Photograhpy in the Rain

 I just never know what that daughter of mine will come up with next!! 

She came down for us to go to lunch. She didn't know it would be drizzling rain but a bit of water never deters her.

She knows I love my photography and now days it's not always easy for me to get out by myself to snap a thing or two. So, I get in the car (amid the misty rain) and she starts driving around our building. "Roll down your window Mom", she says. 

"It's raining", I protest.

"But there are colorful leaves to shoot... and fall flowers... come on, roll it down".

So, I roll down my window and have a lovely time of it adding some fall pictures to my collection. She knew that would make me happy, rain or not. 

Memories of a Move

                                                   Was it 24 years ago? Seems like yesterday! 

Our children had grown up and moved away, leaving me and Elbert alone on that 60 acre farm. We were getting older (Elbert was 69, I was 65), time to think about all the work of taking care of such a place, of missing out on so much of our grandchildren's lives. So, we packed up and moved closer to family. 

I can't say Elbert was too happy about the move. He thought he would be able to tend to all that acreage, the dozen cows, the dozens of fox hounds, make a garden, mow the grass ...

 he just couldn't see that his body and mind would fail him. Me... I was so ready to downsize, be closer to family. So, it was a tug-'o-war. 

The move was emotional, especially for the children who had grown up there. But, that move proved to be the best thing that could have happened. 

Within one years time Elbert was diagnosed with prostrate cancer (radiation for that). Then in another year I discovered I had colon cancer (surgery, chemo for that), then followed two total knee replacements for me and a diagnosis of Alzheimers for Elbert. That illness entailed 10 more years of constant care for him. We lost him in Jan 2011. 

Now, don't you tell me that God did not have a plan in place about our move. We never would have made it living so far away from our children during all that. I am so grateful for God's guidance when we needed it the most.  

Enlightening Moments

                                                         Lordy Mercy, where does time go? 

I've had some interesting and enlightning moments this week. 

1. For the first time since getting a walker (which I do not need except when I go out where the terrain might be difficult), I used it for my appt. with my surgeon. Oh, and btw, my walker is metallic hot pink.. thanks to my daughter. I told her I'd shoot her if she got me a hot pink walker. She's still alive!! And, I love the color. I am never at a loss for where it is! 

2. For the first time I used my brand new handicap placard! It made it so much easier for me to park in a more secure place and get where I needed to go without getting tired out. I fought getting a handicap placard... It was something 'old people' had to use. haha. Where did I get that idea? I am so happy I have it. 

3. I trust my surgeon 100% so when he suggested I 'tuck tail' and go back to see my oncologist I told him I would. I had quit my injection treatment for the HR2 positive. Long story and I won't bore you but if the surgeon says I should reconsider, then I will.

4. Went to a Health/Wellness workshop on Wed. I was already on the 'healthier lifestyle' kick anyway so that was helpful and encouraging. Here's my brunch plate this morning. 

a scrambled egg atop a bed of southwest blend of brown rice, quinoa, black beans, corn and Pabloma pepper. sliced tomato and sliced avocado. I squeezed lemon juice over it all. Yum.

5.It's been a rough year for me so I do sometimes get depressed and just want to crawl in a hole and let the world go by. But, I can't do that!! I have way too much left to do, to share, to enjoy. So, when I get in those moods I just have to crawl out of that hole and march forward. I know that I am not alone, that I have so many friends who are marching along on this journey with me. We gals gotta stick together.

6. And, as of today (Friday) I am preparing for a tropical storm to hit me. Haha. What next!!!! Well, I just gotta look at each thing, good or bad, as another adventure. So, the adventure aspect of this storm will be me trying to secure the items on my balcony so that they don't blow away. 

                                 Now for some fun stuff. 

I am counting down the days until Michael arrives. He'll be going on to Annapolis, Maryland to attend the boat show there. But... when he heads back home... guess what... I will be a passenger in his car heading south. I always enjoy visiting him so much and we got some plans already in the works. Will keep you posted it. 

Chickens At The Fair!

 The fair was pretty mundane until we got to the farm animal tent. Then I perked right up and started enjoying myself. Must be that Southern Farm Girl gene in me. 

When I was about 5 or 6 I had a pet bantam rooster. I was very sad when he died. 

