Hey there. Really quickly while I have a few moments - a brief update. My dog is still cute. Business is very good, especially this week, with school vacation. Not getting to snowboard as much as I'd like. But that's what Montana is for, I suppose. We are going on this Montana vacation in two weeks. Doesn't seem possible because I am so focused on what needs to happen right now. We keep hearing great things about Bozeman. I know it'll be awesome.
Dennis is still at his job, still not liking it. But, he's been more on the ball about looking for a boat. In fact, we drove up to Addison, Maine last Friday to look at a boat in progress. It is far away from being a boat, but it has frames and planking has begun. You can get a sense of her size and her size is good for running a windjammer business. It's just such a huge, expensive proposition and the seller is asking too much for it as she is. I don't care if we don't find the right boat right away. I'm just grateful that Dennis is making these motions. At least I know he really is thinking about his/our future and being ambitious.
My granddad is turning 90 this month. My sister's baby is the size of an avocado. That's about all the time I have folks. Sorry for the abruptness. As always, I'll post more ... uh, later.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
destruction & construction in NJ
I've just gotten home from a long weekend at Sis's house in NJ. It was my working vacation - my RENOVA-CATION, if you will.
I'll explain, but first, we need to take a few steps back.
My sister and her husband are pregnant! I have not been holding out on you. I was held to secrecy against my will until just recently. She is in her second trimester and baby is doing great. So is Mama. Lucky woman did not get morning sickness. We are affectionately calling the baby "tadpole", still, even though he/she is now much bigger than a lime. It's just kinda stuck. Dunno why.
So, that said, Mel and Sean are doing some home renovating to make room for tadpole. They had this sunroom that was a 3-season porch at best. It was their intent to make that into a true living space and move the office. Then the office could be the guest bedroom, and the guest bedroom upstairs would become the baby's room.
So, Dennis packed up the Mazda with tools, vacuum, and guitar and we drove down to NJ last Friday night together. We arrived at 11:30pm. Started in on destroying the room the next day. It went well except for the rotten wall we discovered from water and termite damage. There were plants thriving in the disintegrated wood dust of timbers that were no more. Nonetheless, we felt accomplished and sore by the end of the day.
Sunday, we rebuilt that rotten wall and installed one of the four windows. It took all friggin' day. That was a bit disheartening and just like that we were off our schedule. But that was the worst wall and perhaps we could make up time on Monday.
Melanie was home with us Monday and Tuesday. The news got worse on Monday when we moved around the corner and discovered more rot and that the windows were all a bit too big. They were special orders and we HAD to make them work. Another day, another window.
Tuesday was my last day there and I only had unit 1pm. I had to catch a flight out of JFK for Portland at 3:50. Good news was that each successive wall was less rotten and less of it needed replacing. Bad news was that we were hoping to not touch the exterior shingles and it looks like they will be replacing all of them. By the time we removed shingles to fix rot and to fit the big windows, most of them were off anyway. Oh, and it was snowing on Tuesday. But, whatever, Dennis and I put all our windows in on cold, snowy days.
Miraculously, we put in the remaining two windows before 1, just barely. Melanie made us all sandwiches and we had a nice picnic in the car as we drove through the city.
Dennis is still in NJ plugging away at this renovation. He is way behind schedule and will likely be there into next week. It's a much bigger project than any of us imagined, but it will be a bright, cheery, toasty room when it is complete. Most importantly, it won't be rotten and falling down. At this point, it is sturdier and more water tight than it has ever been in it's lifetime. Dennis said that an actual contractor would have advised them to tear it all down and start the room over.
So, I'm batching it this week. Just me and the dog. I'll like it tonight, but I'm sure I'll miss him by tomorrow.
I'll explain, but first, we need to take a few steps back.
My sister and her husband are pregnant! I have not been holding out on you. I was held to secrecy against my will until just recently. She is in her second trimester and baby is doing great. So is Mama. Lucky woman did not get morning sickness. We are affectionately calling the baby "tadpole", still, even though he/she is now much bigger than a lime. It's just kinda stuck. Dunno why.
So, that said, Mel and Sean are doing some home renovating to make room for tadpole. They had this sunroom that was a 3-season porch at best. It was their intent to make that into a true living space and move the office. Then the office could be the guest bedroom, and the guest bedroom upstairs would become the baby's room.
So, Dennis packed up the Mazda with tools, vacuum, and guitar and we drove down to NJ last Friday night together. We arrived at 11:30pm. Started in on destroying the room the next day. It went well except for the rotten wall we discovered from water and termite damage. There were plants thriving in the disintegrated wood dust of timbers that were no more. Nonetheless, we felt accomplished and sore by the end of the day.
Sunday, we rebuilt that rotten wall and installed one of the four windows. It took all friggin' day. That was a bit disheartening and just like that we were off our schedule. But that was the worst wall and perhaps we could make up time on Monday.
