Best/Worse/What did I learn today..a chat with friends!

Just a quick post for now. We are home and DH is tucked safely away in his bed.It was a long grim day with my fears being confirmed. The cancer in DH's body is even more widespread than DH initially thought.He only listens with half an ear - sometimes I just think it is selected hearing. Today an Orthopaedic surgeon took a biopsy from the L3 area on DH's spine.It is now off to the Pathologist and we will learn the results when we see Dr Yen on Monday, Warren will also get his stitches out that day. Bone scan probably this week. Thank you so much for all of your positive thoughts I truly needed them today.
Dianne

Wow Dianne... I'm so sorry for that news... Don't know what to say..... Will definitely say prayers for you and DH though.
Belle sure did swim yesterday. Funny now she goes after Hubs....wants to play wiht him but we're having to teach her not to be rough.... told him he 'created a monster'......

Betty - I say you take a FULL day off... go get the change done.... head off to lunch at you and Rogers FAVORITE most romantic restaurant.... and then on to an activity (movies?) something you all used to do together. Think of it as "Renewing your vows". I know Roger would like that .....

I'll pop back in a bit. ((HUGS))) all....
Mary

Dianne - sending love, prayers and positive thoughts to you and your DH always!

Mary - what a wonderful suggestion - Betty, don't you agree? (((((((((((((((Betty))))))))))))))

Morning everyone! T and L forecasted for today here. Betty what did Frankie say?
Not much sleep here for me last night, finally decided at 4 am just to get up.My mam always used to say things will all ways look brighter in the morning ........ sorry to say that this morning is sure isn't for the 2 of us.In a little bit of funk but I will shake it off once I get outside.
Agree with Susan, what a wonderful suggestion for Betty from Mary!
Back later going to make some Raisin Cinnamon bread in the bread machine.
D

Dianne, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I've not been good lately about posting as I had a dear cousin lose her hubby this week and had the funeral yesterday. I do try to be upbeat when here since we have all had hard times of one kind or another lately. But I do believe we can get through it all together. I'm sending my thoughts and prayers.
I do have some good news to report though. After 2 1/2 years Norm may have a full time job!!!!!! He has been accepted and is now going through the drug test and background check. I don't think they do that unless they intend to hire you. This job will involve a bit of travel (home most nights) and includes BENEFITS. Since we were smart enough to pay for private insurance when his COBRA ran out, he has continuing benefits and can't be refused coverage. Thank heaven!!!!! Maybe now we can get our life back on track. Norm told the person interviewing him that he had prepaid for a trip to Canada in August and would hate to lose the money but would if necessary. He was told "I don't think that's a problem" so I'm pretty sure our trip is still on in August. Can't wait!!!!
Time for eye drops so I'll check back in later.

Oh Barb what excellent news! So glad you kept up the paymenys for Health Insurance we did the same when DH retired. Keeping positive is something I usually do and as I said to DH( in the middle of the night when you think all those worst thoughts) "Don't put the cart before the horse".When will Norm hear? Really looking forward to meeting up with you and Norm in August.I'll look around and ask for a good hotel/motel in this area. Do you want one that supplies a Continental breakfast with your room?
Crissy are you home now? What happened with Dave's interview?
Make sure you all do something nice for yourself today!
D

Morning everyone,

Dianne, my heart is breaking for both of you both, I'm at a loss for words! Although ee know when someone has been in so much pain the chances of 'C' can be a possibility but we are never prepared to hearing those words! they've come so far this last decade that you can indeed have hope so your words of wisdom, "don't put the horse in front of the cart " is the road to travel..sending prayers

Dianne we had the same storm roll through and Frankie flowers doesn't have much hope with regards to our Canada day long weekend, although I only half listened, forecast changes daily so why worry now?

Just looked at the time, will post when I get to work

After reading of all the hardships I should be ashamed at my trivial feelings of being in a slump this past weekend..

Few seconds before I leave..

Dianne paid attention to Frankie flowers, he says nice long weekend, maybe a few showers Saturday morning..

Officer just shot, no vital signs on his way to hospital..prayers for he and his family..

Dianne, frankie brought in a case of beer, new kind, never tasted beer, say they've included lime?

Officer has died..what news for a family to receive this morning!

Dianne positive thoughts and prayers coming your way .
Betty if changing your name is what has you down........I would have to second Marys idea.
Barb that is really great news. I know about those cobra costs eats a hole right through your pocket. Way to go Norm.
Pain meds work but not liking the side effects..................
Good day to all.
Coffee or hot chocolate is always ready..........New Keurig has arrived(covered by warrenty no charge)

Morning everyone! Thanks for the coffee Laura. Glad you got your new coffee maker!

