tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51729316293249945122024-03-19T15:28:27.419-07:00Over the Hill and 'Round the BendMariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-49010994312362995282014-06-03T14:14:00.001-07:002014-06-03T14:23:51.829-07:00Poor Little Lucky Me<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtUpSVcASbnrssN8mopIfcaXc5ifWE7MFwA6GFE4JIzQN4S3a1d66ZyaxgX5q8UDOMksFmkhk3YoVsoP8Kqs6fdUwhrtLoBi7NZ1WDnqtnmoqIB0H-zE8rGh7imuP4rM-346SDkjUddTz/s640/blogger-image--842964306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtUpSVcASbnrssN8mopIfcaXc5ifWE7MFwA6GFE4JIzQN4S3a1d66ZyaxgX5q8UDOMksFmkhk3YoVsoP8Kqs6fdUwhrtLoBi7NZ1WDnqtnmoqIB0H-zE8rGh7imuP4rM-346SDkjUddTz/s640/blogger-image--842964306.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oak Creek Canyon before the recent Slide Fire. It has nothing to do with this post, but I like it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't fall off the planet, but it has been awhile since my last post. I completed the last of my four sessions of chemotherapy in April and had a follow-up PET scan last week. I got the results yesterday and the scan showed no sign of cancer anywhere in my body. Yippee!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This proves again how lucky I am. The much-dreaded chemo wasn't that bad; I was rarely nauseated and did not lose one hair of my head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was anemic for awhile, but a transfusion and a series of shots took care of that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's the lucky me part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Am I back to normal? Not exactly. Let me tell you a sad story about poor little me:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A year ago my income increased to the point where I decided I could afford my own apartment. I chose one close to my grandkids and started packing and making plans. I was going to volunteer at a nearby hospital, and maybe the library. I was going to help at school and have lunch with the munchkins once in awhile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, you know what happens when you make plans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One day I noticed that my leg didn't want to bend as I was walking. A little while later I turned to do something and felt a sharp pain in my knee. I was hoping it would go away, but Tylenol and ice didn't help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I went ahead with the move as I had already signed the lease and was still hoping that the knee pain was temporary. Instead it has become increasingly worse. I'm able to do a (very) little housework and I can drive myself to doctor appointments, but son Toby buys all my groceries and does my other shopping. I walk with a cane or a walker (which is too heavy for me to put in my car) and every step is painful. There is no pain when I'm off my feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As a result, I do as little as possible and am horribly out of shape. I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery in August, if my primary doctor and cardiologist give their blessings. I'm looking forward to the end result but the surgery and long, torturous recovery, not so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm losing weight and doing strengthening exercises to aid my recovery. I just hope it's enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">OK, enough whining. I'm going to concentrate on all the great things in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See you next time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marianne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-67751789681857242452014-02-27T23:01:00.001-07:002014-02-28T14:10:51.580-07:00Hair today, gone tomorrow?<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTf74dAi81eWvKLNDiCYbGPTNTucqwDTmuENWRNGn2ydBQ8g2mCU23z2Cb1kxbfv7A_-1k0_IP_2hRDvbQLuSevDR5daXoCzLmThIOb7hT-brnxWsppcM8AmGN7Bq8ZuOBN5uOQpngc6WL/s640/blogger-image--2122123147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTf74dAi81eWvKLNDiCYbGPTNTucqwDTmuENWRNGn2ydBQ8g2mCU23z2Cb1kxbfv7A_-1k0_IP_2hRDvbQLuSevDR5daXoCzLmThIOb7hT-brnxWsppcM8AmGN7Bq8ZuOBN5uOQpngc6WL/s640/blogger-image--2122123147.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5mYvbWcNlpFn_ums-bevZZ0nHYbfxgYnQ5JqlZTGF03AmrS3iryoRyNkPw0s5RHUKMkt_8l5paHq4WMa7VMB8GPMokxZ-gCR1FagABrblJ3-V2YanPMql6ZhzPUNWCqaZPSx25T7qUYt/s640/blogger-image-428441945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5mYvbWcNlpFn_ums-bevZZ0nHYbfxgYnQ5JqlZTGF03AmrS3iryoRyNkPw0s5RHUKMkt_8l5paHq4WMa7VMB8GPMokxZ-gCR1FagABrblJ3-V2YanPMql6ZhzPUNWCqaZPSx25T7qUYt/s640/blogger-image-428441945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before and after haircut with two of my favorite people in the world, my 15- and 21-year-old granddaughters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm having my second chemo treatment today and I hear that the bad side affects begin about this point. To stave off freaking out if/when I lose my hair, I decided on the preemptive strike of having it cut much shorter. My daughter-in-law Luisa did the honors. thanks, Luisa! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If/when it does fall out, I'll go to a barber and have my head shaved. Yikes! I'm not going to buy a wig, but I will probably invest in a "chemo hat" or two. The world isn't ready to see my bald noggin. I haven't decided what, if anything, to do about my eyebrows.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Speaking of my eyebrows, back in my newspaper days I was doing a story about a new beauty salon that focused on skin care. I was interviewing the owner-esthetician when she suddenly asked if she could pluck my eyebrows! It seems hers were practically nonexistent so trimming them wasn't necessary. I agreed and in addition to the story, I left with beautiful brows and a happy advertiser.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meanwhile, back in chemo land, I've made all the preparations I can think of to deal with the "what-ifs" that may come with this round of treatment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I had my 'druthers, I would be like the man who complained that chemo wasn't working because he didn't have any side effects. Stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* I created this post with the Blogger app on my ipad, which doesn't have all the bells and whistles (like spell check) that the full program does. Apologies for any typos. I also can't size photos or enable the "reply" feature for comments, but I'll take care of that as soon as I can. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-41233545114936117612014-02-09T14:08:00.000-07:002014-02-13T19:23:07.131-07:00I'm taking you to chemo with meIf you've never had chemotherapy, and I sincerely hope you never have and never will, come with me to my first treatment and see what goes on.<br>
<br>
The first thing is to sign in at the appointment desk, where a lovely paper bracelet is placed on my wrist. Then I am ushered into the Chemo Room by Bre, who will be my chemo nurse today. She lets me choose my seat and I select a recliner in the far corner. This gives me a view of the long room, which is almost full.<br>
<br>
I can see but not hear John Goodman talking to a talk show host on the TV set at the farthest end of the room. I take note of my fellow patients, mostly female, mostly middle-aged or older. My son James accompanies me today and points out that they all seem to have their own hair, which I found surprising. The thing I'm least looking forward to is losing mine.<br>