Melanie was home with us Monday and Tuesday. The news got worse on Monday when we moved around the corner and discovered more rot and that the windows were all a bit too big. They were special orders and we HAD to make them work. Another day, another window.
Tuesday was my last day there and I only had unit 1pm. I had to catch a flight out of JFK for Portland at 3:50. Good news was that each successive wall was less rotten and less of it needed replacing. Bad news was that we were hoping to not touch the exterior shingles and it looks like they will be replacing all of them. By the time we removed shingles to fix rot and to fit the big windows, most of them were off anyway. Oh, and it was snowing on Tuesday. But, whatever, Dennis and I put all our windows in on cold, snowy days.
Miraculously, we put in the remaining two windows before 1, just barely. Melanie made us all sandwiches and we had a nice picnic in the car as we drove through the city.
Dennis is still in NJ plugging away at this renovation. He is way behind schedule and will likely be there into next week. It's a much bigger project than any of us imagined, but it will be a bright, cheery, toasty room when it is complete. Most importantly, it won't be rotten and falling down. At this point, it is sturdier and more water tight than it has ever been in it's lifetime. Dennis said that an actual contractor would have advised them to tear it all down and start the room over.
So, I'm batching it this week. Just me and the dog. I'll like it tonight, but I'm sure I'll miss him by tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Happy New Year
Did the holidays seem to last a long time this year? I don't mean the retail push of Christmas in October, but the actual days we celebrated. No complaints here. It was great to be able to visit both families and spend several days with my sister and her husband. There was a warm up in the Northeast with rain and fog, so we spent our time indoors eating, watching movies, and playing games (Dance Dance & Scrabble). Fun stuff!
The New Year was fairly quite for us. We did go to a New Year's Eve party, but in typical Candace and Dennis fashion we called it a night before midnight. The party was lively, good food, and we talked extensively about skiing with a couple from Bethel. Alas, it was not enough to keep these fogies out all night. Besides, I was "working". We were taking care of a dog in our home for the week. So, we came home to the dogs, popped open a bottle of champagne that we couldn't remember when we got it or why, and toasted in the New Year on our sofa with the TV on. It was freakin' freezing (wind chill minus!) and we felt so sorry for the poor saps in Times Square. What on earth possesses people to call that fun?
The dogs were having their own New Years Eve celebration with some rowdy play fighting. Here's a shot of them just before midnight when on normal nights they are dead asleep.
Now it's back to the daily grind. We had the wheel bearing go on our Mazda while it sat for a week over Christmas. Because of the New Year holiday, it took over a week to get it repaired. No biggie. We managed just fine as a one car family. I enjoyed the routine of taking Dennis to work and picking him up.
I got my first ever facial. It was very relaxing until she started picking. "Extractions" they call it in the biz. Apparently I haven't been drinking enough water which causes some skin issues. I already knew I wasn't drinking enough. I could feel it elsewhere in my body. My day gets so busy sometimes that I don't have time to sip the water I bring with me. So, my number one resolution for 2009 is to hydrate more.
The pellet stove contributes to the dryness in the house. We are burning pellets primarily for heat because it is better for the environment - cleaner emissions. With oil prices down, It's not so much cheaper like it seemed it would be back in the summer. You'd think the pellet prices would fall as well, but so far we haven't seen it. Here's a bad photo taken with my computer's camera of our lovely stove. She's such a part of our daily lives, I think she needs a name. What shall we call her?
I hope everyone has a happy, healthy 2009 and that you've all made your new year's resolutions/goals. It's good to have goals, big and small, to strive toward. Never stop experimenting with bettering yourself, your life and the lives of those around you.
The New Year was fairly quite for us. We did go to a New Year's Eve party, but in typical Candace and Dennis fashion we called it a night before midnight. The party was lively, good food, and we talked extensively about skiing with a couple from Bethel. Alas, it was not enough to keep these fogies out all night. Besides, I was "working". We were taking care of a dog in our home for the week. So, we came home to the dogs, popped open a bottle of champagne that we couldn't remember when we got it or why, and toasted in the New Year on our sofa with the TV on. It was freakin' freezing (wind chill minus!) and we felt so sorry for the poor saps in Times Square. What on earth possesses people to call that fun?
The dogs were having their own New Years Eve celebration with some rowdy play fighting. Here's a shot of them just before midnight when on normal nights they are dead asleep.
Now it's back to the daily grind. We had the wheel bearing go on our Mazda while it sat for a week over Christmas. Because of the New Year holiday, it took over a week to get it repaired. No biggie. We managed just fine as a one car family. I enjoyed the routine of taking Dennis to work and picking him up.