Well, since Texas has been in such a drought lately, there will be no fireworks anywhere this week-end. The stands won't even be open to buy them for personal use. There are a few towns, that will still have public fireworks, but the closest one is about 200 miles away! Just won't be the same with out fireworks! Please pray for rain?

Barb, that is great news that Norm will have a full time job! Keep us posted please?

LindaKay, sorry to hear about a lot of the July 4th celebrations being cancelled due to lack rain, might be the opposite here..last night the young families in homes across the street from me had their own display, was nice watching as I lay on the couch!

Got to tell you, our Municipality celebrating this past weekend 100 years and then our July 1st. combined sure did a fantastic job, although I did not attend any it was like having it in my back yard..talk about loud music..they say we spent $50K in bad fees but the attendance was so good they've made it back..lots of driners I would say..Greg/Mel and the boys spent all weekend there so I had drop ins from time to time..Sunday they had 2 gospel bands, I sat with coffee in hand listening from my gardens...I was too miserable to go anywhere..even Anne called to see if I wanted to join her but nope, stewed on my own..best place to be when you can't even stand yourself?? ever had a day or two like that?

Barb, I'm so excited about Norm possibly being hired full time, when will he hear?? Yikes, that's nice of them saying they don't think it would be a problem taking the time off but don't chance it if they seem to need him..although I'd surely miss your visit, I know where you are and know Bessie Lapensee would let me use her travel trailer.lol Know Ann would be up to the trip as well so hell or high water we'll meet up this summer..hoping it's my side of the border though..won't it be great not to be worried about health insurance...what field of work will it be?

Crissy, how about Dave, any news about his being employed?

Laura, poor thing, did you have plans travelling on the 4th??? will you still be able to go?? Bet the family would be disappointed but would understand .. have they suggested possible operation? you are much too young to stay with a bad back....hard to listen when they say no more than 10 lbs..

I chequed out Sears yesterday and think I might drop in on my way home Thursday and pick up a Keurig..if not Thursday then one day next week.

Mary, going to do just as you say..I have a file set somewhere of all the documents I had to have when Roger died, must have had to have wedding certificate for CPP Survivor Benefits that I receive..maybe this weekend I'll go in search..Mary....good excuse for you to say you have to attend a friends 'mock wedding' in Canada..

Good morning! I got home Saturday at 6:30pm.

LK they're banning fireworks up here too, everything is dying but there are storms headed down to us right now, so come on come on!!

Dianne I am so sorry about Warren! Big big hugs for the two of you in hopes that this is just a bad dream and will be over soon.

Dave's 2nd interview went well, he met everyone he would be working with if he gets the job. We haven't heard anything since. Whoever asked, they Do Not do a drug test/background check unless you're going to be hired, that costs the company money so they don't do it on every applicant. They just can't hire until they get the good results back because if they do, then the applicant comes up with drugs in his system they have to let them go.

I missed something, who is Frankie?

I lost my coffee, I think I left it in the car... ggrrrr I'll have to get some of the stuff here at work. BLAH!

Betty I don't understand, when we get divorced we don't have to change our name back to what it was before at all, we can keep our married name forever if we want to. Same with changing the name, if we want to go back to our previously married name we can, if we want to go back to our maiden name we can, or we can completely change our name to whatever we want, it could be Hunkabaloo if we want to be called that.

Frankie is Betty's weatherman on TV!

Just like that football player ochocinco!!!

Yes Crissy, both Dianne and I watch him (think Debbie might get him as well) his parents own the big Garden Gallery in our area .. not sure if I took you there on your visit or not? maybe it was Stacey I took there...anyway, he wrote a book on flowers..he's t.v. weatherman, co-host I would say on Breakfast Television on for 2 hrs. every morning..

Drats, you would think these companies could update potential applicants rather than them sitting near the phone waiting to hear..hard on the nerves.

How did your celebration go with your dad?

Heard on the news on my way in the young police office in his 30's got out to stop a motorist about 4:30 a.m. and was run over..conflicting reports as to 2 or 3 vehicles..anyway they've arrested one or two..the officer managed to call for help but when help came there were no signs of life..

No travel plans for this weekend. Surgery is not an option so Dr. says.
Betty do what makes you happy.
So sad about police officer.
Crissy fingers crossed for Dave.

That is so very very sad about the police officer...prayers for his family. So young!

Betty, we have had area fireworks cancelled...but it is because the towns did not get the "promised" funding /bits that people had promised. SO had to cancel. Our little town is still having its festivities on Monday though.

