Thursday, July 12, 2007

~ States ~

Found this over at Tricia's.   I thought it was pretty cool.   Only lived in NY and Texas (twice for each LOL)  but my parents took us on many trips and work allows me to travel.  I think I need to hit the NW, eh?   My dream trip is an Alaskan cruise........ someday!

 

 

create your own visited states map or check out these Google Hacks.

~ Tag Offer - Official Member ~

Want to be a member?  Have you been called this more then once?  Can you display your membership badge proudly?  'Cmon you know you want to.  Leave a comment with your name and you will receive your official membership badge.  LOL


Available until 7-18-07


If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me this will save a lot of frustration and aggravation.  I know sometimes the version of AOL you may be using does not give you the save as .gif option, but you can type it in after the file name and save as 'all file'.  AIM users do not have this option as far as I can tell.  If you need me to send differently so the graphic and animation stays intact, lets talk.  Some already know to make a note to attach instead.  I will gladly work with you so the graphic stays as intended. 


Thank you!


PS Because of the sometimes 'glitch' with AOL alerts, if you do not receive your tag in a week please contact me via email.


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~ Good Morning ~

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It's a tad bit chilly here this morning, but it is nice to have a break from the humidity.  The sun is shining brightly over the houses across the street and it is casting a yellow glow thru my front window.  A beautiful morning!

 

I have appointment number 3 at the Dentist today.  YEAH!  Almost there!  This should be a fairly quick stop in and then it's off to work.  Yesterday was absolutely crazy after taking Tuesday off.  I don't think I did one thing from 'to do' list for the day.  GRRRRRRR  The day did fly by, and hopefully today will follow suit.  Busy isn't a bad thing, and when it's like that I always leave with a sense of accomplishment, even if it is not what I planned on accomplishing.

 

Dad's follow up went well yesterday.  He got the bandage off and a few drops.  He said he still felt like someone poked him and the view was a bit cloudy or fuzzy, but each day it should get better.  Thank you again for all the words of support and kindness.  I do so appreciate it.

 

My sister is doing well.  The effects of chemo take a toll, and though it takes a bit longer to bounce back these days she is bouncing back.  If I remember correctly she goes for another scan tomorrow.   Continuing to pray and hope that all is still going in the right direction.  If you think about it, and have time, can you click and light a candle for her?  I so appreciate it.  I know she does too!!

 

My son and his girlfriend found an apartment, and will be moving in next week.  They are both so excited.  It's been busy getting this and that.  It's so different this time.  When it was the 3 guys very few extras were needed.  Now all the little things are wanted and needed.  Hopefully once they are in they will let me take pictures so I can share.  LOL  He will freak when I ask.  He calls me a 'tard' when it comes to stuff like that.  :::sigh::: he doesn't understand.  LMAO!!

 

Interesting news is breaking here.  I do hope it actually happens.  They are talking 'Ice Bowl'  In mid summer you ask?  Well, it's for hockey.  A few years ago they played a NHL game outside.  The talk is one will take place here this year.  My boys and the Penguins playing outdoors in the Buffalo Bills football stadium.  It holds 80,000+, and is rumored to be Jan 1.  The schedule came out yesterday and sure as all get out we are playing the Penguins at home at 1 in afternoon that day.  No confirmation yet, but how cool that would be!  I'm not talking just weather either.  I do hope it happens, that is one game I would not miss!

 

Ok, I have to get moving here.  Hope everyone has a great day!!

 

Hugs

~d

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

~Tag Request - Summer Fun ~

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EXPIRED


If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me this will save a lot of frustration and aggravation.  I know sometimes the version of AOL you may be using does not give you the save as .gif option, but you can type it in after the file name and save as 'all file'.  AIM users do not have this option as far as I can tell.  If you need me to send differently so the graphic and animation stays intact, lets talk.  Some already know to make a note to attach instead.  I will gladly work with you so the graphic stays as intended. 


Thank you!


PS Because of the sometimes 'glitch' with AOL alerts, if you do not receive your tag in a week please contact me via email.


Tuesday, July 10, 2007

~ Papa ~

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Dad is home and resting fairly comfortably.  He has to go back tomorrow morning for a follow up.  He did really well.  I know I wasn't the only one concerned over the mild stroke, he didn't sleep real well last night.  We got there about 15 minutes ahead of time and it didn't take them long to come get him.  The procedure itself only took about 20 minutes and then they have him lay for about an hour.  The heart, the meds he is on, the Parkinson, the previous stroke, and the slight diabetes weighed heavy on us as we waited.  The more folks that came out, the more I could see my Mom get worried.  I assured her they'd come get her if anything went wrong. 