I got my first ever facial. It was very relaxing until she started picking. "Extractions" they call it in the biz. Apparently I haven't been drinking enough water which causes some skin issues. I already knew I wasn't drinking enough. I could feel it elsewhere in my body. My day gets so busy sometimes that I don't have time to sip the water I bring with me. So, my number one resolution for 2009 is to hydrate more.
The pellet stove contributes to the dryness in the house. We are burning pellets primarily for heat because it is better for the environment - cleaner emissions. With oil prices down, It's not so much cheaper like it seemed it would be back in the summer. You'd think the pellet prices would fall as well, but so far we haven't seen it. Here's a bad photo taken with my computer's camera of our lovely stove. She's such a part of our daily lives, I think she needs a name. What shall we call her?
I hope everyone has a happy, healthy 2009 and that you've all made your new year's resolutions/goals. It's good to have goals, big and small, to strive toward. Never stop experimenting with bettering yourself, your life and the lives of those around you.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Pics
Here's an update through pics
Dennis after blowing in insulation in our attic. Note the fibers all over his face. I looked much the same with black in my nostrils.
The cute couple
Our tree this year
Dennis after blowing in insulation in our attic. Note the fibers all over his face. I looked much the same with black in my nostrils.
The cute couple
Our tree this year
Rub a Dub Dub - I'm Clean!
Merry Christmas to all! Christmas came a little early for my family this year and gave me the gift of peace as the latest CT scan showed no nodes whatsoever.
They call it a "wet" read of the scan because there is no formal report and it is a quick glance by the radiologist, but good enough to tell the patient so he or she is not worrying about the results for days on end. I did not know they could do this. I had my CT scan at 8am and they do a wet read so I know the results by my onc appointment at 10am. Same day! I'm upset they don't automatically always do this for patients. It's just the humane thing to do. Especially if there is no disease and no specifics need to be looked at more closely.
In theory, the wet read was supposed to have been done between my CT scan and the scheduled onc appointment. In reality, after I wait 30 mins. to see the onc, she comes in and asks, "Did you have a CT this morning?". Obviously, she has no results, and I bet Dennis while we waited that this exact thing would happen. Do I know this inefficient system or what? I can still say AARGH, though!
So, we waited some more while she called the radiologist, who had not even looked at the scan yet. We waited for the radiologist. I had to get back to work. As we were about to leave and just have her call with the results, the radiologist called back. Okay, it was worth the wait, but I can still say AARGH.
At least they took my blood for labs from the CT scan IV so I didn't have to be poked twice. That, of course, was my idea. It was bad enough getting the IV. My worst IV experience yet. Five holes in my arms and three different people trying. The CT techs NEVER get it. I should not let them even try anymore. They always call in the ER nurses. This time two of them.
Chuck was my hero that day. Just when I was ready to cancel it all and say I'd come back after I've downed gallons of water, he was in! He tapped a new vein I'll have to remember for next time. The old standbys seem tired and used up at this point. I don't help matters because I get so nervous that it's going to be a bad experience, I'm sure my blood pressure drops which makes finding a vein more difficult, and ultimately a bad experience. A self-fulfilling prophecy. Don't have to do it again for 6 mos. Yeah!
Funny thing is, at the hospital, we ran into Dennis' aunt and cousin whom he hasn't seen in 18 years. She was getting several scans and tests for her back pain. Wishing her best of luck.
As sister said, we are rejoicing with those who are celebrating being cancer-free this Christmas as well as thinking of those still working towards that freedom. Wishing all health and remissions for the new year.
They call it a "wet" read of the scan because there is no formal report and it is a quick glance by the radiologist, but good enough to tell the patient so he or she is not worrying about the results for days on end. I did not know they could do this. I had my CT scan at 8am and they do a wet read so I know the results by my onc appointment at 10am. Same day! I'm upset they don't automatically always do this for patients. It's just the humane thing to do. Especially if there is no disease and no specifics need to be looked at more closely.
In theory, the wet read was supposed to have been done between my CT scan and the scheduled onc appointment. In reality, after I wait 30 mins. to see the onc, she comes in and asks, "Did you have a CT this morning?". Obviously, she has no results, and I bet Dennis while we waited that this exact thing would happen. Do I know this inefficient system or what? I can still say AARGH, though!
So, we waited some more while she called the radiologist, who had not even looked at the scan yet. We waited for the radiologist. I had to get back to work. As we were about to leave and just have her call with the results, the radiologist called back. Okay, it was worth the wait, but I can still say AARGH.
At least they took my blood for labs from the CT scan IV so I didn't have to be poked twice. That, of course, was my idea. It was bad enough getting the IV. My worst IV experience yet. Five holes in my arms and three different people trying. The CT techs NEVER get it. I should not let them even try anymore. They always call in the ER nurses. This time two of them.