<br>
Nurse Bre checks my veins in my forearm to make sure they can handle the IV. When she finds one that she likes, she wraps my arm in a warm towel to help prepare the vein for the injection, which doesn't hurt at all.<br>
<br>
She then gives me a B-12 shot and an injection of an anti-nausea drug, and starts the IV session with a 30-minute drip of more anti-nausea meds. Bre puts my feet up and puts a pillow behind my back. Now that I'm all comfy, all that's left to do is wait.<br>
<br>
I brought my trusty iPad, so I start taking notes about my experience while watching the comings and goings of a very busy day in the chemo clinic. (Note to self: try to have the IV in my left arm next time. I have to hold my right arm still and type much slower with my free left hand.)<br>
<br>
One woman appears to be getting a blood transfusion, but it's just a different color of chemo drug. Some people have been there for hours while others seem to be in and out in a jiffy, depending on the treatment they're getting that day. Some have a friend along and chat quietly (during their fast-food lunch!). Others read or doze alone.<br>
<br>
Thirty minutes have passed, so it's time for the first chemo drip, which will only take 10 minutes. I<br>
tense up when the drug starts to enter my body, but it feels no different. I relax and return to my notes. The last chemo drip takes about an hour, during which time three gentlemen join me in my empty corner and start talking. I listen to their military histories with interest and the time flies by. <br>
<br>
My treatment started at 1:30 and I'm on my way home at 4:00 - with no side effects except that I will sleep poorly that night and that my blood sugar will rise sharply the next morning and drop sharply the morning after that.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AL_ta_05lh1L6JmtOv9TvkxGc5d2l0frzkqbsDmqMmaT6UVYk-MpiCCoOEqieB3Q0gu_ux6EBFaZlTD5233a4TMKUR78eFZcfHMAiQE_OML9OT7IJP0dl6QTMG6aDeBtL7yo-7nE6izy/s640/blogger-image--758768638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AL_ta_05lh1L6JmtOv9TvkxGc5d2l0frzkqbsDmqMmaT6UVYk-MpiCCoOEqieB3Q0gu_ux6EBFaZlTD5233a4TMKUR78eFZcfHMAiQE_OML9OT7IJP0dl6QTMG6aDeBtL7yo-7nE6izy/s640/blogger-image--758768638.jpg"></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-56988441562821197302014-01-28T23:30:00.000-07:002014-01-28T23:30:21.796-07:00Chemo class was a real educationI can't tell you how glad I am that I attended chemo class today. I am in a much better frame of mind now.<br />
<br />
The "class" began with blood work, then the lovely Jessica, my oncologist's assistant, told me what my particular treatment will entail. The nurse will insert an IV and give me anti-nausea medicine before two chemo drugs are administered. The first takes about 10 minutes and the second takes about an hour. The whole thing takes about two-and-a-half hours, rather than the much longer time I was expecting.<br />
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I will be able to make the half-hour drive to and from the treatments myself. Since they don't know how I'll respond to the drug, they want someone to be with me for the first visit in case they have to give me something that may make me drowsy.<br />
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Chemo can't distinguish between good cells and cancer cells and has a nasty habit of killing them both. White blood cells are particularly vulnerable, so I have to go back the following day for a shot that will boost my white cell count.<br />
<br />
Jessica said I will definitely lose my hair (sob), my nails may become brittle and I may get mouth sores. Any nausea I may experience can be controlled with a prescription she has already sent to my pharmacy. She said I will be probably be a little more tired than usual for a day or two.<br />
<br />
I am to call right away if I have a fever above 101.4, if nausea is worse than expected or if I get dehydrated. I must increase my water intake, and I am not a water drinker. I mean, I <i>wasn't </i>a water drinker.<br />
<br />
After Jessica talked to me I got a B-12 shot and then met with Sara, who gave me the bad news about the cost. I'm amazed that I survived that part of the class! Each of my four treatments will cost about $10,000! Ten grand! My insurance will cover a big part of it, however, and Sara told me about some options to help with the rest so I could breathe again.<br />
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The class ended with a trip down the hall to the Chemo Room, where there is a row of recliners and their accompanying IV stands. It looked pretty boring, but hey, they have free wifi.<br />
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I'll begin treatment next Friday, Feb. 7, and have three more three weeks apart. I don't expect it to go quite as smoothly as I was told today, but it sounds like it will be much easier than the nightmare I was dreading so. I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
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Thanks to everyone who sent prayers and good wishes my way. They are much appreciated!<br />
<br />
<br />Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-17343984115966164252014-01-26T16:13:00.000-07:002014-01-26T16:13:45.084-07:00Cancer pulls a fast oneOn Dec. 18 I had surgery for lung cancer. The surgeon said I had a small cancerous tumor that was confined to the upper lobe of my left lung. Take out the lobe, remove the cancer. That's what I thought for over a month.<br />
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I was discharged from the hospital on Christmas (best gift ever!) and my recovery has been good. I can't even tell I'm missing half of a lung. The sugeon said the operation was a success and that I should should follow up with my oncologist.<br />
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I did so on Friday, expecting a brief visit just to arrange for future follow-up scans to check for the possble reoccurrence of cancer.<br />
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Imagine my surprise (shock, dismay, fear and anger) when he advised me to have chemotherapy! He said microscopic cancer cells were found around the tumor and on lymph nodes that had been removed during the surgery. I had been mistaken in thinking that the surgery was a "cut and cure"<br />
procedure. I had all I could do not to break down right then and there, but I made it to my car before shedding a tear or two.<br />
<br />
So many questions ran through my mind. Why was I finding this out now instead of right after the surgery, or at least before I left the hospital? Will chemo be as horrible as I have heard? How will I get to and from the treatments? How will I cope, living on my own? How will I be able to care for my grandchildren? What will it cost?<br />
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I will attend a class on Tuesday that will address some of my concerns, including the financial bit, but there are so many variables with chemo that I will have to experience it for myself to answer the rest.<br />
