Tuesday Tea Party - Short But Sweet

   So first off, I thought all y'all might enjoy my BB's responses to last night's post and my inquiry if I might quote him: (along with a couple of pics)

   BB as a sweet little boy........

   His response to last night's post was, and I quote: "

 

I don’t remember any of that. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Still brought tears to my eyes tho. " And when I asked if I could quote him on that.........

"No problem. If I am not comfortable with my manhood by now I need to move on. " Yup, I love that guy, he's always been my example of what a real man should be.....funny, intelligent, and confident. And now for a manly picture of BB in uniform; hey, a younger sister has to keep in practice!

   Would it surprise anyone to discover that his female contemporaries in school would volunteer to babysit me...sometimes for free? Yeah, it so wasn't about my winning personality!

 

Heads up for the coming week: I've decided to modify Renae's idea for book reviews a bit and review an entire book next Tuesday...I don't think I have the patience for a chapter by chapter breakdown, sadly. Since all of us have nieces or nephews, children, grandchildren, or have been children at some time methinks a good beginning point would be a children's classic; one I loved and which my daughter loved as well. Tell me, do any of you recognise this one?

 

 

   I'll be re-reading it this week to refresh my memory; perhaps you would care to join me? Mayhap you would care to share it with some of your favourite young people, or settle down with it some evening for a trip back in time...

   Well I was going to give all of you a blow-by-blow account of my irritatingly humourous visit to the Humane Society to fill in a job application, but after further consideration (and a cooling off period) have decided to leave it at this: Hillbilly nepotism is alive and well. Oh, and to give you a bit more of an idea; you know there's a problem when wearing black shoes, blue jeans, and a scoop-neck black t-shirt leaves you feeling wildly over-dressed and colour-deficient. I'm really not a snob.....really truly not....but OH MY! My eyes still ache.

   Well friends and neighbours, I'm off to bed. Sleeping at night? What a shocking idea! Still, the appointment with the movement disorder specialist is both early and far away, and I'll be putting more applications in tomorrow afternoon;  that's outwith getting supper, etc... ready for 3M in the early, early morning, so needs must.

   Have a lovely afternoon and be well!

Good thing for the day: The cuddly Buddha bug jumping up to give me kisses when I got home this afternoon.

 

 

Musical Misc. Monday - Yes, It IS About Me

   As I warned you last week, tonight's post is about me...but first let me apologise for not having kept up with your blogs last week; I promise to do better this week.

   My parents were older when I was born....ow! Mom, put up that frying pan! Okay, okay, they weren't really. Just joking. Really! What is true is that I was a strawberry blonde born into a family of blue-eyed brunettes, my brother is 8 years my senior, and since my parents divorced when I was wee I also have 3 step-brothers and a step-sister. Oh, and a couple of younger cousins who, since they lived with us for a time, I refer to as my little brother and sister.

   That there would be my Grandma Sugar and I....although she was actually my maternal great-grandmother, everyone in the family called her Grandma. Every time I look at that picture I know exactly what I will look like at that age since we all (she, my grandmother, mother, myself, and my daughter) look frighteningly alike. It's enough to make one believe in cloning.

   As a wee girl I had to wear special shoes, etc... since my feet turned out like this: \/. Or, well, even more so, I had 'duck' feet. The family physician, Dr. Ann, recommended I be put in ballet classes to help 'train' my feet and legs and for years I danced my little heart out. Since our family wasn't wealthy Mom made my costumes...along with most of my doll's clothes. I come from a long line of creatively thrifty women; something I've always admired about each of them!

   I must confess at this point; I was a very odd child. Once I learned to read I did so constantly and it wasn't unusual for me to do things like pretend I was blind for a day so I could figure out how a blind person had to navigate in the world, (inspired by a book on Helen Keller if I recall correctly) or hold contests with myself to see how many books I could read in a day. It was cheating to include picture books btw, they had to be 'real' books, i.e.: chapter books. It was around this time that I apparently discombobulated a young salesman who was trying to sell a book of children's bible stories. He was trying to tell some of the stories in the book and I kept correcting him; Mom felt so sorry for him she bought one of the books. Was it my fault he kept getting them wrong??? (And a belated apology to that no longer young man for having been an obnoxious child.)

   I loved hugs, nearly caused a disaster when I was first learning to cook, (I hadn't gotten our cranky gas stove properly lit) loved it when my dad chased me around the yard with the garden hose in the summer, and spent hours playing and daydreaming under the grape arbour in our back garden. At age 10 I became an aunt for the first time, got my first stitches as the result of a nasty bicycle accident. It was also the year of the great Christmas escapade...As I later found out: my mother, who worked for the postal service at the time, had picked up a puppy from a co-worker and asked my brother and his very pregnant wife to slip it in the house on Christmas Eve as a surprise 'Santa' gift for me. At the time we lived in the 'old grey elephant' as we called it; a huge old house with ceiling-high windows complete with wavery squares of stained glass across the top. Hearing some odd noises from the living room, I tiptoed to the door and spotted my brother and his wife slipping in a window with an old-fashioned picnic basket with a bow on the handle. My brother did some extremely fast thinking when he saw me and said that they had spotted Santa on the porch but he was too fat to get in the window, so they brought the basket in for him...but I had to wait until morning to open the basket. I obediently returned to bed but after they left, (through the door rather than the window) the basket began emitting the most tantalising squeaks, peeps, and whimpers you ever heard! How could I, being an odd but not entirely abnormal child, resist tiptoeing through to the Christmas tree and lifting that lid...........only to emit a few squeaks myself when I saw eyes staring back at me! Well, more than squeaks, since they woke Dad up.

