Merry Christmas to you all.

Luke 2:9-14

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Happy Birthday Little Izzie!!

She is two today, can you believe it?

She was 10 weeks old when we brought her home, gosh the time has gone fast.

You can take Christmas with you!

I must have cried a bucket of tears when I put the ornaments on the tree this morning. Everyone of them had a sweet memory, an angel from my niece that I have put on the tree every year for over 30 years. The last ornament Judy sent me.

I cried when I put up Izzie's stocking, she has been such a joy for me, but I still miss old bubba.

I enjoy all the cards from friends and family who are thinking of us.

This cute little guy is from my sister Connie, Iz loves to try to get hold of it.

Jay even suggested I add another string of lights! I almost fell of my chair!!

My little tree, my sister Louise made this angel for me years and years ago, I love her more every year.

So, yes Virginia you can have Christmas in a RV.

Hope

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Stuck!

I am just stuck, can't think of any other way to put it. I just let each day pass by doing only what I have to. I am not really sure what the problem is.
Maybe part of it is that we can't put up any Christmas decorations until after next Tuesday, that is when we are having the new jacks put in the RV. There is just no sense putting everything up and then having to take it down and pack it away to move the RV. It just makes Christmas unreal to me. J and I were both shocked when we looked at the calendar and saw Christmas was only ten days away.
Maybe part of the malaise is due to the weather, it has been chilly and raining here for the last three days.
Maybe another part of it is there are two medical battles going on in my extended family. It seems it is an up and down of good news, bad news with them daily and of course there is nothing I can do about it.
Maybe it is because I don't feel well or it is the result of the medicines I am taking.
I really don't know what it is, but I need to shake it off, I need to live my life instead of just floating through it.
I think I need another one of those"snap out of it" slaps. This seems to be happening a little to often. I have to come up with a solution to deal with it.

Prayer Request

Remember my dear friend Judy who passed away just three months ago, her daughter and son-in-law are going through some really difficult times right now. I would ask you as my friends and family to please remember them right now, in prayer, in your thoughts, whatever works for you. I am sure they would be ever so thankful, as would I.
They have gone through so very much this year, I am surprised they are still standing. If you would like their story, please go to Heathers blog, Mike's battle is my battle,thanks to you all. This young family continues to amaze me with their faith and strength.

Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie

Today is J's birthday, we are going to have a happy hour later today. It's chilly here today so I am making some spiked apple cider to warm us up and we will have a fire. The sun is shining bright and if the wind would just die down it would be lovely.

This morning I was in such a fluster I gave J one of his Christmas gifts for his birthday, now I have to come up with some more ideas. His main gift is coming today, I got him at helmet camera, lots of times he see really neat things, like all kinds of animals when he is way up in the mountains but by the time he takes his gloves off and gets the camera out the shot is gone. This is going to pay off for me because I will get to see more of what he sees.

The mountains got there first snow yesterday since we have been here. J took a few shots on his ride this morning, aren't they beautiful?

Just for fun

I have been such a Debbie Downer the last month or so, I apologize, I am going to make a real effort to get to the place where I am more comfortable. I have had a lot of crap concerning my health through the years, but it always works it's way out, I know that. Even if I lose a little, I still have a lot compared to some of the other survivors who got a dose of that last polio virus before the vaccine came out. I have a wonderful husband, a sweet little dog, family and friends(old and new, here and in heaven) who would be there for me in a minute, so enough of this doom and gloom. Full speed ahead, figure out what the problem is this time and deal with it. Enough for this matter.

Jay has been bringing back some beautiful pictures from his rides on the motorcycle. He and I both really enjoy having the cameras on our IPhones. Thought I would show you some of his, helps you understand why we love this place so.

I must say he does a pretty good job with composition, although half or more of his pictures have the bike in them, who wants to see a dirty old motorcycle.

Of course I spend a lot of my time running around here taking pictures of Izzie. Getting this little dog has made such a difference in my life, Can you imagine how far I would have sunk without Izzie to pick me up?

I have included pictures of some of here favorite sleeping places, that little girl does love her a nap.

We were driving when I took this one, she likes to stay up front between us when we are on the road, I think she does it so J can't sneak a cookie by her.

This is one of her favorite places when we are parked, makes a nice napping place and if anyone comes by the door, she is right there in a heart beat to check them out.

This morning after we had finished our coffee J was looking for her in all her usual places to take her for a walk before his ride. We couldn't find her anywhere, he went into the bedroom, and there she was. She decided, what the heck, she would just go to bed.

This is one of her all time favorites, she doesn't get to do this often, but at the end of the day, when J settles down, she loves to crawl up and stretch out. Now tell me, isn't that one of the cutest things you have ever seen.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me advice, offered help, said a prayer or thought a good thought for me. I am going to be alright, I am getting myself to a better place and doing things to keep me there. I go for the MRI and xrays Wednesday, I am hoping they will find something that can be fixed.
It is chilly and cloudy today here, hope you have sunshine where you are.

