Learning and understanding

🎶 Oh the weather outside was frightful, but inside was so delightful…   I don’t know who was the happiest in this photo, do you?  The last couple of days the weather was cold, rainy, windy and generally “stay inside and keep warm”  but since I was with the small people, it really didn’t matter.  They arrived Thursday evening around 7pm, and I spent most of Friday, yesterday and this morning being under a pile of children. Jerry wasn’t sure what to do with 4 new people in his house, 2 of whom were small in size!  He barked, he wriggled, he pretend growled, stood guard over his toy… then he jumped on my lap to protect me, and allowed himself to be petted after which he was in love.  The kids were a little scared at first, but then adjusted when he quieted down again.  Don decided to go for a 6-hour run to get death sticks (cigarettes) and had an adventure complete with a blown out tire and a damaged rear panel.  I’ll hear details later when he’s rested up a bit.  He’s back home now, hav

Two days of rain, slippery roads and general sadness in the weather… that led to the need to roll up into a roti and get some extra sleep.  I dozed off on myself yesterday around 5, and woke up after 8, so it’s clear that I needed that nap!  Today I was awake early (pre-am appointment) and by 11 I was out.  I’m more alert now, which is good, but I really needed that extra nap.  While I think I slept well, it seems that I was awake off and on during the night, so that interfered with my rest.  Jerry is on my toes chewing on his new toy.  It’s surprisingly mostly intact, although he’s working on eating the fabric — I don’t understand his attachment to that!  There are several hockey tournaments underway at the moment, plus some “regular” games, and football, so as you can imagine, I have limited TV time!  I’m recording some shows to watch when I have a moment, which will probably be after  the new year, since the tournaments end then — but then the new women’s professional hockey league

Another somewhat overcast day, but mild enough that I could leave the door ajar for part of the day.  Not now, though; I’m rolled in a blanket and pretending to be a wrapped roti 😆  Jerry is still happily playing with his toys from yesterday which are still holding their shape, but are beginning to lose the stuffing… He was on my lap until he heard the microwave oven get turned on, and is now in the kitchen, looking hopefully at Don’s plate LOL  There were several hockey games on today, with the Juniors and another tournament in both of which Canada played and (I think) won their opening games.  At least, I assume so, because there was some cheering, followed by some log sawing 🤪 I slept like a log last night, and reluctantly got up this morning because I was warm and cozy!  But I ate lots today.  I’d been dreaming of a scrambled egg-and-ham breakfast, which I made and ate in it entirety.  That, I’ll have you know, was a standard sized meal back in the day.  I found a really good app

I’ve been reminded that a “green” Christmas is no fun, and we really should have some snow.  I’ll agree that a week of snow, starting last night and ending on New Year’s Day is what would be ideal!  It’s overcast and a bit grey, but milder than one would expect.  My nurse commented that she didn’t feel as cold as she did a couple of days ago, so 😁 Merry Christmas from Jerry, who has his latest sacrifice… it lasted FIVE MINUTES before he chewed off a leg/ear something from the “untearable “ chew toy that can resist all strong chewers.  I’m going to seek a refund from the manufacturer, which swears that its toys won’t rip.  Don is currently working on dinner, and I’m looking forward to it.  It won’t be the full meal, but that’s ok as I can’t do a full plate anyway!  But he insisted  on a traditional meal, so I won’t argue.  We haven’t opened presents yet, just been enjoying the day, relaxing and playing with Jerry’s new toy while it lasts.  No sports today, but from tomorrow I have no a

  This is not my tree; I didn’t have any energy to do anything this year, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.  It was another cold and damp day, where the chill soaked into your bones, making it feel worse than reality.  Don snuck out this afternoon to do something, so Jerry curled into a sulky ball and grumbled that the world is unfair and he’s a neglected puppy who nobody loves and he’s forced to sit on my lap!  Don is back now, so my boys are on the sofa.  I’m going to commandeer the TV soon, and overindulge in sappy sentimentality… beginning with “any time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!” And proceeding to “🎼 I’m dreaming of a white Christmas 🎶” and “🎶 You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!”  The order may change, but that’s the plan for tonight!  Of course, by midnight I should be on to “I haven’t missed it!  Of course, the spirits did it all in one night!”  Yes, overindulging is happening tonight! My BFF dropped off some ice cream (and a tantalizing hint that it goes “with the