   He came through to the living room just in time to see my face being thoroughly washed by wet puppy tongue, to his unmitigated and thoroughly sleepy disgust, and promptly came up with the inspiration for my new puppy's name by saying "that is the goofiest d--n looking puppy I've ever seen." I doubt very much that the Santa subterfuge puzzled Dad for an instant, and he probably had quite a bit to say to my mother and brother about their shenanigans, but I was in seventh heaven and adored Goofy unreservedly.

   Speaking of my brother...whom shall be referred to as BB (for Big Brother) here on out...I had an extraordinarily good one. At eight years older than I, there was an age gap just ripe for hero worship, and I did although it didn't really stop, or even slow, the little sister irritant stuff. After all, what are  younger siblings for, right? Then again, he didn't really miss a chance to pick on me either, so it all evens out. On the other hand, some of my most moving childhood memories involve my BB....

    When I was wee I had horrible nightmares which would leave me screaming and crying for what seemed like hours after; more than once I remember him coming to my room and bringing me to his bed where he would talk to and reassure me so I could fall asleep again. It meant a lot to me then, but looking back on how very young he was at the time...what a loving gesture it truly was. One of his responsibilities, once I was old enough to go to school, was to walk me there, and I recall a day I did not want to go. When he asked me why I started crying I responded that no one there liked me. His response? (and I remember it word for word to this day) "If they don't like you it's because they don't know you, and I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't know you." Keeping in mind that he was 14-15 years old when he said this I again have to say wow.

   Last BB story before I wind this up....the summer of my 9th birthday had been a tough one for the family. Dad was laid off, Mom was working but we were barely making ends meet. It was my birthday and I was so sick with the flu I'd had to be in bed all day, Mom and Dad hadn't been able to afford much...maybe a baby doll? And I hadn't even felt like eating birthday cake; it was just a thoroughly miserable day and even my BB was away at his job. Oh! And so you 'get' this story even more: at the time my bicycle was one of those big, full-sized, old-fashioned lady's bikes that weighed a ton....

   Late that afternoon, while dozing off and on, I happened to wake up and the door to my bedroom was open so I could see the curtained door to our foyer. Silhouetted by the afternoon sun against the door were the shapes of two people carrying something between them. I must have dozed back off to the sound of whispering because I woke up to see BB standing in my bedroom door and grinning...behind him was my Mom, smiling and wiping her eyes and BB's friend Tom with a huge smile plastered all over his face. My BB asked me to come to the living room and there, with my Dad and my best friend, (who was our neighbour and who had seen all the goings-on I had mostly slept through) was a brand new bicycle that my BB had bought for me with money he'd saved from his after school job! It was, bar none, the most beautiful bike ever! It was perfectly my size, bright blue with a white banana seat, a basket on the front, and tassels on the handlebars....a perfect paragon of a bike and probably the most stylish wheeled contraption in the history of mankind. My best friend, Penny, persuaded my parents to let her take me for a short ride on it and I was in heaven. It was, in short, the best gift I'd ever been given on so many levels, and the thought of the love which went into it still brings tears to my eyes. As we've grown older and gone our own ways my BB and I have had our differences but I've never forgotten how loving and kind he was when I needed it most as a child. As Two Bear once, rather indelicately, told BB when I was in my early twenties: "yeah, your sister still thinks the sun shines out of your butthole". Um, not quite the way I would have put it but I really can't argue the point.

Hmmm, seems like this post wasn't all about me after all but that's okay, who are we without the context of our relationships, right?

Good thing for the day: Getting more independenter every day! Independenter is a word, right? ;-)

Music for the day: Music from my childhood, including a song from one of my BB's heroes....who played the trumpet for school and for the band he and his friends had.... he often practiced at home whilst I sucked on lemons to try and mess him up. I was SUCH a brat!





  

Sometimes on Saturday - Thank You!

   I just wanted to pop in and say thank you to everyone for your kind comments - I am still among the living and have (finally) shaken the last effects of the migraine. For those of you who suffer them on a regular basis; I send you my deepest sympathies and gentle hugs. Luckily I only get them 2-3 years apart and that's more than enough!

   The response to the book post was so good I was considering doing a few more, what do you guys think? Is it something you would be interested in? I've also been inspired by a couple of the blogs I follow to do something a bit different (actually you all inspire me every day) so be watching for it....

   Kiah's blog post Me on her blog From The Rez To The City was one of my inspirations; in this post Kiah shares a bit about herself (yes, I do read through everyone's past blog posts as I have time) and I enjoyed it so much I thought I would give it a try. Wonder if anyone else would be interested in doing it also? The other inspiration (for the coming week anyway) is from Ana of *Introverted Art* and her post titled Women's Circle. The post is touching, makes some extremely valid points, and expresses so well what I've thought many times myself...I am thoroughly delighted and deeply touched to have found a circle of friends here who are thoughtful, intelligent, funny, caring, sensitive and sensible. Even on my 'off' days when I don't feel up to posting I think about you and hope you are doing well, and appreciate your concern and understanding.

   In other news: Please keep your fingers crossed for me on Monday and Wednesday! Monday I will be applying for a position at a nearby Humane Society shelter; the hours will work well for me and, as I'm sure is obvious, I love animals! Wednesday I wind up my neuro stuff with a visit to the movement disorder specialist; at this point I don't think she'll be able to tell me anything new...Dr. Shakes has, I feel, found the root of the problems...but everyone will feel better with confirmation from the specialist.

   So what else has been happening at Blether House. Well lets see...one of our furry friends, Abby the Dainty (pit bull terrier) has had a good deal of trouble with her stomach, etc... (and argh! the etc...) since before we brought her home. We've tried her on several brands of high-quality and very expensive dog foods to no avail so I've begun making food for the dogs here at home. It's healthier, less expensive, and her problems have improved significantly enough to know we're on the right track. Poor Jess (Abby is her particular pup) has been at her wit's end. Now making dog food at home might sound fussy and time-consuming but it doesn't really take much more time than boiling a chicken, and when you compare the $8.50 it costs per week to feed all three dogs this way to the almost $50.00 it would take for the very expensive brand that still caused Abby problems it's no contest!

