A Year Late

Friday, October 14, 2014

I know it's been a year but I will start posting again on a regular basis.  It's very cathartic for me, like a diary or a journal.  It's been too long.

Will be changing the format, etc.  Been procrastinating.

Hope all is well with all of you.

Longer post to follow...

Ciao

Manic Monday!

Monday, November 25, 2013

I know it's been awhile since I last posted.  Actually, about a month.

What can I say except I've been procrastinating.  I do want to revamp my blog just not sure how yet.  So to catch you up.

Saturday the 23rd was my grandbaby's 2nd birthday and hubby and I went to see her bearing gifts.

 

 

 

As you can see I'm a proud "nana".  Our time visiting her was special because we  get to see how much she has grown in the last two years.   Happy Birthday little one.  You are loved more than you'll ever know.

 

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Now I've titled this post "Manic Monday" because from now until the end of the year I am going to be super busy.  December is always a whirlwind of activity and it arrives Sunday.  December 1st is the kid's birthday.  December 15th is hubby's birthday and of course there's Christmas on the 25th when family arrives from up north to stay until after New Year's.

 

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This week I plan to start decorating.  I have my cards written and ready to mail.  also, I have a lunch date with my good friend on Wednesday, a scheduled endoscopy on Thursday, 30th birthday dinner on Saturday for the kid and a 90th birthday party to attend on Sunday.  Need I say more?  Also, I have the "vertigo" back again and it's continuous but manageable.  It gets worse when I lean my head to the right, bend down or put my head back.  What the f---?  I guess it's a virus like the doctor said who knows?  No one else in the house has it but me.

 

So I hope everyone is keeping calm during this holiday season.  I know I am going to try.  Yet even with all the commotion, I love it.  Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

 

   

Vertigo Thursday

Thursday, October 10, 2013

So we returned from Las Vegas in the wee hours of Monday morning totally exhausted.

The flight seemed long coming home because we were still on Vegas time.  Also, hubby and I were not feeling the greatest.  He was fighting a cold and I had a bit of it as well.

When we arrived at Pearson we had the long trek through Terminal 3 to the other end and "Customs" which thankfully can be done by machine now so it does save time.  Then on to "Baggage" which again was fairly quick thank goodness.

Needless to say I was dying for a smoke and just wanted to make a run for the nearest exit.

Once home hubby went straight to bed but I stayed up for a bit longer before falling into bed in a near coma.

On the whole the trip went well.  We had a much better time then on our June trip.  It was more relaxing this time around and the weather was beautiful.  The trip would have been even better had we both been feeling up to snuff.  We went to see "O" the Cirque Du Soleil show playing at the Bellagio Hotel.  It was breathtaking to say the least.  Well worth the money we spent on great seats. 

Here are some pics I took in the hotel room at "The Mirage".

So I've been to 3 cities inside of two months.   Next stop hopefully Scotland with the kid but for now I think I can put the suitcase away for awhile.

Today I'm fighting "vertigo" as my balance, etc. is off.  I went to the doctor's yesterday after experiencing dizziness and nausea since last week and that was her diagnosis.  Hopefully it will pass after a week or so and I've been told to get plenty of rest and take Gravol to help relieve the symptoms I'm experiencing.

I'm just taking it one day at a time and for the first time in years have not planned a Thanksgiving dinner.  I'm just too tired and woozy to entertain plus I'm supposed to get lots of rest.

Below is my Thanksgiving wreath I created and will replace after the weekend with Halloween décor.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving and long weekend.

Until later...

Ciao

Packing Day

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Well yes I'm packing again but this time it's a short trip to Las Vegas with hubby.  Looking forward to a few days away just relaxing.

So we are leaving early Thursday morning as our flight leaves at 6:30 am.  Tomorrow I'll pack the last minute items and get an early night.  I'll update you when I return.

Saturday, the kid and I went to my sister's up in Orangeville. 

Jenn and Andreas

As you can see we had a great time.

Off for a Bike Ride

Needless to say we had a ball.  Getting to spend time with my sister is important to me so it was a "perfect" day.

Here's a couple of pics of the kid who went for her very first ride on a motorcycle and she loved it.

 

 

 

So have to close for now.  Hope everyone has a great week and a great month.

 

Until later...

 

Ciao

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