Fanciful Quilts

Friday the 30th of November marked my final day at work. Thirty-one years plus and that part of my life is in the past. The luncheon held for me on the 27th of November was wonderful. Both our children were there and with them, our grandchildren. Son-in-law couldn't make it due to work commitments and we missed his wonderful smiles. My only regret is that neither my parents nor Riley's parents could make it to the ceremony. Most of the event passed by in a blur other than one particular segment. Wonderful husband that he is, Riley presented me with roses - each rose with a special meaning. The picture I will carry with me always will be of our two grandchildren carrying a very long box with roses down to the area where I stood to receive my retirement certificate, an award plus some wonderful gifts. Ethan & Rheya struggled together to carry that lightweight box and it was the most beautiful sight of all. While watching them struggle down the "aisle", the...

I've read that it takes 21 days to make a habit become part of your life... twenty-one days. To put it to the test, today marks Day #2 of getting up at 4am, dressing in my very elegant walking clothes, searching under the bed for the shoes - and hoping that I have a somewhat clean pair of white socks to wear with them - and riding the elevator to the basement where the instruments of torture (aka treadmills) awaits both my dear husband Riley and me. I have already gained some valuable insight - and this is only Day #2. First, one can really get dressed, press the correct button on the elevator, and actually step on the treadmill and walk about 1/4 of a mile before one wakes up. Second, I cannot fanthom that anyone really looks forward to getting up at 4am to do something such as this. Third, looking in the mirror to detect any changes in the body is only wishful thinking - not even 21 days is going to change that. And finally, fourth - scales can destroy following through go...

Today marks the end of a four-day "vacation" for me. I hadn't intended to take off Friday, but the opportunity to do so presented itself when son asked if I wouldn't mind babysitting Thursday evening. What grandmother could say no. The evening was delightful and I learned a few things. NEVER give an almost-three year old a choice of what he/she would like to do. Feed the ducks or go to McDonalds. Lesson #1 learned. I got out the stroller, the little man rode while grandma hoofed it down a couple of blocks to McDonalds. Lesson #2 - always follow through. When I decided it was time to go, grandson was having the time of his life, climbing up, around & sliding down the various slides in the indoor playground. After being told sweetly, "no grandma, I like it up here", I then delivered the ultimatum "either you come down now or I will find a way to come up and get you and I do believe in spanking". Thank God I didn't have to follow thr...

It's official. The MRI showed absolutely NO cancer cells. Zip, zilch, zero, NONE. Simply put, I was stunned. The surgeon flipped through my chart, looking at the mammogram report, then the 2 ultrasound reports - and again at the MRI results. Frankly - a miracle. While he would like another MRI in six months, medical insurance would never agree to it. He settled on another mammogram in six months - and back to the routine of yearly checks. While I was stunned, darling husband was not. To the surgeon's immense pleasure, my dearest friend danced around in the examining room. Later, it hit me. He was my rock during these past couple of months. Whatever resulted, WE would handle it. And if he could, he'd do it by himself. Until many hours later, I realized how these past few months were for him - yet, I didn't know it. How many of us have spouses who would gladly carry others' burdens - without a question, complaint or whimper. Not many. I know this deep...

The saga continues. On Tuesday the 8th of August I had a high contrast MRI. In retrospect, it's quite an interesting exam. One has to be sure that all metals are removed from the body. For most of us, that simply means rings, watches, earrings & necklaces. For a few of us, it means body piercings. There was the momentary pause when I was asked "Do you have any hidden body piercings?" Hidden body piercings?? Good Lord - there really are such things???? I'm sure my "no" came out as "uhhhh ... no??" I'm sure the technician was thinking "Oh yeah , this one is a real live wire". I had opted to wear a pair of cargo pants - no zippers - sandals and a sleeveless top - most of which I got to wear during the MRI (surprise - bras have underwires - now there's a picture I can't get out of my head had I been able to keep it on during the MRI). A short IV was inserted. Now that's very comforting. A short vs long IV. Fr...