Someone sent me this lovely thought, and I decided to share with you all.  I hope you enjoy!  Today is Christmas Adam, for Trinis of a certain generation, and Tibbs’ Eve for my Newfoundland friends!  Gotta love all the various celebrations, don’t you?  We’re somewhat overcast today, and there are murmurs of the S-word overnight tonight, making the whining slow down.  Jerry is lying on my feed, after trying to steal my blanket.  He’s got this habit that I’m unable to break where he likes to chew holes in soft fabrics, so he’s often in trouble.  Don was watching sports, but his recording ended 2 minutes before the end of the (tied) game, so he was quite upset.  Then I pointed out how to check scores online, which only partly comforted him, as he’d missed the last goal (which defeated his team) and he’s trying to figure out how to avoid this in the future.  He’s watching some true crime now, and I’m just waiting (im)patiently for the end of the show so I can sneak in It’s a Wonderful Life

I apologize for this one, people seem to like my sister’s torture devices (puns) so I’m sharing.  It’s been 🤬 cold 🥶 here the last couple of days, although it’s now officially winter, and Mother Nature seems to think she should exert some cool!  It’s been sunny and pretty, but that’s so misleading as the sun offers ZERO warmth and the cold just goes through to your bones and the wind cuts everything.  Jerry doesn’t like the cold, either.  He burrows under any blanket, throw or sweater that he can find, and curls into a ball.  I don’t blame him.  Don has started wearing his fur-trimmed moccasins around the house, just to keep his feet warmer; he’s watching a Christmas at Graceland special right now, smiling happily at all the country music stars, and especially the reruns of Elvis’s singing.  I enjoy a lot of the old songs too, so I’m happy to listen to it.  He pauses every so often to tell me some trivia from when he saw Elvis perform live a long time ago… I had a follow-up appointme

My sister strikes again.  She said that she couldn’t possibly be expected to suffer alone, and I argued that not only could  she, but she should  since she went out to find this… abomination 😳  I thought I’d share it with you as a form of stress relief from the insanity that I imagine many of you are experiencing as you prepare for the weekend and its festivities.  Jerry is guarding my feet at the moment, as we wait for my support worker to come.  He’s giving small growls every time he hears a door or the wind or any movement in the hallway.  He was on my lap, but changed position after I got a call.  Silly puppy.  Don is OK, relaxing a bit and waiting for his sports  which start as usual at an odd time!  Insert nightly complaint about the cold, chill, ice and general ugh weather.  More whining on the news about no white Christmas here, but the storm damage down East I think more than makes up for it.  I reiterate that I’d prefer snow Christmas Eve, melting on New Year’s Day and crocu

It’s got colder since yesterday, and the weather is even worse, with rain and snow — and sleet — just making things wintry.  I’d honestly prefer warmer and no snow; the news guys were moaning that we might not have a white Christmas as we won’t have the minimum 5cm of snow needed to meet the definition.  Given that there are several dreadfully strong storms battering the East Coast, I’m not sure that’s the biggest problem right now… Jerry is on my feet, rearranging my blanket to suit him, never mind that when I stand up I need to be careful that I don’t trip and fall.  I feel a little bad that I can’t take him on a long walk; he could really use it if only so he doesn’t bark at everyone constantly.  Don seems to have found a treat that he enjoys, so he’s happily stuffing his fact right now.  There’s more sports upcoming, and he’s annoyed that his team has changed the coach and something something, so he’s muttering sadly about that.  At least it keeps him busy! I’m happy to report that

It’s been a rainy day all day today, with (I’m told) lots of puddles and downpours off and on.  There’s a low chance of a white Christmas, but I won’t lose sleep one way or the other.  Jerry is extra anxious today; I think that there were too many people and therefore he was overstimulated.  It’s ok, except when he won’t stop barking!  Most annoying.  Don was ok, although he found the barking to be stressful.  There’s apparently more sports upcoming, but it’s also that time of year when Christmas movies are prevalent 😈 I had a good night’s sleep last night, and felt more alert today than I had for the last few.  That’s such a difference!  I could still do with a few more hours sleep, but not as badly as on the weekend.  One of my lovely friends dropped by with a fresh seafood lasagne, which I ate some of for my dinner.  It’s really delicious, very cheesy and PACKED with seafood goodness!  It’s the first solid meal I’ve had in a few days, and I’m glad to have had some.   I’m very proud

