, I never even took all our storage junk out of the closet in his room, so that needs to be done. His car needs to be washed and filled with gas, his suit taken to the cleaners so he can wear it to a wedding and the garage reorganized so we can fit his bike and equipment in and still be able to close the door. Blah Blah Blah.... then there is Bunco tonight happy hour Wednesday night... washing, packing... Really I am complaining but not complaining. What good problems to have! Here it is a beautiful Tuesday morning in HOT southern California, the window are open already at 6:30 am the birds are singing and Rich is off for a ride on his bike. Life is so much better than January... Although January was a good month just different - that is Rich's new birthday month according to the nurses at City of Hope. When you get your bone marrow transplant that day becomes your new birthday - can't wait to celebrate that 2nd BD in 2009.

Mike and Meghan are back from St. Thomas and they say "it was the best vacation of their lives". WOW so cool can not wait to see pictures. Speaking of pictures I am almost done with my Aloha Ohana (family) Vacation book for my friend. I will post pictures hopefully before my trip. It has surf board tags sticking out of the top of the book... WAY WAY CUTE.... even for me... Have a blessed day and week and happy Mothers Day too since we will be flying home that day....

YIPPPPEEE He has Done IT

2008-04-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Jeff has finished his bike ride - he called yesterday and they had a police escort into Key West Florida. You can read the blog and see a little end video at the link which is listed on the proceeding blog post.... We are so proud of him. I must say when I saw the little video clip this morning his face looks so much thinner and in the pictures he looks to be in great shape. Now just a short train ride (if 4 to 5 days is short) home. He won't fly because this entire adventure was all about the environment. My question which pollutes less - a jet plane in 5 to 6 hours or 4 days riding a train. Anyone have any studies on this question. PROUD MOM & DAD! yes, we are joyful and delighted at what our 30 year old baby has done.

Mike and Meghan are enjoying their vacation time in St. Thomas, wish I was there with them, wish I could have been in Key West Florida to see Jeff, yesterday too!

I actually did a scrap book - mini Maya Road in 2 days for some friends we saw last night. I love using stuff and putting it to good use. I should keep scrappin while the juices are flowing. Have a great day

Ordinary Life

2008-04-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

Ordinary can be so good. Rich just continues to feel better and better and life is life and just feels so much better. He is actually out taking a little cruise on his bicycle this nice bright sunny southern California day. Jeff is outside of Miami Florida and almost to his final destination Key West Florida we are so proud of what he has accomplished. Check it out on the link.
http://www.southern-tier.net
He and Mike made the EUNICE newspaper in Lousiana. We received a copy from the paper - I will see if I can find a link since the scaner is well.... scanned out and it would be fun to share the article and picture! Talking to him the other day on the phone and he told me about all the BIG snakes in Florida. He was trying to film one next to the road started to lose control of his bike by the snake which was a rattle snake and fell on the ground not to far from it. BOYS and crawl things, even at 30 they never grow up. Sometimes I just thank GOD that I hear these stories after they are over and everyone is safe.... Michael and Meghan leave for St. Thomas tomorrow. They so need this trip and travel time. Michael working hard and Meghan trying to kick her cancer! I am so excited to get my first email pictures and here how they think it compares to Hawaii. Is it fair to compare the two? They are both Paradise.

Off to play some tennis today hoping the tennis elbow isn't to bad and then off for a late birthday lunch celebration with a friend, who also just recently had her birthday. I am making her a mini album for their family (big family) trip to Maui in August. It won't be quite done and it has no pictures obviously but it is amazingly cute. I will take pictures and post some. One page is a pocket page using the Rusty Pickle Island line from last year and the tags are surfboards. How cute is that... Have a blessed sunny day everyone.

REMISSION

2008-04-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

REMISSION..... you are cancer free and we don't need to see you for 3 months.... AMAZING words. God does answer prayers and I know we had lots of people praying for us. People I don't even know, that is why (to me) prayer can be so amazing. It is true even though it is still sinking in that Rich's lymphoma is currently gone and he is in remission! It is like walking around in dark sun glasses and then you take them off and it is so much brighter! It is a busy Monday morning so off I go to get started. I will try and post a picture later of Rich and his doctor and his physician's assistant I took yesterday after we received the GOOD NEWS. Thank you everyone near and far and may God Bless you with a great week.

After the last BLOG I read this....

2008-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I get a daily devotional by email during the week and was just doing some catching up (I always read these several days later, okay truth sometimes I don't read them and they get deleted)when I came across the following email... I feel like it goes along with the first blog I did today and what I was trying to say.... TO FEEL THE JOY. This is going to be my prayer to myself for the next couple of weeks.... I really like the part about the women's husband. What a great way to see life. JOY JOY JOY....