Today I accompanied my dear husband for a doctor's appointment - on the off chance the ultrasound came back. Always nice when husband & wife share the same doctor. Granted, this "short term" ultrasound was done just yesterday - but the word 'rush' was used, right? Sure enough, the results were back. I really do hate the 'good news, bad news' routine, but it seems appropriate. Good news is - the "spot" (what do we call it?) has not grown. Bad news it - it doesn't fit the "profile" of a cyst nor a breast lesion. Profile? What is a profile? A profile is appropriate for say - a guy who breaks into houses & makes himself a sandwich before he robs the place blind. That's a profile. How does something so small have a "profile"? I imagine this tiny cell, searching for his identity to make himself a name. At any rate, our family doctor has already made an appointment for me to see a surgeon on the 22nd of August. Now, ...

Several months ago (three to be exact - but who's counting??), I suffered through a mammogram (routine) and shortly thereafter, an ultrasound (not routine). The ultrasound pinpointed something "suspicious" but not "overly suspicious". Is this like - being kinda sorta pregnant? Today, the followup ultrasound took place. Outwardly, just another ultrasound - pictures taken just in that one area. Inwardly, lots of "what ifs". The technician was very good but had to be reminded several times to ease up on the glider (she tends to "get into" her work). Frankly, I didn't see what was so fascinating on the screen that distracted her from ensuring the pressure was light. Shortly thereafter, she called the radiologist (only several rooms down the hallway) to let him (her?) know the pictures were on the way. There's technology - and then there's technology. Several rooms down the hall and she emails the results? Maybe the radiologi...

Today DH and I celebrated the Fourth by watching a home town parade - with grandson as the main attraction. There is nothing like watching a parade through an almost-three-year old. He danced, he waved his small flag - and he constantly tested the don't-go-in-the-street rule. Dad was there too, along with grandson's other grandparents plus a friend of his other grandmom's; it was a great experience. I missed seeing our daughter-in-law who had to work. Thousands of people sat in chairs and stood up whenever a group marched by with the American flag. Marching bands - cheerleaders - a few floats - and lots more various bands who were transported by trucks pulling flatbeds - and lots of advertisers took advantage of promoting their businesses. After the parade, son, grandson, DH & I walked for at least a mile, looking at the various vendors. The highlight of the walk was the most elaborate outdoor "porty-potty" I have ever seen. No sirree - not your typic...

Yesterday evening, my dear husband (fondly known in print as DH) delivered the Saturday evening message at church. Along with several other men, he's been attending weekly mentoring sessions with our pastor. From what I gather, the pastor's goal is to mentor & teach so if the opportunity so arises, these men can deliver the message at Saturday evening services. DH delivered the message for the first time the previous Saturday. It's taken me a little bit of time to digest the fact that (1), he did it well and (2) there was a sense of right when he delivered it. The fact he did it well did not surprise me. When the Holy Spirit calls and is within you, you have no choice but take care of the task at hand in a pleasing manner. The sense of right when he delivered the message is a struggle for me. What if God has called him to the ministry? What if God's plan takes us on a new course of action? Now this is a large piece of life to struggle with - for me, at an...

This morning one of the many emails I received contained a link to an U-Tube video. I'm not a huge fan of U-Tube but as this dear lady posted "I am proud of our service men and women", I knew I had to watch it. It is a simple video with beautiful photos and a haunting music track. Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army - all these men & women simply doing their jobs so we can continue to have the freedom we've taken for granted. We live in a country that allows each of us to express our views publicly. We live in a country that allows freedom to worship without fear. We live in a country that generously helps other countries fight against tyranny and repression. Yet, the gratefulness is not expressed through the written and spoken news media. I don't think I will ever understand how anyone can say this war is wrong and we shouldn't be there. Just ask our deployed soldiers - many of whom are on their 2nd and 3rd tour - why they're there. This video pre...

On the 16th of June, a pre-Father's Day picnic was thoroughly enjoyed by myself, dear husband, my sister, dear son and his son. Three generations of men - but for me, the attention was focused shamelessly on our grandson. We held the picnic at Riverscape - a beautifully landscaped area next to the Miami River (not the most picturesque river - but it is moving water and it does hold a strange fascination for ducks). One of Riverscape's attractions is a unique "square" of shooting fountains - perhaps twelve of them. At times, all twelve fountains shoot straight up - and then one by one, turn off - and then they come back again, one at a time - or two. You just don't figure it out - you just merely hope you can run through it when it's dormant. Grandson managed to do it once and claimed victory by jumping up and down with his hands raised. Such a glorious victory dance for an almost-three-year old. The second attraction is the little fast food shack that h...

