Gift of RA

I have been very frustrated because I have not been able to access this blog.  Usually I put giftofra and my password – now that doesn’t work.  They want the email address – I couldn’t remember which one I used because I have several.  I was in the shower the other day and I decided to try another one I don’t use that often.  The email was accepted but it didn’t like my password.  So I have been going round and round with it constantly telling me I am not authorized.  Ain’t technology wonderful!  It has taken quite a while and now at last I am in again.   Is there something about turning into 2018 that things are all different?  Now Facebook is changing – that ought to be interesting.  I may withdraw from Facebook.

The question I have is – has technology put a spanner in the works or have I lagged behind all the updates?  There is also the possibility of a combination – then I don’t feel quite so stumped.  The other question is Can I access this blog again without jumping through all the hoops again?  Not sure I want to contemplate that possibility.  I’ll just take it as it comes.

My last post here was the beginning of December – several things have happened since then.  Eddie had both cataracts done and it went really well for him.  He can now see across to the ships going up and down the Sound, everything is so much clearer.  He does need reading glasses and they should be ready soon.  He still marvels at how well he sees now as opposed to before surgery.  He wasn’t happy about being driven around for a week after each surgery – he is a terrible front seat driver.    When he gets his reading glasses, he will be done.

While that was happening, I managed to catch the flu/cold/crap going around.  I have spent a lot of time here to help get better.  I had sneezing, stuffy/runny nose, cough and having trouble sleeping.  I was surprised I didn’t  have the usual sore throat, though I did lose my voice, not very helpful for a radio host.  I managed somehow, one Tuesday Benny told me I had a husky, sexy sound to my voice.     I don’t know if I caught it from Eddie or somewhere else.  I did notice how my cough seems to be a problem – my throat gets dry and I cough.  I bought some Act lozenges and used them at night.  I finally figured out I could put one under my upper lip corner and it slowly kept my mouth and throat from being dry – hence, I didn’t cough.  There is still some left – I am not sure I want to take antibiotics to get rid of it fully.

Christmas was very quiet for us.  We were by ourselves resting and recovering.  We had snow Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas.  It made me think of Australia when someone asked me the significance of a white Christmas.  That stopped me in my tracks because I never really thought about it before.  Christmas is in the middle of summer and you are more likely to get a bad sunburn that frostbite.   I can also understand why they would ask – there is a snow scene on the cards, movies all have snow for Christmas, etc.  I explained that Christmas comes in the winter for us and some places get snow.  I realize it is a bit of a let down phrased that way.

The day after Christmas was my last radio show – I wanted to go to the studio for it, but icy, slippy hills make me very uncomfortable, so I did it from here.  I wanted say Thank You to the people I know thee and hug the stuffing out of Benny for being such a great producer and friend.  It wasn’t meant to be.  I want to find a great sponsor or two who believe in my show and want to fund it for as long as I want to do the show.  So that is one goal I have.  I have started a blog for the show  findingthegiftsblog.wordpress.com.  I have also put it on my website findingthegiftsshow.com under BLOG at the top.  What has been interesting to is to see how many people have visited the web site – wasn’t sure anyone knew about it.   I am using content from the show and new posts, almost as if I am still doing the show.

If you are wondering about the photo at the beginning of my post, it is my sister Ellen’s from Ocean Grove, N.J.  She has been getting snow, ice and frigid temperatures for a while and sends  photos to show me what is happening.  It reminds me so much when Eddie and I lived on the East Coast and other places.  Makes me so thankful to live here.

Now I have been feeling at loose ends since I am not doing the radio show.  Jan. 2nd was strange because I hadn’t prepared anything and it was odd not going into the studio.  Last Tuesday I had to see my orthopedic surgeon who did my elbow – I found I was listening to the show I usually heard as I was driving to the studio.  Instead, it was to the doc.  For some reason I have has terrible pain in my elbow at times.  It started at the beginning of December and I had to really be careful how I placed my arm – otherwise sharp, shooting pains would come.  I was concerned I had inadvertently messed up the joint.  Then it seems to right itself and I was fine.  then last weekend it did it again and I decided I needed to find out what was happening.

The doc took an x-ray and said there was no problem with the joint, it was working perfectly.  He did feel a nodule around the point of my elbow that nearly brought me out of the chair. I was really glad there was no damage but wondered what to do about it.  I had 3 options — Option 1, do nothing.  Option 2, buy a cushioning wrap for it.  Option 3, go in surgically and remove the nodule.  I opted for #2.  He showed me something on Amazon and I ordered it that day.

