Tag Archives: Gratitude

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgets, California, cash envelopes, Gratitude by

I’m thankful that what I had wasn’t a cold since I felt a lot better yesterday and today. I think it’s sinus because I still feel a bit of a sinus headache. Yesterday I only took an allergy pill no cold medicene so fingers crossed that’s all it is.

I am thankful I got a beautiful early walk, and I was the only one there. I saw the full moon briefly, but it was already on its way down.

I’m thankful all the bills are accounted for, although, again, there’s not much wiggle room. As long as things are accounted for, I’m ok. I’m still working on paying off the one cc that I had to put some of the big bills on, but I’m getting there. I do hate having a balance, but since I don’t have any backup, that’s what I need to do. I do hope next year I can swing doing cash envelopes for most stuff. I did have the property tax paid from an envelope, and most of the house insurance. So next year, that’s a real priority.

I’m thankful for a warm house. Our wood stove does a nice job, along with some space heaters. We don’t have central heating, so that’s what needs to happen. My daughter bought an oil space heater that looks like a radiator, and we’re experimenting with how well a job it does.

I’m thankful my car is still going great despite it being a 2014. I do hope I can keep it going for a while longer, since I’m not too sure how I’d buy a new( to me) car.

Well, that’s all from mi casa. What things are you grateful for? I’m always interested in peeking into other people’s lives.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, California, Gratitude, home stuff, husband, Walking by

Let’s just say I’m thankful yesterday is over!!!

It was exhausting. Fortunately, today is a home day, just doing normal stuff. I need to vacuum and go through each room and tidy up. Mostly everything is fine, just a few hot spots.

I’m thankful to get out and do my short walk. It’s not much, but it’s a start.

I went for a walk already, and it was .55. So Saturday, my next walk day, I plan on doing .75 and see how that feels. Also, today I will do some PT exercises.

I’m thankful that B doesn’t need to go tomorrow for infusion. That’s a relief.

I’m thankful we have the AC units to cool the house, as it is going to be very hot tomorrow and Saturday. We are starting to water the yard more just to keep things going. Of course, that will increase our water bill.

I’m grateful for this lovely morning. I’ve been up since 5am and it’s so nice and quiet.

Most of the California poppies are done for now. these are coreopsis.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, Gratitude, knee injury, library by

It may seem trite, but I’m thankful for our garbage guy who picks up our trash every Thursday. The trucks are automated now, so he doesn’t have to get out of the truck as a big arm comes out and picks it up. Still, he starts his day at 4am in all weather. We used to always give a Christmas gift of a gift card to show our appreciation, but now we don’t as he wouldn’t see it as the can is out in the driveway, and as I said, it’s all automated.

I’m thankful for this beautiful spring weather we are having. Next week it dips back down to the 60s, so much cooler.

I’m thankful B’s labs were good, so he doesn’t need a transfusion. I’m really hoping with this next immuno treatment we see some improvement. That would be #3. He says he doesn’t feel much different, and the pain is still there. 😦

I’m very thankful I went for a walk the other day. It was not very long or far, but I felt it broke the spell of not walking. It’s been almost a month since I had the meniscus tear, so I hope this begins to help along with the PT exercises.

I’m grateful my daughter has been willing to step up and do all the ‘dad’ chores like getting wood, cleaning out the woodstove, etc. She has been doing a lot.

I haven’t decided whether to go to the library/gym today. It’s early yet, so I’ll get my morning going and then decide. I do need to get gas at Costco, so that could motivate me.

What things are you grateful for? Over at The Frugal Girl’s blog, there are lots of comments from her subscribers. She is quite a talented person.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cancer, Gratitude by

So far, B seems to be doing ok after the immunotherapy infusion. It’s 2 drugs, and the infusion time is way shorter than the others. So, I’m grateful, and fingers crossed, he doesn’t have some reaction in the next few days.

I’m thankful my daughter drove him down so I had some time alone in the house. I pottered around and did a few odd jobs. Then, when I went to get him, I stopped at Costco for gas and then Winco for groceries.

I’m grateful that we’ve had lovely weather and haven’t had to have any fires in the wood stove. So nice to not need them. Our yard looks so pretty this time of year.

We call that the White Tree of Gondor. It’s the tree in LOTR that came from Numenor.

The pink tree is a red bud.

I’m grateful to be up and about, even with my knee. I still haven’t been able to schedule the MRI. The phone wait is ridiculous. After 10 minutes, I gave up. I did that 3 times already. I’ll try again today.

I’m very grateful my son came up and did some miscellaneous chores for us. It was things like taking down the twinkly lights that were burned out, gas up the truck, fixing the railing outside, and a few other things. He’s a wonderful young man.

Today is open, although I am considering Costco because I need vitamins, and they are on sale right now. It’s early yet, so I’ll think about it. I know I want to avoid all the Easter shoppers over the weekend.