Basic Homemade Dog Food

1 whole chicken
1 lb. bag of brown rice
2 c. old-fashioned oats
1 large sweet potato, cubed OR 1 1/2 c. sliced carrots

   Place whole chicken, skin and all (dogs need more fats than we do but not HUGE amounts) in large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until chicken is just beginning to fall apart. Remove chicken from water and put into a large covered bowl; place in refrigerator to cool.

   Add all other ingredients to broth, cover pot tightly, and allow to simmer until done. Shred cooled chicken, discarding skin and bones, and mix all ingredients thoroughly. Feed according to weight.

I divide the food between 2 large covered bowls and keep one in the freezer until it's needed.

Notes: If your dog is diabetic forego the carrots and just use sweet potatoes since they won't impact blood sugar levels like carrots will. If you have a dog with skin issues, the addition of 1 can of tuna with oil will help as will fish oil or a mixture of B vitamins. If your dog has a temporary case of diahrrea a few slices of apple can help. (It's the pectin.) Oddly enough, apple slices can also help with constipation. Also, homemade (or organic) dried apple bits make great training treats for dogs.

Warnings: Never give a dog (or cat for that matter) garlic or onions in any form; they can cause a fatal form of anemia. Also, don't allow them to have grapes, grape juice, or raisins...veterinarians aren't sure why but they can be deadly for some pets. Make sure your pets aren't allergic to eggs before allowing them to have any (and be aware they can cause noxious gas) and don't feed beans or cruciferous vegetables to your pets. Not only can they make your pet very uncomfortable you'd better invest in gas masks if you choose to ignore this advice!

   Over the coming weeks I'll be experimenting a bit with homemade dog food mixes as I endeavour to find what works best for Abby, and will continue to share inexpensive and healthy recipes.

Good thing for the day: YOU!

Excuse me please

   I get the occasional migraine and every 2-3 years one comes along that is a real doozy and lasts several days. You may know the type: lights get rings around them, nausea, sounds are magnified and painful, and just moving hurts...not to mention the head which feels like it will need to be chopped off in order to feel better.

   So if you'll all excuse me, I'm going to crawl back into bed and hope this ends sometime soon.

   Thanks so much for your wonderful comments on last night's blog...be well and hope to be back soon.

Tea Party Tuesday - Book 'Em!

   So my mind was wandering today, as it tends to do on a regular basis, (one of these days I'm going to catch it and chain it to the post!) and started thinking about the books which heavily influenced the way I think or look at the world. As a child...well, more as a teen...I was often solitary, but even as a child I found most of my companionship through books and I was a voracious reader who often re-read favourite volumes dozens of times. Some books, however, had such an impact on me that they have remained with me, and informed my thinking, for years. Many of those books and their authors come from the science fiction genre...a wonderful genre for exploring the world as it is but in a 'safer', fictitious form, but many others have come from such wildly differing areas such as history, biography, etc...  Is there a book, or are there books, which have influenced the way you think? What are they? I thought I would share some of the books which have touched me deeply if you don't mind. Or, well, it's my blog so I'm going to do it irregardless. ;-)

   Methinks the first book which really impacted the way I thought was:

   Do any of you recall reading it? I read it so often it was falling apart after a few years. Like most, I adored the very 'flappable', messy, and brilliant Jo who courageously pursued a writing career although it simply wasn't done at that time...by nice young ladies at least. It also presented me with the, then, surprising idea that women didn't have to try to be exactly alike and that was okay; we all have our own paths to follow. Please keep in mind, you members of a younger generation, I was born in 1961 and first read this book when I was around 7.

   I discovered the next three books between the ages of 13 and 15, a time when books can have the strongest impact, and they most certainly did.

   Each of these dealt with themes of psychological pressure, belief, facing and dealing with the extreme unknown, humanity's need to 'grow up', and the nature of true divinity...some more frivolously than others. Like most of that age, I was intensely examining what I had learned thus far; keeping what made sense to me and discarding what didn't. Shortly thereafter I discovered the writing of Richard Bach; I first read Jonathan Livingstone Seagull and found it interesting but the book which really resonated with me was:

I suspect it was largely because of this book that I have continued my rather unfortunate habits of questioning everything around me, and suspecting that nearly anything is possible if  you are willing to throw your whole self into it.  Later I found these books:

Three wildly differing examinations of gender and how it affects the ways in which we think, our expected roles in society, even how our bodies may be treated and how belief...both our own and others....can direct it all.

Okay, methinks that's enough for one night, lol. Btw, all photographs are courtesy of Google Images.

Good thing for the day: A huge...yes HUGE....pork roast in the smoker, yum!

So, would you, gentle readers, care to share some of your favourite books?

Musical, Merry, Miscellaneous Monday - Playful Fashion Memories

   The Bletherskites and I were chatting over the weekend and I recalled hearing my Mother talking with a family friend; (when I was much much younger and more adventurous) she told the friend "if you want to know what's going to be in fashion a few years from now just look at what Jacqueline wears now". Wow, what a compliment! I was always rather flattered by her comment but also a bit puzzled...long before it was fashionable to do so I was haunting thrift stores and such...I loved hats....and played around with my hair and cosmetics with abandon. I'm not sure I ever did it to be stylish, it was just fun.

   Anyway, I was thinking about Mom's comment and some of my favourite outfits from that time....now I've always hated having my picture taken so I don't have many photos from that time. I wanted to be able to show you, dear readers, what the outfits looked like but not having a visual image makes it a bit difficult...thank heavens for Google! So...from top to toe...and even an image similar to the pet I had at the time....here is one of my favourite outfits from my early years.

