Fear

(I know two blog posts in one day.....who would've thunk it?)

The house is quiet and everyone (including my wildcat Oscar is sleeping). The last few days have been chaotic, to say the least. What really upsets me more than anything, is I feel gripped by fear, which in turn makes me feel that I'm not in control....which is never a good thing.

Of course, I have fear for my BB. I fear that he has to go under surgery again so soon. I've watched him as he tries to be his stoic self and be the 'man' and not admit that he's in pain so badly that it brings him to his knees.

I fear for PMM. She's starting school again and her best friend moved this summer. She's aprehensive about school and I keep trying to comfort her, encourage her...but at the same time I have such fear for her. Worried that someone will be mean to her, or that she'll be playing by herself on the playground....because I want so much for her.

I, even, have fear for me. I've never been in the situation that I haven't had family to lean on in a situation. The stubborn Irish West-Virginian woman wants to take on the world all by herself. Doesn't want to ask for anyone's help. Unfortunately, I don't have a choice in this situation. People have had to cover my shifts at work, neighbors have picked up Mogley from school, kept her while I was at the hospital, etc. I also find myself very blessed to have the friends and neighbors around me that do pitch in when the need arises. They have been such a wonderful support and comfort, that I could never repay their kindness and selflessness.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you guys updated.

Update and Yummy Salsa

Thank you for those that sent prayers and well-wishes to my BB! Here's the latest...(according to the neurologist that did BB's back surgery) Fluid, blood and other 'ick's built up around the operative wound. The doc took needles and aspirated (drained) the fluid and stuff from around the incision (YEOWW!) BB was doing really well and we were getting ready to be discharged when Doc came in to do the final paperwork. He looked at BB's back and said "$#*@" and "You, sir, aren't going anywhere!" In other words, the fluid has built back up around the incision site, worse than it was the first time. So it's back to the operating room for my precious hubby, he has to report at 5:30am tomorrow morning. The doctor said that he is re-installing the postoperative drain and BB will have to remain in the hospital until the drain is "bone-dry". Needless to say, that doesn't make either of us happy. Neither one of us has gotten much sleep having to be apart. Last night, I think neither one of us moved in our sleep because we were so exhausted! Please keep the prayers and thoughts coming until this whole ordeal is over! They are much appreciated!


Amid the chaos that is life right now, I did manage to make some homemade salsa with all the lovely delicious tomatoes that BB has grown. Doesn't it look yummy???


Here's my recipe:



Earl's Gentle Simple Salsa


3 tomatoes, whole and chopped coarsely

1 small cucumber, chopped finely

3 green onions, chopped coarsely

1 small onion, chopped finely

2 tsp fresh chopped garlic (chopped finely)

2 small jalapeno peppers, chopped finely

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 small can of green chilis, coarsly chopped

2 tsp of sugar

juice of one lime

salt and pepper to taste


It tastes so fresh and refreshing! This recipe is very very mild (I can't do hot and spicy!) so I seeded the jalapenos. But if you're more daring, you'll need to add more chilis or jalapenos to make it spicy. I also didn't seed my tomatoes, I like the 'juice' in salsa. The cucumber adds a nice flavor, but doesn't overpower the salsa. Me and BB like it a lot! Enjoy!!

Prayers and Thoughts for my BB!

I really don't know how many people actually read my blog, I know that I have sent the link to my friend's email list....but you never know. Anyway, I'd like to ask any of you that do to send healing prayers and thoughts to my BB. I rushed him to the hospital last night at 8pm, with a fever and chills and he was having a hard time moving. Being less than two weeks postoperative from back surgery, I knew his symptos may indicate something worse than "a bug". After EIGHT hours in a local emergency room, they finally told us they were keeping him because he may have pneumonia or a deep infection at the incision site.



I will keep family and friends up-to-date as soon as I know anything but I would appreciate any prayers or healing thoughts that can be sent his way.

Boring Sunday....Thank Goodness!

I love boring Sundays. You have no agenda, nothing to do, and a bra is optional! *grins* Had a big disappointment today though, BB bought Maurice a nice sized pool. We spent part of the day getting it filled and getting her excited for it, only to have the side collapse and spill all 500+ odd gallons out into the neighbors yard. Unfortunately, our yard isn't "level" enough to put up the pool. So amid tears and disappointment, we were forced to take it down until we get a mini-dozer hired to level it out a bit. Truth of the matter, it probably won't be going up this season seeing as how there isn't really that much time left in the 'swimming' season (and hiring out for that kinda thing isn't by any means cheap!) I really hated it for her though, darn I hate it when that kiddo cries. It breaks my heart. But, the tears were short-lived and soon she was giggling again. What a trooper!

Other than that, it was a L-O-N-G nap on the couch with a warm blankie and a soft pillow and Pizza!Pizza! for dinner. *sigh* I love boring Sundays!

*Whew* I'm whipped!

Spent the better part of the day cleaning the upstairs in preperation for PMM's return! I'm so excited I can't stand it...seems as if it's been years since I've seen her. So, I've been a busy little bee today, dusting, carpet cleaning, moving furniture, washing windows....the whole spcheel! But it's nice and shiny clean for her to come home to, but her momma is pooped! LOL! And my body forgot to tell my brain that I have to work tonight until 11pm! (What in the world was I thinking?)

I did go outside briefly to check the mail.....geez, could the humidity get any worse. The second you step outisde it's like a big hot damp wall hits you in the face. UGH!