A close-up of the white tree.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, California, cancer, Walking by

I’m grateful for a sunny day. We had our first walk in quite a few days because of the rain. It felt good to get out and walk.

I’m thankful my labs have come back great. Kappa in normal range, lambda in normal range, and the K /L ratio normal. Yes!! I’ll take it.

I’m grateful we’ve gotten through B’s video appts, and nothing was said about cancelling the surgery so we can only assume it’s a go. The only hiccup could be his CT scan of his chest that he still needs to get. They somehow didn’t add in the chest when he got the other one.

I’m thankful for the pool and how Roseville P& R keeps it so clean and immaculate.

I’m thankful for a nice visit from my son the other day. He does make an effort to visit us. Now that he has his own apartment with his partner, he could choose to not visit as often so it’s so nice he does. Plus, he’s a good emotional support for his Dad.

What kinds of things are you grateful for? Usually I’d say for me, it’s about the little things of everyday life. The bread making, the tidying up the house so it’s clean and tidy, sitting in the sun enjoying the warmth and things like that.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cooking, Gratitude, velcade by

I’m thankful for the beautiful weather here in Northern Ca. Our daffodils are up and the flowering cherry tree is blooming. Today is supposed to hit 70. nice!!

I’m grateful B is recovering so well from the laparoscopy and he can pretty much do what needs doing. We have a date now for the surgery and Hipec. It’s April 14. So the plan is to arrive Sunday and he will need labs. Fortunately, the lab is open on Sunday. Then Monday is the surgery although we don’t know the time yet. The surgery is where the surgeon(Dr. Lee) goes in and basically scrapes any cancer areas he sees. Then he is closed back up except for tubes that will administer the chemo. That part I’m not sure how long it will be but it could be quite long. At this point, I am NOT staying in the hospital but will go back to the hotel. After last time sitting in the waiting room just about did me in. Then the plan is I will go see him on Tuesday and check in about how things are. The last time Dr. Lee called me after the surgery was over so I suspect he will do that again. Then B will be in the hospital for at least a week. We haven’t figured out part 2 of getting him as I do not plan on staying all week.

I’m thankful for good food that I cook and feel good enough to do that. Last night we had a piece of the Halibut I got from Alaskian Fish. I think it was the first time I’ve had halibut and it was very good.

I’m grateful I can get my Velcade shot today in Rocklin and not drive into Sacramento. That is a real time saver and emotional one too not having to deal with Sacramento traffic.

I’m not so thankful for Dex overall, but it does do the job so I guess I am grateful for that.

I’m thankful ” to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world”. What else can I say? Our democracy is in serious danger of falling apart thanks to tRump and mUsk. What a bunch of assholes.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in books, California, camping, cancer, Gratitude, peritoneal mesothelomia, social security by

This has really been an awful year. B getting diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma was such a shock. Also, it doesn’t have a very good prognosis. Then because of this, we had to cancel all our RV trips and it’s been hard to not head out somewhere. All in all, it’s just been a hard year. As we close 2024, I’m still thankful for many things.

  • that he’s had the last chemo and will get a PET scan soon. So going into 2025, we should know where he is with it all.
  • I’m thankful that, even with me getting Velcade, I can do most things that need to be done.
  • I’m thankful my kids are there to pick up the slack and help us so much.
  • I’m grateful that even though money is always tight on SS we can pay our bills. There’s not a lot left over but we have a roof over our heads, food, and hot water, wood heat and lots more. It would have been nice to not have a mortgage at all but that wasn’t in the cards for us. At least we can pay for it.
  • I’m thankful for the library and the world of books. Books, even as a child, took me to places I’d never been. Today, at 72, I can say books still carry me to unknown places and show me a different perspective.

I’m hopeful for 2025, but I think it’s still going to be tough going especially when we head to Stanford for the surgery.

One step at a time, one step at a time.

My appt went ok yesterday. It was quite busy in there but I still got in on time. Dr. L asked if I had any sleep apnea. Not that I know of. I guess my hematocrit is slightly elevated and he said to consider getting a sleep apnea test. Even if I did have it, I wouldn’t use a mask at night unless it was severe. Does anyone out there have any experience with sleep apnea. My guess is the hematocrit goes up and down because of not drinking enough water. Dehydration is one cause. I never drink enough water. Plus it’s been 1 point out of range for a year. 15.5 is high normal, I’ve been 16.4. I’m not sure why he brought this up now, but I said, I’ll think about it but I really have too much going on to add one more thing. I’ll do some more research and see what I find out.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, cancer, decluttering, Gratitude, Walking by

We are hanging in there waiting for the appts. It’s frustrating, to say the least. I am grateful that it’s getting closer at least. I hope we’re going to get some answers at next Wednesday’s UCD appt.

B sent an e-message to the internist who did the diagnosis and I am grateful she responded in very positive way. She said she would reach out to Stanford and see if it could be moved up from the end of the month. She also indicated that age probably won’t be a huge factor as much as how healthy he is for the Hipec.

