LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!
- Fr. Tony Update...
- WE GOT SNOW!!! YAY!...
- Internet Access Woes...
- Misc...
Fr. Tony Update:
Yesterday was Chemo Day for Fr. Tony. We arrived at 8:45am, Tony had labs drawn and an IV inserted (ouch), and was then escorted to a room where we met with our Dr. Michael. The morning "numbers" weren't in from his labs, so we reviewed the numbers spanning the past couple of months. There were a whole lot of RED numbers on the report, and just like in an accountants spreadsheet, the RED numbers aren't so good. Hmmm, guess they look a lot like our financial spreadsheet. grin Anyway... The numbers aren't exactly great, but Fr. Tony keeps on keepin' on, as they say. Apparently the Waldenstrom's is acting more like a lymphoma (I'm sure I'm slaughtering the terminology here, so bear with me). What this means is that if it continues to do so, then a stem cell transplant might not be possible, as a transplant does not really help with lymphoma type cancers. Hrumph. But, we shall see. Dr. Michael said Tony would most likely go on to another 4 weeks of Rituxan therapy, after a couple of week's break.
On a slightly better note, as of last Thursday/Friday, Tony hasn't been suffering much in the way of ill side effects from the chemo. In fact, he's been doing so well, he's back to going into the office. Next Tuesday will be his fourth round of Rituxan, then the following week he'll head to NYC (probably the germ capital of the country, aye?) for a NNECA meeting. So, please do continue to keep him, his treatment, his doctor and his recovery in your prayers. We can't thank all of you enough... for staying "in the loop", sending your cards, well wishes and love to us during this difficult time.
WE GOT SNOW! YAY!
I guess you can tell by now I LOVE SNOW!!! This was one of the many great things about living in South Dakota. One could ALWAYS count on there being snow.... for at least several months out of the year. Believe it or not, the snow in SD isn't all that bad. You see... just like when you hear folks say about Arizona, "but, it's a dry heat". The same applies in SD, except that "it's a dry cold". Whenever it was time to clear the sidewalks (as required by the city, so the postal folks could deliver mail)... I could be outside "sweeping" the dry snow with a broom, in a T-Shirt, when the temps were hanging around 10 degrees farenheit or less. Yep! It's true! Plus, SD knows how to clear snow, and they don't use this gawd awful SALT/slag!!! I'm secretly convinced the car makers/sellers have a deal with the state of WV. More quickly then normal, we have to replace our cars, because they've rotted from the bottom up. Insanity! I've got one perfectly good 4WD Raider sitting in my drive, and am unable to get it inspected (though I've not given up trying), because of rust! Hrumph!!! Hopefully I'll be able to overcome this minor setback, since the car is/was intended to be given to a college aged student (and parishioner) to help her with transportation.
Yeah, sometimes the cold and snow can get a bit rough up there on the high prairie, but the homes are all built rock solid, with ample insulation and excellent furnaces for heating. The folks are so trusting (salt of the earth, ya know what I mean?) in SD that one goes shopping on a blizardy and bitterly cold day, and leaves their cars running while they shop. It's true. I never heard of anyone getting their car stolen while we lived there, but I must admit it took me a winter or two to brave leaving my keys in a running car.
Enough about SD for now. Below are a couple of pictures of our Harry, first thing this morning, enjoying a romp in the snow with one of his favorite toys.
Internet Access Woes...
Most of you know that our local Internet/Cable TV provider has been bought up by Comcast. They're due to make the final transition the end of this month. The past few days I've had nothing but problems accessing the internet, and I know I'm not alone. Unfortunately, I've spent hours on the phone with Adelphia/Comcast, over the past few days trying to figure out why our connection is SO spiratic. They've walked me through all the usual steps to locate the problem, and nothing has fixed it. I've also spent quite a bit of time on the phone with Norton/Symantec, since Adelphia/Comcast assured me the problem was with my internet security program. Sure, pass the buck. Considering the problem might could be the router, I ran ethernet wiring to both computers, trying to eliminate one step in the high speed connection, and we still have problems. OY! This is torture.
It seems to me the clear choice as to whom is responsible for the connection issues would be the company in the process of a HUGE transition, right? Getting them to admit any culpability is a whole other matter. So, as a result, my computer has been stripped of programs, including any and all internet security, and has also been scanned and defragged. Maybe the mystery problem will clear up soon. If you don't hear from me for a few days, then you know I attempted to reload some security program/s, and have again lost access to the internet. Hrumph.
Misc... Prepping for new million dollar scheme.
For the sake of my sanity I spend time creating, electronic doodling, and trying to come up with inovative money making schemes. As my hat making project wasn't very fruitful, except for making several folks happy for Christmas, I'm now moving on to handbags. Abbey's particularly keen on a Messenger Bag, so I'll be whipping one up as soon as I get done with grand-daughter's Birthday Present. As is the case with most of these creative scheme projects, I spend time working on webpages to see if I can put together a smashing display. Below are some images I've been playing with, for the various pages of the new website.
Amy Butler pattern.
and another Messenger Bag: Amy Butler design.
Remember, not all "women" are pencil thin. We "fluffy" gals need handbags as well. grin
Tres Chic!!
WebPage Banner Idea.
and another...WebPage Banner Idea.
And Lastly.... a really cool fish purse design I'm looking forward to making.
That's it folks. If I sent too many photos in the blog/group mail, remember you can visit the blog directly by CLICKING HERE. Don't forget to check out Fr. Tony's blog, to keep up to speed on the latest greatest Anglican pearls of wisdom. Love to you all, and enjoy the lovely white carpet of snow, PitterPat
