- Time Flies,
- Special Visitor to Becket,
- Downsizing the Flock,
- Family Coming,
- Fr. Tony Update,
- Mini Advent Quiz,
TIME FLIES
My how time does get away from one, when you don't live by a schedule. In other words, I apologize for letting a day or two slip by between updates.
As you can see, Fr. Tony was feeling well enough to be with everyone. He also took the 10:30am service with George+. Pat got to serve at the altar and sing in the choir. One big happy family event, aye?
It's that time of year at Becket, and nominations are going forward for vestry candidates. The prospects are looking good, and best of all there are new and young faces interested in joining in. YAY!
DOWNSIZING THE FLOCK
I'm becoming painfully aware that our flock/herd needs to be downsized. While having our Luigi examined by the Vet I inquired if they knew anyone who owned and adored parrots. The assistant spoke up and beemed about her "granny". One thing let to another, and we exchanged contact information. "Granny" is so excited about having one of our parrots, she's not waiting till her grand-daughter comes to visit. This is both good and sad. Parting with my cherished pets, no matter how ornery, lowly, or troublesome, is not an easy thing for me, at all. This parrot will be greatly missed, but with the time and energy needed to take care of the rest of the flock/herd and my darling hubby, well.... one must make a sacrifice for the good of all involved.
Since just before the diagnosis our parrots started showing signs of "knowing" something was up. Our Ruby began chopping her feathers in two, and our Daisy has taken to nerously pulling out her new pin feathers. Because of us being gone to the hospital and cancer center so much, they're doomed to be in their cages much more then usual. I always find it interesting how our pets know when something's going on.
Speaking of downsizing... my 3 furry little companions (the mice caught in my handy dandy humane trap) continue to do well. They figured out how to use the water bottle, and exercise wheel in their cage. I think I've come up with a suitable location where they can be safe and warm over the coming winter months... the church! hahaha No, No, No... just kidding. We have a diligent Jr. Warden who keeps the church free from all church mice. Fortunately, I've taught him about humane traps! grin
Why were we at the Vets office? Well, Luigi (4 yr old Maltese pup) seems to have inherited a weight problem. Like me, he barely eats anything, yet never sheds a pound of fat! Boggles the mind, this weight/fat business. I attribute mine to lack of exercise and removal of my reproductive organs (and subsequent lack of hormones!), but Luigi gets exercise, and well... I suppose he doesn't have hormones after being de-balled. (whoops... did I say that?) Anyway.... he's a fat thing... and on occasion he drools profusely, burps and passes gas, thus a visit to the Vet to get to the bottom of "why". Doc said it could be his teeth (go figure!??). Luigi needs to have his teeth cleaned. Or, it could be his thyroid. Hmmm... test was worth a block of gold. We shall see what comes of it. So, in January we'll drop another little block of gold on Luigi's teeth, and see if this resolves the drooling, burping and farting problem! Geee, Not only is my husband a guinea pig, but now our dog. Ya know.. we can send a man to the moon, but we can't diagnose a dog or man accurately. hrumph
PRE CHRISTMAS FAMILY VISIT
Philip, and family will be coming for a visit this weekend. We're very excited as I've yet to meet the family.
FR. TONY UPDATE:
We think he's getting progressively better.... though I don't think those words can be used accurately. One simply never knows from hour to hour. This past Sunday, Fr. Tony delayed taking his handful of meds, so he could get through the service without being too tired or brain fogged. Well, he felt pretty darn good. After he took the meds, later in the day, he began to feel run down, and various side affects began to set in. Hmmm... so it's the pills!
Today we consulted with the nurse to see if there was something we could do about the meds schedule. We're now going to try having him take his meds later in the day, so the icky feeling time of day is done while he's sleeping. Crossing our fingers and toes.
I must say that this past few weeks has been very difficult. One is under the distinct impression that this chemo/cancer treatment stuff is a lot like a crap shoot. The doctors know what meds will do certain things, but never for sure. They know some meds can get cancer in remission, but a persons body may not handle the meds well. In fact, the treatment can often times be worse then the disease. Yes, the treatment can kill you! VERY UNSETTLING!!!
It's all quite exhausting, really. One must always be vigilent.... Are we on the right path; Which of the meds are causing which symptom; Is the cancer being affected by the drugs; How will the next round of chemo go; Does he have the strength to go into work; How long will his parishioners be patient and kind; Will he wake up in the morning? I know I will be one happy camper when we have this dreadful chemo behind us.... and a successful transplant over and done with. I look forward to the day when Tony can say, "yeah, I have Waldenstroms, and have had it for 10 years now... with no relapse".
POP QUIZ
1. What season of the Christian Year are we in?
2. When does the current season come to an end? What Day?
3. How many days in Christmas?
answers below
I'm sure there was more I was going to write, but heck if I can think of it!
Tea time... more later.
OH.. I got my listings up on eBay. Only 5 so far, but it's a start. Hey.. it's a start.
POP QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. ADVENT: A season of preparation and anticipation... very similar to the season of Lent.
2. DECEMBER 24TH at midnight... theeeeen the Christmas Season BEGINS
3. TWELVE (not 60, as per Hallmark). So, don't pitch your Christmas tree till after 12th Night.