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I've even questioned whether I should have chemo at all, but the oncologist says it will increase my chance of a total cure by as much as 20 percent, so I'm going for it.Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-43130638956451890202013-11-22T14:08:00.001-07:002013-11-22T14:09:11.184-07:00Could it be ... Rain?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaunA_RL1VR23sbCeWJR1HHzSRrn5fJPKm8FHvgWBbKJoD5Dsr-wBF8r1n-OKRizmyUaNuhHh_CQG2XWkMAbseQDq5FH8i4os9JQ95HNknu2JXiMaY1Tw2jzcUCQP70dh_bjlU_kQfg_RP/s640/blogger-image--618185428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaunA_RL1VR23sbCeWJR1HHzSRrn5fJPKm8FHvgWBbKJoD5Dsr-wBF8r1n-OKRizmyUaNuhHh_CQG2XWkMAbseQDq5FH8i4os9JQ95HNknu2JXiMaY1Tw2jzcUCQP70dh_bjlU_kQfg_RP/s640/blogger-image--618185428.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sky is gray today and there is some kind of wet stuff falling from the clouds. It makes the road shiny and has a musical sound that makes me want to curl up with a good book. I believe, if memory serves, that this mysterious substance is called rain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">According to Wikipedia (and they ought to know), rain is " liquid water in the form of droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then precipitated - that is, become heavy enough to fall under gravity." I knew you wanted to know that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rain is a rarity in the Phoenix area; we average about 8 inches a year. Not quite in the same league as New Orleans, for example, which drowns in more than 60 inches of rain annually! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's cold outside, too, only 55 degrees, dropping to 48 tonight. That's downright chilly in this neck of the woods. If I had some beef shank, I would make a pot of soup. It's hard to find, though, especially now that grocery stores no longer cut their own meat. When I do find some, I'll share the recipe with you. It's awfully good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm off to brew a cup of tea and find a book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Till next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marianne</div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-16009935139352021222013-11-19T19:31:00.001-07:002013-11-19T19:32:39.910-07:00It Could Be Worse<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxC2EzCu_N4TWl6zHofMdm4gR9CuuZLxpCLFqPeUUaJL-KldYXh-fLVmM9_RnB-h8HKXm4lLg4hnVmpoI8cmim36g-mE5iKErSDfn5hjvxn5xSHKbGPn9fClCUTEnrTcL4jg4TumZqdrZ/s640/blogger-image--389260712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxC2EzCu_N4TWl6zHofMdm4gR9CuuZLxpCLFqPeUUaJL-KldYXh-fLVmM9_RnB-h8HKXm4lLg4hnVmpoI8cmim36g-mE5iKErSDfn5hjvxn5xSHKbGPn9fClCUTEnrTcL4jg4TumZqdrZ/s640/blogger-image--389260712.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Landscaping around the lake at Cesar Chavez Park in Laveen, Arizona</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a CT scan of my chest, a PET scan of my whole body and an MRI of my so-called brain, I finally have some definitive answers about my lung cancer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The best news is that the cancer has not spread. Whew! Unfortunately, I will have to say goodbye to the upper lobe of my left lung to ensure that the cancer is removed completely. (Did you know that there are three lobes in your right lung and two in the left? Strange.) But at least I'll have a lung and-a-half to breathe with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Surgery will take place the week after Thanksgiving, and I should be almost back to normal by Christmas. I was worried that I would miss out on the holidays, so that's a relief. I will be hosting a family dinner the day after Thanksgiving due to scheduling conflicts of one kind and another, but as long as we all sit down to turkey and all the trimmings the date doesn't matter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Till next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marianne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-60681883084178064332013-11-16T10:42:00.001-07:002013-11-16T10:42:16.991-07:00Blogger for iPad - Who Knew?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4iMqqmcieUDfB-weIZTXsI0gaVcZveRhX3ZyofI7TR0HryAXS4UpxpK6zF0eqgwW5KEO385ET5k6Av0-_AAncy8q0Dip7F8Sjuh6BrSS5axK46016I6Ti63tWyYky7pH6CWx85x9OxkN/s640/blogger-image-1058494447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4iMqqmcieUDfB-weIZTXsI0gaVcZveRhX3ZyofI7TR0HryAXS4UpxpK6zF0eqgwW5KEO385ET5k6Av0-_AAncy8q0Dip7F8Sjuh6BrSS5axK46016I6Ti63tWyYky7pH6CWx85x9OxkN/s640/blogger-image-1058494447.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been thinking that I need a laptop, especially for blogging, but they are a bit expensive. The cost is hard to justify when I already have my handy dandy workhorse desktop computer. It has everything I need, but it's not exactly portable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have a feeling that I'm going to be laid up for awhile after my lung surgery, and I get withdrawal pains if I'm off the Internet for more five minutes (ok, slight exaggeration there). My iPad will be perfect, but how will I be able to write and publish my blog posts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Every once in awhile a little light bulb comes on in my little brain and thus it was that I thought of the App Store. There's an app for everything, right? So why not a blogging app? Well, lo and behold, a quick search turned up Blogger itself! (I'm probably way behind the rest of the blogging world with this discovery, but it was a Eureka! moment for me.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my first attempt at using the app and I can already see a few shortcomings. Luckily, I can upload photos directly from my iPad albums; I can't seem to find any way to resize them as I can in the full version. There are buttons to click for bold or italic text, but there doesn't seem to be an HTML editor - or spell check, yikes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The app is free, though, and I think it will fit my needs. I can even use it on my iPhone. As you can see from the photo, Google has wisely made the app compatible with other devices as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Till next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marianne</div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-88781492601729435492013-11-12T11:40:00.000-07:002013-11-12T11:40:04.886-07:00The Joys and Woes of Being a Reader<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To say that I love to read isn't really true. To say that I <em>have</em> to read is more accurate. I've been this way since I was small. I bugged my mother to teach me how to read when I was four, and I've been fascinated by the written word ever since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Reading has been a joy and a curse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Through books I've traveled the world, and beyond. I've met fascinating people, witnessed amazing feats and fallen in and out of love more times than I can count. I know that the correct pronunciation of the Levitation Charm is Wingardium Levi<em><strong>o</strong></em>sa, not Levios<em><strong>a</strong></em>. (Thanks, Hermione!