When I was a fairly new newly-wed Elbert and I had an egg farm. A hundred hens who kept us in enough eggs to eat for ourselves and to sell.

And, we had chickens when Elbert retired from the Navy and we moved to the farm in Alabama. 

So, chickens have been a part of my life here and there. Glad I don't have any now. But, I had a great time enjoying them at the fair. 

Going to the Fair

 I learned some lessons yesterday... but then again, I learn some lessons of some sort nearly every day.

Shirley and John were headed to the county fair and asked if I would like to go. I've been going to fairs now and again all my life so I said sure. But, it had been over 10 years since I'd been to one.

Well, let me tell you.... ten years makes a whole heap of difference when you are getting on up in age!!

I found out that my walker just would not manuever over that rough terrain. If I wasn't being brought to a sudden halt by a small rock in my path, it was a twig the size of my finger that stopped me. I finally gave up and started using my cane . Thank goodness I had Shirley and John who did a fabulous job helping me about. 

I found out that hotdogs at the fair don't taste like they used to... and that a large cup of iced tea was $6. 

I found out that the participation in a county fair has dwindled to very little. That was disappointing!

I found out that, although I would have so loved to have ridden the camel, the getting from the platform into the saddle just wasn't for 89 year olds to attempt. 

I am glad I went.... but I won't attempt that again. Just too dangerous, too trying, not as I remembered it. I'll cherish my memories of past fairs and let it go. 

A New Recipe for Breakfast - eggs and avocado

 Breakfast hasn't always been my favorite meal of the day. Mostly I'd grab a bowl of cereal and be ready to go.... 

But, now that I don't have to 'go' anywhere I am changing up my way of thinking about this breakfast thingy. 

I have found out that eggs are so easy and so good and I seem to lately consume quite a number of them. 

I do love deviled/stuffed eggs. That way to fix them is so Southern!! And, as you all know, I am a Southern gal.  But, I don't recall ever eating a deviled egg for breakfast... 

But, I am talking about a new way I have discovered that I love and as soon as I get through talking to all of you I am heading into the kitchen to have me my favorite breakfast!! 

Have you tried out this recipe? If not, maybe you will. It's finger-licking good!

Does a Sub Have Salt? You Betcha!

 This watching my sodium intake is getting to be a 'pain in the ...'. 

I have checked every label when there was one to check. Most times I have to toss that food due to the high numbers. I swear, I don't think there's much to eat without it being chockful of salt. 

With the new meds my blood pressure is the best it's been in years and years. So, I have been 'fudging' a bit on what I eat. I do love good food and I can't see me being a miserably hungry old lady  for the remainer of my days. Right? Live it up but be cautious, I guess is my new motto. 

For example, Michael had bought me a couple of those new frozen 'bowl' meals to try out. The lo mein one had more sodium in it than what I was supposed to have all day long!!

 I've been doing more cooking of fresh or frozen veggies, using Mrs. Dash or other herbs instead of my beloved salt. But, an hour later I am hungry!!

So, what did I do this afternoon? Went to Subway and got me one of those yummy chicken teriyaki 6" subs to divide between lunch and dinner. A gals gotta do what she's gotta do... right?

Drastic Changes Up AHead.

 I have been on a rampage lately!! Well, I wouldn't call it a rampage 'cause that denotes something vicious and damaging. Let's see... what word could I use... a mission, maybe... a new path, perhaps. 

The truth is I am sick to death of how I am right now. Not, who I am inside... I fought hard to get that! It's the looking the same ole, same ole, being satisfied to not be on top of my game as far as my appearance goes. 

I look in that closet and it is jammed full of stuff that neither matches or is so outdated. So, I end up wearing whatever! And, then there was that day I got caught in my pjs ...

So, I have plans to do some serious purging in that closet. 

On to another subject, but sort of related.

I tried out a new hairdresser this past week. I just turned her loose and let her do her thing. I have never had my hair this short before!! My girls are gonna kill me (they like it longer... but hey, it's my hair!) 

I love the ease of taking care of it.. I just wash, towel it semi-dry and then just flip up some curls (I do have naturally curly hair) with a brush. I could live with that!!! 