I have been so lazy when it comes to creativity lately, I think all the stress of BB's surgery, CHA, PMM being in West Virginia needless to say life has been kinda hectic. Hopefully once the family unit is all under the same roof again, my creative muse will return.

I did recieve some sad and rather shocking news yesterday. A good friend of mine that I used to work with was diagnosed with MS some months ago. It came as a total shock because this guy seemingly had the world stretched in front of him....a lucrative career, good looks, charm and a genuinely nice guy. My heart aches for him and the troubles he's going through. He will remain in my thoughts and I hope he's on his way to a more managable life with MS, if that is possible.

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I'm a pretty happy person most of the time. I'm usually very patient and always has a joke to make someone smile...but I have to confess, my pets are driving me bonkers! We have three cats (Fred & Ethel Mertz, and Oscar) and a golden Retriever, Zack aka Bubba. Now usually, I am an animal lover but I think they know that our home has been in a state of limbo with PMM being gone and BB being in the hospital and moving around slowly. One cat, Fred (who is jet black and a little creepy looking to me! LOL!) has been howling.....yes I said HOWLING at the doors to get out. Remind you that Fred and Ethel have never lived outside nor have they ever been outside. It's driving me crazy!!! At first I thought maybe it was a female cat outside somewhere that...erm, well desired some male company if you will. But it's been going on three weeks now and it's starting to make me have a twitch for goodness sake!

Oscar, well.....Os is just mean! The other cats will be just relaxing and he has to come up and mess with them, biting hissing and chasing each other through the house. And believe me, a herd of elephants have softer feet! Os is the cat who bites your toes under the covers at night and pounces on your hands if they are under the covers. That and he has a penchant for licking BB's underarm to wake him up at 5am.....ewww!

Zack, *sigh* has always been the neediest animal I've ever seen. He's super jealous if you show any attention to the cats, he follows you around everywhere and we're always tripping over him when we turn around. I mean, he's a loveable lug but he's driving me ape! Then of course, there is the barking to come in (which is five seconds after he's done the 'pee-pee' dance for you to let him out! ARGGHHHHH!

Ethel is the only one who is halfway normal. She is a regal little priss. She can't be bothered to chase or run. Her only time of actual awakedness is standing up on the back of the couch, stretching, walking in a circle and settling back in. *LOL* what a life.

Well, I'm guessing pre-work shower is calling.....

Just another Day in Paradise!

I have to tell you I am so enjoying being home with BB as he recovers. Today, all the anesthesia has totally worn off and he was feeling a little bit of pain and stiffness, but my stoic spouse swears it's "not that bad".

The day was spent in a lazy humdrum. We didn't really get into a hurry to do much at all....I love those kind of days. Of course, I spent part of the day doing my favorite thing...mowing the grass. I swear, I am a sick individual. BB swears if the grass grows 1/4 of an inch that I'm running toward the riding mower to cut it down! He isn't far from the truth, to be honest.

Of course, I also created an excuse to go the SBF to see what new things have come in this week. OOOOhhh...there are so many new things. New Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Bo Bunny, new Snowy Jo collection from Imaginesce (*does a happy dance rubbing my hands together as I squeal*) Needless to say, I won't actually be GETTING a paycheck until well after Christmas if we keep getting all this new stuff in.

The fun of having no agenda screetches to a big halt tomorrow though. Being ever the procrastinator, I have put off really CLEANING PMM's room while she's been visiting my PU. And now, I've waited until the last minute so I have to get into the thick of it tomorrow before I go to work. (and honestly, I'm not looking forward to it.....she is precious, but she isn't exactly tidy!)

Saturday will be spent on the road to pick up PMM and bring her home. I can not wait....I have missed my little munchkin so much I just can't wait to hug her tight and kiss her little cheeks (only to have her moan..."MOOOOMMMM!" because I'm embarrassing her to death!) LOL

I have actually been scouring past books searching for THE Chrismas card for the upcoming season. (Yes, I realize that it's near 100 degrees and miserably hot...but I have to pre-plan these things if I actually want them sent out a few days before Christmas!) Last year's theme was snowflakes using light blues, iridescent whites and vellum. (and if I can remeber I will dig it out and snap a photo of it) Sooo, only time will tell what I actually find that will please me enough to create! More to follow on that topic...

Meanwhile, I will enjoy the pictures of my blooming flowers and other goodies I have snapped photos of....

I absolutely LOVE this picture I snapped of a pristine white peony. I didn't even realize I had a little spider that wanted in on the image, but I love the way it turned out.

I was in awe of this beautiful fellow. The contrast of my momma's black car really makes the brightness of the colors show up.

Kind of makes carrying a big camera everywhere I go, so worth it!

Yummmm.....and surgery update!

Needless to say, our meal at the Japanese Steakhouse was totally yummy! Oooh, my tummy hurt in a real good way! LOL!

Now, for a surgery update. BB's surgery yesterday went wonderfully. Upon coming out of anesthesia, he was raring to go and spent yesterday walking up and down the hallways of the hospital and being totally charming to the whole nursing staff! The doc kept him last night in the hospital because of the drain at the incision site in his back, but it was removed this morning and I got to bring him home. He's doing so well and will soon be back to normal!

I'm off work for the next few days to take care of BB...so expect some no-nonsense boring housewife sorta posts...LOL, and I'm loving it!