On Thursday, the 7th of June, sis & I loaded up a rental car at 9:00AM and started the long drive to Oshkosh, WI. Oshkosh is home for a multitude of our relatives: mom, dad, brother and his wife, several nephews, a niece and her husband and aunts & uncles. The purpose for this trip was to attend our nephew's wedding - our brother's oldest son. Several months of emails went back & forth about the wedding - and it resulted in just sis and I going as my dear husband had a chess tournament to run during the weekend. Four hundred and seventy-three miles is a long trip to make - and sis does not drive. As I get older, I find the driving a little more tedious than in years past. I had made a quick trip to the library to stock up on music CDs and books on CD. This helped a little - but I noticed that we made more frequent stops than previous trips. An older woman once told me that her solution to long trips was to first pray for a safe trip and would ask God to show her som...

Yesterday I blundered. While that in itself isn't unusual for me, it made a powerful impact on a coworker - and for that, it will take awhile for the apology to take root and grow. Several weeks ago, our team (a mighty group of four individuals) became adrift in a sea of bureaucracy. Our supervisor was promoted out of our lives. The five of us were quite a team - each with his/her own competencies that enabled us to do quite well - and we produced some spectacular programs and policies. Then the five became four. Management decided the four of us would rotate in leading the small team - if the plan suited. It did. My rotation was to be last; I'm much more comfortable in a support role - not in a leading role (although my dear husband would argue quite convincingly I am wrong). And here the blunder slowly took root. First the dynamics of the team of four need to be described. I'm completely and utterly retirement eligible - and have been since the 26th of February when I ...

Today I participated in a 5K walk/run - and I found that striving to come in first, second or third isn't necessary anymore. Today I walked with a friend - and we talked. She cautioned me twice to slow down - and after the 2nd mile, I really appreciated the caution. While it was hot & humid and others passed us by, I realized that a slower pace was a pleasure. I saw several geese flying overhead. I heard birds scolding one another - and prayed that they would be not plotting to cover either one of our heads with little white presents. When the wind blew gently by (at least once, I'm sure of it), it felt wonderful. And we talked and talked - and every so often, we just quietly enjoyed the walk. My friend became a grandmother about 5 months ago...and so now we have grandchildren in common. I learned more about her in that 50 minutes than all of the past six or more years we have spent together in the office. She's one of the most positive people I have ever encou...

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I phoned my mom, wishing her a Happy Mother's Day. I listened to her accounting of her day so far - and that my brother was taking her & dad out to an early dinner and also my brother's wife and mother-in-law would be joining them. It was good to listen to Mom. She was clearly pleased over her day. My sister called her later and wished her the same. My husband made a call to his mom - and I could tell from his end of the conversation, she was having a very good Sunday. This morning I came to the realization that I missed hearing from our two kids yesterday. They're married now & have their own family - and I hope daughter was honored on Mother's Day and that daughter-in-law was honored as well. Early this morning, I realized I must have erased messages on my cell phone as I noticed a missed call from our son. An email inquiry to my son let me know that the erased message was a Mother's Day call & I didn't get ...

Suspicious but not very suspicious cyst or lesion. Followup mammogram and ultrasound results from last Thursday reached our family doctor's desk. A followup ultrasound is to be done three to six months. After explaining to the doctor that six months wasn't going to be an option, an appointment was made for early August for the ultrasound. I'm not sure how to take this. Foreboding? Confident that all is well? Suspicious - but not very? This is just so very strange. I don't know if researching cysts and lesions is going to make me feel better or worse. The mind is going into overdrive ... of course it would. Dealing with hangnails sends me in a tizzy. Okay, God - this is in your hands. I sure would appreciate time going forward a little bit faster than normal, if that's okay, so we can just find out what's next. Angel45402