They came this morning.  What is strange, now the elbow seems fine.  What is going on with it?  Who knows?  Life keeps me curious, that is for sure!!

I haven’t put any photos ore clip art lately.  My sister Ellen sent this early this morning and it reminded me of Manhattan Beach in California.  I was about 5 or 6 and we went down to the beach with our neighbor Patty Pelfrey.  We didn’t ask Mom – we just went.  I was just paddled around the edges when I was sucked under by a wave.  It couldn’t have been all that deep, but it scared the life out of me.  I wonder if that is how I became afraid of the water?

This week Eddie had his second eye surgery on Tuesday.  I had lunch with my guests for my radio show at Nordstrom Cafe on Monday – I changed it from Tuesday because it felt as if it was crowding too much into one day.  We had a delightful time, I am looking forward to the show next week.

We had to be at the doc’s by 7:30 this time rather than 6:30.  The past two weeks Eddie has not worn his glasses except to read, even os, it has made things more difficult with them on. My biggest concern was if I was going to be able to do my show at 9:30.  I let Benny know what was going on, I didn’t expect to do it at the last minute in the car on my cell phone.  I was talking to a guest who interprets dreams and not something Eddie was interested in.  Not sure how much he paid attention, I felt a bit nervous.  It went well but the quality wasn’t as good as it could be.  That’s why I prefer to be in the studio.

I drove home and we had something to eat – he had to fast after midnight and he was hungry.  We had something to eat and he went to sleep for a while.  I was droopy and ended up not getting anything accomplished, not even a nap.  I felt almost too tired to sleep.  Eddie felt better when he got up.  So far he can’t really see to read – just a bit.  He is very frustrated because he can only watch tv.  Not something that makes him happy.  I certainly understand how that feels.

Wednesday was doctor day for both of us.  We went in the morning for him to have a check up – we just went to Burien instead of all the way to Federal Way.  They are very pleased with how the surgery went and even more pleased at how well and quickly the left eye healed.  They want him back on the 19th when he hopes they will give him a prescription of reading glasses.  He is seeing so much better, it is amazing to him.

I had changed my appointment with Dr. Cheryl until 11, so I went for my adjustment.   I am constantly learning fro her, she has been working on the nerves to create new straggles for healing – my body is taking to it like a duck to water.  At some point it will be automatic and if I am out of adjustment, it will go back to the new strategies.  She is also checking out CBD hemp oil – I am interested to try it out since I trust her.  We’ll see how that progresses.

Then at 1:00 I had Wound Care – they chucked me out and said I am healed.  They are  an enjoyable group to see.  As one was checking off things on the computer, I thought I saw one choice as ‘Extremely Ducky’.  I thought, that can’t be right, this computer has no sense of humor.  I mentioned it to Christine and we looked back and found it was ‘Extremely Dusky’ – missed it by one letter.  Then when the next one came in, she asked how I was doing – I couldn’t resist ‘Extremely Ducky’.  Of course, she didn’t get it so I explained and we had a good laugh.  So it was an ‘Extremely Ducky’ afternoon.  I am healed and they are pleased with how well it healed.  I need to make sure I call right away if anything comes up.

Yesterday was errand day – we have been having lovely sunny but cold weather.  Right now the fog has rolled in, no doubt will leave at some point.  We went to BECU, then the bank, the Post Office, Barnes & Noble for coffee and to the grocery store – I was chauffeur but I think Eddie felt he was being driven around by his mommy.  He may be able to see well enough to drive on Monday or Tuesday, though I don’t know if he will go to the archives Wednesday or not.

We didn’t go to the PNAA Christmas Party last night, I don’t think we will go to Kent Breakfast Club one next Thursday – no Christmas parties this year.  Eddie wants to make sure he takes care of himself and driving at night isn’t on the agenda a the moment.

It seems strange to say this because I have been stressing out about my show and finding a sponsor as well as  how my body is feeling.  I did my show on Tuesday and went over for my infusion.  A very rainy, windy day, yet I was sitting in a very comfortable chair, with a pillow under my knees and another one behind my back.  I had the corner suite this time, I could see the freeway to the south and all the people driving in the rain. I had my crosswords book, a book to read and snacks when I got hungry. Later I had a lovely nap – it was a very pleasant time.  Yes, there was a needle in my arm, but the infusion nurse did a great job – I didn’t notice it.  I feel as if I go to visit friends there, they are friendly and fun to talk with.

