It's been a while...

Monday Morning
October 25, 2010


I know it has been a while, but it is because we have been doing well and have been busy. It seems as if there are not enough hours in the day.

We have managed to stay out of the hospital, except for bloodwork and doctor apt every other week. We are getting to know Dr. Kareem a little better and he us. We really like him even though he is a tough doctor and a control freak. I have just decided that I better do what he tells me and stop whining. One of the nurses heard me complain about an order and boy did she let me have it. She told us that if we don't mind the rules, Dr. Kareem comes unglued and starts screaming at you..."Are you STUPID?!! Do YOU want to DIE?!" It was kinda comical, but she was as serious as superman. I certainly don't want my surgeon mad at me before the surgery any more than I want the waitress mad at me before she brings my food. So needless to say we are behaving ourselves these days.

We have been in clinic for the past three days. Within 4 days my weight went from 122lbs to 130lbs. So I am here getting a "spa" treatment. My weight is down to 121lbs as of this morning so things are working. The only problem is it is hard to make plans cause you never know what is going to happen from day to day.

We have been going to the gym and working out for 3 days a week. We work with a trainer once a week. He makes Steve sore afterwards but not me. I know that I am working out to the max because the last 3 reps are challenging. Steve swears I am starting to look like a weight lifter. But today a nurse described my legs as "skinny get away sticks." I don't think she knew that I heard her comment. Oh well, when all this is over I only hope I weigh the same as I weighed before getting sick.

So, what have we been doing? Errands, shopping, we even went to the movies and saw "Secretariat", it is fabulous, even if your not a horse lover. It is one of those "feel good" movies and what makes it even better is that it is true. He was the last horse to win the Triple Crown and he doesn't even go lame or die. Please go see it.

The theater is within walking distance from our apartment and it is beautiful. It has 14 theaters with comfy seats and a huge snack bar, plus a cafe with pastries, sandwich's, and fancy coffees. Of course all that costs a small fortune. We just sneak our own in and unfortunately I can't have popcorn.

We have tickets to go see Ian Anderson, the leader of Jethro Tull from the sixties. He is a tremendous flutist and guitarist. It is being held in the Carnegie Library in that incredible theater from 1890's. I will have to get in there and get some photos. I know we don't have any thing close to this in Northern California, maybe the Grumman's theater in LA.

We adopted a little orange tabby kitten, his name is Glenn and presently he has a terrible cold so we are taking him back to the rescue shelter. I should not really be exposed to any germs, so Steve confined him to the back bedroom. He is not very happy back there, but Steve goes and visits him, plays, pets and talks to him. Glenn is so sweet and loving, but since he has not been feeling well he only plays for a few minutes then is ready for a nap. So we will see whether we get to keep him or not.

This blog has been long enough for even the most devoted folks,(my sister Jane). Oh! one more thing, we celebrated our 26Th anniversary. We were going out to dinner but my increase in fluid
did not let that happen. Steve bought me a beautiful porcelain cat that he saw when we were at Mayo and a beautiful sweet card. I gave him a kiss and fixed pulled pork sandwiches with macaroni salad(his favorite). Then we stayed home and watched a movie.

Ok, just a couple of prayer requests, praises, & lots of thank yous. My second cousin, Beth, Chris's sister, has cancer of the colon and after surgery they found more cancer behind her uterus. She is going to have some serious chemotherapy plus she does not really feel good about her doctor. We wish her well thru prayer. Much praise for our good health and ability to go out and about. We want to thank all of you who read our blog and then comment. I appreciate your comments and words of encouragement. Thank you to my granddaughter, Ruby for all of the beautiful works of art she sent. Many thanks for all of you for reading my blog, remember we love comments. Once again a huge THANK YOU to Lon & Dianne for your incredible gift and for the beautiful apron (yes, I love aprons & wear them always). May God bless you special.

Well, that is all for now and I will once again try to blog more often.
May God Bless You All,
Steph & Steve