It was a very overcast and somewhat rainy day today.  The sky was definite miserable, along with some deep chills.  Jerry has been on and off my lap most of the day too; I pushed him off a few times as he was making my feet swell a bit with his weight plus the drip.  Don has been trying to keep up with Jerry and deal with his tiredness and leg aches, plus keeping Jerry out of the room when the nurse/care worker is here. I seem to realize that a couple of days after chemo I have ZERO energy and I was in bed and asleep by 8pm… and I never woke up until 10am!  I still feel sleepy, with sandy eyes, but I’m waiting for my drip to finish… at least another hour before it ends.  I was, at least, able to eat a bit today, which is a bonus.  Another early night is planned for tonight!   I’m generally ok, just really tired but I have plans for things to cook this week on my new stove but in the meanwhile, rest is what’s on the schedule.  Be back with more updates later.  Many thanks, Fiend!  And G

It was warmer today than usual, which was nice to know.  It was 8C and somewhat overcast.  Nice change from the cold and general misery of the past few days.  Jerry spent as much time on my lap as he could where we both dozed on my chair.  He was quite happy curled in a ball giving little snores while I tried, unsuccessfully, to stay awake and pretend to read or watch TV or pretty much anything.  I gave up and just frankly napped.  Don didn’t even bother stirring until it was almost time for the nurse.  Yesterday was definitely draining for everyone.  He then spent most of the afternoon fast asleep sawing logs with the little dog curled against him or otherwise settled in to touch him and rest.  He was up watching some movie this afternoon, while I vainly tried to follow it, but I missed large portions of the show.  All in all, a lazy day in the household, so nothing useful got done.  Success!  😆  My nurse was here early this morning to hook up my IV tubing.  We’re trying to work out

Cold, but some sun, so… assume there will be some grumbling about the weather for the next few months, just because… but let’s be honest, I’m not a snow bunny.  Jerry’s been in the car since before 10am as we came in to the hospital and it’s been a long day.  He will leap on my lap and not move when I get out.  Resumed editing after my treatment.  So said, so done.  As I got in the car, he climbed on my lap and made it challenging to buckle up and get comfortable, but he was snuggling after 6+ hour separation!  Poor Don was sitting in the car all this time.  He waited to find out if we were proceeding with treatment, then decided it wasn’t worth going home to fight traffic to come get me.  It just was a looooong day.  He bought dinner as we have no stove, which was great, and will save us both a lot of energy at home.  We finally just got home, and it’s so nice to be in our space again!  I think there will be sports later, which is fine as I’m likely to be sawing logs long before that!

It’s another chilly, cold and otherwise typical winter day, that does not add to my cheer or enjoyment of life.  This is taking longer than I’d like to climb out of this feeling.  Really not my normal way of operating.  Jerry is now on my feet, warming them up which feels nice.  He got a long while on my lap today while I was getting my hydration and then he got cuddles from my support worker when she arrived, and he was locked in the other room with Don while the nurse was here.  He was NOT lonely!  But apparently this was inadequate puppy attention, and he made sure to convey his annoyance to everyone around.  Don is catnapping just now; tomorrow will be a long day and I’ll be heading in to sleep early tonight to get as much rest as I can before the long day ahead.  He got quite a  lot of sport last night; I woke up several times during the night to hear the annoying theme music of sports talk show or ongoing matches until about 4am. My blood pressure crept upwards today to 99/58, wh

Ugh.  Snow, ice, rain… traditional holiday weather, which is really not adding to my enjoyment of life.  I hate feeling so chilled, and when you add slippery roads and icy driveways, you’ll appreciate (or not) my feelings of ick.  Jerry is trying to be more affectionate, and is doing better at just lying on my lap, but he’s still triggered by the flood of people and deliveries that have been arriving.  Don’s been having to sacrifice some of his comfort as Jerry goes hunting for someone to cuddle when I throw him off, or they move into another room when I have a nurse or other such person looking after me.  He’s got sports on right  now, and I’m remarkable bored of endless hockey talk. I’m going to admit that I’m falling into a full blown depression.  Thankfully, I had a decent sleep last night, after locking Jerry out again.  He did come scratching at the door at one point but gave up when I ignored him.  I dislike this pervasive weakness that is all around me this week.  I have to tak

It was a snowy morning today, with large white flakes drifting down looking like down feathers for a few hours. The puffy flakes look pretty, but I’m already over the side of “let it snow, let it snow”  I’d prefer tremendously for some warmth myself.  Yes, I know. It’s the wrong country at the wrong time of year.  Sorry.  My dear friend made some gift baskets for my sister and her family, which look awesome.  He texted me photos and said he would probably need a bakery van to transport the arrangements which I find amusing.  In any case, if you’d like to order from him, here’s his IG: elegant_floral   I banished Jerry from the bed night before last, and I slept like a log for over 10 hours.  That helped, and then last night I got caught up in a book until after midnight.  I’ll have to figure out a better balance point.  Don has been happily watching sports, and a marathon of true crime mysteries so he’s saturated with crime shows.  I’ve been deep in horse intrigue tales, and occasional