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I know that hobbits have hairy feet and curly hair. That "real" vampires sparkle in the sunlight, that you really don't want to mess with Joe Pike or Jack Reacher or Harry Bosch. I know what the Deathly Hallows are and who Sethos really is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">History, real and imagined, has come to life before my eyes. My imagination has reveled in fictional accounts, and my perspective has been widened through non-fiction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My taste in reading material is eclectic, to say the least. Fiction, non-fiction, good books, bad books, so-so books - I'll try them all, although bad books never get read through. I'm not that desperate! Life is too short to read bad books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In addition to my reading addiction I am a very fast reader. This is not a good thing. I try to slow down, I really do, but it never works for long. I want the story to go on and on, but, alas, the last page is turned all too soon. That's why I like books with hundreds and hundreds of pages, like the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon. It also helps if a book is at least a bit complex. I can read (and enjoy) a Spenser novel by the late Robert B. Parker in a few hours, but Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache books take awhile longer to digest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Read my books over and over again. I cringe when I seek books used solely for decorative purposes. Make a lamp out of a stack of books? But I might want to read them sometime! I guess it's OK if they're copies, but still...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you visited my house today, you would see why the above slogan is so appropriate. I will put down a book if I must, but I do it reluctantly. Who wants to scrub floors when the Orcs are about to attack Helms Deep? Or when Mr. Darcy is just about to say something profound to Miss Elizabeth Bennett? Or when the Volturi come calling? First things first, people!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My addiction is quite sad, really. In doctors' waiting rooms I was once reduced to reading poorly written brochures about obscure diseases, ancient copies of <em>Field</em> <em>& Stream</em>, even old <em>Highlights</em>, the children's magazine. (I almost always find all the hidden objects in the picture!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now that I have an iPad, I can take reading material with me. E-books are a wonderful convenience, but <em>nothing</em> can take the place holding a real book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I admit I stopped reading long enough to write this post (although, technically, I'm reading as I write), but I really must find out what the Emersons are up to now. (See, the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-53332229543766861622013-11-09T17:32:00.005-07:002013-11-09T17:36:07.605-07:00The Big C Comes Calling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Desert sky, North Scottsdale, Arizona</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've already broken my vow to blog every day this month, but this time it wasn't due to procrastination. I've been diagnosed with lung cancer, which kind of knocked me for a loop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had read that a mass in a lung is almost always cancer, but somehow I wasn't prepared for the idea that it could apply to ME. But, as my doctor informed me Thursday, it does.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is good news, however, and that has managed to keep my outlook positive. My oncologist believes the cancer was detected early and that there's a good chance that surgery might remove it entirely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's early days yet and I have to have few more tests to determine if the doctor is correct. Next week he wants me to have a PET scan, which detects cancer anywhere except the brain, and a CT scan of my brain. I have a copay for both procedures, but I think I should get a refund if the CT scan fails to find any brain at all, which is entirely possible. The oncologist is also scheduling an appointment with a lung surgeon, so no time is being wasted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Is it scary? It may be, depending on the test results. The idea of surgery doesn't thrill me, but if it has to be, it has to be. I know so little yet that, aside from the first moments of panic, I'm not wasting emotion on what may or may not lie ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That's why I chose this photo for today's post. Storm clouds are gathering, but there's still a glimpse of blue sky hanging in there, just like me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'll let you know how it goes and if you have a story to tell or just want to say hi, feel free to add a comment below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Till next time,</span></div>
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-46209000346909049192013-11-06T21:35:00.001-07:002013-11-06T21:35:45.505-07:00Change Only One Thing? Let Me Think...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interesting prompt for today's post from Blogher's NaBloPoMo . If I could change one thing about myself, what would it be? Well, as you can see by the above photo, not one darned thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh, wait, that's not me. Rats. This is going to take some thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are a few minor things I </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>could</i> change, of course. Like being a little lighter, poundage-wise, or a little fitter, exercise-wise. Or maybe a lot of both. I would like to be able to see without glasses, but I don't look like me without them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I could opt to be taller or have the green eyes I always wanted (or lavender, like whatzername above). I could be younger! I could sing so that people would actually want to listen. Maybe I'd like to be famous. I wouldn't mind having just a little more money. Is it possible that I could be a hunk magnet? Hmmm. I'd have to change a whole lot of things to accomplish that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I think I'll pass on the unrealistic changes. Changing my appearance or personality isn't the big deal it might once have been. I'll just work on being a better person in general. I don't need a prompt for that; it's on my daily agenda anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-91172350811741911522013-11-05T16:33:00.000-07:002013-11-05T16:33:03.627-07:00My Blogging Workspace <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, folks, this is where all the excitement happens. On one wall of my bedroom I have an old-fashioned set-up, including a desktop computer, color printer, mouse, keyboard, etc. Following my procrastinating habits, the speakers have yet to be unpacked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the little shelf on top of the desk is my slide scanner, which I plan on using as soon as I figure out where all my slides are. I <em>think</em> they're on the top shelf of my closet, but it will require the height and muscles of one of my offspring to find out for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My oldest accessory is to the left of the monitor, my old friend Opus of "Bloom County" comic strip fame. Ah, Berkeley Breathed, wherefore art thou? Opus has helped me meet many a deadline. He's sitting on a shoebox containing all computer-related CDs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Almost as old is the mouse pad on the right, made from a photo of my two oldest grandchildren a few years back. It was a gift from my son Tim, who is no longer with us and is sorely missed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The desk chair was a gift from my son James. There was a time when I was at the computer a lot, so this wonderful back support was (and is) much appreciated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The desk itself is the newest part of the ensemble. I bought it at Fry's Electronics almost two years ago. It doesn't take up too much room, but it holds everything I need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The printer has its own stand, with shelves for paper and miscellaneous items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The blinds came with the apartment and I plan to cover them with drapes. I don't open the blinds because the window looks out on another apartment's patio and I'm shy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love my computer, with its Photoshop and Microsoft Word and a myriad of other goodies, so this is where I go when there's blogging and hardcore photo-editing to be done. However, since I discovered a certain distraction called IPad, most of my web-browsing (and, possibly, game-playing) is done in the comfort of my chair in the living room. But it's just a toy and my computer is the real thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Until next time,</span><br />