The World of Controlled Substances

Have you ever been exposed to a "Pain Clinic"? Yesterday was a first for me, "oh my word" it was a bit much for this sheltered life girl. I am not being judgmental, honest I am not, but the waiting room was full of some scary looking people. After I got home and talked with J, he helped me realize that probably a great many of the people who need chronic pain help are construction workers, people who work using their bodies, that have been hurt on the job. So most of these guys were probably hard working, down on their luck ( due to injuries) who didn't care if the shaved or how they dressed.
But then I got the office's disclosure form, you know that pack of forms you have to fill out at any new doctors office. Only this package had a five page contract you had to sign saying things like, you wouldn't sell you drugs to anyone, or give your drugs to anyone, that you would agree to release your records to police if requested, "say what"??? You had to agree to drug screening by urine test any time requested, I swear I was ready to bolt. I did not want to be a part of this world.
I calmed down and said to myself, you are here, you might as well see the Dr. So I waited. I had looked up this clinic on the internet, as well as the Dr.'s, they had good credentials, had been to good schools. The Dr. I had been scheduled to see had been at Northwestern and Chicago Rehab Hospitals.
So in came the Dr., he looked to be in his late 30's ( not to judgmental for an old lady huh?), dressed in black I wasn't sure if I was in a pain clinic or a beauty salon, the whole staff was dressed in black, but I digress. We went back and forth, it is always difficult with me when I go to a new Dr. because there is a lot going on with me. I will cut to the bottom line, he wants me to take a different drug, one he says is less addicting, yet stronger. I am for that, as long as the side effects are not worse. The drug is opana ER, has anyone ever heard of it? He also feels that there is a specific problem with my left shoulder unrelated to everything else that is causing the pain in the left arm that needs to be investigated. I am to have an xray and mir of that shoulder this week. I have an appointment with him again in 10 days. So I am going to give it a chance.
I will tell you though, I made up my mind last night. I am getting out of this world. I don't like it, I don't want to be a part of it and I am going to do everything in my power to lower and eventually end my need to take these type of drugs. I am going to study everything I can about inflammation and how to control it, I am going to find methods of biofeedback, anything to get me out of this world. If you have any suggestions, please share them, I am open to anything.
This is how the appointment ended, they asked me for a urine test before I left, guess I had to prove I wasn't lying to them just to get the drugs. When I was getting my stuff together to leave I heard raised voices in the waiting room. The place was closed, I had been the last patient. There was a person yelling at the receptionist wanting an early refill to go out of town ("he said", my suspicious mind again, he did have lots of tat's and a baseball hat pulled low over his eyes). The receptionist was trying to calm him down reminding him that they never give early refills, he was demanding to see the Dr.. I had to walk out past them to an empty parking lot to my car, I will never have a late appointment again.
And I say again, I want out of this world and I will do anything and everything to get out of it.

WARNING:another whiney post

I thought I was being so smart before we left in the spring for home. I did a lot of research on a list of referrals for Dr.'s that I had gotten from various sources. Decided on the one that looked best to me and set up an appointment to meet him. We discussed all the issues I have with post polio and such and decided we would be a good match. Felt very proud of myself.
So when I went to see him last week fully expecting he would be able to help me with my pain issues. Unfortunately he informed me he does not handle chronic pain, say what, he doesn't handle chronic pain? He doesn't expect a 62 year old post polio women who has a fused ankle and knee to have pain problems?
So, he says, no worries, I have just the guy for you, he deals exclusively in chronic pain, he will be just what you need.
So I say ok, that's fine, I will call and make an appointment. So I call, they are very nice, they take all my information on the phone, we get the appointment made and the person on the phone says, now what joint are you having a problem with? I say, all of them, she says all of them? I say again all of them, now remember I have already told her the sad story of becoming allergic to the Nsaids, and taking the narcotics, and she says I'm sorry we can't help you, we only do injections on individual joints. I reminded her I told her about the drugs and she said, oh we only give them to you short term, until we inject, sorry we can't help you.
I am starting to lose it a bit by now. But she interrupts my mini rant and says I have just the person for you, let me give you their number and proceeds to rattle off a number. I say is this a group of doctors? She says, oh no this isn't a Dr., this is a physicians assistant/nurse. Now I am thinking, I am scared to death to be taking these drugs and now I am going to rely on a nurse (no offense to nurses, really, I love nurses) not going to happen, I want a Dr. who is a specialist in pain management.
I politely say thank you and hang up and then proceed to have a major meltdown. I mean major, crying, yelling, the whole nine yard.
After I calm down, I call the first Dr. back and explain that his referral did not work out. They called me back later in the day with another referral to a pain clinic with two Dr.s. So after I research them, I give them a call and make an appointment, doing my best to make sure they understand what I need. I am going next Thursday, all a can say is wish me luck.