 

Finally, it was his turn to come through the doors.  He was a bit uneasy on his feet, but lately he has been.  We talked to the nurse and we were on our way.  He said he wasn't in any pain and felt fine.  We stopped at the deli to pick up a few things for lunch and headed back to their house.  My sister was there with 'bug' and Gage as it was in the 90's.  They stayed in the backyard for the most part, and I don't think Gage ever got out of the pool.  Bug came to see Papa Pal and was a bit nervous seeing the bandage on his eye.  A million questions of concern.  She is such a doll.   After lunch he went and took a nap.  It was just what he needed.  A good 2 hour sleep. 

 

He woke up happy and came and sat outside with us.  He had his dark protective glasses on and of course we had to have some fun with it.  It was so hot today we pretty much stayed in the pool.  That is all but him.  No swimming for 2 weeks.  After the kids left we got him to the side so he could sit on stairs and cool off a bit.  Built in pools are wonderful!!!  When I left he was in a bit discomfort.  Said it felt like someone was poking him in the eye with their thumb.  Hopefully tomorrow he will feel better.

 

I did get a ton of pictures of the kids, big and small but I'm beat.  Physically and emotionally.  I'm off to bed.  I want to let you know my family and I appreciate the wonderful words of kindness, concern, prayers, and good vibes.  I thank you with every once of my being.  You guys are wonderful!!!!   I'll try and get around to journals tomorrow.  Hope you are all doing good.

 

Hugs and love

~d

~ A Thought ~

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This has been running through my head for days.  I had to get it out.  Like a song you've heard on the radio that plays over and over for hours in your mind.  No worries, all is good...  just a thought.....

 

Were have you been?

You said it was better for you

better for me......

you hide and you lurk

leaving traces

did you want me to see?

I miss you babe......

in my time of need

 this is not

how friendship is supposed to be

©DonnaLD

Monday, July 9, 2007

~ My Daddy ~

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I saw these pictures and they reminded me of my Dad.  Not exactly sure why.  Maybe the trips to the coast, the numerous vacations, the treks up various lighthouses, or the fact that he was in the Navy.  Regardless, I wanted to do something with them and use them today.   I generally call him Dad or Papa, sometimes Grump, but today it's Daddy.  Looking up and remembering the strength, the ability to do anything and everything.  The desire to teach.  To never give in or give up. 

 

A couple years ago he started to slow down.  He was walking more labored, more deliberate.  The doctors decided it was time to have his 'ticker' fixed.  He had a goofy valve and it was thought that was causing things.  They found some blockage and took care of it all in one full swoop.  He was in his 70's and recovery took a toll.  At one point they thought he might have had a mild stroke coming out of it.  It's not real clear to me at this point, because shortly after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's.  He doesn't do the shaking, but he is very cautious and deliberate in his actions.  As a matter of fact, that is what caused the Dr. to even check it.  He also has glaucoma, and now cataracts.  He has been taking drops for the glaucoma for years.  They are not easy on the eyelids, and the eye becomes very sensitive to all light.  They are always red and always sore.  So when he closes his eyes and tells us, 'I'm just resting my eyes', you can believe it.  Doesn't stop us from teasing him, but it is more then likely just that. 

 

I've taken the day off tomorrow.  I will be taking him and my Mom so he can have the surgery on those eyes.   Or one at least.  They will do the other at a later date.  It's nerve wracking for me as well as exciting.  We've heard some great things about the surgery, success story upon success story.  They will also 'vent' his eye to help relieve the pressure of the glaucoma.  I'm excited that he will be able to see better.  I'm excited that the redness and soreness will be alleviated.   I'm a bit scared too.  Am I hoping for too much?  Will my Daddy be ok?   The thought of anything going wrong, any more happening to him, scares the hell out of me.  They did tests on his heart, and I know the Dr. would never allow it if there was danger.  But, isn't there always danger?   I'm scared even knowing the surgery is done as an outpatient and no one else seems to be worried.  It's my Daddy!   Please, if you can find it in your heart to send some good vibes his way tomorrow I'd be forever thankful.

 

I feel as though I can sleep now, so I am off to bed.  I hope everyone had a great day and I wish you a wonderful Tuesday!  *hugs* to all of you.

 

Love you Daddy!

~d

 

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