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-88510283140133978932013-11-04T20:12:00.001-07:002013-11-04T20:12:48.074-07:00The Blog Must Go On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wasn't sure I would feel like blogging today, in spite of my promise to blog every day this month. I had a lung biopsy this morning and didn't know what to expect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were going to insert a needle into my lung, for goodness sake! Would it hurt, would they hit the right spot without involving any blood vessels? Would my lung collapse, causing them to pump it up like a flat tire with a chest tube (shudder) and keeping me overnight?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All my worrying was for naught, thank goodness! I was under conscious sedation and was given pain meds anytime I got uncomfortable. The biopsy itself wasn't too bad; the hard part was having to keep my arms over my head and not move a muscle during the entire procedure, which seemed to last forever. My shoulders were killing me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The doctor used CT scans as a guide for the needle insertion, so he would roll me into the scanner, insert the needle a bit, then scan again and insert some more, and so on until the procedure was done. The final step was to snip a sample of the walnut-sized mass in my lung and send it to the lab for testing. I heard a sharp snap but didn't feel a thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once it was over and my poor, aching arms were lowered to my side I was sent off to the recovery room where I waited and dozed for about an hour. I had been fasting for about fifteen hours, but I didn't feel like eating. A cup of ice water was very welcome, however.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a chest x-ray to ensure that my lung hadn't deflated, and my son brought me home. (We may have stopped at McDonald's on the way and I may have scarfed a Quarter Pounder and some fries.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My doctor should have the results of the biopsy by the end of the week. I can only hope that they give me as little cause for worry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until next time,</span><br />
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-73486038849175036502013-11-03T13:25:00.000-07:002013-11-03T13:25:04.559-07:00Top Reasons Why I Live in Arizona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Location, location, location</strong>. It's a relatively short drive to the attractions of neighboring states - the Pacific Ocean, Disneyland, Las Vegas, etc. as well as Mexico. Within the state we have our own natural wonder in the Grand Canyon. Mountains and desert are bosom buddies here. We can always go where it's cooler or warmer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Mother Nature</strong>. There are no earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis or other freaks of nature here. We do have (sometimes deadly) dust storms, however, but I've only been in one once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Temperatures</strong>. Aside from the oven-on-clean-mode summer heat, our temperatures are quite moderate. I've had my patio door open all day every day for a month and haven't turned on heat or AC. Can't wait to see my bill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Rainfall</strong>. No one is in danger of getting webbed feet due to excessive rain. We don't get drizzly day after drizzly day, but we do get some awesome thunderstorms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Plenty to do</strong>. There's always a festival or a rodeo or a concert or a play or opera or ballet, as well as nearly every outdoor activity you can think of, including snow- and waterskiing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Places to go</strong>. There are so many things to see here, whether its the Challenger Space Museum or the dusty streets of Tombstone. The red rock country of Sedona, the smooth blue expanse of the Colorado River, the quaint hillside town of Jerome, the depths of the Copper Queen mine in Bisbee. You'll never run out of day trips here. If you're a fan of the Old West, Arizona is paradise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Plant life</strong>. Arizona boast two gardening seasons, and roses bloom nearly all year long. We are one of the few places where you'll find the mighty saguaro (suh war oh) cactus and few jillion other cacti as well. Bougainvillea, Mexican bird of paradise, and lantana thrive in the Valley of the Sun. Tall pines, junipers and cedars grace the higher elevations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Family</strong>. I have a special perk for living in Arizona. My sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren are here. Not just here, mind you, but within easy walking distance (youngest son and three youngest grandchildren) or a short drive (east for oldest grandchildren and widowed daughter-in-law, and south for oldest son, daughter-in-law and grandpuppies.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you've never visited Arizona, you should try it some time. There's a lot to like here. (Might not want to come in July, though).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Till next time, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-34145499148501688682013-11-02T13:09:00.003-07:002013-11-02T13:09:36.860-07:00The high cost of procrastination<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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The view from my "new" apartment. If you look closely, you can see my mountain view! One of the perks of living here is that my son Toby lives about a block west of that bend you see just up the street.