Choosing Joy
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.—James 1:2-4

The story has been told of an elderly blind woman who was being moved to a nursing home. When she arrived, she was taken to her room. She entered and told her attendant enthusiastically, "I love it!" The attendant questioned the woman, "How can you say you love it, when you've never been in it before - and you can't see what it looks like?" The woman spoke up, "Seeing the room doesn't have anything to do with it. Happiness is my choice. I have decided to love my room. Every morning, I have a choice on whether I focus on what I don't like about my life or what I do like about it. I'm choosing right now to love the new room where I'm going to live."

Life has its share of trials and everyone will face situations that are less than desirable. Yet, so much about the quality of our lives is determined not by the situation itself, but rather how we respond to it. Honestly, I don't know if I could handle being moved into a nursing home with the grace demonstrated by the woman in the story. I hope I would, but I'm not sure.

I am always amazed at stories I read or hear along life's journey of people who choose joy, and even happiness, in the face of difficult life situations. Recently, I saw another example of someone choosing to celebrate in the midst of pain. I learned of an acquaintance who died at the age of 46 of melanoma. In the obituary, the reporter remarked how the man's wife didn't sound like someone who had just lost her husband. Instead, she was smiling, beaming with pride, because of the life and character of the man she had been married to for 20 years. This is not to say the woman is not experiencing deep pain and grief. I'm certain she is. But it is remarkable to me that even in the midst of grief, she chose joy.

One thing we all can count on for sure: Our lives will not be lived without trial, struggle and pain. It would be ridiculous to suggest that we ought to be happy when tragedy strikes. Still, it is clear from the Scriptures that God can bring good even out of life's most difficult situations. Here's a most important question: How will we respond to difficult seasons in our lives? Within ourselves, we all have the power to choose joy. It's God's desire for our lives that we do so, and I believe that for our own sakes, joy will always prove to be the better option over bitterness or despair.

Today, choose joy.

Holding My Breath

2008-03-30T11:30:00.001-07:00

I think I just realized today that I am holding my breath every once in awhile. Big scans, blood work and doctors appointments for Rich this Friday and the following Monday. REMISSION, no signs of cancer are the words we are praying to hear on Monday April 7th when we meet with Rich's team at the City of Hope. I am not letting my brain go any further than those exact words. March has been a great a month and I am kind of sad to see it end. Rich feeling better, birthday's, trips to Vegas and Easter, Jeff, Mike and Meghan doing just fine and living life. Yeah, it has been a good March 2008. This weekend was really good, Rich had his first glass of wine since last November, went to friends for dinner Friday, a surprise birthday party last night, he went and hit a bucket of golf balls, he walks around the lake nearly everyday. You don't realize how much you like your normal life til it goes away for a short (I say short - now) time and comes back. Love NOTHING, just the everyday.... in other words just taking a walk, hitting some golf balls, watching TV, having a glass of tea. Who needs excitement (although we still have plenty at Hyland's Island), when Normal feels so right. AMEN! Love to everyone along with lots of ALOHA spirit and enjoy the last couple of days of a GREAT month MARCH. Off to try and be creative...

VEGAS, BIRTHDAY'S & EASTER

2008-03-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

VEGAS, wow what a wonderful get away. Time with the "SISTAS" - originally from New Jersey... The adventure started when we (Susan and I) left Sunday from Lancaster around 10 am and it was Vegas or bust. Let me tell you Susan (one half of the SISTAS) knows her way by back roads, byways, highways and outlet centers with clean restrooms right to her SISTAS Liz's (the other half of the SISTAS) beautiful home outside of Vegas. Hardly time to unpack and Aunt Liz was whisking us off for birthday dinners at the most unusual Mexican Food Place I had ever been to. The food was not that unusual it was the decor. They had all these religious baby size sautes all over the place stair-stepped. Jesus was there, Mary and probably Joesph too! I wasn't sure if I was in church or out to dinner! After a great meal it was time for our property/casino inspection of the new PALAZZO hotel, that opened in January on the strip. No sooner were we back in the car headed back to the finest accommodations in Vegas (Liz's house - great food served there too!), then Liz was saying "what's on the schedule for tomorrow"? And that was only 1/3 of the first day we arrived. The shopping, trips to Bellagio, tea, gambling- the list goes on and on keeping up with these two ladies is not easy. They only slow down long enough for a glass of tea. I could go on forever about the fun and frolic we had during the time we were there, but most of all the trip was about spending time with these two amazing sisters (and getting away for my birthday and yes, Rich survived and thrived). I have seen lots of sister relationships in my time, even tried one or two myself but these two and their relationship is just awesome to observe and they are the best of friends. Probably one of the most important things I learned was "housework is bad for your fingernails". Another reason not to dust! and to much money in your purse if you happen to win playing slots is called lettuce. Susan's birthday was Wednesday and was for the most part celebrated in the car on the ride back to California. It was a great ESCAPE and one I will treasure for a long time.

