I’m home from Hawaii!

TGIF everyone! At least I *think* it’s Friday It’s time to share five random things about out week. Here’s mine:

1. Overall the trip went well. Our flight out was delayed a bit, so we got in very late but no real problems. Got in our room, hit the bed, and the next three days were a blur of activity that wore Wizard and I out. Whoa, we are not young anymore! But we had fun. The next two days we stayed at Hawaiian Village and took advantage of things there — food, shopping, pools and the beach.  The final day, we had our last nice breakfast on the deck overlooking the beach, then caught a shuttle to the airport and flew home. Here’s a pic of Wizard and I on the flight to Honolulu
2. My daughter-in-law and I went to Diamond Head to hike, but that one was closed. It had poured rain for a couple days, and there were rock slides. But my daughter-in-law asked the ranger there for another suggestion, and he directed us to the lighthouse. It was about a 2 and a 1/2 mile hike, and I had no trouble with that. Here’s a picture of us about half way up — she’s on the right and six months pregnant!! We also saw also stopped and saw The Blowhole. Sadly, I’ve forgotten how to insert a video. But I’ll put a picture of the lighthouse we hiked to here. Note that we are on a viewing platform above it. The the narrow trail that runs along the cliffs is closed due to part of it being collapsed. Somebody wanted to try it anyway. Somebody carrying my grandchild may over climbed out to see if the trail was passable. And I was like “Don’t make me call your husband! (my son!).” She laughed. Seriously, I’d have tried it myself under normal circumstances, but it just wasn’t safe and I was definitely a bit overprotective of my daughter-in-law because she’s pregnant. I was the same with Turbo’s mom. They are very gracious and amused in front of me about it, but probably secretly want to smack me Here’s the lighthouse pic:
3. Our flight home was on time and good, despite me getting yelled out a few times by very cranky airport personal. The last time it happened, a pilot who was behind me in line for baggage drop off commiserated with me. He said he’s been yelled at too, which is crazy — he’s a pilot for the same airline as they airport personal worked for. Honolulu is a very serious airport! I had a smoother experience at LAX (Los Angeles Airport) which seems crazy. But we got on the plain, had an uneventful take off and breathed a sigh of relief. However, very quickly there was a medical event on board and the flight attendants began asking for a doctor, physician’s assistant, a nurse and there was no one.  Wizard and I immediately agreed if we have to turn back, we’ll both be patient and gracious as clearly someone was very ill and may need medical care beyond what the airline attendants can give them. However, the person stabilized and we continued our flight — but man, I felt for those flight attendants doing their best to handle it.
4. Here’s Wizard and Turbo on the submarine at Pearl Harbor.
5. Maggie must have had a great spa vacation! They said she was good, but did cry sadly when they put her “away” (in nice little stalls rather than kennels). That sounds like Maggie, LOL. She doesn’t do that at home, but she’s been known to do it at both the vets and boarding. Otherwise she seemed to eat fine, took her meds, and have a good time when they let her roam in the safe areas. She came home on Thursday looking great, and seemed happy. We’ll see how she feels after a night home, but right now, I’m so pleased she has a safe place where she feels secure to go when we need to board her.

That’s barely skims our trip, but I’m sure I’ve bored you enough at this point We are happy to be home (kind of!) and now I need to clean this weekend since it’s been three weeks today since my surgery and I’m officially released from limitations. Now if anyone is around, I’d love to hear your five things to share!

TGIF!! It’s time to share five random things about our week. Here’s mine:

1) It’s been a week since my throat surgery that turned out a little bigger than expected. I’m healing normally, although my doctor winced yesterday when he looked in my throat. I wanted to laugh — I suspect he thought I was 10 to 14 days out of surgery, not 6. He’s youngish (compared to me), and one of my favorite things about him is that both his face and communication style is pretty blunt (and very nice!).  So when he assured me I was healing fine, I believe him. And I am feeling better each day, so it’s all good. The best news is he cleared me to fly late next week to go to Hawaii!

2) In frustrating things, they didn’t have my pathology report on the throat biopsy yet, or my referral for another (and the most important) test that I need. That’s not their fault though, the system is dangerously slow here in CA.  I’m not worried about the throat biopsy as the doctor didn’t see any suspicious areas. Since I slept through it all and didn’t see it, I’ll take his word for it. He’ll call me if something unexpected turns up in the pathology report.

3) Being bored, I’ve been online shopping. So far, Amazon has managed to lose the thing I wanted most — a pair of board shorts. It’s not a big deal as I have other swim suits. I just wanted these to replace the ones that came with a tankini set I bought. Because my shape is weird, I usually need a size smaller bottoms than top. And I really like being able to get in and out of water without wardrobe malfunctions, LOL! I also ordered or bought a few tops, and a skirt that I really hope fits. The skirt is very Hawaiian-Bold and I thing I will love it if it fits. Here’s the link if you want to see it for fun.