It was fun to be back in the studio since I didn’t go last Tuesday because I was there for Eddie and his surgery.  He is doing very well, but frustrated with putting his glasses on and off – his left eye is doing very, very well.  This coming Tuesday is the other eye – I am hoping we will be home in time for me to call into the show – I have a guest and I don’t want to leave her hanging.

My iPhone has been doing odd things – I haven’t been able to use it as a phone because when I tap on the phone icon, all I get is a blurry screen.  I can surf the internet, text and use the other parts, but not call anyone.  I did an update and it was fine again.  Trouble was, my carrier had their own update and I was back  to a blurry screen.

I tried calling Apple but found myself on the transfer merry-go-round.  Finally, I decided to see if I could  make an appointment online and found a person to message with my problem.  Turns out it was a program glitch, she had me force quit and I am back in business.  The good things was not having to go to the store.

Things have changed a lot at the Apple store.  They had 1 to 1 to help people learn how to use their computer – I went for Pages and ended up designing the newsletter for Eddie.  They don’t have 1 to 1 any more and it has gotten so crowded.  It doesn’t feel as friendly as it did.    I miss the personal touch.  A lot of the people I got to know aren’t there any more – it feels more like a lot of strangers.

Tuesday is Eddie’s surgery for his right eye.  I am feeling a little stressed because I have a guest on Tuesday and I am hoping I will be home in time to do the show either on the phone or Skype.  Now that he knows how it goes, I don’t think he is as tense, he wants to have the other eye done so he can see well with both.  He has to wait a couple of weeks or so afterwards before they can give him a prescription for mostly reading glasses.  He is constantly putting on and taking off his glasses and it is bugging him.

Thursday Charlotte and I had an outing to Pacific Fabrics in  Northgate.  They had to rearrange the store and entrance because a while crashed through their glass door and windows.  It looks as if the vehicle took out quite a lot, fortunately  no one was hurt.  I usually help her spend her money, but I also bought fabric – a Japanese print and a cat print.  No idea what I will do with them.  I admit I haven’t been quilting for quite a while.

I also went to the pattern book table to see what was new.  Would you believe they have “vintage” and “retro” patterns?  I did find a pattern I had many years ago – they want $22.95 for it!  Patterns are very spendy now, though Charlotte said the best thing to do is wait until Joann’s has a sale on patterns.  They had patterns from the 40’s to today, rather interesting to see what they showed.  It was fun to see them again.

After we spent money there and wandered around the different departments, we went over to Nordstrom’s for lunch.  It was a delight to sit and enjoy being with Charlotte, it has been a while since we had a lovely outing together.  Things keep changing for both of us and suddenly we realize it has been months since the last outing.

I often say “It’s a good thing we don’t have a golf course lawn”.  The moles are active and make tiny mounds all the way up to gigantic ones.  They come up on the edge of the side-walk – that has me curious as to why they pick that spot.  Eddie is out pounding them down – I do notice the dandelions don’t have a chance with mole mounds.

I have also noticed flocks of birds all over the lawn, I hope they are finding food for the winter.  When I was at my chiropractor on Wednesday, I saw a flock of geese flying in a V formation.  Always fascinates me how they know when and where to move and who is in front.  Definitely a sign of winter.

I am pleased to say it was a pleasant week, I have been feeling good and doing well.  It’s been a long while since I have been able to say that.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, suddenly Christmas isn’t very far away – where did the time go?  I have been focusing on my radio show and whether I will have a sponsor to continue.  So far, the Calvary hasn’t come to the rescue and I am doing okay knowing the last show is at the end of December.  Not sure how it will be on the day, but I spent time deciding I was willing to let it go, not easy and I have been a drippy mess at times.   It has taken a while to truly be wholehearted about it – may still be a few pockets of “I don’t want to let it go” but on the whole, doing pretty well.

As a result of the show and all I have learned over the years, I found myself writing a book.  I am using things from the show, other things from my blog, things I have written to put in it.  I will work on the book after my show is over and one day want to come back and do it again.  It means I will have more time to work on the book and see where it goes.  I have had positive feedback about the book and also for the radio show.  That is very gratifying.

We had planned to have a quiet Thanksgiving by ourselves because on Tuesday morning, Eddie had his left eye done for cataract surgery.  That is the worst one – on Dec. 5th he will have the right eye done.  He was ready to have it done, though I am sure he was a bit apprehensive about it – he isn’t big on surgery or doctors.  We went early in the morning – seems the prep takes longer than the surgery.  They gave him all kinds of eye drops, had him lie down for half an hour and then the surgery only took about 10 minutes.