On Friday evening my husband & I attended a viewing in Elyria, Ohio. The funeral was to be held on Saturday - and it was for my husband's cousin, Lane Tollett. We watched many people file in, pay respects to the young man whom I believe is in heaven, hug his parents and move on. This young man was to be 31 years old today - and died in Iraq, fighting for his country. There are those who believe the war is wrong - and those who believe without our men fighting, we stand to lose the most precious commodity - freedom. I believe in the latter. This man whom I have never met believed in what he did ... and despite personal feelings about the war, was held in the highest regard by all. Flags flew at half mast in the entire small town of Elyria. The funeral was held in the high school Lane attended. Hundreds came - and hundreds wept. It was a moving ceremony with military honors and blessings from the Catholic priests. During the ceremony, I thought of what a rich life this young man ...

During a phone conversation this afternoon, I used a very interesting word to describe one's lifestyle: "complicated". That description was not met with enthusiasm. Actually, it was met with resentment. It wasn't a word I searched for nor rehearsed nor do I know where it came from. It simply came out. After I hung up, I thought for a long time as to why I used this word. Webster describes complicated as: to combine especially in an involved or inextricable manner. Further described as: to make complex or difficult Still no help. Complicated. Then it came to me - of course! That's exactly how I've heard coworkers describe our lives - mine and my husband's. Our lives have been described as complicated. Complicated because we both work 40 hours a week - and then we operate a chess club in a building we bought years ago. Complicated because we will spend, on the average, a weekend a month hosting a weekend long chess tournament. Complicated ...

On Friday, 27 April 2007 came the phone call, "after loooking at your mammogram, a couple tests need to be done right away". Words that strike terror into the staunchest of women. Okay - perhaps not the staunchest of women. Perhaps better written: words that strike terror into those women who suffer dramatically over a paper cut. At any rate, I'd have much preferred the call from the dentist to let me know "we're still waiting for you to come in for that root canal". Interestingly enough, I picked up on the "right away" theme. Those who work for doctors whose job it is to call patients and let them know additional tests are needed - practice this please: "I will not use the words 'right away' ever" before you make that call. And if you do happen to slip and use the 'right away' phrase - don't soft peddle it with "oh, sometimes these things just need a little extra test or two". It just doesn't...

The 10th of April 2007 marked the day of realization. I went to work as usual - only to experience pain like I've never experienced within an hour of getting ready to start the work day. Within the hour, my dear husband had me in the doctor's office. Blood was drawn, various poking in tender spots by the doctor, and I went home with an initial diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Hours later, blood work revealed normal pancreas enzymes ... diagnosis changed to acute gastritis. After much research, I have discovered that the warranty on this body has expired. In younger days, dinner could be a bag of chips and dip - and a soda (NOT diet). Not an ounce was gained. The warranty held up the body quite well. Not so any more. Eating balanced meals, exercise & rest. Sounds simple enough. When one is not accustomed to self-discipline and an overwhelming desire for dessert before salad, it becomes more than a challenge. At the age of 55, I plan on living for another 50 years. ...

On Friday of last week I admitted defeat and called my dear husband to pick me up at work to take me home. The sinus attack finally took hold. The rest of Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday I battled the sinuses. Cold medicine, allergy medicine, Advil, Tylenol - if we had it, I took it. Sinus symptoms won, hands down. We live in the valley of hades here in Dayton Ohio. When the pollen count is high, it settles in the Miami Valley and plagues many allergy suffers. Word is that a radiologist can look at someone's lung xray and be able to foretell if they've ever lived in the Miami Valley. A better claim to fame would be preferred. I missed church today by sleeping most of the day. Husband brought home a new product - Allergy MD. We shall see if this really does the trick. If price is any indicator of effectiveness, it should work really well. So far it has wiped out the sinus headache - a real plus. Congestion - hasn't diminished it nor has the pain in both ear...