4) I’m searching for another hairstyle. My hair has grown to my shoulders at is flipping out at the ends. It’s also dragging my face down and constantly bugging me. It’s become clear I have zero skills in putting it up too I’m thinking more of a shoulder length shaggy butterfly cut or something else fun. I think I’ll see what my stylist says. I’m pretty confident every stylist expert in the world would strongly advise AGAINST getting a new style the day before leaving on a vacation, so I’m totally doing it!

5) This weekend we have a Celebration of Life party to attend. He was my brother-in-law once, and I literally grew up with him around. It’ll be nice to share memories and support my niece and nephews.  Otherwise I’ll be resting (so sick of that!) and doing small chores that are safe for me to do. There’s nothing like the Hawaiian trip to keep me from doing anything stupid! It’s an excellent incentive!

That’s my five, now it’s your time! I always enjoy hearing what everyone else has to share! I hope you have the best weekend!

TGIF!! How did Friday get here? On the other hand, I thought yesterday was Saturday at one point in the day, so we can’t judge by me! Okay let’s share five random things about our week. Here’s mine:

1. I got my bloodwork don’t with no problems. I’m a pro at it I love that we can make appointments and it’s relatively quick and easy. I’ve already seen my results and am happy to see my electrolytes coming up. After that, I went over to the animal shelter and bought my volunteer shirt.
2. My eye appointment was equally uneventful — all good with no surprises. Just the way I like it.
3. Thursday, I went to the dog walking class and am very impressed. She trains five students in twice monthly classes, and of those 10, only about one lasts more than a few weeks. I can see why, the dog walkers tend to be a really passionate, committed group and I think that might intimidate some people (that’s fine, there’s other things they can do to help if they want to). I hope I can do it! I have the will, and plan to try at least once a week. I do have to take time off for the throat biopsy and we’ll see if there’s anything more when another test result comes in. But I really want to learn and gain experience to walk more dogs, as long I can handle that and make sure Maggie gets all the walks she need. I can go on and on about this, but will restrain myself for the moment Here’s a pic Wizard took of me before I left for the class.
4. After I got home from the shelter, Wizard wanted to clean windows. He’d already taken the screens off and washed them, so I had to do my part. Man I was so wiped out. But incredibly happy to get it done. The windows were embarrassingly bad!
5. This weekend we’re celebrating Oldest (CPA Boy’s) birthday! It’s a milestone, and the family is meeting at a restaurant because my daughter-in-law is smart I have his gift and just have to remember to get a card and wrapping paper today — wish me luck in remembering, LOLOL!

That’s my five, now I really hope you’ll share yours! Have a great weekend!

TGIF! It was a fast week for me. Okay, let’s get into sharing five random things about our week;

1. The temperature was in the 80s and hot yesterday, yet it’s supposed to rain on Saturday. The wacky weather is creating lots of allergy and sinus issues.
2. I bought some pitted dates, filled them with peanut butter and covered them in dark chocolate. They are in my fridge plotting ways to make me fat. They are also way too easy to make, and that’s just dangerous
3. I’m trying to volunteer for my local animal shelter, but I’m having to work around some scheduling issues on my part. Of course, I’d like to do the most popular thing of walking the shelter dogs, and that has a prerequisite class “Dog Walking Level 1.” That class is always full. But I had a stroke of luck yesterday, and a spot opened up for next Thursday. I signed up! I want get qualified and commit to future dates to walk dogs now, so once it’s hot, I don’t decide to wait until summer is over. Dog walking is between 8am and 10am, so it’s shouldn’t be too intolerable. In the meantime, I may put in some hours doing anything else they need — washing bowls, folding blankets, cleaning tools in the clinic, however I can help for a couple hours here and there. I’m a big supporter of our animal shelter and I really hope volunteering works out, but we’ll see if it works out.
4. I had coffee with Biker Witch yesterday in Barnes and Noble. We were mostly catching up, and I love that. But we also book shopped, which is always fun. I bought one book that was really random — I think it’s a Young Adult, but I’m hoping it’ll catch my interest enough to keep me reading. My sister bought two books because she must outdo me in all things, LOL!
5. Tomorrow we hope to go see Turbo play baseball if it doesn’t rain. The weather app is insisting it will rain, so we’ll see. If we can’t go this time, we’ll go on the 27th. Otherwise, I need to do some cleaning and maybe do some clothes shopping.

That’s my five and now I’d really love to hear yours! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

TGIF!! I can’t believe it’s Friday again. Let’s jump right into sharing five random things about our week.

