Just when you think it can't get any worse...

Sad news.

My dad has been diagnosed with cancer. Metastatic. Doctors using phrases like "radiation to keep it contained" and "painkillers to keep you as comfortable as possible for the time you have left."

It's in his lungs, liver and adrenal glands.

I was with Dad and Mom when they saw the tumor that is causing his back pain on the MRI for the first time, then with them when their doctor told them the news.

Today I was visiting when Dad had to go to the drugstore to buy adult diapers because he's been warned the radiation therapy may give him diarrhea.

He came home with two-pound boxes of candy for everyone in the family for Valentine's Day. He never gives us Valentines.

My Mom's birthday is March 23.

I hope he makes it.

Elvis Presley Only Believe

This is cool. This hymn was written by my boys' great-grandfather, (Daniel) Paul Rader. I was able to find it recorded by Presley on an import a couple of years ago. It is reported to have been one of Elvis' favorite songs while he was stationed in Germany.

Curse of the Historian.

Terminal curiosity.

About people.

I think people are interesting. I love their stories.

I could sit for hours and listen to a complete stranger talk about their Yosemite vacation.

So from time to time, I have to go check out the visitor map here to see who has been to visit. And where you come from.

Most of you I recognize, but there is one visitor who has really piqued my curiosity.

Who is visiting me from the Rosedale Cemetery (Los Angeles)?

This could be a very interesting story.

Thanks, Skipper.

My friend Skip sent me this Bud Lite commercial. I hadn't seen it, but haven't had such a good laugh in a long time.

Sigh.

Just for the record...


I am not eating these. 13 pounds lost.

Not good news from Dad's tests. What appeared to be a fairly large tumor in his MRI was in fact a fairly large tumor. They're not sure where it migrated from and until they do they don't know how to treat it. He will speak to an oncologist, then go in for more CT scans to try to pinpoint origins. We are all hoping for the best but preparing for the worst news.

News from my orthopod was better. Nothing wrong other than arthritis in my knees and back. The "cure" for the pain in my left leg is "shrinkage" and to let a local physical therapist "buff [me] up." Scheduled for therapy three times a week for a good long time.

Dog is fine. Disneyland was fine.

Son and DIL came for a weekend rather than just a few hours. That was great. I took them to The Curry Leaf, a local Indian restaurant, for dinner. The food was fabulous and we had a fun time.

The next day the whole family (minus brother and SIL) went to DS2's concert band concert, then to my favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. Also a good time.

Garden is doing well.

DS1 is being interviewed for the Japan teaching job this month (over 5000 applicants worldwide, fewer interviews being granted than ever before). DS2 started a new part-time job today. I'm still pondering what state we've reached in this country when a 28-year-old college graduate gets nervous over an interview for a $9 per hour, 15-20 hour per week job in a warehouse. He also started a new business as "...the Greener Gardener." He is doing people's lawns the old fashioned way (no power tools). We'll see how it all works out. For now, he is happy and excited.

For now, that's more than enough for me.

Busy Week.

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

I had my appointment with the orthopod this week. This is him.

He said he thinks I have a slipped (herniated) disc. I had x-rays that showed arthritis in both knees (right is worse but I didn't go in for that). Also have slight scoliosis (probably from carrying my purse on the same shoulder for 40 years) and arthritis developing in my spine. "Nothing is jumping out" at him, though, so I have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday.

DS2 has been renovating the yard. Weeding, repairing. I also did some finishing up in the fairy garden. The retainer is finally done (which is probably what aggravated my back/leg problems). Am excited, though, 'cause it looks good. There's nothing more exciting to a gardener than a clean slate.

It actually looks a little better than this now. I was able to fill in the bed before the rains started. I've planned hollyhocks and sweet peas here (although they may not grow well because there isn't all-day sun). Toward the back yard will be aesclepias for the Monarchs. And as soon as Costco gets in their recycled tire mulch I'll finish the floor.

Ordered some perennials from Annie's Annuals for the front yard. Two geum, a lupine and three apricot poppies. For now, though, they have to wait patiently for warmer temps and a let-up in the rain (can they hang in my window until March?)


Today was Hump Day at school. As of 3:10 this afternoon my school year is half over. Hope the rest of the year goes by as quickly as the first half.

I've lost over 10 pounds.

No decision other than to emotionally remove myself from the difficult situation for now. Felt better once I realized it is OK to not give a rip.

DS1 and DIL due tomorrow for a visit.

Taking Monday off to drive my dad for a biopsy of something growing on a nerve in his back.

Saw Princess and the Frog this week (after my ortho appointment). It may be my new favorite Disney animated movie.

Enjoyed a therapeutic phone conversation with an old friend afterward. Can't say enough for good friends.

Dark Times.

This week is not going so well.

Hoping to have some time in the garden this weekend. Or to do some scrapbooking. Maybe taking down the Christmas decorations.

Stitching is out for the time being because the dog is very interested in whatever I do when I sit in that particular chair (ie. slobber all over everything).

Hanging in there is about all I can manage right now.

Oops.

Apparently yesterday was my blogoversary.

Four years.

I really need to get my times in balance. Some time here. Some time on facebook. They both have value to me but so far I haven't developed good habits with either.

Don't know why I think that should be different than anything else, though. Eighteen years and I still don't have good habits with school chores. We'll have been in this house 36 years in March and I still don't have good habits with housework and yardwork. And I have a ton (literally!) of scrapbooks, papers, stickers and photographs that I really do want to meld together into a history (honest!). Not to mention the collection of stitchery charts and supplies, fabric and patterns and other craft supplies that I want to see develop into something of beauty.

Sigh.

Still OK.

Sunset yesterday from our back fence.

School is going OK. With a couple of exceptions, students are behaving OK.

Got my car serviced. I've had the same mechanic for 25 years and trust him completely. I asked him to check the brake rotors because the car rattled whenever I put on the brakes. I needed all new rotors. And a new battery. And new wipers. And new shocks, but those will have to wait until the next servicing. Another major bump on my credit card, but I feel safer. So it's OK.

Still wrestling with some dark, difficult feelings and a difficult decision, but nothing will happen for a couple of years anyway, so it's OK.

Got an appointment with an orthopod to get my achy hips checked out. Came recommended by two people, on of whom said, "He has no bedside manner at all but really knows his stuff." I just want answers, not a boyfriend, so that's OK.

Dodger is almost a year old and has really calmed down. That is very OK.

I'm so grateful to my friends. My school friends, my blog friends, my facebook friends. Thank you for being my friends. You are all so much better than OK.

It was OK.

I'll be happy with that.