   First, my hair....it was long, blonde, and curly at the time...and one of the first hats in what was once a very extensive collection:

   Whilst the hat isn't an exact replica it is very very close...picture it with a grey satin rosette on one side and you'll have it! With that beginning in mind add a rolled neck fishermen's knit sweater (just like the one pictured) and the overskirt from my great-grandmother's wedding dress. Before my Grandma D passed away she gave me her mother's handmade wedding dress...a white linen vision of hundreds of tiny pleats, all handsewn, hand-tatted lace, and mother-of-pearl buttons. It was yellowed with age and I was afraid to use bleach on it so I spent weeks alternating between soaking it in lemon juice and water, then hanging it out in the sun, until I was able to get rid of the stains. A few years later I gave the two parts of the dress to my two oldest nieces, keeping the family history alive.

   Since I started wearing this outfit in the middle of an extremely cold and snowy winter...often wearing it whilst taking my afghan hound Mitosha for late night walks...boots and a cape for extra warmth were a definite must. I had a pair of creamy white riding boots that I absolutely adored, and a grey wool houndstooth cape I'd found at a thrift store for a whole $2.00! At the time I lived on the edge of the DePauw campus in a rather conservative Midwestern town in a house which no longer exists (it was torn down when the campus expanded). I must have looked a sight walking Mitosha late at night, past the row of evergreens and the old-fashioned lamp posts, snow streaming down...

   So many conversations with friendly strangers started on those late night walks, some of which bloomed into real friendships. I particularly recall one evening when a former high school teacher stopped her car to exclaim her delight with the sense of style I had developed; when we discovered we lived around the corner from one another a lovely cross-generational friendship ensued. From her I learned my love of tea, and we shared a passion for books that still informs many of my reading choices. Hope you've enjoyed this little trip down memory lane; I suspect that a few more favourite outfit posts will be forthcoming!

Music for the day: Rather than remaining alphabetical, methinks I'll post a few of my favourites from the same time period as my outfit.

To 3M In Celebration Of Our Anniversary

My Beloved Pookie;


   Tomorrow is our eleventh anniversary, heart of my heart, song of my soul. Remember the anticipation? Remember the ceremony? Late at night, beside Cataract Falls, by candle and lantern light...heat lightning flickering along the horizon like distant fireworks. A hot, humid, sultry night. Sultry; the perfect word for that night. A few friends and family attending to leaven the hordes of bloodthirsty mosquitoes and the Canada geese, who left offerings along the path to help us celebrate...or at least step around carefully. Dad was still with us then, leading me up the path and around goosely offerings, battling his shyness to do his dadly duties. Mom finally able to relax after frenetically rushing around putting together this wedding for us. The kidlings dressed as miniature versions of us and being our honour guard, Pop telling silly stories and jokes.

   No white wedding this: we were visions in sleeveless maroon dresses and waistcoats, semi-formal yes, but trying to remain cool in the vasty heat. Oh your face when John...dear old friend, new pastor, and fellow conspirator....asked you if you promised to obey me; the sudden silence as your mouth dropped open followed by a huge roar of laughter from everyone there that night which set the geese squawking their disapproval. I can think of worse ways to begin our journey together; laughter being the grace note which has held us together and kept us growing as an 'us', an I and Thou. Who cares what silly geese think. Remember the words we asked John to add to the ceremony? "Wither thou goest, I will go..." from the book of Ruth; they were true then and truer now. You came so far to be with me, thousands of miles, yes, but also away from the family, friends, and country you knew. I thank you for it, from the bottom of my heart, every day.

   So many thought our marriage wouldn't last...silly geese come in more forms than merely the feathered version apparently. Remember the lovely rose afghan our neighbour crocheted for us, and the unlovely sentiment she expressed in her card? "To keep you warm when your love grows cold.." Funny, the afghan fell apart years ago but we are still warm; warm like that sultry night.

   My dearest sweetheart and spouse...you taught me to laugh, to be proud of myself, to trust that you will always be here, and that every disagreement is not the end of the world but an opportunity to learn and grow together.  I can never tire of your smile, your open heart, your gorgeous eyes, or listening to the steady beat of your heart. The heart which gives me a place to stand in the world, that surrounds me every day of my life, which gave me the strength to go on even during those times when I just didn't think I could take it anymore.

   You aren't perfect Pookie, there I've said it lest a silly goose think I'm being unrealistic, but you are perfect for me and that means so much more than some unattainable goal. The rest of my life I will spend, gladly, thanking you for all you are and do. Joy is what you are to me and I love you for always and always. True love does exist.

Love;

Your Jacqueline

P.S. These are your songs, the songs which make me think of you...I'm sorry blogger wouldn't let me post the videos but hope you will enjoy my special playlist for you nonetheless.

The first two are from our wedding....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmELS03_4So
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbNlMtqrYS0

And these? These always make me think of you.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATg8CdRD68E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2JXy1Z9ovs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qn3tel9FWU

She Works Hard For The Money!

   Or, well, I will...

It's been interesting trying to prepare for my return to the workforce this next week. I'm not really fashed about (worried about) what type of job...it's been so long since I worked and it's such a funky economic climate after all...but I do worry a bit about such things as: who do I use as a reference since most friendships have rather fallen by the wayside over the years of dealing with my movement problems? Can I remain focused throughout the workday? What about workday fashion? Who will take over the many things I do around the house? Silly I know, especially the whole fashion worry, but it's these kind of thoughts that merrily dance around in my head as I get ready to venture into the adult world of working hard for the money once again. I'm not sure how working outside the home again will affect my blogging habits but I do know I shall continue blogging; I'm addicted now!