BIRTHDAY- I didn't like my birthday's much as a child, teenager and young adult. NOW I love them. My new birthday motto is that the older you get the fewer birthdays you will have so you need to celebrate them for a longer time. I think one to two weeks is good. Of course Rich thinks I celebrate for a month. Part of it is your friends want to take you to lunch or have coffee with you and there are times it could take a month to get that birthday lunch booked and celebrated. I know I am richly (no pun intended) blessed with great friends. Thursday the actual day of my birth according to my mother, my tennis friends took me to lunch and it made me feel good to know the best gift of all is that these ladies are there for me, as I am for them anytime, even though we might not see each other for days or talk on the phone. Cards from friends, by snail mail are always nice too. Knowing someone took the time to think about you by standing in front of the cards at the card store looking for the one that best applies to you and your personality. Mostly my friends give me cards about certain body parts sagging at this age.... I did receive a very special card this year from my Aunt Nancy in Kentucky. I know she reads this blog and I just want her to know that she is in my thoughts and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her too! Thank you for thinking of me! The other unexpected card was from Lisa and the kids (nieces and nephews) in Maryland. I am blessed.

EASTER- Last night we went to Good Friday services at our Church and it was really good. We were invited to hammer a nail into a cross up by the alter and as we did so to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Very humbling. When Pastor Ryan read the seventh lesson from Matthew with a Timpani for sound effects of the earthquake at the end of Christs life you could feel everyone in the Church become very somber, including me. Going to Good Friday services with the church all in black just makes Easter Sunday that much brighter. Makes me think how brilliantly colored life can be all the time if you make that decision every day to let joy, family, friends and the light of God shine in your life. He has Risen - He has Risen indeed. HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.

Scrappin More part II

2008-03-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

One more cute photo page from Jon's book and the other's are from the previously mentioned post of the 1st birthday book. I tried the smaller version of the pictures to post from Googles Picasa and I think if you click on the picture it opens it larger in another window. Well at least it did on computer (cyber space is stiall a mystery to me).

This weeks blood work for Rich at the City of Hope was again very encouraging. He is making white cells and platelets. YIPPPEEE!!! the big test is in early April when he has to have the scans. He even shaved this week for the first time in about 5 weeks. yaa hooo... Oh the little things one misses. I am off to LAS VEGAS on Sunday for a few days of fun and frolic. Yes, Rich will be home alone! Just he and Gracie.
I know they will do just fine and so will I.... Aunt Liz you better get those Cosmo's ready.

Scrappin Some

2008-03-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

It may only be March but, I have completed two albums (mini would be the word when saying completed). Jonathan's 10th birthday which we celebrated back in August when Jeff turned 30 on the fishing boat. Being 10 I thought he deserved his own little mini album. I like the way it came out so I am sharing a few cute pic's. The other Album is for my friend Francheska's baby who just had her 1st birthday. No pictures in this one - it is wallpapered and ready for her just to insert her photo's. Sometimes I think it is harder to not work with photo's. You will see the separate post for those pic's since Blogger won't let me do more than a few at a time.

Good Week

2008-03-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

It is going to be a good week.... NO TRIPS to the City of Hope. Last weeks doctor appointment was very encouraging. Platelets were going up white count was down from it's previous up but that was also an artificial number since Rich had been given a Nupagen shot. Doctor feels the body and the new bone marrow cells are working but it could take 6 months for him to be 100%. Personally, I found this news to be very good. I hope the 57 freeway does not miss our vehicle too much this week. Actually, pending any complications the next blood test aren't scheduled til
March 12. The first PET scan where we find out if we (he) is in remission will be the beginning of April. Still holding our breath and praying for good results.

Saturday night is really different around here. We still do Date Night but, it is from the recliners in the family room. Last night there was so much excitement around this place I almost busted from the fun... We sat in our chairs and watched FLIP THAT HOUSE and an episode or two of My 1st Home. EWWWeeEEEee... FUN... I am not complaining I am just comparing to what we used to do. We will get back to our old ways soon. I see Rich getting more and more energy everyday and becoming more of his old self. He is still really afraid of crowds and sick people as he should be til the white count and immune system gets better.