Yesterday was Saturday - and we spent a little over 5 hours with our grandson while mom & dad were working. Dad is an AF reservist and this was his working weekend; mom works at a childrens' store (always a great thing when you have a child of your own). The adventure of potty-training was ours on Saturday. This was supplemented by taking a walk with our lion sticks, examining dirty snow and watching grandson jump off the top of our car into grandpa's arms (not for the faint hearted - which was was cut short by grandma). Did I really do all these things when our children were growing up? Now that they're both adults with a child of their own, I have a difficult time remembering if we took walks, found sticks and were prepared to beat off the lions or touching snow several times to see if it really was dirty. I DO remember the days of potty-training; no parent ever forgets those days. The sense of accomplishment and joy on a child's face to do something we take for g...

On Monday the 28th of February I will be 55 years old. This is typed with such an air of finality. Fifty-five. Five decades plus five. Half a century plus five. Until today I didn't understand the statement "where did all the time go?" Now I do. Right now, right this minute it's not just a number. It's MY number. It represents so many things - and I just don't know which thing to choose. Depressing? Somewhat. Exhilarating? Oh yes - I'm still here to observe another birthday. Happy? Yes, again. I'm healthy - albeit overweight - and I have my family and I have my sister living just four floors down from us. Sad? Somewhat. No set of instructions came with this body. There should always be a set of instructions that God sends with each and every creation. At each stage of life, we should just instinctively know how we're supposed to feel. All of a sudden, I have wild urges to spike my hair, dye it some wild blond color and wear clothes a gypsy wouldn...

Yesterday early evening, daughter & son-in-law & baby girl showed up to surprise their dad - a most welcomed birthday hello. Granddaughter has the most expressive eyes we (dear husband & I) have ever seen. She's all of 15 months old now...and each time we see her, those eyes take in every detail...more so each time. It's amazing. She uses sign language - some one's innovative way to teach babies sign language caught hold with our daughter and so she taught the baby sign language. It is amazing to see this wonderful young lady use her hands to express words. I am picking up words slowly (very slowly) and plan on finding a sign language book soon. I took a 6 week course many years ago while working at a VA hospital. That was far too many years ago to remember much of anything. And I am betting that the sign language book I bought for the class has long since disappeared. Granddaughter warmed up to us in record time - small wonder it takes awhile since we...

Yesterday afternoon I babysat our grandson for a couple of hours. This was a good thing. Even though I'm family, faith & trust was placed in me that all would be well while the parents took time for themselves to enjoy a movie. I learned four truths while looking after this wonderful young man of 2 years plus. First, we all start out with an incredible energy level. Sadly, we seem to lose this energy level as time goes on. I know the body isn't capable of doing things when it's 80 years old as it did when it was 15 years old ... but I believe now that we let the world dictate what's proper and what's not. Two year old kids can constantly revolve their bodies in circles for a couple of minutes and laugh when they fall down. Thirty year old people wouldn't even think of spinning in circles. Okay, maybe alone but not in public. I taught grandson the penquin walk which he picked up immediately. Mom was cool - she mimicked son immediately. Dad - well, ...

The other day I spent some time talking and listening to a member of the family. She's had some rough times in the past year all of which can be classified as 'marital problems'. After 15 years of marriage, she called us - she didn't know what to do anymore and she wanted to move out. Long story short, she now lives in our apartment building. It's been over a year since the big move and sadly, no vast improvement on the part of her estranged husband. After listening to her laments, I realized that we all possess a very valuable weapon: the power of words. I heard over and over 'he never follows through'. Words can encourage, bring smiles, bring tears, plant seeds of doubt and if we're good enough with words & the listener is receptive - change the course of a life. We all have free will and we choose so many courses of action - all part of God's plan. No sense in blaming others for choices we make in life. The power of words can destr...

Yesterday evening, dear husband & I ventured out to a movie. The choices are pretty slim if you set certain standards for a movie: must have no blantant sex in it (okay if the married couple disappear off the screen and it's obvious what's going to happen - emphasis on the MARRIED part), no excessive swearing (nix the movies that think four letter words are adjectives), and no body parts flying all over the screen (nix the bloody horror films). That kind of narrows it down. For last night's movie venture, I chose Will Smith's latest movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". Based on a true story (which I intend to research sometime this week), it's an inspiring movie. Despite everything, this man achieved his dream - and never once thought of leaving his son behind. I've read numerous reviews of this movie - and not one review really captured the essence of it. You just have to see it for yourself. Angel45402