   In other thoughts: I've been seeing a number of 'Advice For Bloggers' posts in Blogland of late and one piece of advice I've read over and over is: Decide on a theme or idea on which to base your blog, inorder to make it a success. Good advice, excellent advice in fact, but EEEP! Why EEEPNESS? Well, even though it's a great idea I don't think I've ever had a theme for my blog other than occasionally sharing recipes we like here at Blether House, and nattering on about whatever pops into my head. Perhaps you, dear readers, perceive a theme that I do not? Do I need a theme? Mayhaps you could suggest one!

   In other bloggy news: Fabulous Friday will be pre-empted by a soggy love post tomorrow; be warned! In lieu of it I'd like to share a few blogs I'm loving this week (although I don't follow any blogs I don't love!).

Being a 'woman of substance' (okay, plus size but the other certainly sounds better, to me at least) who likes to look good, rather than dressing in tatty purple polyestre pants...not that there's anything wrong with that...I'm really loving these blogs! First up is Kiah from The Rez to the City . Just look at the gorgeous outfit in that post and try to tell me this woman doesn't have style oozing out her pores! Not only that, Kiah is sweet, warm-hearted, intelligent, and just plain fun to follow. Then we have Nique from Nique In The Middle who has a bright, fresh, and fun style that I just love; I'm really enjoying the fact that she is brilliant at being thrifty as well.

   Speaking of being thrifty; I really enjoy blogs which help me save money while while achieving the style I love and here are a few blogs which feed my addiction: Funny, original, and thrifty; the sisters who write the blog two birds are out and out inspiring and if you're in need of a (perhaps rueful?) chuckle just read the story in that post. I've certainly been there!

Ally at Fever Thrift is sweet, thoughtful, and great at making superb thrifting scores. I'd like to take lessons from she and several other thrifters I follow! Paulette of Cheerful Thrifty Door is another I'd like to take lessons from, just look at what she found on that post. She also hosts a wonderful Thrift Share; if you like being thrifty you'll want to check her blog out. Do you love decorating? Are you enthralled by the potential of an empty room? Yeah, me too, which is why I'm loving Wendy, of The Shabby Nest's, new focus on 'Luxe For Less'. Since I've always had 'champagne taste on a beer budget' I'm loving her helpful hints and inspiring 'rules'. Go Wendy!

   Three (non-thrifty) blogs I've discovered and am enjoying tremendously of late are: pudwinks from Cornwall. This promises to be a very interesting blog and I can't wait until they get their website up and running. While you're there check out the adorably chubby-cheeked wee lass who has a very proud 'Grampy'! Then there is Photographic Sense from Reinhardt Kenneth; an edgy, fashion-forward and extremely creative young man. Yes, he's young and experimental but weren't we all at one time? I truly hope that as he reaches for the stars he actually grasps one, if only for a moment; blogs like his help keep me youthful, something I always appreciate. Speaking of which: Whimsy and Juno, a blog written by two sisters from Brisbane, Australia also helps keep me young! I love their take on fashion, what constitutes true beauty, and Daria. I'm also looking forward to the opening of their Etsy shop; check out that fun jewelry!

   Okay folks, I'm falling asleep at the keyboard so I'm off for a short nap; hope your day is lovely jubbly.

Good thing for the day: Watching the critters enjoying a homemade meal.

Wednesday Already? David's Cancer Videoblog

   My oh my, how this week is flying by! Just for this week I think I'm going to follow the advice given me by Vivienne of Thrifted Shift and just write whatever I like. Anyone who has the wisdom to examine things we generally never think about has to give great advice, right? I certainly think so! Normally it helps me to have a set idea of what subject I'll write about on which day but after the seismic shock of joy yesterday it'll be fun to shake things up the rest of the week. Besides, I have a very special post to write on Friday.... Btw, this is your official soggy, sappy love post on Friday warning.

   Before I begin my usual stream-of-consciousness blethering I would like to strongly urge you to go read the latest post at David's Cancer Videoblog Some of you may have read about he and his journey elsewhere, or seen me refer to it before...for those of you who haven't: David spent many years as a professor who taught about the human aspects of healthcare and end of life care. He's educated many generations of physicians in how to treat the whole human being during end of life care and I've no doubt he was an excellent, and humourous, professor. Late last year he was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, incurable, and made his first video as a way to describe and explain what was happening with him to his colleagues. The video grew, started being used in the same types of classrooms he had led, and found it's way to the media...thereby reaching many folk, both professional and nonprofessional, who needed to hear his message. David and his wife, Debbie, decided to make a series of videos which are, despite the subject matter, humourous, uplifting, and filled with joy and passion for life. From information on receiving chemotherapy in hospital, to his 'puke' buckets, to planning ahead for when he is no longer physically with Debbie and their children he speaks openly, honestly...and so does Debbie on her role as his primary caregiver. Now David has the opportunity to win an all-expense paid trip to Rochester Minnesota's Mayo Clinic's annual Social Media Summit Conference. The focus of the conference is on patient and caregiver perception of care and how to improve and disseminate this vitally important information. I'm sure all of you know by now how passionate I am about the caregiver/pycsie (person you care for)/healthcare provider connection, hence my Thinking About....Thursday care series. I have no doubt that if David's essay is one of the three winners whose authors will be invited to be  special guests at the conference he will give invaluable insight into providing humane and human care. If you've ever cared for someone with a chronic illness or who has had to deal with cancer I strongly urge you to visit his blog....read his essay and 'like' it if  you have time...and share the link to his blog. What a wonderful and passionate teacher he must be; even now he is teaching, sharing, and leading. David and Debbie; I salute and look up to you both.