I did order me some new shoes and they are due to arrive Tuesday. My feet are so narrow and you just can't find narrow shoes sitting on shelves in stores anymore. I hope those new shoes work out fine. I'll let you know.

I am gonna be really UGLY right now. But, I saw this and just cracked up. I would so love it if a doc had the nerve to do this... and I could be a fly on the wall when the gal got home to her sweetie. Oh, the look on his face!! I laugh every time I think about it! Oh well, it doesn't take much these days to entertain me. haha. 

Getting Caught in my PJs

 

Even though I live alone and sometimes for days on end, do not see a soul, I try to dress, put my makeup on and sometimes add earrings and other jewelry. It just makes me feel better about myself.

But, then there comes a day... ever once in awhile... that I just want to be lazy! 

Such was last Sat. I knew I would be spending my afternoon curled up in my recliner watching college football and it being Saturday I just knew in my heart that no one would come by. So, at noon I am still in my pjs. 

And, it always happens. 

Knock, knock!

Oh Lordy, there's someone at my door.

So, I slowly crack the door a tad and there stands my friend/neighbor holding a piping hot dish of mac and cheese for me. 

I just looked at her and sheepishly said, 'It's Jammie Day'. 

All I needed was fluffy bedroom shoes with floppy ears and my hair up in curlers! 

But, I am so happy to see her and happier to see that mac and cheese, so I let her in.

I swear I won't let that happen again........

But, you can bet your bottom dollar that the next time I am being lazy in my pjs, somebody will knock on my door.

That's okay.... if they are bringing mac and cheese!! 

A Feel Good Time

 I try to be a positive person but I often fall short. 

This world seems to be gurgling down a big black hole in the way of morals, ethics, just being good. 

It takes it's toll!

But, I discovered something that gives me a 'feel good time' every single morning. 

Yep, It's Sean of the South. That boy has a way with telling stories that just make you feel good. You might laugh, you might get out a kleenex or two but there's always a subtle message and you just walk away with a spring in your step. 

This Sean of the South can be found at seandietrich.com.  I signed up to receive his stories via email. So, every morning, I sit down at my computer, sign in to my email and read his latest. It just makes me start  the day off right. 

Happy Labor Day!

To all my friends who celebrate Labor Day... have fun, be safe and don't do a blessed thing today that you could call work... it's a Labor Free Day!!
 

Laughter is Good For the Soul.

 I've tried to keep up with technology the best that I can... however, that isn't saying much. I blog, do facebook, Instagram and have a YouTube channel. Not bad for an old lady! 

But, that's about all my little brain with absorb. I don't do tic-toc, twitter or snapchat. But, some of the most laughs I've ever gotten has been from watching myself and my kids being turned into all sort of funny characters. Was it Snapchat, that Susan was doing that on? I don't remember.

We were at the beach and Susan got out her phone. We were all sorts of crazy things as she clicked first this thing and then that. Michael (her brother) hadn't seen that app and he got to laughing so hard he lost his breath. I really thought we'd lost him there for a minute or two!!! 

911, help, my son is laughing himself to death!

So, this Sunday morning....

Have yourself a laugh...

 

Minnie Pearl - "HOWDY"

 How many of you remember Minnie Pearl from the Grand Ole Opry? That woman was a character! She would shashay out onto the stage, swinging her full skirt from side to side, a large price tag hanging from the brim of her hat. And, she'd stop in front of the microphone and yell 'HOW-DEE'?. The crowds would go wild. 

She'd start off telling stories about her Uncle Nabob, his wife Ambrosia and of course, Brother, who was smart but slow-witted. They all lived in Grinder Switch. Her comedy routines always brought down the house.  

This is where the story gets interesting, to me, anyway. I hope you find it entertaining as well. 

Colley was hired as a drama coach for the Wayne P. Sewall Producing Company, a small Atlanta theatrical organization that sent directors into small Southern towns to put on amateur plays in local schools. It was for this reason, in 1935, that Colley found herself in Baileyton, Alabama nearly broke, and right smack in the middle of a major snowstorm. 

Minnie Pearl wrote about this incident in her autobiography.

“My train pulled into the little depot in the middle of a blizzard. I was the only person who got off. It was about three o’clock in the afternoon, and already almost dark, with snow falling so heavily I could hardly see.”