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With a very red face I admit that I haven't blogged for more than a year. My last post told you that I had moved in with my son James and lovely daughter-in-law Aubrie - and their five dogs. I had my own room and a room upstairs for my office/library. Living with them was great, but I really missed having my own place "with my things about me." And my knees didn't like going upstairs every time I wanted something to read, which was all the time! So, at the end of July I moved into my own apartment. It's only one bedroom, one bath, but it's all mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Which brings me to the topic of this post - procrastination. I am the queen of that particular realm and I'm sure you'll find my picture next to the word in any dictionary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My favorite saying is, "I'm going to." And somehow my brain translates "going to" into "done" and forgets all about it. I was going to continue blogging after I moved. I was going to start blogging when I moved again three months ago. There are so many things I'm going to do - eventually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">I can't begin to tell you how much that nasty little habit has cost me over the years, in rebates not mailed in on time, bills paid late, phone calls and letters unanswered, events not attended, weight not lost, exercise not done, etc. etc. A wealth of money and opportunities missed. I really need Nike's "Just Do It" slogan tattooed on my forehead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">A little boot in the booty from </span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/novembers-nablopomo-here?from=bhspinner"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">BlogHer</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> finally has me at the computer again. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I signed up for their National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo), which asks participating bloggers to post daily during the month of November. They even offer prompts should I fail to come up with a topic on my own. I was going to start yesterday, Nov. 1, but here I am with my first entry on Nov. 2. Typical!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">But I vow, if I do nothing else that I'm "going to," I will blog every day this month! You should too. The deadline for signing up (and winning prizes) is Nov. 5, so hop on over to <a href="http://www.blogher.com/novembers-nablopomo-here?from=bhspinner">BlogHer</a> now! Don't procrastinate!</span></div>
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<br />Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-86488870200211876602012-02-06T13:23:00.000-07:002012-02-06T13:23:36.733-07:00Warm Welcome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMCmr205OSriKaIb-_aMV0eqsTRA7tnL3HekA59YgYdVIx9aeUe35PpUAaNCJa-rI7aHNA0WkYNJAN31d5BveLYWAOnzIfGCSlhtlpi-zMheMxWIj46dneQvVtCdoFH6vsNjYL_vIfQz8/s1600/laveen_sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMCmr205OSriKaIb-_aMV0eqsTRA7tnL3HekA59YgYdVIx9aeUe35PpUAaNCJa-rI7aHNA0WkYNJAN31d5BveLYWAOnzIfGCSlhtlpi-zMheMxWIj46dneQvVtCdoFH6vsNjYL_vIfQz8/s1600/laveen_sunset.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am slowly but surely recovering from the process of moving from one end of Phoenix to the other. The move - from a two-bedroom home to two rooms in my son's home - required a lot of decisions about what could come with me and what had to be given away, either to family or the Salvation Army. I probably brought too much with me, but I'll know more as I get settled in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My commute to visit/babysit grandchildren has tripled, but the trip isn't too bad. Good thing I like to drive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My son and daughter-in-law (and their five dogs!) welcomed me with open arms, always a plus. I'm getting acquainted with my new neighborhood and I plan to go on a photo safari soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful sunset shown above greeted me on the night I moved in. I took it as a sign that all will be well. So far, so good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4iUpLkyo5XFZmMjnUEd7GjMsCeFqUPzIvH49IrGPKrjw95TQeDD8xBD0ukI0-7QHd1c09-FyV5k1kYUYimD162g_FRVGywWYnPzDVvM-btSFk0ohSr1B0-sV582FHgwItdRJVOae1Sz2/s1600/blogname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4iUpLkyo5XFZmMjnUEd7GjMsCeFqUPzIvH49IrGPKrjw95TQeDD8xBD0ukI0-7QHd1c09-FyV5k1kYUYimD162g_FRVGywWYnPzDVvM-btSFk0ohSr1B0-sV582FHgwItdRJVOae1Sz2/s1600/blogname.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-10215183837488512682012-01-15T17:24:00.000-07:002012-01-15T17:24:49.534-07:00Bubble Wrap and Boxes and Tape, Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm-fpH0mrTvuL6sfPYWRkFbO00Hj4io4pnb5zn5NZxleaUqm3x0K3j5l6G1yVlxotiU4c0SBC_bWnJHGlumIVMfgnIwbO6Qp2lSYbIeMT_Y0a-MgIxEzVES-LS7RMga-N3QJvP-TaTle2/s1600/00_move.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm-fpH0mrTvuL6sfPYWRkFbO00Hj4io4pnb5zn5NZxleaUqm3x0K3j5l6G1yVlxotiU4c0SBC_bWnJHGlumIVMfgnIwbO6Qp2lSYbIeMT_Y0a-MgIxEzVES-LS7RMga-N3QJvP-TaTle2/s1600/00_move.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My son James is making a huge batch of gruel for me, which is all I'll be allowed when I move in with him and his lovely wife Aubrie. I will be limited to one bowl per day and will not be allowed more, even if I say, "Please, sir" like Oliver Twist. You see, I will become part of their household by the end of this month. I <i>think</i> he's kidding about the gruel.<br />
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I'm actually doing something smart, which is an extremely rare occurrence. No matter how much I enjoy living on my own, I simply can't afford to live on my Social Security income and my present health concerns, while not major, don't make looking for a supplemental job a good idea. <br />
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So when James and Aubrie lovingly invited me to live with them and their dogs, I hemmed and hawed and finally accepted. There was no mention of gruel at that time.<br />
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They have a lovely, two-story house on the opposite end of Phoenix from my present home. My bedroom will be on the ground floor, but it is tiny, so I have also been given a large office/sewing room on the second floor. I love the area, and I'm looking forward to decorating my new digs.<br />
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This will probably be (unless I win the lottery) my last move. Of course, I said that when I moved into this place a little over a year ago. And the place before that.<br />
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I have listed my home for sale and am busy packing. I've moved so many times that I'm quite expert, but that doesn't mean I like it. Because I'll have much less space for my stuff, I am purging like crazy and trying to be practical, which is not one of my best attributes. I think the Salvation Army will be pleased.<br />
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One thing that kept me from leaping at the offer is the distance from my grandkids. I babysit three of them two or three days a week and have the other two spend the night, go to movies, etc. fairly often. But I think the increase in my gas costs will be more than offset by the expenses I will no longer have.<br />
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It seems like a win-win at the moment. I'll be with people I love and who love me, and I'll still have plenty of my things about me. I'll let you know how it goes and how much weight I lose on my gruel-only diet. Now back to packing before I take a break to watch <i>The Golden Globes</i>.<br />