   Now for a bit of silliness! I read an interesting article on Yahoo asking if Couples Can Stay Close When Sleeping In Different Bedrooms . I can totally see sleeping in different bedrooms if, say, one or the other snores so loud they drown out the nearby airport; has to use extensive (and loud)medical equipment or is in a great deal of pain. Whilst it may not sound romantic the truth is, in those circumstances, sleeping separately may preserve both sanity and what romance is possible if one makes the opportunity for touch, sharing, cuddling, and caring a priority. Lets face it, even those who can sleep together every night can lose the 'romance' if it isn't a priority so dealing with not being able to sleep together all the time just takes a bit more creativity and flexibility.

   I'm so not going to give TMI here but there are many times I have to sleep alone because of my high levels of pain so it's become necessary for me to find other ways to keep our connection strong. It is a conscious (and enjoyable!) choice to hold a  hand, stroke a cheek, play with hair, hug, or cuddle on the couch as often as possible. We always kiss when leaving or returning, and the times I can sleep with someone else in the bed? Those have become very special 'date' nights with lots of cuddles, hours of talking, and plenty of laughter...because that time is at a premium we focus on it in a way that far too many people lose after a few years together. I'm not going to ask you to answer any embarassing questions but I will ask: 'What do you do to keep your relationship fresh, romantic, and growing?' After all, who couldn't use a few new ideas, right?

   Speaking of sleeping....Buddha has been trying to herd me off to bed for a nap quite a while now. I rather suspect I've become his 'lovey', or security blanket. Before I succumb to his blandishments, here is a picture Jess snapped of he and Abby (our sweet rescue dogs) hanging out under the dining room table...enjoy and sleep sweet!

   Good thing for the day: The canine and feline companions who give us so much love, joy, and laughter!

OI VEY! (What a day!)

   Yesterday was insane. I still have all my hair but I'm not sure how; I came close to ripping it out several times!

   But first! I got really, REALLY good news from Dr. Shakes (aka the neurologist) and I think I am going to have to love him and squeeze him and call him George! Well, once I recover from him telling me I'm a zebra, and not a horse. Say whaaaa???

                                                                      Photo from head-fi.org

   In other words, as he explained it, "you see a lot of horses around here but not so many zebras" so he considers my case unusual enough to be a 'zebra'. Anyway, I don't want to keep dragging this out, so: I am not having seizures but my tremours are sometimes being triggered by unusual things. Because the medication is working so well...and he's increased the dosage so it will control 'breakthrough' tremours....I can drive again as well as, YES!, work. Oh, and yes I have been doing a happy li'l Jacqueline dance! He definitely wants me to tell the movement disorder specialist (I'll see her on 1 August) about the things which always trigger tremours....things like cold, sudden extremely loud noises, and unusual fatigue...but as of now all systems are go, Go, GO! Dr. Shakes was so thrilled with the improvement he saw in me that he got all verbally burbly and smily; big change from the last appointment! (And not the only surprising verbally burbly encounter of the day.)

   This is very good news and I returned home with a smile so huge it made my face ache...in a good way...but after I got home the day turned vewy, vewy weird. We had a sudden thunderstorm with loud crash, boom, bangs which knocked out power in the surrounding area right before 3M had to leave for work. It had been extremely hot all day, 104 f. when we left for the doctor, so now we had no power...lots of heat...and horrid humidity. After 3M left for work Jess and I dealt with panicked pups. When they were calm we sat out on the porch to try to catch the faint hint of an almost-breeze, when the elderly neighbour who never speaks to anyone came over to see if we had also lost power. She ended up staying for a half hour or more, talking our heads off! This very grand older lady (90+) with her beautiful dark eyes, greying braids, and very fashionable cane who never speaks with anyone and is seldom seen outside her house filled us in on all the doings of the neighbourhood; how she finds out so much I'll never know. I have resolved to keep a closer eye on her in future since her main helper has recently passed away. I very much admire Mrs. G; she put herself through school, raised her daughters on her own after her husband died when they were young, and became the head nurse of a local hospital at a time when it was extremely unusual for a woman of colour to do so, especially in this area. (The late 1960's.)  These are only a few of her many accomplishments; she is eminently worthy of a great deal of respect and I will happily do what I can to make her life a bit easier without, hopefully, infringing on her determined independence and self-sufficiency.

   Shortly after this interlude the power came back on and Jess and I made a quick trip to the store before having supper (I drove!!!!) but by the time we returned home....15 minutes later.....the power was back off. Argh! I was starving so we had a snack of chips and cheese, then took quick showers to cool off a bit. The power was finally fixed around 9:30 p.m. so we had a quick supper of spaghetti and I got on the laptop to post a blog only to discover.............NO INTERNET! ARGH again!

   After fiddling around for an hour or so I finally gave up. When 3M got home we discovered that although the modem was plugged into a surge protector and it was fine the modem was gone baby, gone. It was about that time I started checking my scalp for bald patches, sheesh! Still, the wonderful 3M realised we had a spare modem and figured out how to get us hooked up again....Pookie saves the day!

   I apologise for not reading and commenting on everyone's blogs as I usually do, but this Bletherskite has had a long and eventful day with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Hopefully you'll find it in your hearts to forgive me!

Good thing(s) for the day: I can drive and work again! And how could I possibly overlook making it back online and sitting down to read all your wonderful comments on yesterday's post. I had tears in my eyes and thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.


  

Musically Misc. Monday - A Fork In The Road?

   Me and my short attention span...I've been getting a bit bored with doing menus every Monday so I'm casting around for something new and improved to do with the day, if you have any ideas please toss them my way. I'll still include recipes when appropriate but dutifully posting the menu was becoming a chore.

                                                                              Photo from yehyehgrace.tumblr.com

  
   So tomorrow we have another visit with the neurologist. This appointment is to evaluate how the changes and addition to medications are affecting me (so far everything is still great!) and to get the results of the EEG. Because this visit will determine once and for all whether I am able to drive and work again or will need to go on disability I should be nervous, right? Oddly enough I'm not; at this point I'm satisfied that everything I can do has been done and it is no longer in my hands. This may, or may not, be a significant fork in the road of my life's journey; all I can do is resolve to approach my path with love rather than fear.