Without anyone there to meet her at the station, Colley managed to finagle a ride to the school house. The drive was dangerous, them slip sliding all over the place as they drove along the dirt road. She finally reached the school. No one was there except a small group of teachers who were meeting with the principal.

When the meeting was over, Colley realized the principal hadn’t expected her to arrive due to the weather. Nonetheless, she was there and needed a place to stay. Unfortunately, she had used most of her spending money to pay for her ride from the train station to the school. So, the principal came up with a plan.

Colley recalled. “There I was with $2 left in my pocket and Cullman 15 miles away by an icy road that would certainly be impassable at night. By this time, it was already dark. Someone suggested a family that lived in a mountain cabin about a mile from the school. ‘I’ll bet they’d take you in,’ the principal said.”

The family in that mountain cabin happened to have been my great-grandfather's sister and her husband and children. My (Willie Latane Barton)'s great, great aunt, Mattie Butler Burden. 

I am sure they welcomed Miss Colley with a warmness that southern families are known for. She probably shared their meager supper and slept in a bed with some of the children. Little did they know that they were hosting a woman who would become world famous with her "Howdy" and that price tag hat. The character, Minnie Pearl, had a good deal of Mattie Burden in her. Sarah wove some of Mattie's ways into her Minnie Pearl persona.  

Minnie Pearl was as far-fetched from Sarah Ophelia Colley as she could be. Sarah was born on October 25, 1912, the youngest of five daughters of a well-to-do lumberman and his wife. Growing up she loved to dance and dreamed of becoming an actress. After high school, she went to Ward-Belmont College, which was Nashville's most prestigious school for young ladies at the time, where she majored in theater and dance. She became one of the Grand Ole Opry's most loved and revered members. 

In Flight

While I was sitting on my balcony late yesterday afternoon a flock of geese flew over me.

I just wanted to share!

 

Time With My Paints

 I decided I'd paint some this morning. It was pretty simple so it didn't take long. 

I framed it in the Fotor app.

I do enjoy painting but I am never happy with what I do, I guess that's pretty common,  being your own worst critic, I mean. 

What are you doing this Saturday? Next week college football games begin. That will be a fun activity for me! In case anyone is wondering... I'll root for any SEC team but I am definately an Alabama fan. 

If The Good Lord is Willing!!

 Let me tell you something funny! 

Of course, at the time it was not funny! It's odd how a different time or place will change your perspective on things, isn't it?

While I was going to my oncologist they were forever getting my scheduling wrong. I got pretty pissed at them about it. Then I discovered that there was incorrect information on the reports going out to my other doctors. Like... they had it listed as they were treating me for colon cancer instead of breast cancer. And, they had my Dad down as having had osteoarthritus. My Dad died at age 33, struck by lightning. Where were they getting this junk?

It was never resolved at the oncologist office....  however, I went to see my GP yesterday. Told her what a time I'd had and she immediately checked on her computer.

Now, Barton is a common name particularly in this area. They always use your first name when it's doing legal/medical/work stuff. So, my first name is Willie (named for my father who had just died when I was born). I just figured that I had to be the only Willie Barton in this world!

It seems that there are 3 Willie Bartons in the area who are patients of the oncologist. Me, another woman and a man. And, we are all about the same age. As many times as the drs. and nurses ask you your birthdate, it seems that they would have caught that. But, they didn't and have some other Willie Barton's information mixed up with mine. Now, that's scary but it's funny too. 

At least I am no longer going to that oncologist!! 

I'm gonna make it outta this cancer in one piece!

What a Glorious Day

                                                                 What a glorious day! 

I walked out on the balcony, the air was crisp and the sky so blue with soft, fluffy clouds. It looked like a painting. I sank down in my high rise chair and just enjoyed being there. 

I hadn't been out there for awhile. While maintenence was preparing the apartment beneath me for my new neighbors they had discovered that my air conditioner or water heater was leaking and damaging the ceiling below me. So, that was in repair. They placed a fan on my balcony floor to dry out the 'utility' room. 

A week after that happened, and I had spent part of that time in the hospital, I found that the fan was still there and running non-stop. I guess they had forgotten it. We got that remedied and with the fan gone I could actually sit on my balcony. 