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Till next time,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl6ygl3u_WuXFv_svc0nmSYAEUk0skjACC4hhqbE1c79ZcLaxps8_yFfC3wdsNdLBMHJgbU8qGWjd9OyJZgqTbYuhClXeHz3fpl3CZn1I0oOXxm5oeSG33VpdVQ7RqF7lzhq6__4DxYZS/s1600/blogname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzl6ygl3u_WuXFv_svc0nmSYAEUk0skjACC4hhqbE1c79ZcLaxps8_yFfC3wdsNdLBMHJgbU8qGWjd9OyJZgqTbYuhClXeHz3fpl3CZn1I0oOXxm5oeSG33VpdVQ7RqF7lzhq6__4DxYZS/s1600/blogname.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-44982138346826637092012-01-02T12:06:00.000-07:002012-01-02T12:06:39.410-07:00I Won!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QxdBRF6DZ8/TwH78wesSQI/AAAAAAAAAcA/5ZUzlPv_lvc/s1600/cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QxdBRF6DZ8/TwH78wesSQI/AAAAAAAAAcA/5ZUzlPv_lvc/s1600/cake2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just before Christmas, I was notified that I was one of the winners of a LoveFeast Coffee Cake giveaway hosted by <a href="http://pizzazzerie.com/blog/">Pizzazzerie</a>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I chose (wisely, it turns out) the Triple Berry version. They also offered their Signature version, along with Pumpkin or Chocolate Chip. I'm sure they all would have been delicious, but I doubt they could top this berry-loaded treat, which featured raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colorful and delicious, this coffee cake would be a great family brunch addition. Or pop it in the freezer and warm up a slice to go with your morning coffee or tea. Go to <a href="http://shop.lovefeasttable.com/product/lovefeast-coffee-cake">LoveFeast</a> to try it for yourself!<span id="goog_216696041"></span><span id="goog_216696042"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9c6m35xQoY/TwH9qwdRDvI/AAAAAAAAAcM/-KLPu96jPIc/s1600/cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9c6m35xQoY/TwH9qwdRDvI/AAAAAAAAAcM/-KLPu96jPIc/s1600/cake1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Till next time,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-57834339382239601212012-01-01T18:16:00.000-07:002012-01-01T18:16:32.357-07:00Welcome, 2012!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currier & Ives print courtesy of <a href="http://www.tssphoto.com/">The Stock Solution</a></td></tr>
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Every new year seems to sneak up on me, and 2012 is no exception. I saw the old year out with a snore rather than a bang, which may have something to do with it. My granddaughter spent the previous night with me and I stayed up till 1:00 a.m.(!), but two nights in a row was more than this old bod could take.<br />
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But 2012 arrived before I had even made my New Year's Resolutions, so I had to scramble to come up with these:<br />
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1. Be more appreciative of what I have<br />
2. Take better care of myself<br />
3. Find a cure for procrastination, the bane of my existence<br />
4. Reorganize my priorities<br />
5. Love more, laugh more, live more, blog more<br />
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I think that just about covers it. It all boils down to wanting to be a better person when I go to bed each night than I was when I woke up that morning. <br />
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I wish you all a healthy and happy new year!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDIYwJylEgs/TwEFJKmhK3I/AAAAAAAAAb0/PFDUeG2Zsfk/s1600/blogname.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDIYwJylEgs/TwEFJKmhK3I/AAAAAAAAAb0/PFDUeG2Zsfk/s1600/blogname.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-42382721084275945052011-12-27T10:30:00.000-07:002011-12-27T10:30:41.470-07:00A Good Time Was Had By All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTit_XxeVmM/Tvn9Qa5Gm_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/-XqKJ0scd_c/s1600/christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTit_XxeVmM/Tvn9Qa5Gm_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/-XqKJ0scd_c/s1600/christmas.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My grandchildren (and granddog) enjoy some Christmas fun. We had a wonderful time, with good food (fried ham, eggs and waffles for breakfast, then baked ham with the trimmings for dinner). <br />
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We didn't have any snow, of course, but we did enjoy a beautiful fire in the "fireplace." Santa was very generous, especially for the little ones. <br />
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Now the mess is cleaned up, for the most part, and another batch of happy Christmas memories are safely stored away. Can't wait for next year!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oRPx4Itsec/TvoADSyZrMI/AAAAAAAAAbc/baUqKskM6us/s1600/blogname2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oRPx4Itsec/TvoADSyZrMI/AAAAAAAAAbc/baUqKskM6us/s1600/blogname2.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-85422029786300016572011-12-18T19:58:00.000-07:002011-12-18T19:58:44.576-07:00Finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy4LUZ8lLOyX0bHOGamhW9Dz9qrJQP_syiV1DIRF98Pl30eT-ssDIdh1b5cScJnL_P7XTLJ7Z3ScrS9soKnpdMKb703roHW4eCoOnmgubusWcTZrs3m1vXEI2cQdAGgkAajA0otN1rNFW/s1600/atree1_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy4LUZ8lLOyX0bHOGamhW9Dz9qrJQP_syiV1DIRF98Pl30eT-ssDIdh1b5cScJnL_P7XTLJ7Z3ScrS9soKnpdMKb703roHW4eCoOnmgubusWcTZrs3m1vXEI2cQdAGgkAajA0otN1rNFW/s1600/atree1_3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7wr5PIizSRdb3zriU1pSGCVZd3lEqOFr0K_gv7lL-Q3bHUSRwq6E2IqPIc9mS75gT0FrX3hDMbg2R3K-lvjAiVLMmPIvzk9t4L71AmdfKeOsbXBNJ6sp7APSVQZ9LAjFv0vefeGb6DZ_/s1600/a_tree5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7wr5PIizSRdb3zriU1pSGCVZd3lEqOFr0K_gv7lL-Q3bHUSRwq6E2IqPIc9mS75gT0FrX3hDMbg2R3K-lvjAiVLMmPIvzk9t4L71AmdfKeOsbXBNJ6sp7APSVQZ9LAjFv0vefeGb6DZ_/s1600/a_tree5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It took awhile, but I finally got 'er done (with a little help). Please ignore the less-than-stellar photos! This is what my tree looks like almost every year. I've had most of the ornaments for years and there's no particular color scheme or theme. This year I added the vertical beads - just wish I had more of them. <br />
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I know a lot of people put their Christmas tree up right after Thanksgiving, but when I was growing up the tree went up a week before Christmas and came down a week after. Now I'll add a week at the beginning. I prefer a real tree, Douglas fir from Oregon if possible, and I don't want it to dry out too much before the big day.<br />
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On New Year's Day I will follow childhood tradition and take the tree down while watching the Rose Parade.<br />
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Happy Holidays, everyone!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijK9Hv9PtYZyCuiG0mpqLZ0vIkLZw3e6BIwXuKDcyBiJi58VlwzBfmZGeHR2UfJvSVpqZNl5VCaLzzNTFiNhjJ-O3poIRatHg_L3MdnVKQZfbVSLUqovIVkMe6_NFE34BOmQGI387QAL-1/s1600/blogname2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijK9Hv9PtYZyCuiG0mpqLZ0vIkLZw3e6BIwXuKDcyBiJi58VlwzBfmZGeHR2UfJvSVpqZNl5VCaLzzNTFiNhjJ-O3poIRatHg_L3MdnVKQZfbVSLUqovIVkMe6_NFE34BOmQGI387QAL-1/s1600/blogname2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-57415051435808839332011-12-16T11:08:00.000-07:002011-12-16T11:08:53.873-07:00A Hopeful Sign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R2iBr9VXc3c8KY-ZtEZ50u9jaDPpCpE1Px6YlSHQ-dksCzbPPPMPAUVvGg7gFhR8gt0IUAv6Y3x4vVTLI46BW8A4KvMvcV_CWuyek5vN4fJRflx9hYDsWwektnbnMYd8E-niGsltT1Rt/s1600/bright+sky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6R2iBr9VXc3c8KY-ZtEZ50u9jaDPpCpE1Px6YlSHQ-dksCzbPPPMPAUVvGg7gFhR8gt0IUAv6Y3x4vVTLI46BW8A4KvMvcV_CWuyek5vN4fJRflx9hYDsWwektnbnMYd8E-niGsltT1Rt/s1600/bright+sky.