   Oh, speaking of possibly being able to work again, Ally of Fever Thrift posted This Very Interesting Link in a comment on my Thursday Post . It gives yet another perspective on the question of whether or not to reveal my disabilities, although I've decided that for my ethical peace of mind I need to at least mention them during an interview. If, indeed, that is the fork in the road I get to take...and I'll let everyone know tomorrow night. One thing I do know: I'm not leaving the neurologist's office tomorrow until I get a definite answer!

   Okay, enough with all that! Last week I skipped the musical portion of the blog so to catch up again, lets hit the G's! Just click the links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f55KlPe81Yw

And definitely check out this offering from Lady GaGa and Tony Bennett!

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

                                                                                   Photo from thevoguevibes.com
   Good thing for the day: That sweet musical surprise!

Fabulous Friday?

   Is temporarily cancelled due to sick puppies. Nothing serious (thankfully) but they seem to need 'Mommy' time...have you ever heard a Boston cry? It could make bats collide, and puny pit bulls aren't much better. I'll try to sneak the post in sometime this weekend because I have some fabulous finds to share with you.

   In the meantime, have a safe and wonderful weekend, and thank you all so much; you make me smile every day!

Thinking About ..... Thursday - Bits and Bobs

   First and foremost I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and well-wishes this morning; you've no idea how much it means to me to find so much goodness and caring. Thanks as well to those of you who shared recipes to be included in food boxes; you guys rock! These are for you; thank you.

                                                                    Photo from delish.com
   Whilst this post is a return to my Thursday Care series I thought I would begin with a couple of issues which have been on my mind of late; you guys don't mind do you? As always, please keep in mind that I am not a healthcare provider but as someone who has been both a caregiver and someone who is cared for I hope to give encouragement, perspective, and information that can help others.

   When one has an acute condition much of one's focus and energy has to go toward the illness or injury. It's something that cannot and should not be ignored or downplayed, whether as a caregiver or one who is cared for, but what do you do when faced with a chronic condition or conditions? I confess to being dismayed when, after getting considerable relief from a particularly bothersome chronic condition, I realised just how much energy both I and my caregivers (the wonderful Jess and 3M) had invested in my illness. Even though I've tried very hard to maintain the idea of my whole self through keeping busy, writing this blog, doing most of the cooking, etc... I had unconsciously begun allowing my movement disorders to begin defining who I was and what I could do. Even more surprising, to me at least, was that it had begun to define who I was and what I was capable of to my caregivers. An example? Today at the neurologist's office Jess, who was kind enough to drive me there, (I still haven't been released to drive) insisted on sitting in the chairs closest to the door into the exam rooms so I wouldn't have to walk so far. Why would I find this dismaying? Because I realised she was so invested in the idea of protecting this person who couldn't walk safely without a cane and someone to hold onto that she wasn't able to see me any other way despite the evidence of her own eyes.

   Please don't get me wrong; I very much appreciate the care she has given me and know that she doesn't think less of me, but she has become so invested in my illness that she doesn't know how to see me as well......or at least not so helpless. It's an easy trap for a caregiver to fall into, I've done it myself, but it isn't good for either caregiver or pycsie (person you care for) to see, or be seen as, a person who is sick rather than a person. I'm not sure it's possible or preferable to entirely avoid taking an illness into account; depending on the problem, there are things which must be done...or not done...in order to stay as healthy as possible, but it should not become the whole of a person and their relationships. Sure, it can give one a type of power when you are the most ill person in the family, but the people we most admire who are dealing with chronic illnesses and disabilities are those who exchange that petty kind of power trip for being a whole (if not always well) person doing the best they can. Upshot? For me it's re-educating myself and my caregivers to accurately see what I am capable of now rather than what I wasn't capable of at my worst.

   The other thing on my mind, and which has to be thought of by other pycsies who have illnesses or disabilities which can be temporarily controlled by medications, (like Parkinson's or Essential Tremour) or whose illness can go into remission (like Multiple Sclerosis) is working outside the home. I'm sure you've noticed me being all bouncy about the prospect of working again...and that is a true reaction...but what I haven't discussed is my concerns about returning to the workforce. I really should because someone, somewhere is probably feeling and worrying about the very same things.

   I'd been working a long time when my movement problems dictated that it was time for me to stop. Once upon a time I didn't think twice about hopping in the car and driving halfway across the country; lately it's been months since I drove even as far as the grocery which is 6 blocks away. Those are a couple of very big changes to swallow and I've battled with myself to do so with a modicum of grace and practicality. Now it looks as though it may change for the better and I'm worried. About what? Well, there's the fact I've been out of the workforce for several years now and no longer have the contacts I once did. Then there's the concern about what to tell a prospective employer: am I completely honest and explain that I have incurable movement disorders which are currently controlled by medications, but those medications can lose effectiveness quickly and without warning? Do I 'fudge' and just say they're under control? Or do I try to skate past the subject completely and not say anything about the PD and ET at all, hoping I don't get caught and fired? How do I explain that I have to take narcotic pain medication occasionally without talking about why? I know people who are able to be completely honest with their employers but most of them have been with their company for years, if not decades. Others I know try to keep their illness under the radar and constantly fear being caught. Can I live with being dishonest in that way and can I find a job if I'm not?

   Outwith all of that, what kind of work can I actually do? I'm years out of date and whilst I've never been the kind of prideful person that wouldn't take any job necessary to help support my family, I have to be aware of the fact that I do still have physical limitations. Standing for long periods of time is no longer an option, nor is lifting heavy objects. What about driving back and forth to work with all the medications I'm on, especially when I have to control pain? How do I handle the constant fatigue and nausea while on the job?