Although it is cool here, it is VERY humid. Feel a storm in the air...then they said weather nice thru weekend. So much going on this weekend I sure hope so!

Crissy & Barb....fingers crossed and prayers for good news on the job!


Debbie

T&P for the officer's family.......... what a tragedy!!
Dianne - hoping all the best for you and Warren
Crissy - XX crossed for Dave! Lots of love and hope for the two of you. A Dr I worked for used to be the MRO who interpreted drug tests - sometimes wished we found out if the person got the job........!
Betty - so glad you like Mary's suggestion about celebrating your wedding with Roger!! Good for you ^_^

I found out yesterday that my last company had missed sending in my Record Of Employment, and that's one thing that's holding up the processing of my Employment Insurance, but there's still loads of time before my waiting period is over, so I'm not missing $$ yet.

Love and blessings to all, have a wonderful day!

You must listen dear friends to this Shania Twain song..

Think she wrote it just for us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWeRQtj6s2o

Debbie, do you do a family picnic on July 4th??? I would imagine lots of small town don't have the grants they once had so it's one of the first things to go, sad though.. Do all the kids have jobs now, know that Shannon was in the process of applying for another one?

Tempted to cross over the USA border Saturday morning, figure if I got up at 3am line up shouldn't be long especially coming back Saturday night..an outing might do me good OR could drive to Meaford and see what's happening..

Susan, they make the forms more and more complicated, think they try to confuse people...glad you have funds to hold on and not panic about your 1st cheque..any thoughts on camping outings?

Oh that's so sad! I hate it when things happen like that.

My dad's birthday party was a blast, only about 10 people of the 30 that she invited showed up. I'm going to leave it with that, don't want to hurt anyone's feelings if they have memberships and might be lurking.

Betty, t his weekend..Sunday the 3rd....is the "Anniversary Picnic" for the outlaws. DH has done stiffed me...he has to work. I do NOT want to go alone. Might just take salads down and drop them the night before. That type of crowd, I can't handle.

Yes, 4th of July picnic at my house. Parade first, craft show downtown green.....chicken barbeque in town also. Various bands play on the green and some old cars parked around. Hospice Duck Race at the bridge.....and fireworks start at DUSK! 10:00 p.m.!

That sounds wonderful Debbie, a full weekend..ooohh Anniversary picnic for the in-laws?? how many years are they celebrating? will it be at their home..can tell you are not excited about attending on your own..if Paul goes to work couldn't you be 'unwell'??

The rest of the weekend sounds like fun..

Here's something for everyone, that I got in an email:

I WISH YOU ALL A SANDPIPER!!!!!
PLEASE READ THIS, IT IS TRULY BEAUTIFUL!! (Have a kleenex close by)

Sandpiper
by Robert Peterson

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me.
She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.

'Hello,' she said.
I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
'I'm building,' she said
'I see that. What is it?' I asked, not really caring.

'Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand.'
That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes.

A sandpiper glided by. 'That's a joy,' the child said.
'It's a what?'
'It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy.'

The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed, my life seemed completely out of balance.

'What's your name?' She wouldn't give up.
'Robert,' I answered. 'I'm Robert Peterson.'
'Mine's Wendy... I'm six.'
'Hi, Wendy.'

She giggled. 'You're funny,' she said.
In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on.
Her musical giggle followed me.
'Come again, Mr. P,' she called. 'We'll have another happy day.'

The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my
coat.

The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.

'Hello, Mr. P,' she said. 'Do you want to play?'
'What did you have in mind?' I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
'I don't know. You say.'
'How about charades?' I asked sarcastically.

The tinkling laughter burst forth again. 'I don't know what that is.'
'Then let's just walk.'
Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.

'Where do you live?' I asked.
'Over there.' She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.
Strange, I thought, in winter.

'Where do you go to school?'
'I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation.'
She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day.
Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.

Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.

'Look, if you don't mind,' I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, 'I'd rather be alone today.' She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.

'Why?' she asked.
I turned to her and shouted, 'Because my mother died!' and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?

'Oh,' she said quietly, 'then this is a bad day.'
'Yes,' I said, 'and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!'
'Did it hurt?' she inquired.
'Did what hurt?' I was exasperated with her, with myself.
'When she died?'
'Of course it hurt!' I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off.

A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there.
Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door.
'Hello,' I said, 'I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was.'

'Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies.'
'Not at all -- she's a delightful child.' I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.

'Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia.
Maybe she didn't tell you.'

Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.
'She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no.
She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days.
But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly...' Her voice faltered, 'She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?'

I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with 'MR. P' printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow
beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed:

A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry,' I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious
little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love.