He is not supposed to drive for a week, so I drove home and then the next morning back for them to check him out.  Eddie said he couldn’t see anything out of the eye, but it slowly got better – big floaters for quite a while.  When we came home, he had breakfast because he couldn’t have anything after midnight.  No computer or reading, he could watch tv.  Next thing I know, he is fast asleep for 4 or 5 hours.  As his eyes are healing, he can see a lot better, but reading and computer aren’t all that comfortable.

We had an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner at Mike Lombardi’s house.  He is the Boeing historian and Eddie volunteers at the archives with him. they have become close friends and we were pleased at the invitation.  He and his wife Carla, their son Tony and his wife and son and Carla’s parents.  It was a lovely time  – we felt part of the family.  A lot of food for 8 1/2 people, it was delicious and we enjoyed ourselves.  I drove over – it was daylight so it made it easier.  It was dark when we left and I missed the entrance for 167, we went the scenic route home.

Friday I got my hair cut, we went to Eddie’s barber but he was closed and then we went shopping.  Eddie is a front seat driver, he isn’t used to being driven and he is frustrated about not driving.  He now has an idea of what it is often like for me – though he may not admit it.  Yesterday he decided to drive to the barber, bank and BECU – he was gone what seemed a long time and I was a bit uneasy.  He finally came home and it went well for him.  I could relax again.

He worries about me when I go places, yet he doesn’t see the same correlation when he goes out and I worry about him.  Maybe he thinks because of RA, I am more likely to have problems – well, in some ways that’s true.  I don’t look for it, but somehow my car seems have a target painted on it.  And I am not all that steady on my feet at times and I do a face plant once in a while.  Fortunately he doesn’t know all the times I did it when I was alone.  He may figure he is more stable and can take care of himself, so there is no need to worry.

Now that we on are on standard time, it seems dark a lot more.  I saw something that showed 4:29 as all daylight, 4:30 is pitch dark.  We have been having a lot of rain – one would never know it today.  This morning it was sun and blue sky, now it is dark, cloudy, windy and pouring.  This is Seattle after all.  I would rather have rain than snow – they can keep it up in the mountains.  The mountains all over here are gorgeous with snow right now.

Would you believe we have snow?  Friday morning it came down in think flakes and covered the ground with about an inch or two of snow.  All this the 3rd of November – so many people saying it is too early to snow.  We were not sure we were going to go to the MOHAI Gala that night – going up and down hills and if it becomes slushy, it would freeze and be ice.  So we were a bit anxious to see what the weather would do.  Mike Lombardi, the Boeing Historian is a trustee for MOHAI and has a table for Boeing every year.  This was to be our third year and it is fun to go and always happy to see Mike and Carla.  Eddie sees Mike every Wednesday morning at the archives.

It stopped snowing and then a lot of it melted – more on the grass than the pavement.  Eddie decided we were going and we bundled up because it was cold.  The last 2 years we were stuck in traffic downtown, this year we tried a different route.  We took the viaduct and turned on Roy St. – just after Mercer St. and we had very little trouble with traffic.  We did so well, we were there before they opened the lot for cars.  We always end being early, even when we are late.  One of the good things is the museum is open, Eddie and I decided to go wander around upstairs.  They have a whole new building at the south end of Lake Union – quite a place..

It used to be the old armory, so glad they didn’t tear it down for some hideous modern monstrosity.  It is right on the water and  next door to the Center For Wooden Boats to the right.

They also provide  valet parking – Eddie doesn’t really like other people driving the car.  But it worked out fine.  We were there when they opened, I wasn’t sure how long I could walk because my legs have been difficult the past few weeks.  I’m glad we went around a bit – some things are familiar but so much is new.  I almost feel way out of step.  I don’t know how else to term it.

Then we went to the back room to see what they had for the silent auction.  Lots of wine there as well as for the live auction – we aren’t drinkers so it wasn’t of interest.  We went to our table – at least I did because my legs told me in no uncertain terms to “SIT DOWN!!!!!”.  That was fine because they were passing appetizers and we didn’t miss out.  However, I didn’t have the beef kabob because it had lots of cracked pepper – even a bit too much for Eddie.

They have a huge atrium where they set up the tables – normally it doesn’t have much in it.

This is the first United Airlines plane from Boeing that carried the mail.  Just to the left a bit under the wing is Slo Mo IV.  this shows only half of the atrium, it is quite wide.

There is a tree at the other end by the elevator, you can walk around inside in a spiral.  Almost looks like the necks of bottles – not sure what it is.