Happy Thanksgiving

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Wish me luck

Going to the Dr. today. Don't expect a miracle, would be happy with just a little more relief. Wish me luck!

When Pigs Fly

Definition : When Pigs Fly
I don't know why or when my fascination with flying pigs started. I like to think having them around helps me remember "anything is possible, there is always hope, tomorrow will be another day", all those phrases that help you get through the hard times. I wanted to share a few of my flying pigs.







I don't remember where I picked most of them up, but my favorite is this little white sweetie that a friend gave me last night. How can you look at that pudgy little body being lifted by those golden wings and not feel it's gonna be alright. Thanks for finding it for me Tanis, I know it's going to help me through some of the tough times ahead.

Sunday Praise

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I have a new Mantra

"survival + acceptance + adaptation = "a new kind of normal"
While reading and catching up on what's been going on with everyone I noticed a new update on Go West Feral Woman. What this woman has been through would make most of us crawl into the deepest darkest cave we could find and wail like a banshie. But not her, she has such strength, such grace, such humor.
The code she has determined to live her life by is so simple, so perfect, so profound, I know she will not mind if I borrow it for myself. "A new normal, that's what I have been struggling with, like a have any choice. There is no choice, things have changed and I need to do exactly what she suggests, accept, adapt and get to my new normal.
We had our first full day in our winter home yesterday. The weather, of course, was beautiful. We went to a really big happy hour at the neighbors last night and caught up with a lot of our friends. There were a lot of " what I did over the summer" conversations. Izzy is thrilled to meet all of her doggie friends.
I am trying to reorganize the coach, wish I had my sisters here, we could have it done in no time. As soon as I put something in it's new perfect spot, I realize that just won't work and start all over again. Oh well, I have all winter to get it right!

PAIN,PAIN GO AWAY, DON'T COME AGAIN ANOTHER DAY

Last night was horrible, just horrible. I tossed and turned and walked the floor until about 4:30 am this morning. I know why it happened, I should never, ever have cleaned the grout on the kitchen floor. But I get so tired of just sitting, looking out the window, doing nothing. I just ignored my smarter self saying "you'll be sorry" and did it any way.

I am so glad the part to fix the motor coach will be in today and we will be in AZ tomorrow night. The first thing I am going to do Thursday morning is call and make a Dr.'s appointment. After a night like last night I am so ready for drugs, if that is what it takes, then that is what it takes, bring 'em on. I want my life back, some pain I can handle, I 'm a big girl, but I need to be able to function at some level, to live some semblance of a life.

Now I am going to take my morning meds and take a nap. Hope you all are having a good day.

A beautiful day in New Mexico

We are still sitting here in Las Cruces waiting for a part for the coach. Fingers crossed it will come by UPS tomorrow, it won't be the end of the world if it doesn't come, our spot in AZ is just sitting there waiting for us. But we are eating out way to much here, so I am hoping the part comes tomorrow or we( I) could be in trouble.

Today we went to the farmer's market in Old Messilla and were lucky enough to stumble on a Mariachi contest. The groups were from high schools around the southwest, as far away as Nogales, Mexico.

They were all quite good.

This is a group that was backstage preparing for their turn, doesn't she look intense?

I loved all the costumes, so beautiful.

The singers were really exceptional for high schoolers.

We didn't get to stay till the end to see who won, Sunday is NASCAR day after all. We had to get home in time to see Smoke come in second. One more race, next week is Homestead, the end of the road, the big ending. Oh I will be a happy girl if Tony pulls it off.

Sunday Praise

For the Beauty of the Earth

By Folliott S. Pierpoint
He hath made all things beautiful. – Ecclesiastes 3:11

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on earth and friends above; for all gentle thoughts and mild:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thy church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For my Veteran and Yours

It had to happen sometime....

Yesterday was to be our fourth and last day of driving, we were scheduled to be in Las Cruces for a few nights and then on to our winter home.
But in the world of RVing things happen, so instead of completing our miles yesterday we sat on the side of the road somewhere in west Texas for seven hours waiting on mobile service.
It is lovely to drive and live in a nice coach like this, but the rule is, the more dodads you have the more chances for one of them to break.
We actually kept our cool fairly well, we even laughed as other RVer's passed us on the road as we sat there. We knew exactly what they were saying, the same thing we have always said as we passed others sitting on the side of the road, That Ain't Good!!
Luckily after three technicians failed, one very savvy guy on site and another on the phone with Jay we were fixed up enough to drive.
Today we will be in Las Cruces and hope to arrange for a more permanent fix.