Friends continue to come and visit which is always a great distraction and I am spending a lot more time at home since Rich is here and I am actually getting more scrapbooking done and "I THINK I LIKE IT. A week ago last Saturday Donna and I went to a 16 hour crop at our local Scrappin store SCRAPBOOK OASIS. It was so very much fun. Yes, I feel a little guilt - Rich was home alone. Well he did have Gracie here so he did have some dog companionship. I will try and get some pic's posted later of my latest scrap project a Birthday mini book for Jonathan from his 10th birthday when we all went deep sea fishing.

Jeff, as of yesterday, was in Corpus Cristi Texas he has a new blog posted (2-29) and we are so excited Mike and Meghan will be headed to St. Thomas in April. We exchanged one of our Marriott weeks and they got in... WOW the U.S. Virgin Islands in April. They are so excited. I am excited for them. Can not wait to help Meghan with that scrap book...
LOVE-PRAYERS-ALOHA-HUGS-KISSES and Blessings...to you!

AHHHH some GOOD NEWS

2008-02-21T20:49:00.001-08:00

Last Monday Rich had blood work and his platelets and white count were down. So up to Duarate and the City of Hope we went, he got his Nupagen shot and some platelets. Today he went for blood work and GOOD NEWS.... he did not need platelets and the white count was up to the lowest end of the NORMAL range... what good news. He is trying to keep to a routine and still needs to take it easy and not get to tired or be around sick people. Thank you, LORD, for that great news today. I must admit having him home I think we are saving money since I don't go out and do any shopping. I am actually getting some scrapbooking done. I thought I might do some spring cleaning (that must be a gene I got from my Grandma Carr) but WHY? It makes life more exciting when you open a cupboard and things fall on your head, thank goodness it was just Tupperware and some chips, that fell out. The Newport Beach Brown's came over tonight and brought soup and salad and stayed to visit. Those two people keep me rolling on the ground with laughter. Paul has more one liner jokes than Jay Leno. AHHH life just feels better right this moment than it did yesterday. Everyday should be better and better.

Jeff, is somewhere in Texas on his ride and we called and left messages for him and we are waiting for a call back. His latest blog on his web site with the cowboy is really really good. Check it out at
http://www.southern-tier.net/Southern_Tier/Welcome.html click on recently at the top and then click on his most recent blog information it will take a couple of minutes for the video to down load but it is worth the wait... Happy day everyone.

LIFE

2008-02-16T11:38:00.001-08:00

Life, seems to be getting a little more back to normal each day Rich is home. His strength is returning and he is getting a little cling "e". After being married for 33 years this is not something I am used to since we both appreciate our own space! The support from friends, family and neighbors has been such a HUGE blessing. My neighbor Barb and Happy Hour friend Jennifer planted flowers in our front yard while Rich was at the City of Hope. How nice to drive up and have all these happy flowers smiling at us last Monday. That is just one of the many blessings. Cards, phone calls, meals, love, blood, platelets and prayers.

Friends from San Diego will be coming by today and we heard from Meghan. She and her mother are in town and they are doing the Disneyland thing in Anaheim and are supposed to come see us this afternoon. This is exciting and I am a little jealous, I would love to be doing the Disney thing with them too. I love that Meghan! I probably should go pick up the scrappy room floor, I know Meghan will want to show her mom all my )@%^- (stuff) and I will be embarassed it is such a mess. DISCLAIMER:. the spell check is not working on blogger so you might find several misspellings. Something is funny with our computer these last couple of days... Love to all

There is No Place Like HOME

2008-02-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to send a quick e-mail/Blog Post for those that don't already know.... but Rich's white count was at 1000 yesterday and he worked his doctor (just a little) that he would be fine and recover better at home.... She agreed and sent him packing. I am happy to report he is back home and a much happier man, sleeping in his own bed, giving Gracie pets and already his appetite is returning. He is quite sure he did receive female platelets and blood in the hospital since he was feeling emotional and a little weepy.

We still have lots of trips on the calendar for return visits to the City of Hope, but they will be day trips. Including today at 11:00 the good news is they are DAY TRIPS and he does not have to stay.

Your prayers, love, cards, phone calls and good thoughts have worked. They are telling us the transplant cells are starting to mature and do their job! Praise GOD what great news.

Thank you all so much for everything. Please continue to keep us in your prayers for continued healing and success. Love to all of you and have a wonderful day.