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">I was waiting to pick up my granddaughter from school when Mother Nature obligingly presented this dramatic sky shot to me. I only had my iPhone, but I think it did a pretty good job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sharing at </span><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Skywatch Friday</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Stop by to see some really great photos from all over the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Till next time,</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAonJdVZBjjPLZSkNi115TwxpA_Zionp1DjLKDwJ4eM_9-KXGNuRDrc0afIR6eVvE3ywPEMwqJUtSqcp5wbzE_umaEO-pDddX2qzMkZJHg0tLOaWXTH2AWlhRvkvFa-mgGvT3qT0NhVNNl/s1600/blogname2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAonJdVZBjjPLZSkNi115TwxpA_Zionp1DjLKDwJ4eM_9-KXGNuRDrc0afIR6eVvE3ywPEMwqJUtSqcp5wbzE_umaEO-pDddX2qzMkZJHg0tLOaWXTH2AWlhRvkvFa-mgGvT3qT0NhVNNl/s1600/blogname2.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-91315005153622659912011-12-02T08:51:00.000-07:002011-12-02T08:51:18.312-07:00Atlanta Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89i-Q9DkA3jtlkCN7apweKNFt6rY88yCV3K6fGtzwiyXQlKdBLlF3qAO5Eao3MQ7vuuE9KbE9F8jOrKnj7G6I65pg1ZigsrdIcyIHnHGK2COI0q0g5MGhSfRObZVsW2xGNq1OdFPAkkpo/s1600/atlanta+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89i-Q9DkA3jtlkCN7apweKNFt6rY88yCV3K6fGtzwiyXQlKdBLlF3qAO5Eao3MQ7vuuE9KbE9F8jOrKnj7G6I65pg1ZigsrdIcyIHnHGK2COI0q0g5MGhSfRObZVsW2xGNq1OdFPAkkpo/s1600/atlanta+sunset.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Back to Atlanta one more time. This photo was taken from the same viewpoint as last week's, the 52nd floor of the Westin Peachtree hotel in downtown Atlanta, just as the sun was sinking on the horizon. I had a great time there and also managed to visit nearby Roswell, where many historic homes were decorated for a Christmas tour. Photos to come later.<br />
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I'm linking to <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/"><strong>Skywatch Friday</strong></a>, which features fantastic photos from around the world.<br />
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Till next time,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_h3o7_0lqLshA5zzMxMpaeNYHnxMHWou4CSIu36sDAE53213dS_UzH2BqdPzgEXqf3B-KShaoo5YxYsWFb5mzJOxAStZJJ25H8PH8Xo5ZcB57_UmzRYlEYpoB1xkaknXbcOgU9kebBNO/s1600/blogname2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_h3o7_0lqLshA5zzMxMpaeNYHnxMHWou4CSIu36sDAE53213dS_UzH2BqdPzgEXqf3B-KShaoo5YxYsWFb5mzJOxAStZJJ25H8PH8Xo5ZcB57_UmzRYlEYpoB1xkaknXbcOgU9kebBNO/s1600/blogname2.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-53496065811008971652011-11-29T17:54:00.001-07:002011-11-29T17:58:36.766-07:00Light Up the Zoo!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ1iJ7K6tKkdr7pZsfDaG4les6fM3RP6rK-1Giqds1zn__hAYp6MYKGL6vvqJNqTZ1DE-xP7d6qLUS-acnhu1I9rxQSEgPEtQZmhrUhXeJCTHT51ANQditokhRUPmdwm2lfkmIzzDrNyC/s1600/zoolights2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ1iJ7K6tKkdr7pZsfDaG4les6fM3RP6rK-1Giqds1zn__hAYp6MYKGL6vvqJNqTZ1DE-xP7d6qLUS-acnhu1I9rxQSEgPEtQZmhrUhXeJCTHT51ANQditokhRUPmdwm2lfkmIzzDrNyC/s1600/zoolights2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly everything at the Phoenix Zoo is covered in lights.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's time for the annual SRP ZooLights celebration at the Phoenix Zoo, a great holiday outing for out-of-town guests and Phoenicians alike. The event is fun for kids of all ages.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5XnX8UUYOFtCvVAc4wuAaywZe6ANJ0Rm9khtvP-hC_eRtbffPm-NceIE3OKjdiSixKFciFXLXbkBZO5dbg-Aq0L-EBtadSiOR_CqL-lfcG6PXhzORJxxokYyO6z4QVJ1ag0ercGrPzkd/s1600/zoolights1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5XnX8UUYOFtCvVAc4wuAaywZe6ANJ0Rm9khtvP-hC_eRtbffPm-NceIE3OKjdiSixKFciFXLXbkBZO5dbg-Aq0L-EBtadSiOR_CqL-lfcG6PXhzORJxxokYyO6z4QVJ1ag0ercGrPzkd/s1600/zoolights1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many animals are featured both stationary and animated light displays.</td></tr>
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The zoo is decked out in more than three million colored lights and 600 lighted displays, including a 3-D praying mantis and lion. The 160-foot polar slide is back for the second year. Another big hit is the music-in-motion dancing tree show. It's definitely worth seeing (and hearing).<br />
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ZooLights is open daily, 6-10 p.m., through Jan. 8. For tickets and more information, click <a href="http://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/ZooLights/">here</a>.<br />
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I'm linking to:<br />
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<a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/"><img alt="[OW_thumb1_thumb1_thumb1_thumb1_thumb%255B3%255D.png]" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lFWLQyEMhXs/TswYYS4XnoI/AAAAAAAADYg/6uUEV-EgFl8/s1600/OW_thumb1_thumb1_thumb1_thumb1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png" /></a><br />
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Till next time,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfti7EtuW-w6KAllO33AGToJfPyKCljFlg895iJo9QlNYi5uUCSbP8L2-xJmAQjymvEI6W7CVyjH1IAp6G8DXm6FlQ6QCofba5XtoD2Quh9q5V3zN5wV0vJY_dalkk_6Il9Fox3UePq4D/s1600/blogname2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfti7EtuW-w6KAllO33AGToJfPyKCljFlg895iJo9QlNYi5uUCSbP8L2-xJmAQjymvEI6W7CVyjH1IAp6G8DXm6FlQ6QCofba5XtoD2Quh9q5V3zN5wV0vJY_dalkk_6Il9Fox3UePq4D/s1600/blogname2.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5172931629324994512.post-58823873694064437032011-11-27T19:56:00.000-07:002011-11-27T19:56:27.268-07:00Turkey, What Turkey?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtpS2WNjZ5494VvjjFbh4OG_AXrtm6DjfitAJp7WckJss2s0aW2UPliUtoY0eY0t8BCEs8hQN8FVdSOOuHBowKqf5gDSZIHUBs4xWOcPWdYIWssZkKvS4s6uVuNhck07Wi8R5wzGNMjUZ/s1600/kids_phones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtpS2WNjZ5494VvjjFbh4OG_AXrtm6DjfitAJp7WckJss2s0aW2UPliUtoY0eY0t8BCEs8hQN8FVdSOOuHBowKqf5gDSZIHUBs4xWOcPWdYIWssZkKvS4s6uVuNhck07Wi8R5wzGNMjUZ/s1600/kids_phones.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of my grandchildren are engrossed by cellphone games as they wait for Thanksgiving dinner to be announced.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am happy to report (belatedly) that I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My son James and his wife Aubrie hosted dinner for 20 people from both families and we all did justice to the feast. <br />
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We had the traditional turkey as well as ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, Jello salad, broccoli salad, candied yams, cranberry sauce and homemade crescent rolls (awesome, Aubrie!), followed by pumpkin and blueberry pies with real whipped cream.<br />
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When were able, we waddled away from the table to help with clean-up or just to visit. We all headed home with plenty of leftovers.<br />
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I hope your holiday was also full of family, food and fun. Now I can officially think about Christmas!<br />
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Till next time,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5qkRzhucsYWMbRN0CztfDibdUlXjtcEeIuv1ZVGSKniB4N9IFlKWj7o0yhSvA9knkEY13x4dvNpoY1HJcLSCIzQLAb85NL8KVjWbjXfASV4SbSH8cm6b0WcTS9l0xUTmlrdBg8rXpaH0/s1600/blogname2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5qkRzhucsYWMbRN0CztfDibdUlXjtcEeIuv1ZVGSKniB4N9IFlKWj7o0yhSvA9knkEY13x4dvNpoY1HJcLSCIzQLAb85NL8KVjWbjXfASV4SbSH8cm6b0WcTS9l0xUTmlrdBg8rXpaH0/s1600/blogname2.jpg" /></a></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17098840268640850841noreply@blogger.com0