   It's a frightening prospect at times but not an unreachable goal; daunting doesn't mean impossible and I need to remind myself of that. I know I'm not the only person to have dealt with these issues, I only hope I can do so successfully while maintaining my ethics and a bit of grace.

Good thing for the day: Buddha sitting on my head to wake me up when he'd decided I'd slept long enough; it's grand to wake up chuckling!

  

Wednesday's Whimsies - FUN Pet Beds

   If you're like us and crate or bed train your pets then you know they can often take up a lot of room and aren't especially nice to look at. Whilst looking around for ideas I've stumbled upon some really cute DIY ideas as well as websites, stores, etc... for other pet lovers in the blogosphere. Can you believe that Americans alone spent over $38 billion dollars on their pets last year? I should probably be blushing now since we have 5 pets at Blether House....but I'm not; they give us far more than the relatively wee bit of money we spend could ever equal.

   Without further ado, I give you......

                                                                 Photo from sassypup.net

   Doesn't that look like a boatload of fun??

                                                                                  Photo from catsplay.com
   This is a classic style that would fit well with any decor but I can totally see another cat lurking on top to 'sneak' attack the occupant, can't you? And these suitcase beds make my heart go pitter-patter!

                                           Photo from centsationalgirl.com
Boston Terrier Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                    Photo from thisnext.com 

   And for those who are handy-dandy DIY'ers, here's a fun tutorial for making suitcase pet beds from The Purple Pea 

  Oh, and remember those big old console televisions and clunky computer monitors? Don't toss them in the bin because you can do this:

                                                                           Photo from craftingrebellion.blogspot.com

                                                                                     Photo from trendhunter.com
   Aren't these fun ideas? And now for some cool pet bed links:  Another great pet bed tutorial from Fried Okra I love the pictures of her beagle enjoying it's new bed! This Article from Shine has more fun and outrageous ideas and, believe it or not, Tempur-Pedic also makes beds for the four-footed members of your family!

   Okay, so what else is going on in your life Jacqueline I can hear somebody ask or, well, maybe not...perhaps I've just gone scripto but I'm going to answer the question anyway!

                                                               Photo from filmnoir.blogspt.com   
   In a few hours, at 8:30 a.m. to be exact, I'll be going to the neurologist's office for an EEG. Please keep your fingers crossed for me as this will determine if I'm having seizures and if I can drive as well as work outside the home! I won't know the answer until the appointment on the 17th so I'm going to be on tenterhooks until then.

Good thing for the day: Steak and shrimp fajitas for supper tonight!

Tuesday Tea Party - Sleeping With Buddha

   That title looks so, well, wrong up there...but in my defence, he came with the name. For those who haven't followed the blog long, Buddha is my rescued brindle Boston terrier. We also have Lily the Goldendoodle of Wonder and Abby, the rescued fawn pit bull...a dainty wee girl. Oh, and lest we forget, there's also our two cats: Connelly (as in Billy Connelly) and Harry (aka Houdini, who just showed up inside our house one day).

   We brought Buddha home on Thursday last and even though I was excited I also wondered how he would integrate into our rather lively household given that he had been abused and badly injured in his prior life. Pfeh, after being just the tiniest bit skittish the first couple of days Buddha realised he had us wrapped around his little hairy paw and has been living the high life since!

                                                                                    Photo from chaplin.bfi.org.uk
   Buddha has been sleeping in my room from the first day and he is a hoot! First thing he does is flip the edge of the down blanket up and dive underneath, then he tunnels around under the covers until he finds the perfect spot and winds around and around until he has as much of the blanket wrapped around him as I'll give up. Once he is comfortably ensconced he grumbles and does a growly 'purr' as he falls asleep, often with his front paws wrapped around my ankle or wrist...methinks he doesn't want me slipping off without him! He has fit himself in well with the whole family (he'd known Abby previously since he'd been rescued by the same lovely lady who'd cared for her) and egregiously cuddles with any and all. It brings me such joy to see him gaining weight, using his leg more and more...the muscles are filling out and I do massage on it daily....and learning to trust the humans in his new home.

In other subjects: With 3M on holiday this week past the menu was all wonky again but there was a new family favourite soup; I based it on the recipe in This Post from Phanit at Considerations...

                 Phanit-Inspired Soup

1/2 gallon chicken broth or stock
1 lb. mild pork sausage or turkey sausage
1 c. salad shrimp
1 c. Each: red pasilla chile, cut in thin strips, thinly sliced onion, baby spinach, and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/2 c. sliced mushrooms (shiitake or baby bellas preferable)
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley or cilantro, depending on preference
1 level tsp. Thai chili and garlic paste
salt to taste

   Form sausage into marble-sized balls and place in baking dish, making sure meatballs don't touch. Bake at 350 f. for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon or tongs and place on paper towels to drain until needed.

   Bring chicken broth to a low boil in a stockpot or Dutch oven and add vegetables and spices. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to cook 10-15 minutes. Turn heat to low, add lime juice, meatballs, and salad shrimp, allow to cook 3-4 minutes longer. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Serves 4-6.

   Remember the Independence Day Post ? Well I have a request to make of you, the folks who so generously follow this blog...if you should care to, I would appreciate it if you would share some of your favourite simple, inexpensive, and nutritious recipes. The idea is to put together a small pamphlet with healthy recipes to place in food box donations, etc... If you would like to help please email me your recipes, along with the name you would like to have attached to them (as well as your blog url if you would like). Email me at kitchenelixers@gmail.com and my sincere thanks in advance!

   Don't forget to check in tomorrow for Wednesday's Whimsies: I'll be featuring clever, unique, and colourful habitats for dogs and cats!

Good thing for the day: Pear-infused white balsamic vinegar; it's my newest favourite ingredient!