I’m having one of those days of trying to do a lot, but I just want to rest a bit.  Last night, Jerry decided to play up  every 3 hours and wake me up. It’s one of those moments where I did lots without saying much, and tried to keep things under control.I’ve  got some time where I could push things further.  But there’s a moment of some stress with this.  Jerry spent most of his day on my lap again, and I tried to push him off but he just ignored me. I had a few moments to regain my equilibrium and tried to find a moment.  Finding a moment where people find a balance is a good thing, and it’s not easy,  My current book is almost done, and I’m debating getting the next one in the series 😉 I’m rooting for the main character to lose badly!  Jerry has been trying to get me to play more than normal, but is on my knee to get attention.  Don is dozing off, so that is great from one perspective.  I’m  a bit tired this evening, and I think I’ve got too much on my plate at the moment.  I’ll sl

I’m so happy that I didn’t have to go out today.  It was cold, icy, and the roads are slippery with ice.  My support worker slipped on the ice and landed on her tailbone, which is really painful!  I won’t complain, but just know that I remain unthrilled by the cold and I know I’m in the wrong country for the weather I prefer, so I’ll just adopt a martyr-like approach to it!  There’s more ice rain and other such unpleasantries coming, but ‘tis the season… sigh.  Jerry literally did not leave me alone for more than an hour in total today!  I sat to watch a show, which I didn’t get to see in all as Jerry sat to block my view of the screen.  I got up to put away the clean laundry, which gave me about 15 minutes of an empty lap.  Then I sat down again, and he jumped up, rolled on his back and jabbed me in the face with his paws!  Don was a little tired after yesterday’s outing, but it’s all good.  He spent a good couple of hours hunting for a new stove, and I think we’ve narrowed the search

First of all, happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating.  I wish your families peace and light in this season of miracles!  The first menorah candles were lit at sunset in City Hall today, and on the Hill, so I add my wishes to all of those.  It was bitterly cold today again, all of -18 when I had to head off to my appointment.  It’s also a record-setting day in Ottawa; we’ve had 59 consecutive hours of snowfall this week and it looks like it wants to try to break that record already.  It was the little fine, driving snow, which blows hard but doesn’t accumulate quickly; it’s dry enough to be brushed off, but the wind makes up for that!  Jerry curled up in my lap, shivering, and wouldn’t move on the way home.  Don was a superstar, taking me to the hospital and waiting… they told me it would be about an hour, but the chemo unit was running a bit late, plus there was all the fun of them saying that they didn’t have my blood work, so lots of excitement.  It worked out well, and I was about

It was -17C today.  And windy.  Neither of those are pleasant factors, made worse by the fact that I had to go out in that weather!  I am in the wrong country at this time of year, I know!  The cold is not my favourite season by any stretch, although I do confess that the snow scenes are beautiful, especially on the trees, even more so late in the evening when lights start to twinkle.  The beauty tends to pall when your nose hurts while breathing and your face hurts and you’re wearing 20kg of coat, boots, scarf, gloves and all the etceteras!  Jerry doesn’t like the cold, nor getting his feet wet, so he gave a disparaging sniff when he looked out the car and stayed in my (his) seat!  Don had to break out his winter jacket as well, and since he’s lost quite a bit of weight since he bought it years ago, he’s absolutely drowned  in it!  I tried picking it up and almost dropped it — worse with mine — because it’s quite heavy (his is down filled) to help him put it on.  He almost couldn’t fi

More snow today, complete with icy winds and deep chills.  Ugh.  😑  Not my idea of a fun day, although I confess that I was very  tempted to spend a few hours wrapped in my blanket, lying in my bed being all cozy!  I didn’t, as the phone didn’t seem to stop ringing all afternoon!  It was at a point where I wanted to turn off the phone and just ignore it, but that would’ve meant more time returning calls!  Jerry moved onto my lap, stretched out and took a nap, using his paw to pat me on my boobs.  Every time the phone rang (which was often) he’d sit up with perked ears and begin growling or else he’d bark at noises (wind, usually) for a while.  Don’s arm continues to give him twinges of pain, but he (and I) spent several hours online researching new stoves.  The challenge with older appliances is that repairs are often more expensive than purchasing, so we’ve been busy trying to find something that works for us.  For some reason, today feels like a Sunday, but my checks of my calendar