1. Yesterday was Wizard’s birthday. We went to dinner to celebrate, which we really enjoyed. Saturday, the kids are coming over for a second celebration. I’m looking forward to that! I love that they are bringing food too, so all I had to do was easy appetizers, cake and drinks.
2. I went to my little cake store this week. I was only there 20 minutes, but it was fun. I haven’t done many cakes lately, due to health, house projects and inflation. The cost of baking ingredients plus supplies has me pausing lately. I certainly don’t make cakes we don’t need. But it was nice to get out to the cake decorating store, and get some suggestions from then on the filling for Wizard’s cake. This one will be simple cake, not super decorated.
3. Oh, Monday we got our passport pictures to renew our passports and Wizard broke the camera, LOLOL!! So first they staff did my pictures, and they uploaded and printed fine. Then they took Wizards, and they would NOT upload to the computer — the pictures would just vanish. It took about 20 minutes and 4 different employees to finally get a set of pictures that would upload to the computer. I was cracking up so hard. The employees were all laughing too. I, being the loving and supportive wife, accused him of being a vampire. Why he puts up with me is anyone’s guess. And then, we headed over to the At Home store and bought a six-and-a-half-foot artificial tree (I think it’s a dracaena tree?) for a corner in our great room. I was surprised that Wizard didn’t even blink at the cost — after I publicly accused him of being a vampire Both of us really like that fake bamboo tree that we probably won’t kill…hopefully.
4. Today I’m going to the doctor’s for a pre-op clearance. It sounds like a big deal, but it’s just for a throat biopsy to see if we can determine what weirdness is brewing in there. The MRI ruled out most serious things, which is great. Here’s the funny thing. Wizard was in the doctor’s office with me, and I asked how the doc wanted to do the biopsy. He asked how strong my gag reflex is — and I look over at Wizard who was suddenly pale and leaning toward the door. He thought the doctor was going to do it right there and was panicking. He wanted out of that room. Wizard is squeamish, LOL. In his defense, he’s been very supportive and making sure I keep following up on this for 8 long months. Anyhow I told the doctor my gag reflex is a 10 out of 10, so we’re doing it under anesthesia. That’s why I need need a pre-op clearance from my regular doctor. So not a big deal. But trying to coordinate all this plus an ultrasound (another thing that is likely nothing to worry about), getting approvals and scheduling has been time consuming!
5. I’m sure hoping I can start to catch my breath next week.

So that’s my five, now I’d love to hear yours! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

TGIF! Time to share five random things about our week. Here’s mine:

1. It’s going to rain this weekend. It’s been very rainy this year, but we don’t generally get the same deluges in my area that other spots in California do.
2. My frustration was pretty high yesterday. I spent hours making phone calls and trying to do other people’s job. I really wish people in one medical group or organization would pick up the phone and call the other. I’m just the patient who doesn’t actually have all the various info (and that’s another rant, but we’ll save that for another day). In one case, it’s taken me two days worth of phone calls, but I finally got it resolved yesterday afternoon. On the other issue, I’m still waiting for a return call. The bright spot in all this is that I have spoken to a few really nice people who have genuinely been trying to help, so that’s a win, right?
3. Poor Maggie was so restless while I was trapped on the phone, that I finally ended the call, ate lunch and took Maggie for a long walk. I was proud of myself for just walking away and having fun with Maggie. We found huge fogs and lots of tadpoles in a storm runoff pond. Maggie “pointed” to a few birds. Maggie is not a pointer breed (she’s a mix) but she definitely points. I’ve had a German shorthair pointer and know what that looks like. It’s pretty funny. She actually has a pretty good pointer stance.
4. I’ve been sitting on some good (not professional) news in our family. But still waiting to mention it. It makes me smile every single day.
5. It’s going to be just me and Wizard for Easter, so I think I’ll make ribs. That’s been my plan, but i don’t buy the ribs until a day or two before. Neither one of us care for ham, so ribs it is! I really hope everyone who celebrates has a lovely Easter!

That’s my five, now I’d love to hear yours! Happy Easter and have a great weekend!

TGIF!! Let’s get right to sharing five random things. Here’s mine!

1. My happy news for the week is hearing from Silver. She’s recovering now and improving. I think it’ll be a while yet before she shows up online regularly. If anyone hasn’t seen her story, you can check her blog here.
2. We hired the painters for the inside of the house. They begin Monday. The house will be all one color (Agreeable Gray) with white trim and doors. Are we ready? Heck no. We’ve had multiple complications making getting ready a Herculean task. On the other hand, this will do it for the big tasks inside the house that require so much work, and be worth it (I hope!) when it’s done. Yesterday afternoon and last night I did get a chunk of packing done so at least we have a good start.
3. One of the complications is that we went for my MRI on Wednesday. The machine was broken, and they had to order parts. To their credit, they were nice and really got me in again this morning. Hopefully I will get this MRI done this time. It took me 8 long and frustrating months to get this far.
4. Wizard is partially sidelined due to no fault of his own (nor does he have a virus — it’s a long story I don’t want to get into). He’s so frustrated that he can’t do a lot right when we need to get so much done. But today may be better for him.
5. We plan to go to dinner tonight with Middle son to celebrate his wife’s birthday. They live an hour or more away, but it’s worth it to celebrate our daughter in law’s birthday as long as Wizard is up to it. Saturday we are going to see Turbo for his birthday (also an hour or more away from us). Sunday we’ll be packing and we’ll get all we can done.

That’s my five, now I’d love to hear yours! I hope everyone has a great weekend!