A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.

NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.

Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important
or what is only a momentary setback or crisis.

This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses.

This comes from someone's heart, and is read by many and now I share it with you...
May God Bless everyone who receives this! There are NO coincidences!
Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?

I wish for you, a sandpiper.

I like this picture, too

Betty, it is their 50th. They are so miserable with each other, don't say much nice....and I can't see having this party. We have already had a big "out to dinner" celebration.....gutted and redone their bedroom. And now have to do this.

Between the ankles/hands swelling.....and my shoulder issue....I will not stay long if I do go. They can't understand why I can't cook more. Well, for one thing....we are BROKE. and another I can't be doing this all on my own. Lifting pans of hot boiling water/noodles to drain.....and all the other things going along with it.

been going to springfield to have all kinds of heart test again and scotty in carlinville hosp no doing too good. can't have a short cast for drivind till maybe next tues.

If you're not driving, how are you getting to Springfield, Bev?
Lots of love, prayers and hope for you, and Scotty. ^_^
I will keep you in my thoughts, dear lady.

Lovely Susan..copied to my files..

Bev, sorry to hear Scotty is not doing well..is Carlinville far from you? will your son drive you or a kind neighbor? Was hoping the cast would now be on so that the healing process could properly begin? So much has been going on in your life that most likely its creating stress and adding to heart problems..sending prayers and warm hugs sweetie!

Debbie, why on earth would they plan such an event, and NO you should not be cooking major meals..they only think of themselves..more the MIL right than hubby??? had acquaintances that celebrated their 40th. biggest due ever and 3 weeks later she left him for a man she worked with who she had been having an affair with for 6 years..shaking my head here..

DO NOT STAY long if you do go..

thanks all will get better sometime,hugs to all

Sending you a sandpiper Bev along with my prayers. Thank you Susan - that is so special and I just loved it.....

Betty, the "squeaky wheels" that HAVE to have this shindig for them....are the two sisters that live out of town.....and jsut want an excuse for a "party" to see family and friends....at everyone elses expense.

No, NOT Dh doing this...he isn't happy about it. And of course the ones doing it....have major money...but want everything divided equally.
I told them what they were getting....the food contributions....and nothing else. So, now I am the "witch" again...and not with a W. I will wear that title proudly!

Ahhh Debbie, think you'd best pack them away and title 'lost cause'..surely they understand that not everyone has $$$ to throw away..if you've gone out to celebrate as a family then that should be sufficient!!! makes me so angry how some don't realize there are more important things in life like everyday living?? Surely they see how you are struggling right now...shaking my head here..

Susan, you sure are on top of things today..just love your posts, another save to file..lol

Spoke to Jim last night, he's sore but has been behaving himself..mom told me his doctor said no travelling for at least 3 weeks, Jim says his doctor's partner released him and said if no more bleeding than as long as he stops to walk and rest every 1/2 hr. he should be able to travel to the cottage...who to believe..but he'd relax better at the cottage and seeing he'll be off work for so long the cottage would be a much better place for him and mom to be!

Let's hope seeing he's 78 and still doing the job of a 30 year old that he realizes once he's off for the 6 weeks that he no longer wants to return..best thing would be for his employers to tell him position has been filled...he's tried retirement about 4 times and they keep calling him back.

lol thanks, Betty.
I just got an email from a company I applied to and they called me 2 wks ago. Apparently they have a problem with their website and asked me to re-submit my resume. This likely means nothing more than they have my email from my previous application and are unable to "share" it with other cities (the person who called is in Vancouver and wanted to send it to the manager in Calgary). I can't stress enough that it does not mean they are still considering me for that job, however, I'm mentioning it, so maybe the Lord has something for me there.....

Oh Susan, sending a prayer up.....sure hope that is what it is. He had a better plan for you!

yes, HE does, and I'm quite comfortable waiting for it to unfold ^_^

Think it would be so intimidating should he share some of his plans..best we not know!! Let's hope for the best Susan..

B.B.Q. Port on baked potato was my lunch, not likely I'll be hungry for supper. Dropped into the knitting and quilting shop, no Christmas fabric yet but did decide to go through all my knitting patters this weekend and they've beautiful angora/mohair wool mix that I'd love to have a cardigan in! If I can find a pattern I'll pick the wool up next week and start it..I could just snuggle into the sweater..be same as a comfy blanket right?

Here's a couple of really nice sweater patterns, Betty:
http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/sweeyeletstrap.htm
http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/sweshawlcardice.htm
They both look snuggly and warm.

And here's a vest for your odd and ends.....
http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/swestripevest.htm