End of 2012

So this year ended with a huge bump. Bad News. Something no one ever wants to hear. My mom has been fighting cancer off and on for 11 years. Lung cancer, throat cancer, a different lung cancer, a cancer found behind her breast bone, and then one that was found in some of her lymph nodes. And now it's in her left hip bone. That was the news on Friday. It's horridly painful for her and she's in the hospital right now, they are trying to get the pain under control so that she can continue living. A bone scan today will help the radiation therapists figure out what spot to hit. From what I understand the radiation will help with the pain, which is really good because the oxycontin and fentynal make my mom loopy and she can't go on like that. She falls asleep while in a conversation, when eating, when just trying to read. It makes me cry just thinking about it. Her life is finally getting on track, she is so in love with and loved by George and this is so very hard for both of them. I was joking with her on Christmas that she and George are attached at the hip and she admitted that it's hard to be away from him - so this hospital visit is not good for either of them emotionally either - on top of all of the other stuff happening.

Here's to praying that 2013 is better. That the radiation helps with the pain. Mom and George need time to spend together - to stuff a lot of love and adventures into a small period of time.

And I pray that 2013 is better for everyone! Even if your 2012 was awesome - it can always get better right?

Merry Christmas

There is so much sadness and anxiousness this year, but I feel that we Americans have really shown our best side. The Newtown Connecticut tragedy is one of those horrible tragedies that will forever be part of our history but the amount of love, support and goodwill that has come from this has been wonderful. Americans are a wonderful group of people - we love each other, stand up for each other and always show our best side.

I guess what I'm getting to is that this Christmas should be celebrated by all with their families, friends, close ones like it's your last Christmas ever. Give of yourself, love your neighbors. Ann Curry started a wonderful thing with the 26 acts of kindness - even if you only do a couple - it's the spirit behind it. I haven't done anything yet - trying to come up with some ideas.

Merry Christmas and a blessed, peaceful, loving New Year to you all.
Michelle

Christmas season

Merry Christmas to you all!

I've been shopping, shopping, shopping for weeks - and no not that much for gifts. My mom has been sick so I did all of her shopping yesterday and a little today, then RB and Grace and I drove down there to deliver it all. Grace is the newest member of the RB family - and she is such a sweet little girl! Second Generation puggle!

She is a sweet little girl, very smart and has RB and I wrapped around her paws!

The queen of all she surveys. Such a sweet little thing!

RB has had her since the first week or so of November - she was about 7 and 1/2 weeks, flea infested, stinky and wormy. We got her cleaned up - Dawn does wonders for getting rid of fleas. She has grown quite a bit, learned to let us know when she wants out (for the most part). She's awesome in the car - she goes to sleep within minutes - except today! She had to go to the bathroom and we didn't know exactly what the issue was - then she farted! LOL - she stinks for such a little thing but we pulled over and we got everything all settled and got back on the road and she passed out. She got to meet Mom and George's dog - Bruno - he's huge! He wasn't in the least interested in her, but she found his tail amazing!  She goes with RB everywhere - knows lots of dogs and she is getting very well socialized. Can't wait to go camping with her and see if she will go kayaking with me! How fun!

I have my tree up! First time it's been close to the ground - but found that the cats think it's a party to sleep under it when it's on the table and help me redecorate it.

I put it on a milk crate with a beautiful red and green table cloth. The present that M, R and I sent to RB, Me, Grace, Einstein and Henry is in front! Can't wait to open it! 

Took some cool pictures of the fall leaves in Cooperstown and Utica.

Otsego Lake in full bloom.

City of Utica from the Val Bialis Ski hill. 

That's just a quick trip on the roller coaster I've been on lately! :) all over the place - new puppy - lots of pictures and loving life!