I’m grateful that fall is in the air even though it’s going to be 98 degrees today. The light is different and even the heat feels different, so I’m grateful for that.

Even though we are both having a hard time emotionally right now we still find things to laugh at. It’s tough right now but sticking to everyday routines is helping some. I guess trying to keep things ‘normal right now seems important to me.

We had a nice walk this morning even with the lady who shows up right after us. (This person is definitely annoying to me for a few reasons, such as: 1. There is a WHOLE parking lot empty and she has to park next to me. 2. She is not using a flashlight when clearly it’s still semidark out.) 😦 Still, I’m grateful to be out walking.

I finally took the huge load in the back of the Santa Fe to Goodwill. I was surprised that it filled up one of their carts. It felt good to finally drop that stuff off. Decluttering feels good once the whole thing is done and not sitting in the back of the car for 3 months:)

Thankful Thursday

Posted in budgets, California, Gratitude, swimming, Uncategorized, Walking by

Whew…I’m so glad my cold is over or whatever it was. It was a virus but only in my head. No coughing and no chest involvement. Kind of odd really.

I’m always grateful for the Mike Shelito pool and how wonderful it is maintained. I’m going later than I used to and it’s quite nice. I did always enjoy the 6:30 time but later is definitely more mellow. I plan on swimming tomorrow. And next week, while we’re in Tahoe the pool is closed for maintenance so I won’t be missing out.

I’m always grateful for walking in the park and today it was only us again so very nice. Well, and the Canada Goose families. The sun was just coming up over the horizon when we left. We did 1.4 so a nice walk. This weekend I want to try for the 2.0 mile again. We did it once so I think I can do it again. My knee is so much better and I’m so thankful for that.

I’m thankful my son has moved into his new apartment with his partner and they seem happy to be together. They, non-binary, ( Alia) is a really nice person and as I’ve said they are well suited.

Today I have Velcade and Boy Howdy( a reference from Longmire) am I glad I can skip dex. Of course, if my numbers go up I won’t be so glad but for now it’s a relief.

I’m grateful the budget is set for June although money is tight this month due to 2 DMV registrations. It sure adds up. Well, everything is more expensive, that’s for sure.

I’m so thankful for my daughter, who lives with us and is so helpful. Her birthday is next week. It’s hard to believe it was 39 years ago when we were waiting for her to arrive. Barclay’s dad had come out to the Dixieland Jazz Festival that used to be held in Sacramento every year back then and he got to meet her. At that time we were living in Foresthill and in a trailer with a room built on. It was Grandpa who gave us the initial money to start building the house. We are forever grateful he did that for us.

THE MOST IMPORTANT: UPDATE

YESTERDAY WAS B’S 5TH REBIRTH DAY. IT WAS 5 YEARS AGO WHEN HE HAD HIS BROTHERS STEM CELLS INTRODUCED. SO GRATEFUL!!! GOING THROUGH AN ALLO TRANSPLANT IS NOT EASY, BELIEVE ME.

Thankful Thursday

Posted in California, Gratitude, swimming by

I do appreciate and am thankful we live in such a beautiful area. I’ve traveled the country numerous times(driving) and I don’t think there is a more beautiful area than the Sierras. Of course, every area has beauty. I loved living in Tucson in the 70’s with the saguaros, ocotillos and, the native American vibe. I also loved Santa Fe with its amazing architecture. Having grown up in NY, I did love the woods behind our house where I spent many hours but overall, to me, the East Coast is weathered and old and the towns seemed so close together. Of course, we have LA and San Francisco in California but where we are we have lots of national forests and space. I need space. I need space around me.

I am thankful then for being able to drive to Roseville( lots of people) to go to the pool but then in 20 + minutes be back home with space around me.

I’m so grateful that my children are happy and have good jobs which they love. They both found ways to pay for their educations and were lucky to get good jobs. My daughter won a full scholarship to UC Santa Cruz. And for her Library Science degree, she did some student loans. My son cash flowed his degree at CSUS and is now employed by the state. I’m very proud of them for their accomplishments. Nothing was just handed to them but we didn’t have the money anyway. I’m sure if we did we would have paid gladly. We did help where we could with buying books, and other things we could swing.

I’m grateful for a supportive husband who does so much around here. He just finished most of the weed eating and it’s a lot. Two of our neighbors haven’t done any weed eating and their grass is 1 1/2 ft high and a fire danger. Hopefully, they will get to it.

Having gratitude for the small things in life, I think, makes all the difference in the world. Yes, when the big things come along it’s easy to be thankful for those but it’s really the everyday small things that make all the difference. Watching the sun come up at an earlier time every day, the way the light is changing in the evening to that Maxwell Parish blue this time of year, and a thousand other ways to appreciate the life we’re given.

On a political note, I’m thankful that the judge in tRumps trial is fair and ruling with the law on things such as the gag order. Anyone else would be sitting in jail for contempt of the court.