They announced that our entire building will be power washed next week. That means that every single thing that is outside my apartment has to be brought inside. I'll gladly do it.... cause we haven't been spray washed in 3 years and this place is getting mighty dirty looking. Before Covid they did it at least once a year, sometimes twice. Yep, we are one dirty mess around here. 

These pictures were taken in 2019....

So, that's what's on my mind this morning. What are you up to?

A Trip To The ER

 When it rains, it pours!!

So, I went to the dentist. They x-rayed my tooth and determined that it would be pulled at a later date. 

Started to get up out of the chair and was extremely dizzy, took two dental assts. to get me to the waiting room where I started vomiting. Let me tell you, that is so embarrassing.  

I had driven up there myself.. had lunch with Shirley... was fine BUT now I wasn't, Luckily Shirley was nearby so she came to see about me. 

A call to my dr. office had us rushing to the ER. They thought I was having a stroke. BP 203 over something, I don't remember what. Then they said it was vertigo but this 'spell' was nothing like the vertigo I have so I didn't believe them. 

Ten hours in the ER.. isn't that always the way of ER visits!! I was admitted to the hospital at 3 a.m.

Boy, that was one long night!! 

Stroke ruled out. Thank God for that!! The cardiologist came in. He diagnosed me as having Ortho Septic HypoTension. 

I am home now. When I gain some strength back, guess what I will be doing? 

Yep, throwing away all that junk in my pantry that is not good for me. Man, I'm gonna miss some of that stuff! 

But, my heart and brain both were determined to be working fine so I now have to do the work to keep them that way. 

Wish me luck.... this is gonna be hard. 

Ouch... trip cancelled

Well, heck!

A tooth that was a wee bit touchy started being a big problem.

I had my bags packed, sitting by the door, ready to head to Alabama with my son this morning

but

Instead... I stayed behind, called my dentist and I'm gonna take care of this old tooth. 

 

Let's Go On A Roadtrip

I reckon so! 

Leaving tomorrow to visit my son in Alabama! 

It's a 'fur piece' and I know I'll get tired but I do love to see new scenery and take pictures so it will be exciting. 

I'll keep you updated while I am there. 

 

It's HOT, folks!!

                                                       Man... it's hot out there!!

Heat index around 108 today! 

I'm definately staying indoors where the air conditioning is running non-stop. 

Going down for a cookout a little later on 

but they will have it indoors! 

Somebody's smart! 

How's the temp where you are? 

Putting a New Plan in Place!

 Okay....

I straightened them out alright. (read my previous post if you are wondering what that's all about)

I have had one treatment of Herceptin to try to eradicate my HR2 positive cells in my breast. I have questioned every day the decision to have treatment at this age (89)  and yesterday the day was just right for me to make a big decision. I walked out without getting my treatment and have discontinued them. 

I mean, I am 89. What are the chances of me getting cancer again during the short span of life left to me? And, the dr. said Herceptin is almost always given along with chemo. They won't give me chemo at this age so I question why they would give me the Herceptin. Plus, there is the possibility of the medication damaging my heart. 

I trust God to take me at His chosen time. And, I trust Him to care for me until that time comes. So, why put myself through all the worry, confusion, being sick etc, etc, etc, that taking Herceptin was causing! I am at peace with my decision. 

Now, on to other things. Maybe I can get back to doing what I love to do... blog, write, read, listen to good music, eat good food, have fun, live life to the fullest. 

I guess you noticed that I did not mention cleaning house!! haha

 

Stuffing on Mongolian!!

 How nice to have my son come up from Alabama to visit and to be with me when I go for my 2nd RH2 treatment today. Yesterday we went to a Mongolian Buffet and had the best lunch. It was so good and both of us 'got our money's worth'. hehe. 

Chowing down on Mongolian food

His first plate (and there was a second)

My first plate and yes, there was a second! for me as well.

I have been less than happy with scheduling errors and other errors made by my oncology team. They just can't seem to get their act together.

I go for my second treatment today and hope to 'set those folks straight'. haha

So, wish me well with me being 'tough'. That's just not my nature. 

But you do what you gotta do, right? 

As Shirley always says, 'Put on your bitch lipstick and take care of business.' 

or as others might say, 'Put on your big girl panties.'