They also had some raw spring rolls that I enjoyed and some sushi – also good.  I would not have thought to pair bacon and dates together, but they were delicious.  Eddie had 2 or 3, something I didn’t expect.  People watching is always fun and interesting – black tie was optional.    There were two raffles – for $100 you can pick any of the live auction prizes, for $50 you could win a year of dining at 12 restaurants.

This is how they set it up for private events.

Everyone started to arrive and they served dinner – I chose the beef short ribs while Eddie went vegetarian – his turned out to be spicy hot.  Glad I didn’t chose that one.  While we were eating, they started the live auction – this place has a lot of dedicated members, trustees and donors, so by the end of the evening they had raised $450,000.  They use it for the kids and people are very, very generous.  I have to admit, after all the bidding and all those numbers, it was getting to me – I tend to like more peace and quiet.  We had fun and we left around 9 or after – just took forever for them to bring the car.  It was damn cold out, though they had a tent with a gas heater which helped.  However, my legs shouted at me after a while so I had to sit down.  I figured if I sat down, the car would come sooner than if I stood all the time.  We made it home with no problem.

Saturday it snowed off and on but not enough to stick.  It poured all night last night and now we have snow on the ground again.  This weekend has had the craziest weather.  Wonder what kind of winter it will be.  Is it getting snow out of its system now or just warming up for several main events?  We turned the clocks back and it is dark as pocket.  We even had a rainbow in front of us – Nature does such amazing things.

The weather man says it will rain this afternoon; not looking all that promising at the moment.  More smoke and we can smell it even though it is more to the southeast.  Those firefighters have been working on so many fires and having trouble  getting the upper hand because it is so dry. Our lawn fellow came on Tuesday – we have hay rather than grass, he cut the dandelion flowers when was here.  Also found out we have a bee’s nest in the Fotinia stump – it’s in the back but I know something has to be done about it.

Still coughing and junk in my throat along with sinus headaches.  Eddie has the same junk in his treat and runny, stuffy nose – enough all ready!  RA has been kicking in as well. We had some better weather and could see across the Sound and the mountains, the highest peaks still have bits of snow on them.  I saw somewhere we may be in for another La Nina winter.  Does the weather community really know what’s actually happening?  All that sophisticated equipment and they get it wrong.

A friend just moved to a new house in Jacksonville, Florida and ended up driving to her farm in Iowa to wait out the hurricane.  She was really worried about not only her house, but also her restaurant near the beach.  Her neighbor let her know her house was fine, mostly blown down trees and branches.  Also, her restaurant didn’t flood, so she is very grateful to dodge a bullet with both of them.  Unfortunately a lot of people weren’t that fortunate.  Mother Nature doesn’t kid around when She decides to blow Her top.

Friday I went to a quilt show my good friend was in – she was the featured quilter.  I wandered all around Robin Hood’s barn before I found it – my new iPhone doesn’t have a map.  Bummer.  But I found it and I was so amazed at the talented people who entered their quilts.  Robbi had a corner and had 30 quilts displayed – plus it was her birthday as well.  I had no idea she is a few months younger than I am, I thought she was in her early 60’s.  Always learning something new.  I wandered around and then decided to have something to eat.  I sat with a woman and had a nice chat with her.  Then I went back to say goodbye to Robbi and come home – I didn’t know when I would be back and Eddie had a couple of things to do.

When I went out I could really smell the smoke, the closer I got to Kent, the stronger it was and smokey.  Yesterday Eddie and went out to do things and it was worse.  So we did our stuff and came home, leaving the doors closed.  Right now there are clouds and it looks like rain, but nothing so far.

Next Day

We had rain but as my Mom would say “Not enough to put in your eye”.  It is on the surface so digging down it would be bone dry.  Even so, it does remember how to rain and that is very promising.  What we need is a gentle rain that will slowly soak down and soften the soil, otherwise it is so dry a hard rain would just run off. We’ll see what happens as the days go on – not much else we can do.

The temperatures are much cooler and sweaters are very welcome.  It is going to warm up at the end of the week to 74.  I slept really well last night, so the rain must have done something.  I have been noticing the leaves beginning to turn the past week or two, I do enjoy the fall colors.

Today it is sun and clouds, a bit chilly but not sure there will be any more rain.  So I decided I need to put this post to bed, my life isn’t all that interesting at the moment.  My contract for my show is over at the end of October – one prospective sponsor won’t be able to do it, they are re-organizing their shop and changing their name, so maybe later.  Not too sure about the other prospects, I have to be patient and that is not easy.