Chuck was my hero that day. Just when I was ready to cancel it all and say I'd come back after I've downed gallons of water, he was in! He tapped a new vein I'll have to remember for next time. The old standbys seem tired and used up at this point. I don't help matters because I get so nervous that it's going to be a bad experience, I'm sure my blood pressure drops which makes finding a vein more difficult, and ultimately a bad experience. A self-fulfilling prophecy. Don't have to do it again for 6 mos. Yeah!
Funny thing is, at the hospital, we ran into Dennis' aunt and cousin whom he hasn't seen in 18 years. She was getting several scans and tests for her back pain. Wishing her best of luck.
As sister said, we are rejoicing with those who are celebrating being cancer-free this Christmas as well as thinking of those still working towards that freedom. Wishing all health and remissions for the new year.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Squeaky Clean
Seasons Greetings everyone. Sis and I chatted the other night about how it is becoming increasingly difficult to update our blogs. We have happenings in our lives that are exciting for a moment and we think to blog about them, but by the time we actually get around to doing so, it's old news and not very exciting anymore. Forgive us for our delinquency with updates.
Sis has news that is supremely exciting and no passage of time can diminish that. This news is: HER SCAN CAME BACK CLEAN! We are talking spotless. The family is so happy and relieved. I tell you, this is the absolute best holiday present we could have received!!
I'll leave it to Sis to share more details if she so chooses, but I thought you all would love to hear this news ASAP.
Should you not hear from us before then, have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!!
Our thoughts go out to those who are still in the fight and we hope for a year of healing and health to all.
Sis has news that is supremely exciting and no passage of time can diminish that. This news is: HER SCAN CAME BACK CLEAN! We are talking spotless. The family is so happy and relieved. I tell you, this is the absolute best holiday present we could have received!!
I'll leave it to Sis to share more details if she so chooses, but I thought you all would love to hear this news ASAP.
Should you not hear from us before then, have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!!
Our thoughts go out to those who are still in the fight and we hope for a year of healing and health to all.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Up to Camp
Up to camp again this weekend for the last time this year. Weather is unseasonably warm. Temps in the high 50s during the day and only down to 44 at night. The camp stayed at 60 through the night. Downright toasty! I brought enough clothing for the great freeze; thus, it was mild.
There is a long dirt road into camp. When we were almost to the gate, we let Sadie out of the car to run along behind the car. At first she stood there just looking at us driving away, so I popped my head out the window and called. That got her moving and he sprinted all the way to the gate. Huffing and puffing, she jumped in the car so happy to see us. As we unpacked the car, she immediately found nasties to roll in mere feet from the camp. So, first order of business was a bath at the lake for Sadie. This is a dog that swims in the ocean in the winter, but the cold lake water actually chilled her core because back at camp her teeth chattered and she shivered.
A little later that afternoon, it was overcast but pleasant and we took a long walk with the dog in the afternoon. That warmed her up so she finished dried off and stopped shivering. Saw only one other camper who was just arriving. They said they’d be staying up until Tuesday. Lucky them.
So we kept fires going, played cribbage (Dennis one, Candace one), cooked, watched a movie on the computer. RELAXED. So glad we could get up here one more time.
On our way home, we will pick up our season’s passes at Sunday River. The snowboarding season has officially begun. Sunday River was open on Halloween, but this Indian summer weather pattern we’re in can’t be good for them. Dennis and I are hoping to ride at least one day over Thanksgiving weekend, likely Sunday, and we’ll be paying for it on Monday. No one likes the day after first day out. Oh, the agony. Early season muscle aches and sore feet and shins from wearing those boots again. You push through and it does get better.
There is a long dirt road into camp. When we were almost to the gate, we let Sadie out of the car to run along behind the car. At first she stood there just looking at us driving away, so I popped my head out the window and called. That got her moving and he sprinted all the way to the gate. Huffing and puffing, she jumped in the car so happy to see us. As we unpacked the car, she immediately found nasties to roll in mere feet from the camp. So, first order of business was a bath at the lake for Sadie. This is a dog that swims in the ocean in the winter, but the cold lake water actually chilled her core because back at camp her teeth chattered and she shivered.
A little later that afternoon, it was overcast but pleasant and we took a long walk with the dog in the afternoon. That warmed her up so she finished dried off and stopped shivering. Saw only one other camper who was just arriving. They said they’d be staying up until Tuesday. Lucky them.
So we kept fires going, played cribbage (Dennis one, Candace one), cooked, watched a movie on the computer. RELAXED. So glad we could get up here one more time.
On our way home, we will pick up our season’s passes at Sunday River. The snowboarding season has officially begun. Sunday River was open on Halloween, but this Indian summer weather pattern we’re in can’t be good for them. Dennis and I are hoping to ride at least one day over Thanksgiving weekend, likely Sunday, and we’ll be paying for it on Monday. No one likes the day after first day out. Oh, the agony. Early season muscle aches and sore feet and shins from wearing those boots again. You push through and it does get better.
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