Update on Sam

Thursday, September 19, 2013

So to update everyone on Sammy.  She has a torn knee ligament (cruciate ligament rupture) and has been given meds which will take about 8 weeks before we notice a visible improvement maybe sooner.  Also, she has some arthritis but that's to be expected considering her age.  We are not to walk her too often a it puts too much pressure on the bad knee.  Also, she may start to favor the good leg and that may cause the same tear in that knee.

Unfortunately, all we can do is continue the meds and make her as comfortable as possible as she ages.

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Today, I am going to visit my mom for lunch and update her on my European trip.  Also, I have a goody bag of souvenirs for her which I hope she will like.

Now that she's 82 years young I try to see her a often as I can.

Mom as a Girl

 

 

Me and Mom

 

Have to run now but I'll get back to you later...

 

Ciao

 

 

My Sammy

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Normally, when I post I talk about my trails and tribulations concerning "my" health but not today.

Today it's all about Sam my beloved dog.  Sammy has been a part of our family for the pat 14 years and is like another child.

Lately, she has had a problem with one of her back legs and is limping around the house.  She is eating normally, etc. but very lethargic.  She sleeps most of the time and when she tries to get up has great difficulty.

We are taking her to the vet today because she is only getting worse.  We are thinking arthritis but not sure.

Will let you know how she fairs at the vet.

Until later...

Ciao

The Dangers of a Gluten-free Diet

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Okay, I'm borrowing the title of the cover page of Maclean's magazine as the title f my post today.

I had to check this out online since I've been on a gluten-free diet for the past 4 years.

According to Cathy Gulli, the writer of the article, the dangers that doctors are concerned about are people getting on this diet that don't "need" to be.  Some of us who suffer from Celiac disease or wheat allergies are advised by our doctors to go on the gluten-free diet but recently there has been a surge of people feeling that they would be eating healthier if they dropped wheat, rye, whey, oats and barley from their diet.  Maybe so but maybe not.

Unfortunately, according to doctors when you go on this diet you are also eliminating essential vitamins, protein and fibre.   All important to good health.

Having been on this diet I have mixed feelings.

While in Europe, I introduced a few gluten containing foods to my diet to see if I noticed any difference in my symptoms.  I gotta say, not really but the guilt made me a little sick...

I've always been of the mindset that everything is about "balance".  When I was diagnosed I was scared to death because the doctor told me that if I didn't follow the diet it could develop into stomach cancer as there was no other form of treatment.  The kid was quick to point out that I smoke so am I not afraid of lung cancer?  Mmmm......she has a point.

I don't have all the answers after all my case is a little different because no matter what I eat I experience pain.  It's just the intensity that varies.  At my latest visit to the specialist I was advised that I have "severe" diverticulitis and because the infection in the colon is so bad  would have to go to the hospital for a more intense colonoscopy.  They were afraid if they forced the scope through the infection it could tear a hole in the colon which could prove fatal.  So there you have it.  My appointment is at the end of October so hopefully they will be able to do something for me.

I wish just following a gluten-free diet would do the trick but honestly in my case it's not helping.

I will though stay on it for the most part until I get tested in October (I promised hubby) at the hospital and hopefully have more answers.

It comes down to personal choice and only you can decide if you're willing to gluten in your diet.

Whatever you decide please try to make sure that you are taking vitamin supplements, etc. as part of your routine.  Which reminds me, I need to pick some up.

Until later...

 

Ciao

Family BBQ

Friday, September 6, 2013

Well things are slowly getting back to normal.  Oh I know I've been home for a week already but the body is still weary from the trip and I've caught a bug as well.

My birthday was on the 29th of August, the day after I arrived home.  Hubby and the kid treated me to dinner at "Scaddabush" the new name for "Alice Fazooli's".  It's now an Italian Kitchen and Bar.  Some of the same staff and some new but still excellent dining.  Reasonably priced as well.  We sat out on the patio and had a great time even though I was a little out of it (partly jet lag and partly a bug).  

Did I  mention that when hubby picked up Lynn and I at the airport that he presented us each with a bouquet of flowers?  What a guy!  I think he missed me...hehe

Well on Saturday we invited my sister-in-law and brother-in-law for a BBQ so I had a chance to talk about my trip, etc.

 

The Kid

Gilda, my sister-in-law

 

Danny, my brother-in-law (a fellow Scot)

 

Hubby cooking

 

We had a great time but unfortunately the next day was spent mostly in bed unwell.

 

I have to confess that I love this weather we're having.  Fall is my favorite time of year.  I can wear my comfy moccasins and cozy sweaters....and hopefully turn on the fireplace.  It doesn't get any better.

 

So tomorrow the kid and I are off to a baby shower for a dear friend of mine who is expecting around Thanksgiving.  She is having a boy named Connor and I couldn't be happier for her.

 

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

Until later...

 

 

 

Ciao

 

 

European Vacation

Monday, September 3, 2013

So good to be home and back with my friends and family.  Missed hubby and the kid like crazy!

Had a fabulous week abroad and the memories of that trip will be cherished forever.  Anyone who knows me knows that I love to travel.  With regards to Europe I've now been to England, France and Italy and plan to go to a lot more destinations in the future.

Who knew that the kid who sent away for all those travel brochures many years ago would be living her dream...

First stop - London, England

 

The Lobby at the Earlscourt - Ibis

 

 

My friend Lynn Outside the Hotel

 

 

Out and About in South Kensington and Gloucester

 

 

Million Dollar Flats

 

 

Windsor Castle

 

 

Me at St. Martin's on the Crypt

 

I snapped pics indiscriminately thinking that I could edit later.  There are too many pics to share so I have added a hodgepodge of ones I think you will find interesting.  I've tried to capture a taste of both cities.

 

The Saturday after we arrived we boarded the Eurostar for France.  I remember when they were building the "Chunnel" and said that there was no way in hell I would take a train under all that water.  Well guess what?  Never say "never".  Quite the experience.

 

Second Stop - Paris, France

 

 

Biker on the Streets of Paris

 

 

Paris Apartments

 

 

Hall of Mirrors at Versailles

 

 

Looking out at the Royal Gardens from the Palace of Versailles

 

 

Inside the Palace

 

 

Approaching Notre Dame Cathedral

 

 

Where We Stayed in Paris

 

So you see, two beautiful cities in two beautiful countries.  I was overwhelmed in both places by the sheer beauty of it all.  Everyone we met were so helpful and friendly.  Both the English and the French locals.  I would definitely make the trip again because it is impossible to see everything in such a short timespan.

 

So I'm off again with hubby in October for a few days in Las Vegas.  My new suitcase is getting a good workout.

 

Hope everyone has a good week and until later...

 

Ciao